Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, together with other smaller islands, form the Balearic Archipelago. Popular destinations for summer holidays, each of these islands has its own personality, making them more suitable for a certain type of tourism than another. Here is some information to help you better organise your trip.
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: just over one million residents
Capital: Palma de Mallorca
Languages: Catalan and Spanish
Local currency: euro
Climate: Mediterranean
Entry requirements: the Balearic Islands are part of the European Union; all you need for entry is a valid identity card and/or passport.
Distance from Italy: 8.67 km (4-5 hours flight time)
Where to find us
The Balearic Islands are an archipelago in the Western Mediterranean belonging to Spain.
How to get there
From Milan or Rome: The Balearic Islands have three airports, one in Ibiza(Eivissa Airport), one in Palma de Mallorca(Son Sant Joan Airport) and one in Menorca(Mahón Airport). Generally, to reach the islands one has to arrive in Barcelona, from where one will take a second flight to the islands, or one can decide to travel by sea. The journey usually takes between four and five hours, fifty minutes of which are spent on the Barcelona - Balearic Islands route, operated by Vueling.
Flights toIbiza from €36.00 - Flights to Palma de Mallorca from €38.00 - Flights to Mahon from €100.00From major European capitals: London, Paris, Berlin and other European capitals are connected to the same international airports, either via direct flights or with a stopover.
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 4 / 15° C | 6 days / 35 mm |
February | 4 / 16° C | 5 days / 30 mm |
March | 5 / 17° C | 6 days / 40 mm |
April | 7 / 19° C | 6 days / 35 mm |
May | 11 / 23° C | 5 days / 25 mm |
June | 15 / 27° C | 3 days / 15 mm |
July | 17 / 31° C | 1 day / 5 mm |
August | 18 / 31° C | 3 days / 25 mm |
September | 16 / 28° C | 4 days / 40 mm |
October | 12 / 23° C | 5 days / 65 mm |
November | 8 / 19° C | 6 days / 50 mm |
December | 5 / 16° C | 6 days / 55 mm |
Climate: Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Rainfall is not abundant and is more frequent in autumn and winter. In addition to these general characteristics, there are differences between the islands: Majorca is also a little colder in winter and warmer in summer and together with Menorca, they are the two windiest islands. The sea temperature is always mild, but more suitable for bathing in the months of July to September.
Best period: June to August, if you intend to do beach life. May and September are sunny months, but the sea is a little cool. April and May are suitable for excursions and cultural visits, which are hampered in summer by excessive heat.
Period to avoid: tend to be winter
Tips: pack your suitcase with typical summer accessories and clothing, as the heat never fails, even in the evenings.
Which island to go to?
The main islands of the Balearic Islands are Majorca and Menorca, the tourist destinations par excellence. Actually, Ibiza and Formentera, although they are still considered Balearic Islands, belong to the Pitius Islands. Around the main islands there are many smaller islands, including Cabrera.
Majorca: the largest island of the archipelago boasts a series of white sandy beaches in the north and rocky inlets and natural harbours in the south. It is also home to a number of national beauties worth seeing, including the S'Albufereta reserve, a nesting place for very rare birds, and the Sa Dragonera Natural Park - see more about Majorca
Formentera: the least populated island of the Balearic Islands, Fromentera boasts beaches that can be labelled, without a shadow of a doubt, both the most beautiful in the entire archipelago and the best equipped for sports - see more info on Formentera
Ibiza: a very popular tourist destination, especially among young people, especially for its nightlife. For some years now, efforts have also been made to promote the island for a quieter, more family-oriented tourism, given its many attractions, including the little-known beaches stretching on the northern side of the island, suitable for a quieter tourist in search of relaxation - see more info on Ibiza
10 things to see: beaches and places of interest
The beaches of Ses Illetes in Formentera: located in the north of the island, these are the most popular with tourists. At the basis of the influx of visitors, we have the particularity of the beach being, at certain points, a strip of sand surrounded by the sea, which can be calm on one side and rough on the other. Moreover, this beach is the best equipped for sports and leisure.
Espalmador: an islet about 150 metres from the beaches of Formentera, which can be reached by boat thanks to some connections that leave from the port. Only a few square kilometres in size, the island is known for the beauty of its beaches, and for the Torre de Sa Guardiola, the watchtower located at the highest point of a beautiful natural park. Espalmador has no restaurants and/or bathing establishments.
Plaja de Migjorn: about five kilometres long, it is the longest beach in Formentera. Surrounded by dense vegetation, consisting mainly of pine trees and shrubs, the sand here is particularly fine and the water crystal clear.
Cala Comte: certainly the most photographed beach in Ibiza. Here you can find both rocks and sand, and the water has a very special colour. Watching the setting sun sinking into the waters that bathe this beach is almost a tradition for anyone who comes on holiday here.
Es Trenc: Majorca's most famous beach, characterised by kilometres of white sand enclosed by Mediterranean scrub, dunes and shallow water coves suitable for children.
Cap de Formentor: the northern tip of Formentera, it is one of the most fascinating scenic areas of the island, thanks also to the presence of the lighthouse.
Ibiza: the capital city of the island of the same name boasts a magnificent old town enclosed within walls. These divide the city into 'low' and 'high' where, specifically, one can visit the cathedral, several churches and the beautiful Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins, with more than two thousand tombs.
Monte Toro: located in the centre of Menorca, the mountain is the most beautiful vantage point on the entire island. In addition, the sanctuary ofthe Virgen del Toro with the Black Madonna can be visited here.
Ciutadella de Menorca: the city's mix of Arab and Italian styles make it one of Menorca's major tourist attractions.
Palma de Mallorca: The main city on the island of Mallorca is full of architectural beauties to admire, including La Seu cathedral, Art Nouveau buildings and the old town.
What to do in the Balearics: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in the Balearics cost? Prices, offers and advice
Until recently, the Balearic Islands promoted 'low-cost' holidays, today the situation is changing. Prices have risen on average, but there are still some cheap destinations: you just have to know how to look for them. Some areas aim at a young tourism, which is why they keep their prices low, while other areas have lower prices because they are far from the centres. Majorca offers various accommodation options and good restaurants at very affordable prices. Ibiza is rather expensive, while Formentera has very cheap areas. Minorca offers much less choice, accommodation-wise, but has low prices.
Particularly important is to pay attention to the period: in summer, the prices of hotels on the coast are very high while those in the interior areas of the islands are low, which is not the case in spring and autumn.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €36.00 per room
Cheap flights: Flights to Ibiza from €36.00 - Flights to Palma de Mallorca from €38.00 - Flights to Mahon from €100.00
