When you think of the Balearic islands you should think of beaches: stunning, sparkling, sandy wonders blessed with the near-perfect climate that draws millions of tourists to the eastern shore of Spain and this Mediterranean island chain.

There are four main Balearic islands: Majorca , Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, each with its own distinct character. Majorca is the largest and best-known Balearic, with a reputation for partying similar to Ibiza. Indeed, the Bay of Palma is crowded with trendy bars, restaurants and discos, but Mallorca also boasts stunning mountains and unspoiled coves, as well as the Balearics' one "real" city and the Balearic capital, Palma.


Nearby Ibiza is the party spot (and also a friendly spot for gay tourists), with a trendy resort reputation that seems to draw every club-going European to the outrageous summery street scene. Daytime hours are spent on the beaches at Las Salinas and Es Cabellet, while nights are danced away in any of the bars and discos which compete for tourist dollars. Ibiza is the land of clubbing and good times. However there is so much more to see than the incredible beaches. Explore the old towns and take in some of the Balearic culture and food.

Formentara, in contrast, is more reclusive, a haven for artists and solitude-seeking tourists who enjoy quiet clothes free bathing amongst the wild rosemary bushes and omnipresent bright green iguanas. Windswept Menorca is a bit more conservative and quiet, littered with stone reminders of its prehistoric past, and perfect for tourists looking for peace and beautiful, relatively isolated beaches.

An interesting cultural note about Mahón, the capital of Menorca: mayonnaise or "mahonesa" was first created here!

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Without doubt some of the best beaches in Spain are located around the Balearic Islands.

Video of the Balearic Islands
Google Map of the Balearic Islands

The beautiful Island of Menorca has its fair share of fantastic beaches including the Cala de Algaiarens being the pick of the Calas or coves dotted all around the island. One the main reasons I visit this part of Spain is to for the "Cala hopping" stopping off for a quick swim at each as I make a slow circle around the Island. Quite a lot of them though are only accessible via the sea and there position only given away by the yachts and small craft anchored slightly offshore around them. Other Calas I would recommend on the island are Cala Macarella, Cala Es Talaier. Cala N,porter, Cala Mitjaneta, Cala Galdana and Cala Pregonda.

Some other treasured beaches in this area would have to include those located around the Colonia de San Jordi in Mallorca including Estanys, Dolc and Carbo. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers clear blue waters and isolated and unused beaches of fine white sand and an abundance of vegetation.

The Balearic Islands are home to some of the top holidays resorts in Spain with a fantastic array of accommodation on offer from the cheapest hostels to some of the finest luxury Hotels in the whole of Spain. In general though for most part there is an incredible amount of good quality hotels around Majorca , Menorca Ibiza and Formanterra which offer excellent value for money. There are resorts such as Magalluf on the Island of Majorca that are very popular package holiday destinations with many all inclusive resorts offering family holidays for as little as £200 per person. amazing value when you think for that price everything is included, flights, transfers. food and accommodation.

One of the great ways to explore the Islands is by car hire . Here are some tips on driving in Spain that will help you if you wish to drive around Spain. Be sure to search for the best car hire rates Spain

You can see our articles on the best beaches in Spain here .