Island-Hopping Guide To The Best Balearic Islands Beaches

The Balearic Islands contain some of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to these sun-soaked havens off the Spanish coast, looking to find the perfect beach for a week or two of relaxation.

If you’re planning your own escape to the best beaches in Balearic Islands, you may wish to visit more than one of these beautiful islands. However, with so many things to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to visit once you arrive.

Here’s your ultimate guide to some of the best Balearic Islands beaches, including must-visit beaches on each of the four major islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera.

Read on to discover what you should add to your Balearic beaches bucket list.

This post contains affiliate links that may reward me monetarily or otherwise when you use them to make qualifying purchases – at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please read our disclosure policy.

Mallorca

Mallorca perhaps offers the biggest draw to the Balearic Islands as the largest of its sisters. Transportation options to Mallorca make it one of the easiest islands to visit. Palma de Mallorca has a major airport with direct flights from cities across Europe, and it’s served by ferries from coastal cities in Spain like Barcelona and Valencia throughout the year.

Mallorca is generally known for being the most popular of the Balearic Islands and having some of the best beaches in the Balearic Islands.

More bustling than nearby neighbors Menorca and Formentera, it also has the greatest array of things to do and amenities for visitors – there is plenty to fill your Mallorca itinerary! Plus, there are still hidden gems if you’re willing to seek them out!

Platja d’Alcúdia

If you are looking to experience the best Balearic beaches that Mallorca has to offer, Platja d’Alcúdia is the ideal place to start. Three kilometers long, this curving beach is set beside the beautiful historical town of Alcúdia.

This is the perfect place to head with your family, as the water is shallow and clear for little ones to paddle in, with white sand ideal for playing.

Read More

Looking for more recommendations for Spanish Island vacations with family? Check out this guide to the best Spanish islands for families for even more tips, or this guide to the best family-friendly hotels in Spain.

There are also some facilities available for rinsing off, such as showers and places to change, as well as public restrooms. It is also near to places where you can easily grab lunch and take a break from the sun, sea, and sand.

If you need more entertainment, you can also take part in some gentle water sports, such as kayaking or going for a little adventure in a pedalo. Easily accessible and charming, this beach is one of Mallorca’s best.

Playa Muro

Further down the coast from the Platja d’Alcudia and a bit further from the port, you’ll find Playa Muro, another conveniently located and beautiful beach. Here you’ll find endless expanses of sand, with resorts and hotels lining the beach.

Despite being so close to Alcúdia, you’ll find turquoise waters and bright white sand, making this one of the most convenient and beautiful beach destinations in Mallorca.

Platja de Formentor

If you’re looking for a bit more scenic spot further outside of Alcúdia, head north about 45 minutes to the Platja de Formentor.

Rocky places to dive into the ocean and incredible, mountainous scenery in this part of Mallorca – called Cap de Formentor – make this an incredible Balearic Island beach excursion. 

Here you’ll find a popular yet more relaxed beach, with all the amenities you’re looking for. You can rent covered day beds and find food nearby from stalls and restaurants, all while taking in the incredible scenery.

Don’t forget to make a stop at the Mirador Es Colomer on the drive from Alcúdia – this incredible scenic overlook is itself worth the drive!

Menorca

A much-beloved island, Menorca has so much to offer, from historical spots to relaxation retreats. Much less visited than its neighboring Mallorca, Menorca is the go-to Balearic Island destination for those looking to escape, relax, and enjoy a beautiful retreat in nature.

Menorca is also much beloved for having some of the best Balearic beaches and has arguably the perfect balance of secluded spots and lively beaches to suit most travelers.

Cala Trebalúger

Cala Trebalúger is easily one of the best beaches in Menorca, and a must if you’re island hopping from beach to beach. It is just twenty minutes from another gorgeous beach, Cala Mitjana, but this spot has plenty to offer on its own.

This virgin beach is somewhat hidden away, nestled in natural surroundings, making it a nice romantic spot.

Cala Trebalúger is perfect for nature lovers looking for a secluded escape – to reach the beach, you’ll take a hiking path for around 30 minutes to reach this destination. The hike is well worth it for this hidden gem.

Make sure to take plenty of water, towels, and any food you might need while there – there aren’t any traditional services on this beach like you might find elsewhere on the island!

Cala Mitjana

If you’re looking to make a day of beach-hopping these incredible Balearic Islands beaches, head from Cala Trebalúger to nearby Cala Mitjana to round out the day!

Here you can explore caves and go cliff jumping if you’re feeling adventurous.

Just like Cala Trebalúger, at Cala Mitjana you’ll have to navigate a path to get to the beach, though it’s a more relaxed 20-minute walk through the trees from the car park.

If you’re looking for the easiest way to enjoy Menorca’s beaches, make sure to book a day trip on a boat around the island.

These boat tours take you to the island’s best beaches are quite inexpensive for a full day of travel in style, and include Spanish cuisine like paella, and the opportunities to swim and snorkel throughout the day.

Ibiza

While it may be known primarily as a party island, Ibiza has far more to offer than just all-night dancing and bottomless cocktails – you can find its bohemian soul beachside. If you are looking for a beautiful beach break, Ibiza is a must-visit. 

In Ibiza, you’ll find the beautiful Balearic beaches these islands are known for, including hidden spots among rock formations and larger stretches of sand known as party beaches as well.

If you’re not looking for a party, don’t count Ibiza out as you plan your island-hopping retreat! There are so many things to do in Ibiza that you could never get bored.

Plus, Ibiza is home to some of the best beaches in Balearic Islands that you won’t want to miss.

Platja de Ses Salines

One of Ibiza’s largest and most well-known beaches is Platja de Ses Salines – also known as Las Salinas. Located just south of the town of Ibiza, this Balearic beach is buzzing with activity and is one of the most easily accessible on the island.

Here you’ll find live music and plenty of places to eat and drink at all hours of the day. You’ll find a party if you’re looking for it, but the beach is expansive, so you can also find a quiet spot as well.

Located within the Parc Natural de ses Salines, the beach is surrounded by sections of forest as well, giving it a natural feel.

The sand at this iconic beach is pure white, and with views across the turquoise waters towards Formentera, it’s a truly stunning beach destination.

Port de Sant Miquel

You can find a quiet escape on this buzzing island when you set foot on the beach at San Miguel, also called Port de Sant Miquel.

This beach is situated in a calm bay and is mainly beloved by those who want to relax and lounge in the sun.

There are sunbeds available, and you can sample some delicious seafood as you relax. This is another perfect destination whether you have little ones in tow or just want to rejuvenate before heading out for the evening.

Cala Comte

Located on Ibiza’s northwestern coast, Cala Comte is an incredible escape from some of the more overcrowded beaches on the rest of the island, closer to Ibiza town.

One great way to enjoy the beach is with a cruise departing from nearby Sant Antoni. These cruises are a fantastic way to enjoy the island at your own speed, and include snorkeling, stops are favorite local beaches like Cala Comte, and exploring beach caves.

These cruises are surprisingly affordable – and popular! – so make sure to book ahead.

Make sure to plan to stay for sunset at Cala Comte. With its enviable position facing west over the sea and nearby rocky formations, it makes for a dramatic sight, and some of the best sunsets on the island.

Formentera

While it might not be as well known as other islands, Formentera is well worth visiting, especially for beach lovers and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path escape at some of the best Balearic Islands beaches.

The smallest of the main inhabited Balearic Islands, you can easily hop on the ferry from Ibiza to get to Formentera, and enjoy an island that many people call a taste of the Caribbean in the middle of the Mediterranean! 

Thanks to its lack of an airport and much smaller crowds, Formentera is by far the best destination to choose from if you’re looking for a true escape. Many choose to combine a stay in Ibiza with a getaway to Formentera, making the best of both islands.

Playa de Ses Illetes

When you arrive on Formentera, make sure you head to the north coast if you’re looking for some of the best Balearic beaches.

While the southern coastline has five kilometers of stunning white sand beaches that rival the beaches found in more tropical locales, the northern coast plays host to Playa de Ses Illetes, which is known as one of the world’s dreamiest beaches.

This skinny stretch of beach protrudes into the Mediterranean with turquoise waters on both sides, making for a truly picturesque escape.

On any of the other Balearic Islands, this jewel would be overrun with visitors, but on Formentera’s most famous beach you’ll still find space to relax and unwind.

On the western edge of the beach, you’ll even find stretches of pink sand. This pink beach is truly a sight to behold, and this stretch of sand attracts those looking for a quieter and more relaxed pace to their holiday. Relax on the stunning sands or enjoy a dip in the refreshing turquoise waters.

These four breathtaking beaches have something for everyone, from family-friendly spots to the perfect place to enjoy some water sports or just to grab some time in the sun.

Whatever kind of holiday you want to enjoy, start planning now for the best European beach vacation. Then all that’s left to do is count down the days until you can enjoy an island-hopping escape to the best Balearic Islands beaches.