When most people hear "Balearic Islands," their minds immediately leap to Mallorca—the big, glamorous island that hosts everything from finance summits to superstar weddings. And yes, Mallorca is magnificent. But it's not the whole story. If you sail just a little further, or hop a short plane ride, you discover a constellation of islands that feel like secret worlds. There’s the Ibiza of your imagination—yes, the one with the thumping bass—but there’s also an Ibiza of hidden fincas, pine-scented cliff walks, and farmers’ markets selling figs so sweet they taste like candy. Then there’s Menorca, the quiet poet of the group, all craggy coves and sleepy stone villages. And Formentera, the siren with turquoise water so clear you’ll swear it’s Photoshop, even when you’re standing knee-deep in it.

This article is for travelers who want to push past the obvious. It’s for couples planning a romantic escape who think they know the Balearics and want to be surprised. It’s for families hunting for beaches with space to run and shallow water to splash in. It’s for solo wanderers seeking quiet roads and long coastal hikes. And it’s for anyone curious about sustainable travel in an archipelago that’s learning to protect its delicate beauty.

Ibiza vs Menorca vs Formentera: Which Island Should You Choose?

I hear this question constantly. The answer depends entirely on the rhythm you seek.

• Ibiza: If you’re dreaming of sunset cocktails and world-class DJs, then Ibiza is your obvious pick. But there’s another Ibiza, one that wakes up early for flaky ensaimada pastries and spends afternoons in a hammock under an olive tree.
• Menorca: If you want a place where nothing happens after 10 p.m. except the sound of frogs and crickets, choose Menorca. It’s the Balearic island where time moves differently, and the coastline is a necklace of over 120 beaches, many of which you’ll have to yourself.
• Formentera: If you’re torn between the energy of Ibiza and the calm of Menorca, Formentera might be the sweet spot. It’s close enough to Ibiza for a day trip but feels like another planet—no big hotels, no clubs, just endless shallow lagoons and salt flats flamingo-pink at dusk.

Formentera vs Mallorca: Which Is More Expensive?

That depends on how you travel. Mallorca has a wide spectrum: you can splurge in a Palma boutique hotel or find a rural finca for a bargain. Formentera is smaller and pricier by default; accommodations are limited and the island leans upscale. But if you camp or stay in simple guesthouses, you can manage a Formentera trip without breaking the bank. Menorca is generally the most affordable of the three, especially off-season, and it offers incredible value for families and couples seeking space and serenity.

Ibiza: Beyond the Nightlife

First, a confession: I used to avoid Ibiza because I thought it was all velvet ropes and 3 a.m. regrets. Then a local friend dragged me to Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s fortified old town, on a sunny Tuesday morning. We climbed the ramparts at golden hour, the sea glittering below, the air scented with jasmine and salt. The city’s history—Phoenician, Roman, Moorish, then Spanish—was layered in the stones under our feet. I realized I’d been wrong. Ibiza is a cultural island with a beating heart, and the nightlife is just one rhythm.

Hidden Gems in Ibiza Old Town

Walk the ramparts at golden hour and visit the cathedral. Explore the contemporary art museum for a dose of modern Balearic creativity. But the real joy is in the streets:

Beaches and Nature

Cala d’Hort (San Josep): A stunning beach facing the dramatic rock of Es Vedrà. There are two rustic-chic restaurants on the sand: Es Boldado and Sa Caleta. Arrive around 11:00, swim, then linger over grilled squid and a cold Hierbas Ibicencas on ice.

Cala Saladeta (San Antonio): The little sister to Cala Salada, a narrow cove with pink-hued cliffs and pine shade. It’s a 10-minute walk from the nearest parking, which keeps it quieter. Best in early morning or late afternoon.

Food and Drink

Can Caus (San Juan): A rustic farmhouse restaurant serving authentic Ibizan dishes. Open for lunch on weekends and dinner most evenings; reservations essential. Try the sofrit pages with rabbit and the flaó (local cheesecake).

Sa Punta (San Josep): A cliffside lounge/restaurant with sweeping sunset views over Cala d’Hort and Es Vedrà. Open from late afternoon until late. It’s a splurge, but the vibe is more Mediterranean chic than flashy club.

Getting Around Ibiza

Renting a car is easiest for beaches and rural restaurants. In summer, parking can be tight; arrive before 10:00 for popular coves. For day trips from Mallorca: ferries run from Palma to Ibiza Town in about 2 hours. Flights from Palma are 30–40 minutes and frequent.

Menorca: Quiet Poetry and 120 Beaches

Menorca feels like a secret whispered by the wind. It’s a biosphere reserve, and the island wears that badge gently—stone walls threaded with wildflowers, lanes where donkeys still occasionally amble, and beaches carved into the limestone like hidden chapels.

Unique Sights

Best Beaches for Families

Menorca is the king of family travel in the Balearics.

• Cala Galdana: Easy access, shallow water, restaurants nearby.
• Arenal d’en Castell: Curved bay, calm waves, soft sand.
• Son Bou: Long beach with space to spread out, lifeguards in summer.
• Cala Macarelleta: Postcard perfect, but go before 10:00 or after 16:00 to avoid crowds.
• Cala Pregonda: Remote northern beach with red-gold sand, no facilities.

Food and Drink

Xeic Bakery (Alaior): A tiny bakery where the ensaimadas are flaky and fragrant. Open from early morning until they sell out—often by 11:00.

Sa Plaça (Ciutadella): A classic Menorcan restaurant serving traditional dishes like caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew). Open for lunch and dinner; reservations recommended.

Getting Around Menorca

The island is compact—about 50 km long—and a car is very useful for reaching remote beaches. For day trips from Mallorca: ferries from Palma to Ciutadella take about 1 hour 45 minutes; flights from Palma to Menorca (Mao) are 25–30 minutes.

Formentera: The Caribbean in Your Pocket

Formentera is the Balearic island that time forgot—on purpose. No airport, no big hotels, just long beaches, salt flats, and a commitment to low-impact tourism. It’s 30 minutes by fast ferry from Ibiza.

The Best Spots

Getting Around Formentera

Renting a bike or a small electric car is ideal; the island is flat and bike-friendly. Ferries from Ibiza run several times daily in summer; the fast ferry is about 30 minutes. Day trips are easy: ferries leave from Ibiza’s port, and you can bike from La Savina to Ses Illetes in about 20 minutes.

Cabrera & Dragonera: The Wild Outliers

Now for the islands most travelers never visit—because they’re protected, small, or simply off the radar. These are for adventurous souls.

Cabrera Archipelago

A tiny island group south of Mallorca, Cabrera is a national park with a 14th-century castle, a turquoise inlet, and a population of goats that outnumber humans. Access is strictly controlled: you must book a boat trip from Colònia de Sant Jordi (Ses Salines, Mallorca). Trips typically run March to October. The boat ride is about 45 minutes.

Dragonera

A long, narrow island off Mallorca’s southwest coast, Dragonera is a natural park with hiking trails, lighthouses, and endemic plants. Access is by boat from Sant Elm (Andratx). Boats run several times a day in summer. The hike to the Far de na Papa lighthouse is spectacular and takes about an hour.

Sustainable Travel: Keeping the Balearics Beautiful

The Balearics are pioneering sustainable tourism. Formentera is a leader: it limits hotel development, promotes cycling, and enforces strict rules on dunes and seagrass (posidonia). Menorca’s biosphere status guides development.

Practical Eco-Friendly Tips

• Choose public transport or rent electric vehicles/bikes where possible.
• Book boat trips to Cabrera or Dragonera only through authorized operators.
• Stay on marked trails and never move rocks or plants in protected areas.
• Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics on beaches.
• Support local producers: buy Menorcan cheese, Ibiza honey, and Formentera salt.
• Respect nudism and cultural norms—these are part of the islands’ identities.

Practical Addresses & Hours: Quick Reference

Humor & Honesty: What No One Tells You

• Ibiza in August is a traffic jam of Ferraris and sunburned tourists. Come in May or September for the island I love.
• Formentera’s wind can turn a perfect hair day into a sandblasting. Pack a scarf or hat.
• Menorca’s restaurants often close between lunch and dinner. Plan around the siesta or you’ll go hungry.
• The Balearic sun is sneaky; even on cloudy days, you’ll burn. Ask locals about "insurance" sunscreen.
• Ferry seasickness is real. If you’re prone, sit outside and focus on the horizon.

A Personal Closing: The Islands as Teachers

I’ve spent a decade returning to these islands, and they’ve taught me patience, curiosity, and the art of the long lunch. They’ve shown me that the best travel moments are often the smallest: the taste of salt on your lips after a swim, the quiet of a village square at siesta, the way a sunset can turn an ordinary beach into a theater. Whether you choose Ibiza’s layered soul, Menorca’s gentle hush, or Formentera’s translucent shallows, you’ll find a place that invites you to slow down and look closer.

One last tip: don’t overplan. Pick one island for a long weekend, leave room for serendipity, and let the sea set your schedule. The Balearics are small, but they’re endlessly surprising. And once you’ve found your favorite cove or bakery, keep it to yourself. The best secrets are the ones we protect.