Ibiza, Mallorca with its small neighbour island Cabrera, Menorca and Formentera are part of the Baleares. They all score with dreamlike beaches, turquoise-blue bays, nature and marine reserves and breathtaking landscapes. Whilst Mallorca and Ibiza are known for their lively nightlife, Menorca and Formentera stand for tranquility and family atmosphere. They all have its own charm and we like to give you a little overview of Ibiza’s amazing sister islands.
The main island of the Balearics is Mallorca. It is mostly known as a popular tourist destination with giant hotels along the east coast and for its excessive party tourism at S’Arenal and Magaluf, where swimming in the sea becomes a minor matter and the parties usually end at a carousal. Especially at the famous beach area of the Ballermann, tons of tourists celebrate to Bavarian Schlager music. Away from beaches and tourist bustle, Mallorca offers as well quiet and rural oases.
Along the west coast you’ll find a 15 km long mountain range, the “Serra de Tramuntana”, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, that attracts many hikers, cyclists and individual travelers. The climate here is very pleasant and you can escape the extreme summer heat at the beaches. This part of Mallorca presents fantastic views of imposing cliffs, bizarre canyons and romantic mountain villages. Mallorca’s highest elevation reaches 1445 m and a real highlight is to check out the almond blossoms in the beginning of the year. At many areas of the island you’ll find this natural spectacle showing a delicately scented sea of blossom. Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the Balearics and has the largest historical city center of Europe. Located next to the gothic cathedral La Seu is the palace of the King of Spain, which is a popular touristic highlight. One of the most stunning beaches is probably the one of Es Trenc and at the port of Portals Nous you can watch the countless yards coming in or leaving for another adventure.
Next to Mallorca is the relatively unknown small island Cabrera, which is a protected national park with natural abundance of seabirds and fishes but also its impressive flora and fauna. Cabrera is the largest island of the small archipelago that includes (from south to north) the islands of Estells de Fora, L’Imperial, Illa de ses Bledes, Na Redona, Conillera, L’Esponja, Na Plana, Illot Pla, Na Pobra, and Na Foradada.
Menorca is the beautiful unknown of the Balearics, versatile and rich in stones. Beyond the mass tourism Menorca has many fascinating contrasts to offer, like the second largest natural harbor worldwide, after Sydney-Australia, with 6 km length and in some places 1 km wide. You’ll find many beaches which are almost untouched, lush green meadows in the hinterland where frisian cows graze and over 10,000 km of piled stone walls. All of Menorca is protected by the UNESCO as a biosphere reserve.
The capital Mahon is known for the same named Mahon cheese. It is a city that exudes Spanish serenity surrounded by British charm because of the numerous colonial buildings. While strolling through the city, the eventful occupation history can be seen almost everywhere. Although the nightlife in Menorca is much quieter than in Ibiza and Mallorca, it has its highlight when it comes to party. The Cova d’en Xoroi is an event location 30m above the sea. In a labyrinth of corridors, caves and terraces you can celebrate almost all around the clock and enjoy the traditional Island Gin, which has been produced according to the British model on the island for over 300 years.
Formentera is the smallest of the inhabited Balearic Islands and only accessible by sea. It is an absolute paradise with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches that conveys Caribbean feelings. Meadows of the so-called ‘Neptun sea-grass’ filters the water and gives it its transparency. Like Ibiza, Formentera was a popular haunt for hippies in the ’60s and ’70s, there are still memorabilia found of this era. One of the most important agricultural branches of the island is viticulture. The best wines will be declared at the village festivals of Sant Francesc and Sant Ferran annually. Besides the viticulture, salt production is also significant. The salt of Formentera is particularly low in sodium and very healthy which is due to the ‘Neptun sea-grass’. Formentera is a refugium in a stunning landscape with a relaxed atmosphere.
Ibiza is also called white island and is known for its hippie vibes and spiritual places, bohemian styles, tolerance and free spirits, high-quality service and noble clubs. It is a hilly island with a rugged coastline, hidden bays and azure-blue water. There are tranquil villages and hippie markets, a variety of hiking and cycling routes and stunning sunsets. And we don´t need to speak about the party scene!! Nowhere else in the Baleares can be celebrated like this to the world´s best DJs of electronic music like techno, house and Edm. You can read more about Ibiza in our further blog articles, where we have summarized its best spots for you to check out!
All in all the archipelago of the Balearics offers a fascinating environment, where you will find ideal conditions for relaxing beach holidays, sightseeing tours and a lot of adventures. Every island has its highlights, at Menorca you’ll find the highest prehistoric monument density, Formentera scores with kilometer long beaches, Mallorca offers mountain ranges and Ibiza the most spiritual spot with definitely the most insane parties. By booking your dream villa with us on Ibiza you will get the perfect starting point for your Balearic round trip, as all of them are highly worth it to be explored.
