You know those places that make you question if real life can actually look this good? That was me, standing on the cliffs of Formentera, watching the Mediterranean shift between shades of blue I didn’t even know existed. Then I found myself at Mallorca’s Cala Deià, this tiny beach tucked between towering rocks, where the water is so clear you can count fish from the shore.
From ancient Roman ruins overlooking turquoise coves to the most beautiful places in the Balearic Islands, like Ibiza’s Es Vedrà rock rising dramatically from the sea at sunset, these islands are ridiculously photogenic. Get ready for 12 spots that’ll have you booking a flight before you finish reading (seriously, I’m already planning my next trip back).
Jaw-Dropping Destinations to Visit in Balearic Islands
Looking to explore the Balearic Islands’ most beautiful places? From the stunning beaches of Mallorca to the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza, the Balearic Islands are packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the charming streets of Menorca, marvel at the natural beauty of Formentera, or explore the cultural richness of Palma de Mallorca. Discover the tranquil allure of Cala d’Hort, the picturesque landscapes of Serra de Tramuntana, or the serene coves of Cala Mitjana. Whether you’re into beaches, history, or island vibes, here are 12 of the Balearic Islands’ most breathtaking spots!
1. Playa de Ses Illetes
Playa de Ses Illetes has gotten way more organized since the tourist boom, but honestly, it’s still absolutely stunning. The beach now charges €6-12 for car parking from May through September (motorcycles pay less), and trust me, you’ll want to arrive before 9am to snag a free spot or avoid the crowds completely. I’ve been coming here for years, and the water is still that impossible Caribbean blue that makes you question if you’re actually in Europe.
What makes this place special is how it sits on this narrow peninsula where you can literally walk from one side of crystal-clear water to the other. The shallow, sandy bottom stretches out forever, which is perfect for families but can get pretty packed in July and August. The Juan y Andrea restaurant is still there serving overpriced but decent paella right on the sand – expect to drop €30+ per person easily.
Skip the tourist bus from Es Pujols (they’re charging around €10 per person now) and just rent a scooter instead. The 15-minute ride from La Savina port is half the fun, and you’ll have more flexibility to explore Platja de Llevant on the other side, which is usually less crowded and just as gorgeous.
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2. Ses Balandres Beach
This place isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly why I love Ses Balandres. You’ll need to hike about 45 minutes down a cliff using rickety wooden ladders and ropes that local fishermen installed years ago – it’s basically nature’s own obstacle course. But honestly, that’s what keeps it from turning into another Instagram zoo.
The reward is this tiny pebble beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that’ll make you feel like you’re in some secret pirate cove. I still remember my first time making that descent – my heart was pounding, but once you’re down there with just a handful of other adventurous souls, it’s pure magic. The water is pristine, and you can see the Ses Margalides islets just offshore creating this dramatic backdrop.
Pack everything you need because there’s literally nothing down there – no beach bars, no umbrellas, just you and the Mediterranean. From Santa Agnès de Corona, look for the old well at Pla de Corona road, then follow the stone fence into the forest. Wear proper shoes and bring tons of water. This isn’t a casual beach day – it’s an adventure that’ll earn you some serious bragging rights.
3. Sant Antoni Bay
Sant Antoni Bay is where Ibiza’s legendary sunset reputation was born, and despite all the development, it still delivers. The famous Sunset Strip runs along Ses Variades promenade, and every single night feels like a celebration. I’ve watched this scene evolve over the years – Café del Mar might charge €13 for two Coronas now (while the kiosk next door sells them for €2 each), but you’re paying for that front-row seat to one of the world’s most famous sunsets.
Café Mambo has taken over as the main attraction, hosting the biggest DJs on the planet, while Café del Mar keeps that original chill-out vibe that started it all back in 1980. The bay itself is this perfect horseshoe shape with a decent family beach during the day – shallow water, golden sand, and all the amenities you need.
Water sports are huge here, from parasailing to jet skiing, and when the sun goes down, the party moves to Eden and Es Paradis clubs. Pro tip: get there early for sunset viewing (around 7pm) or you’ll be standing in the back with everyone else. The whole scene empties out within 10 minutes after sunset, which honestly makes me laugh every time.
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4. Playa d’en Bossa Beach
Playa d’en Bossa is basically Ibiza’s main stage – this is where day parties turn into all-night ragers without anyone missing a beat. The beach itself is surprisingly family-friendly until about 4pm, with shallow water, clean sand, and even inflatable water parks for kids. But once the beach clubs start cranking up their sound systems, it becomes a completely different animal.
Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza are the big names here, but even smaller spots like Bora Bora and Nassau Beach Club know how to throw a party. I love how you can literally roll out of bed onto the beach in the morning, spend the day swimming and sunbathing, then watch world-famous DJs perform as the sun sets without moving more than 50 meters.
The location is clutch – just 10 minutes from Ibiza Town and the airport, so you’re never far from anything. Sunbed prices vary wildly depending on the club and the DJ lineup, but expect to pay €30-80+ for a decent spot during peak season. The beach stretches for almost 3km, so there’s room for everyone, from families with toddlers to party animals who’ve been going since yesterday.
5. Platja Gran Beach
Right in the heart of Ibiza Town, Platja Gran gives you that rare combo of city convenience with actual beach vibes. I love floating in these calm waters while staring up at the medieval Dalt Vila fortress – it’s like swimming in a history book. The contrast between ancient stone walls and modern beach life never gets old.
This compact city beach has gentle slopes into the sea, making it perfect for families, plus you’re literally steps away from restaurants, shops, and the old town’s cobblestone streets. After a swim, you can wander up to the UNESCO World Heritage site and get incredible panoramic views, or just hit one of the beachfront cafés for some tapas and people-watching.
The best part is how everything’s walkable – you can explore the Puig des Molins archaeological site, check out the cathedral, browse the Santa Eulalia market, and still be back on the sand within minutes. It’s not the most pristine beach on the island, but when you want culture and beach time without the commute, Platja Gran delivers. Plus, the sunset views over the harbor are actually pretty spectacular.
6. Cala Millor Beach
Cala Millor has this perfect resort beach vibe without feeling too artificial. The 1.8km stretch of golden sand earned Blue Flag status, and honestly, it’s easy to see why – the water is crystal clear, the beach is impeccably maintained, and there’s just enough going on to keep things interesting. I always recommend the early morning walks here when the sun hits the water just right.
The eastern exposure means gorgeous sunrise views, and the shallow, calm waters make it ideal for families with kids. There’s tons of water sports available – everything from paddleboarding to glass-bottom boat tours that show off the marine life. The Punta de n’Amer nature reserve sits at the southern end, where you can hike up to this 17th-century watchtower for killer views.
What I really appreciate is how the development feels thoughtful rather than overwhelming. The beachfront promenade connects everything perfectly, and there are volleyball courts if you want to get competitive. It’s about 70km from Palma but totally worth the drive. The resort town has everything you need without losing that authentic Mallorcan charm that makes the island special.
7. Ibiza Island
Ibiza is way more than just the party reputation – though the nightlife is absolutely legendary. Pacha, Amnesia, and Hï Ibiza still pull the world’s biggest DJs every summer, and the energy is completely infectious. But what I love most is how you can rave until sunrise, then spend the next day exploring Dalt Vila‘s 16th-century cobblestone streets or finding hidden beaches like Cala Comte.
The island’s got this amazing range of experiences packed into just 572 square kilometers. Es Vedrà rock rising from the sea at sunset is pure magic (and yes, all those magnetic energy stories are fun to hear). The hippy markets in Es Canar and Sant Jordi are great for unique finds, while the northern beaches like Cala Xarraca offer that pristine, undeveloped vibe.
I always tell people to rent a car or scooter because the best discoveries happen when you’re exploring those pine forest roads and stumbling across viewpoints that aren’t in any guidebook. The interior villages like Santa Gertrudis have incredible restaurants serving local specialties, and honestly, some of my best memories here have nothing to do with clubs. Though let’s be real – experiencing at least one proper Ibiza sunset with electronic beats is pretty much mandatory.
8. Formentera Island
Formentera is like Ibiza’s zen cousin – all the natural beauty with none of the chaos. The 30-minute ferry from Ibiza feels like a portal to a completely different world. This place has somehow managed to stay relatively undeveloped, probably because they literally limit the number of cars allowed on the island.
Cycling is the perfect way to explore here – the “green routes” connect all the major beaches and take you through landscapes that look more like the Caribbean than the Mediterranean. La Mola lighthouse perches on these dramatic 120-meter cliffs with views that’ll make you forget about whatever stressed you out back home. I’ve seen flamingos in the salt flats near Ses Salines Natural Park, which still blows my mind.
The beaches here, especially Playa de Ses Illetes, regularly rank among Europe’s best. The water is so clear you can count fish from the shore, and the sand is this incredible powder-white that almost hurts your eyes. Two days here feels like a week of relaxation anywhere else. Just remember that restaurants and beach bars close in the off-season, so if you want that Robinson Crusoe experience, visit between November and March.
9. Sa Coma
Sa Coma strikes this perfect balance between family-friendly and actually interesting. The 800-meter Blue Flag beach has fine white sand and gentle waters that make it ideal for kids, while the palm-lined promenade is gorgeous for evening walks. But what really sets it apart is the wild Punta de n’Amer peninsula that extends from the beach’s southern end.
This protected nature reserve feels like stepping into another century – there’s a 17th-century watchtower with panoramic views that I still think about years later. The hiking trails wind through Mediterranean scrubland where you might spot rare birds and native plants. When you need a break from beaching, the Auto Safari Zoo and Drach Caves in nearby Porto Cristo make for great family adventures.
The resort setup here is thoughtfully done – plenty of activities like mini-golf and go-karting for kids, but the development doesn’t overwhelm the natural setting. I love how you can have this active family vacation without sacrificing the relaxation factor. The restaurants serve proper Mallorcan cuisine alongside the usual resort fare, and the proximity to Cala Millor means you’ve got even more beaches within easy reach.
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10. Palma de Mallorca
Palma is hands-down one of Europe’s most underrated city destinations. La Seu Cathedral absolutely dominates the skyline – this Gothic masterpiece took 400 years to complete and features one of the largest rose windows in Europe. The €10 entry fee is worth every cent, especially if you upgrade to the €25 terraces ticket for those incredible views over the city and harbor. The Antoni Gaudí touches inside are subtle but brilliant.
The Casco Antiguo (old town) is where I spend most of my time – narrow medieval streets opening onto sunny plazas, hidden courtyards, and aristocratic mansions around every corner. Santa Catalina neighborhood has evolved into this trendy foodie paradise with street art, independent galleries, and some seriously good tapas bars. The food market there is fantastic for grabbing ingredients for a perfect picnic.
Bellver Castle‘s circular design is unique in Spain, and the views from up there are spectacular. But honestly, just wandering the waterfront Paseo Marítimo with an afternoon coffee while watching the mega-yachts is pretty perfect too. The city beach is surprisingly decent for an urban setting, and you’re never more than 20 minutes from proper wilderness. Palma gives you all the cultural richness of a European capital with Mediterranean charm and actual good weather.
11. Cala Bona
Cala Bona keeps that authentic Spanish fishing village charm while offering all the modern comforts you’d want. The working harbor is the real star here – colorful boats still bring in the daily catch, and watching the fishermen sort their nets in the morning feels wonderfully timeless. Unlike its bustling neighbor Cala Millor, this place features several intimate coves connected by a delightful seafront promenade.
The harbor restaurants serve fish that was literally swimming hours earlier, and I always go for the paella overlooking the water – it doesn’t get more authentic than that. The small beaches tucked into the coves are perfect for a quieter swim, and glass-bottom boats leave regularly for marine exploration trips that kids absolutely love.
What I really appreciate is how Cala Bona works as a base for bigger adventures. The spectacular Artà Caves are just 15 minutes away, and the medieval town of Artà itself is worth spending an afternoon exploring. The promenade walks here are genuinely peaceful – no massive crowds, just locals and savvy travelers who’ve figured out that sometimes the best vacation spots are the ones that don’t try too hard to impress you.
12. Balearic Islands Natural Park
The Balearic Islands Natural Park network shows you a completely different side of these islands beyond beaches and nightlife. Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park south of Mallorca offers the Mediterranean’s most pristine waters – the daily boats from Colònia de Sant Jordi take you to this untouched paradise where snorkeling feels like exploring an aquarium.
S’Albufera Natural Park on Mallorca is where I’ve spotted herons, ibis, and dozens of bird species during a single morning walk. The boardwalks through the reed beds make it accessible for everyone, and early morning visits are absolutely magical. Ses Salines Natural Park stretches across southern Ibiza and northern Formentera – those ancient salt flats attract flamingos, which still seems surreal in such a party-famous destination.
These protected areas reveal the authentic Balearics that existed long before tourism arrived. I love how you can go from clubbing in Ibiza to watching rare birds in complete silence within the same day. The Cabrera excursions include swimming in hidden coves and exploring underwater caves that most people never see. It’s proof that these islands have way more depth than their reputation suggests – you just need to know where to look.
