Discover the most appreciated cities in Balearic Islands by our members. Feel free to publish your own reviews to take part in this collaborative ranking.
Ibiza balances high-energy superclubs with secluded coves, offering a mix of international DJ sets, quiet whitewashed villages, and bohemian roots. The turquoise water rivals the Caribbean, while the medieval citadel and local seafood anchor the experience in Mediterranean tradition. Expect to spend heavily during the peak season, often over €250 per night ($270) for comfortable lodging, but the contrast between nightlife and island stillness makes it a unique destination.
Mallorca is arguably one of the most popular islands in the Mediterranean. Palma is the capital of the largest of the Balearic Islands (Spain). It attracts a crowd that enjoys late-night parties followed by beach days. Beyond the nightlife, the city offers distinct architecture, consistently mild weather, and plenty of terrain to explore nearby.
Palma is all about a relaxed vacation pace. You will likely spend a good chunk of your time at the Es Trenc beach, which features two kilometers of white sand and clear water. Think of the water clarity you might find in the Florida Keys. Once the sun goes down, restaurants and bars stay busy throughout the warmer months. You will find plenty of local cured meats, fresh fish, and sweets, including the ensaimada, a signature spiral-shaped pastry. While Palma is a major vacation hub today, it was also a Mediterranean powerhouse from the 13th to the 18th century. This political and economic history left a mark on the city architecture. A long walk through the city center reveals a mix of Baroque, Roman, Renaissance, and Moorish influences.
The most famous structure in Palma is undoubtedly its cathedral. The Seu, as it is known locally, features a massive rose window visible from quite a distance. Construction began under the reign of James III, and the interior choir was later redesigned by Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century. The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is another landmark. This 13th-century castle, once a Muslim alcazar, is still used by the Spanish royal family for official ceremonies. History and art enthusiasts should also make time for the Arab Baths, the Llotja (a former stock exchange and merchants' guild hall), the Basilica of Sant Francesc, and the La Caixa art foundation.
If you have time, venture outside the city center. Katmandu Park is a popular choice for families and groups of friends. Rancho Grande Park offers a different vibe, with a layout reminiscent of the American West, featuring horseback riding and carriage tours. Hikers should head toward the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range for some fresh air and impressive elevation.
You can find flights to Palma from major US hubs, usually with a connection in a European city like Madrid or Barcelona. Budget carriers operate flights within Europe starting around 50 EUR (about $55), though prices increase significantly during peak summer travel. For reference, a direct flight from mainland Spain to Palma typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Tucked into the Serra de Tramuntana mountains on Mallorca, Sóller balances rugged peaks with a coastal escape. You can spend your morning admiring modernist architecture in the town square, then take a quick ride to the Port de Sóller for a swim. It serves as a prime base for hiking the island's lush interior, offering a slower pace than the high-energy resorts found elsewhere in Spain.
Cala d'Or, located on the southeast coast of Mallorca, features whitewashed, Ibiza-style architecture and calm, clear waters. You can swim at coves like Cala Gran and Cala Esmeralda or visit the marina to see yachts and book boat trips. For a change of pace, the nearby Mondragó Natural Park offers protected landscapes that feel like a quieter, more refined alternative to the busy resort towns found elsewhere on the island.
Sant Antoni de Portmany is the second-largest city on the island of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. The expansive bay here earned it the name Portus Magnus during the Roman era. Known for its scenery, sunsets, and sand beaches, it is also a major nightlife hub in Ibiza. You will find iconic spots like Café del Mar, the clubs Eden and Es Paradis with its famous water parties, and the O Beach Ibiza complex, centered around a pool and once recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest club in the world. Often described as a British enclave, Sant Antoni draws a large UK crowd and has occasionally faced issues with rowdy behavior, including urban disturbances and petty crime.
There are eight beaches in and around Sant Antoni. The central beach, plage S’Arenal, is lined with a pedestrian boardwalk and plenty of amenities. Further south, you will find Plage es Pouet. To the north, before reaching plage des Moro, head through the port area to walk along the Passeig de Ses Fonts, a famous avenue lined with fountains that are illuminated at night. You will pass near the Huevo, a monument erected in 1992 to commemorate the discovery of the Americas.
The port borders the old town of Sant Antoni, which is centered around the Santa Agnés church, known for its stark white exterior. For a bit of culture, visit the former lighthouse turned museum, the Ses Covs Blanques Lighthouse, which houses rotating exhibits and a sea observatory. Near the beach of the Moro, you will also find the Aquarium Cap Blanc, uniquely situated inside a natural sea cave.
Other beaches are located further from town, accessible by foot, car, or boat. To the south, Cala Bassa is a turquoise cove where you can go jet-skiing. Further north, you can explore the wilder beaches of Cala Gracio and Cala Gracioneta. The coastline becomes increasingly rugged, with dramatic cliffs located between Punta Galera and Cala Salada. The more active can hike to Cap Nunó, where the cliffs seem to drop straight into the water. Another scenic viewpoint along the coast is Sa Penya Esbarrada.
Off the coast of the bay of Sant Antoni de Portmany, you can see a cluster of uninhabited islands, including Illa Sa Conillera, Illa des Bosc, and Illa s’Espartar.
Timing depends entirely on what you want to do during your stay in Ibiza. The nightclub season runs from April through October. Spring and late summer are generally quieter and offer more comfortable temperatures.
By air, you will arrive at the Ibiza airport, which offers shuttle services to Sant Antoni de Portmany. You can also reach Ibiza by ferry from Barcelona, Valencia, or Dénia. Some ferry lines connect directly to the port of Sant Antoni de Portmany.
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