If you are wondering which is the best Balearic island for you, then wonder no more as your good friend Orbzii is here to help.
Each of the four main Balearic islands are stunningly beautiful and boast fantastic beaches and unparalleled sunshine, but are still unique in their own way too.
In fact, this archipelago in the Mediterranean has cemented their place as some of the top destinations for holiday makers.
Ibiza, Majorca, Menorca and Formentera have earned their place as top holiday destinations, but when it comes to determining the best Balearic island for you, it really depends on what you are looking for.
Yes, the Balearics have spectacular beaches and a great nightlife, but they are also fantastic for hiking, water sports, wellness, nature and delicious food.
Each of these four islands offer spectacular coastlines, mesmerising towns with a storied history and a strong dose of culture.
Whether you’re into aquatic adventures, a serious foodie or simply want to flop and drop, then let’s work out what is the best Balearic island for you.
Best Balearic island for families
There’s no doubt that all the Balearic islands are great for family fun in their own way!
However, we can’t help but think that the best Balearic island for this is Menorca.
The beaches are absolutely incredible and you will find pristine sandy stretches and hidden coves a plenty which are ideal for relaxing in the sun or making a sand castle or two!
Most of the beaches in Menorca have shallow waters which makes Menorca one of the best Balearic islands for families with young children.
Menorca is also a great place to try snorkelling or even diving, for children big and small.
For teens and grown ups who love water sports, head to the north of the island where you can take part in any manner of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing.
Best Balearic island for nature and relaxing
Annnd breathe! With its azure waters and silky-soft beaches, you won’t be short of relaxing vibes on the gorgeous island of Formentera.
If small yet mighty is the name of the game when it comes to considering the best Balearic island, then the smallest of the Balearic islands is most definitely for you.
It’s absolutely ideal if you are looking for both nature and relaxation in one, it’s known as the ‘last paradise’ and if it’s ‘do nothing’ vibes you are looking for, you are in luck as ‘go-slow ‘is this island’s default setting.
From spotting flamingos on the island’s salt plains to taking a hike on the leafy mounds which are surrounded by sweet-smelling fig trees.
This tiny Balearic island is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a stunning array of flora and fauna to discover.
Formentera boasts many hiking trails that wind through the rugged landscapes and scenic coastal paths. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of native animals, including wild rabbits, hedgehogs, and even the occasional tortoise!
So whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or simply looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Formentera is a destination that won’t disappoint.
Best Balearic island for culture, cycling and fun
With over 400 kilometres of cycling trails on the sun-soaked island, it’s easy to see why Majorca is the best Balearic island for cycling fans.
World champion cyclist Bradley Wiggins is also a fan of Majorca and if you want to channel your inner Olympian, then you can try the Sa Calobra – a 10-kilometre-long trail that traverses down the side of a mountain.
The Cap of Formentor is one of the most famous cycling routes on the island of Majorca and the 110 km Tramuntana coastal road which goes down to Andratx in the south is arguably one of the most spectacular routes on Majorca.
For culture vultures that are looking to enjoy a city break, then head on over to Palma which is the largest and oldest town on this Balearic island.
Here you will find Bellver Castle – a 14th-century fortress which nestles a pine-forested hill which overlooks the city below.
There’s also a fantastic museum dedicated to the history of Majorca which is definitely worth a visit.
The Old Town of Palma has hidden gems around every corner from charming cobbled squares to medieval churches and of course, the piste de resistance – the sandstone cathedral, La Seu which took several centuries to build and is one of the most spectacular works of Gothic architecture in Spain.
If you’re partial to a tipple, make sure you take a pit stop at one of the island’s local vineyards.
Best Balearic island for partying, wellness and shopping
There’s no doubt that all the Balearic islands offer a fantastic nightlife, but when it comes to the best island for partying, it has to be Ibiza!
With world-renowned clubbing hotspots like Pacha and more, Ibiza really is a clubber’s haven.
From beachside bars to bustling nightclubs, there really is something for everyone!
Even if you are not travelling to Ibiza for the clubs, you definitely should have one night out enjoying everything that the ‘White Isle’ has to offer. not experiencing the nightlife in the Balearic Islands would practically be a crime don’t you think?!
If you would prefer to swap summer parties and sundowners for self care and spa treatments, you are in luck as Ibiza is becoming equally as well known for its wellness as its vibrant nightlife.
Why not take a hike through Puerto San Miguel’s thick pine trees and immerse yourself in nature or take it to the next level with booking a spot at a wellness retreat, a fitness camp, or simply enjoy an indulgent spa treatment where you can reset both your mind and body?
Best Balearic island for foodies
Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca and Formentera are home to some of the best cooking and restaurants in not just the Balearics, but the entire Mediterranean too.
Each of the islands has their own culinary uniqueness, but all are great places to enjoy delicious seafood for sure!
Sustainability and healthy food is a huge focus in Ibiza which has a flourishing farm-to-table food scene.
If we had to call the best Baleariac island for foodies, we would have to throw our proverbial hat in the ring for Majorca which is widely regarded as the best Balearic island for foodies!
The island is particularly famous for its fresh seafood, which can be found in abundance at the local markets and restaurants.
You can enjoy everything from fried calamari and octopus to grilled prawns, shrimps and lobster.
However, if you are heading to Menorca, make sure you try the island’s most famous dish, the caldereta de langosta, a delicious stew of lobster with fresh vegetables.
Menorca also has some of the most incredible cheeses to try too, including the soft, buttery maó cheese which can be enjoyed with a glass of local wine.
Best Balearic island for families
There’s no doubt that all the Balearic islands are great for family fun in their own way!
However, we can’t help but think that the best Balearic island for this is Menorca.
The beaches are absolutely incredible and you will find pristine sandy stretches and hidden coves a plenty which are ideal for relaxing in the sun or making a sand castle or two!
Most of the beaches in Menorca have shallow waters which makes Menorca one of the best Balearic islands for families with young children.
Menorca is also a great place to try snorkelling or even diving, for children big and small.
For teens and grown ups who love water sports, head to the north of the island where you can take part in any manner of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing.
Best Balearic island for nature and relaxing
Annnd breathe! With its azure waters and silky-soft beaches, you won’t be short of relaxing vibes on the gorgeous island of Formentera.
If small yet mighty is the name of the game when it comes to considering the best Balearic island, then the smallest of the Balearic islands is most definitely for you.
It’s absolutely ideal if you are looking for both nature and relaxation in one, it’s known as the ‘last paradise’ and if it’s ‘do nothing’ vibes you are looking for, you are in luck as ‘go-slow ‘is this island’s default setting.
From spotting flamingos on the island’s salt plains to taking a hike on the leafy mounds which are surrounded by sweet-smelling fig trees.
This tiny Balearic island is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a stunning array of flora and fauna to discover.
Formentera boasts many hiking trails that wind through the rugged landscapes and scenic coastal paths.
Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of native animals, including wild rabbits, hedgehogs, and even the occasional tortoise!
So whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or simply looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Formentera is a destination that won’t disappoint.
Best Balearic island for culture, cycling and fun
With over 400 kilometres of cycling trails on the sun-soaked island, it’s easy to see why Majorca is the best Balearic island for cycling fans.
World champion cyclist Bradley Wiggins is also a fan of Majorca and if you want to channel your inner Olympian, then you can try the Sa Calobra – a 10-kilometre-long trail that traverses down the side of a mountain.
The Cap of Formentor is one of the most famous cycling routes on the island of Majorca and the 110 km Tramuntana coastal road which goes down to Andratx in the south is arguably one of the most spectacular routes on Majorca.
For culture vultures that are looking to enjoy a city break, then head on over to Palma which is the largest and oldest town on this Balearic island.
Here you will find Bellver Castle – a 14th-century fortress which nestles a pine-forested hill which overlooks the city below.
There’s also a fantastic museum dedicated to the history of Majorca which is definitely worth a visit.
The Old Town of Palma has hidden gems around every corner from charming cobbled squares to medieval churches and of course, the piste de resistance – the sandstone cathedral, La Seu which took several centuries to build and is one of the most spectacular works of Gothic architecture in Spain.
If you’re partial to a tipple, make sure you take a pit stop at one of the island’s local vineyards.
Best Balearic island for partying, wellness and shopping
There’s no doubt that all the Balearic islands offer a fantastic nightlife, but when it comes to the best island for partying, it has to be Ibiza!
With world-renowned clubbing hotspots like Pacha and more, Ibiza really is a clubber’s haven.
From beachside bars to bustling nightclubs, there really is something for everyone!
Even if you are not travelling to Ibiza for the clubs, you definitely should have one night out enjoying everything that the ‘White Isle’ has to offer.
Not experiencing the nightlife in the Balearic Islands would practically be a crime don’t you think?!
If you would prefer to swap summer parties and sundowners for self care and spa treatments, you are in luck as Ibiza is becoming equally as well known for its wellness as its vibrant nightlife.
Why not take a hike through Puerto San Miguel’s thick pine trees and immerse yourself in nature or take it to the next level with booking a spot at a wellness retreat, a fitness camp, or simply enjoy an indulgent spa treatment where you can reset both your mind and body?
Best Balearic island for foodies
Ibiza, Menorca, Majorca and Formentera are home to some of the best cooking and restaurants in not just the Balearics, but the entire Mediterranean too.
Each of the islands has their own culinary uniqueness, but all are great places to enjoy delicious seafood for sure!
Sustainability and healthy food is a huge focus in Ibiza which has a flourishing farm-to-table food scene.
If we had to call the best Baleariac island for foodies, we would have to throw our proverbial hat in the ring for Majorca which is widely regarded as the best Balearic island for foodies!
The island is particularly famous for its fresh seafood, which can be found in abundance at the local markets and restaurants.
You can enjoy everything from fried calamari and octopus to grilled prawns, shrimps and lobster.
However, if you are heading to Menorca, make sure you try the island’s most famous dish, the caldereta de langosta, a delicious stew of lobster with fresh vegetables.
Menorca also has some of the most incredible cheeses to try too, including the soft, buttery maó cheese which can be enjoyed with a glass of local wine.
