10 Best Beaches in the Balaeric Islands

Playa de Alcúdia is a long sandy beach in the northwest of Mallorca, the largest Balearic Island. It’s popular in summer, but with 3.5-km of sand, you can always find a spot for yourself in the sun or in the shade of the trees behind. Water sports are popular: you can rent kayaks, SUPs and windsurfing equipment.

For a memorable highlight, take a boat tour from the port to some of the island’s secluded beaches that can only be accessed by water or to see dolphins. Behind the beach is the beautifully preserved medieval town of Alcúdia. This historic town is a gem to explore with a market on Tuesday and Sunday mornings that’s popular with locals and visitors alike.

Cala Macarella is one of the most spectacular and photographed coves in the Balearic Islands. Located in Menorca, Cala Macarella is a vision of dazzling turquoise waters surrounded by pine-covered cliffs. It’s easy to access and its calm, clear waters make it popular for snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding, and for lazing around and enjoying the view.

In the summer Cala Macarella is one of the most visited beaches on the island. So it’s best to arrive early to snag a spot on the sand. Or head to nearby sister cove, the smaller Cala Macarelleta, a short walk through shady pine forest from Cala Macarella.

Mondragó Natural Park is a mosaic of rural landscapes in a 750-acre protected area in southwest Mallorca. Rustic tracks wind through olive groves and pine forests dotted with traditional Mallorcan stone huts. More trails follow the spectacular coastline of alternating stony paths and pristine sandy beaches with glistening turquoise waters.

The main beach, S’Amarador, a popular beach with a festive beach bar, welcomes a lot of visitors in the peak summer months, especially in August. But it is big enough that you can find a spot on the sand and there is plenty of room to swim and snorkel. If you enjoy a quieter setting, follow the pathway around the northern side of S’Amarador to the smaller beach, Cala Mondrágo.

Cala Turqueta is a gorgeous cove of celestial waters surrounded by a rustic landscape of rock formations and pine forest. Wild goats often forage around the rocky backdrop. The main beach (there are 2) is the outflow of a stream so a section of sand can be a bit wet. Alternatively, you can set up on 1 of the small cliffs (not high and quite safe). If you arrive early you can snag a spot under a tree for some shade.

You can reach Cala Turqueta by car but it’s a 10-minute walk from the car park, where there is a beach bar and toilets. There is also a shady picnic area under the pine trees.

Cala Llentrisca is an idyllic fisherman’s cove tucked away in a secluded area of Ibiza. The calm and natural beauty of this blissful place is the less-known side to the disco island but it’s no less important.

You have to trek down a narrow track on foot to reach the cove. But it’s worth it once you get there. The benefit of the isolation means you won’t find the throngs of people here like you do at other beaches, just divers, local fishermen and peace, even in August. There are no services to speak of so you have to take any supplies you will need.

Located on the largest Balearic Island, Mallorca, Cala Agulla draws visitors for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. Cala Agulla was declared a Natural Area of Special Interest by the Balearic Islands government for its beauty and natural setting of pine trees, desert flora and sand dunes.

Building is not permitted, so the popular beach retains its idyllic charm. And with calm shallow waters, it’s especially popular with families. For something different the nearby sleepy medieval town Capdepera is a highlight of the area with its picturesque narrow streets and hilltop castle with panoramic views.

Cala Gracioneta is a secluded little cove on the beautiful island of Ibiza a short walk from the larger beach, Cala Gració. Cala Gracioneta is worth visiting for its pristine waters and the rocky limestone landscape that the Balearic Islands are known for.

Despite the location of this tucked away haven, just 1 km from the tourist mecca of San Antonio, you won’t see any buildings, so you feel more isolated here than you really are. There is a restaurant under trees at the back of the narrow stretch of sand, but it’s tastefully hidden away. The view looking out to the Mediterranean with the satellite islands and Ibiza coastline in the distance is a stunning sight.

Located on the exclusive island of Formentera, Ses Illetes (six little islands) is 450 metres of some of the most stunning sands in Spain. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been included in many rankings of best beaches in Spain, Europe and the world.

It’s formed of a finger of land that juts into the sea from the northern point of the island, so there’s a shoreline right in front of you and a shoreline right behind. It’s the most popular beach on Formentera but less busy than the beaches on the main islands. Formentera is more exclusive and has fewer hotel options than the main islands.

With striking aquamarine seas and an unadulterated natural beach setting, Platja de S'Alga on the tiny island of Espalmador is a true island paradise. This incredible beach is set in a protected natural preserve that’s difficult to access. The only way to reach it is by private boat.

You can take a catamaran excursion from Formentera or rent a zodiac. It looks close enough to wade or swim across from Formentera, but it’s prohibited due to strong currents. You can explore the island on foot to see its mud lagoons, two other beaches and the abundant birdlife.

Playa Son Moll is a lively beach with crystal clear waters and a bustling bar and restaurant scene. It’s the picturesque town beach of Cala Rajada, a fishing village known for its lobster and nightlife, and one of the most important ports in Mallorca.

In the summer months, Son Moll is lively with visitors who flock here and stay in the surrounding hotels. There are more services here than at the more isolated Balearic Islands beach options. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella, enjoy the waterfront from one of the plentiful bars and restaurants and revel in the lively nightlife scene until late.