Comparisons
Majorca, Menorca or Ibiza? Choosing the right Balearic island
Families, couples or a lively week away: how the three main Balearic islands compare for beaches, things to do and atmosphere.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Majorca has the most variety: family resorts, a great city in Palma, mountains and hidden coves.
- Menorca is the quietest and most natural, with dozens of unspoilt coves, making it ideal for young families and couples.
- Ibiza is famous for nightlife, but the north and east, around Santa Eulària, are calm and family-friendly.
| Flight from London | About 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Season | May–October |
| Sea in August | About 25–26°C |
| Busiest | July–August |
| Tourist tax | Per night, charged on accommodation |
Majorca: something for everyone
The biggest Balearic island has the widest choice of hotels and flights. Families head north to the long, shallow bays of Alcúdia and Port de Pollença; couples and walkers love the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and villages such as Deià, Valldemossa and Sóller.
Palma has a Gothic cathedral, tapas bars and a lively harbour, and the east coast has coves and the Caves of Drach. Avoid parts of the south-west, such as Magaluf, if you want a quiet stay.
Menorca: calm and natural
Menorca has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993, with much less development than its neighbours. Its coves, such as Cala Macarella, Cala Turqueta and Cala Mitjana, have clear, calm water, and the Camí de Cavalls footpath runs around the whole coast.
Ciutadella and Mahón are elegant small towns. Popular coves can fill early in summer, and some have limited parking, so arrive early or use the island's beach buses.
Ibiza: more than nightlife
Sant Antoni and Playa d'en Bossa are the centre of the club scene. For families and couples, Santa Eulària, Es Canar and the beaches of the north are relaxed and pretty. Ibiza Town's walled old quarter, Dalt Vila, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A fast ferry from Ibiza Town reaches Formentera, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, in about half an hour.
When to go and money tips
June and September have warm sea, long days and fewer crowds than the school holidays. May and October are good for walking and cycling, though some resorts are quieter.
- The Balearic Islands charge a sustainable tourism tax per person per night, usually paid at your hotel; it is higher in peak season.
- Ferries link the islands, so you can combine two in one trip, for example Majorca and Menorca, or Ibiza and Formentera.
Frequently asked questions
Which Balearic island is best for families?
Menorca for calm coves and a quiet atmosphere, and northern Majorca (Alcúdia and Port de Pollença) for shallow beaches and lots of facilities.
Is Ibiza good for a family holiday?
Yes, if you stay away from Sant Antoni and Playa d'en Bossa. Santa Eulària and the north of the island are calm and family-friendly.
Which is the quietest Balearic island?
Menorca, or the small island of Formentera, which you reach by ferry from Ibiza.
