The Balearic Islands are an archipelago of four main islands — Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera — set in the western Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain. Renowned for their crystalline turquoise waters, dramatic limestone mountains, and a stunning array of hidden coves, the islands attract everyone from beach lovers and hikers to world-class clubbers and luxury travelers. Each island has its own distinct character: Mallorca offers the most variety with its Gothic capital Palma, the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountains, and a world-class food scene; Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve celebrated for its prehistoric monuments and pristine wild beaches; Ibiza is globally famous for its nightlife and bohemian spirit; and tiny Formentera offers some of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary beach scenery.
Local currency: Euro (EUR).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Balearic Islands.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- €25
- Budget
- €60
- Midrange
- €130
- Luxury
- €350+
Food
- Street
- €5
- Local
- €12
- Midrange
- €35
- Fine
- €90+
Transport
- Bus
- €2
- Taxi
- €15
- Airport
- €20
- Daytrip
- €30
Activities
- Museum
- €8
- Sites
- €5
- Tour
- €25
- Excursion
- €45
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Balearic Islands costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
€420 for 7 days
Midrange traveller
€1,120 for 7 days
Luxury traveller
€3,500+ for 7 days
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Travel in May, June or September instead of July-August for prices 30-40% lower
Take TIB public buses instead of taxis - they cover major tourist routes at €2-4
Buy picnic supplies at supermarkets (Mercadona, Lidl) for beach lunches
Take advantage of menú del día at lunchtime for €12-18 three-course meals
Book ferries and flights between islands well in advance for best prices
Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings
Stay in the capital cities (Palma, Mahón) rather than beach resorts for better value accommodation
Rent a car for groups of 3-4 rather than paying multiple taxi fares
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Cathedral La Seu exterior
Admire the magnificent Gothic exterior and waterfront views for free
Dalt Vila walk, Ibiza
Explore the UNESCO-listed walled old town of Ibiza for free
Palma Old Town wandering
Get lost in the medieval streets, Arab Baths exterior, and Plaça Major
Beach days
All beaches in Spain are free; bring your own supplies to avoid costs
Tramuntana mountain views
Drive or cycle the Ma-10 scenic road through the mountains
Ses Salines bird watching
Watch flamingos in the salt flats natural park (free entry)
Ses Variades sunsets, Ibiza
Watch the legendary Ibiza sunset from the free public viewpoints
Ciutadella harbor walk, Menorca
Wander the elegant harbor and old town of Menorca's former capital
Parc de la Mar, Palma
Relax in the park by the cathedral with sea views
Local markets
Browse the free-entry weekly markets in every town across the islands