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.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Formentera Day Trip from Ibiza
The most popular day trip from Ibiza, crossing to the car-free paradise of Formentera. Rent a bicycle at La Savina ferry port and cycle to the extraordinary turquoise beaches of Illetes and Ses Platgetes - waters often compared to the Maldives.
Highlights: Illetes sandbar beach · Cycling across the flat island · Ses Salines viewpoints · Es Pujols village lunch
Menorca Day Trip from Mallorca
A full day exploring Menorca from Mallorca. Arrive at Ciutadella and spend the morning in the beautiful historic old town, then rent a car to visit Cala Macarella and its neighboring cove Macarelleta in the afternoon.
Highlights: Ciutadella historic center · Cala Macarella beach · Local caldereta de llagosta lunch · Menorcan cheese and gin tasting
Valldemossa & Sóller - Tramuntana Villages
A classic Mallorcan day trip combining two of the most beautiful Tramuntana mountain villages. Start at Valldemossa to see the Chopin monastery, then take the scenic Ma-10 road or the vintage train to Sóller and its port.
Highlights: Real Cartuja monastery, Valldemossa · Antique Palma-Sóller railway · Port de Sóller seafood lunch · Sóller orange groves
Alcúdia Old Town & North Mallorca Coast
Explore Mallorca's impressive medieval walled town of Alcúdia with its Roman ruins, then continue to Cap de Formentor's lighthouse along one of Europe's most dramatic coastal roads, stopping at Platja de Formentor.
Highlights: Alcúdia Roman ruins (Pollentia) · Tuesday/Sunday Alcúdia market · Platja de Formentor beach · Cap de Formentor lighthouse
Coves del Drac & Southeast Coast
Visit the spectacular Dragon Caves near Porto Cristo (underground lake concert), then explore the pristine calas of the southeast coast including Cala d'Or and Cala Pi with their turquoise waters.
Highlights: Dragon Caves underground lake concert · Cala Mondragó natural park beach · Cala d'Or marina · Seafood lunch in Porto Cristo
Ibiza's Secret Beaches & North Coast
Escape the crowds by exploring Ibiza's wild north coast. Visit the hippie village of San Miguel, the stunning Benirràs beach for Sunday drum circles, and hidden coves like Cala Xarraca with extraordinary clear water.
Highlights: Benirràs beach Sunday drum circle · Cala Xarraca swimming · Sant Joan village square · North coast viewpoints
Ibiza Boat Trip to Sea Caves & Snorkeling
Spend a full day on the turquoise Mediterranean, stopping at sea caves, remote beaches accessible only by sea, and snorkeling spots around Es Vedrà and the south coast's crystal coves.
Highlights: Sea caves at Cala des Moltons · Es Vedrà from the sea · Snorkeling at Isla de sa Conillera · Fresh fish lunch on board
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Palma from €40-80 including transport and guide
- Private
- Private car hire with driver from €120-200/day for groups
- Public
- TIB buses connect major towns; ferry to Formentera from Ibiza every 30-40 minutes
- Rental
- Car rental from €30/day; scooter from €30/day; bicycle from €15/day in Formentera
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book Formentera ferries in advance for July-August - they sell out days ahead
Start Tramuntana mountain drives early to beat traffic on narrow roads
The vintage Palma-Sóller train books out weeks in advance in peak season
Organized boat trips to remote calas offer the easiest way to reach inaccessible beaches
Combine Alcúdia's market day (Tuesday/Sunday) with a visit to Formentor for a perfect north Mallorca day