The 25+ Best Balearic Islands Beaches
Soft sands and calm waters are a near certainty in the Balearics, which also packs a punch with its nightlife.
This group of islands just off Spain's east coast is made up of renowned party hotspots Mallorca and Ibiza, along with the more relaxed islands of Menorca and Formentera somewhat less touristy than their neighbours.
Despite some big differences in the nightlife, one thing they all have in common is a world-class beach scene, with pale white sands and clear waters guaranteed throughout.
Although they might be best-known for being party central, the two most populated islands, Mallorca and Ibiza, both have plenty of family-friendly beaches to go with the party ones. Seaside spots like Alcudia and Figueretas are two of the top towns for family breaks.
As for Menorca, there's a real laidback vibe to the beaches there, with plenty of places to chill out, and a smattering of Blue Flag spots to check out too. And if you're really after total relaxation, Formentera's sleepy beaches are ideal, thanks to a ban on beachfront buildings that gives the island's coastline an unspoilt feel. Not to mention the Blue Flag tick that goes with some of its top spots, such as the five-mile stretch of white sand at Migjorn.
And with the temperature rarely dropping below double figures across all of the islands, Balearic beach days are on the cards all year round.
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1. Cala Saona // Formentera
Great for:- Swimming
Small but perfectly formed Formentera is known for its superb beaches and being a relaxing getaway from its noisy neighbour Ibiza.
The beach of Cala Saona sits within a small bay surrounded by red rocks where the soft white sands are gently lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It is very much a haven for peace and relaxation, although there are a few beachside restaurants.
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2. Aguas Blancas Beach // Ibiza
© lunamarina / CanStockPhoto The often quiet, secluded Aguas Blancas beach is a far cry from the resort towns on the south of the island. This long beach of fine sand gets its name (meaning "white water") from the white horse's that frequently crest the waves on choppy days. However, these prevailing winds that blow throughout the year become a welcome breeze in the summer months when this beach comes into its own.
Aguas Blancas… read more »
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3. Cala en Turqueta // Menorca
hugos007 Great for:- Snorkeling
Cala en Turqueta is arguably the most beautiful cala (cove) on Menorca. The beach is set in a deep, rocky inlet with pine forests to all sides. The sand here is fine and near white whilst the crystalline water is a beautiful mix of blues and turquoise. This is where the beach gets its name, and it certainly lives up to it.
The beach is sheltered from most of the wind… read more »
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4. Caló des Moro // Mallorca
© facundohimself Great for:- Swimming
Hidden away in a deep rocky inlet near Mallorca's southern tip is the picturesque little cove of Caló des Moro. For many years this was one of the island's true hidden gems, but over the years, as photos surfaced in the travel media this idyllic spot's cover has been well and truly blown. With images of bright white sand and crystal clear turquoise water framed by steep, tree-topped cliffs it… read more »
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5. Playa de Ses Illetes // Formentera
© Tono Balaguer / 123RF Great for:- Swimming
Located just a stones throw away from the party island of Ibiza is the small island of Formentera. Despite its proximity Formentera can only be reached by boat and feels like a different world. There are several beautiful beaches around this unspoilt island but the Playa de Ses Illetes is the best of the bunch with its fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.
The beaches name comes from… read more »
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6. Son Bou // Menorca
© lunamarina Great for:- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
The largest beach on the island, Son Bou can be found on Menorca's southern coastline. Though backed onto by a large and well-equipped holiday resort and multi-storey hotels at its eastern end, they are separated from the beach by dunes and reeds that provide an important habitat for birds and butterflies, and provide a sense of isolation. At its western end, Son Bou amalgamates with St Jaume Mediterrani, which largely… read more »
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7. Playa de Llevant // Formentera
diluvi.com Anna i Adria Great for:- Kitesurfing
Towards the north of Formentera the land narrows into the Trucador peninsula. On the eastern coast, before you reach Ses Illetes, is the wide sandy Playa de Llevant.
This beautiful stretch of white sand and clear blue sea has something of a wild feel. Sections of the beach are divided up into little "mini bays" by rocky outcrops which give a little bit of privacy. It is probably for… read more »
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8. Platja es Grau // Menorca
Markus Trienke Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Six hundred metres long by roughly 35 metres wide, Menorca's Es Grau Beach sits beside a small fishing village of the same name within the island's Natural Park of S'Albufera de Es Grau. This means visitors to Es Grau beach are able to enjoy a fine natural landscape of grassy sand dunes while being certain they'll find somewhere to enjoy a meal or a cold drink nearby.
Comprising the same yellow… read more »
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9. Platja de Formentor // Mallorca
© Pauloresende Great for:- Swimming
The highly rated Platja de Formentor can be found on a peninsula in the island's rugged far north. Arcing around Cala Pi de la Posada Bay, its waters are calmed by the dominating presence of Formentor headland at its easternmost point.
Formentor beach is surrounded by the pleasant wooded slopes of the Tramuntana Mountains, which echoes with birdsong and is steeped in the fragrance of pines. Running for a length of… read more »
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10. S'Amarador // Mallorca
Falco Ermert Great for:- Family
- Swimming
Set among the pine trees of the Mondrago National Park S'Amarador is arguably the most beautiful beach on Mallorca. A combination of fine white sand and shallow azure water this really is an unspoilt gem.
S'Amarador beach lies within the shelter of a T-shaped bay not far from the southern tip of the island. The beach is about the same distance from the popular resort of Cala d'Or and the pretty… read more »
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11. Benirras Beach // Ibiza
© Tono Balaguer / 123RF The small secluded bay of Cala Benirrás is on the north coast of the party island of Ibiza. Set at the foot of a pine covered valley this sheltered cove is ideal for swimming and the crystal clear water makes for great snorkelling. Being sheltered it is also a popular spot for yachts and motor boats to drop anchor and take in the sunset.
Benirrás is well known as the best… read more »
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12. Cala Mitjana // Menorca
© Tono Balaguer Located in a wide rocky inlet on the south coast of Menorca are two of the islands most beautiful beaches; Cala Mitjana and the tiny cove of Cala Mitjaneta. Here you will find a bay with brilliant turquoise sea which contrasts with the low white cliffs surrounding it. All around the beaches and bay are pine and olive groves and there is virtually no sign of development (which we tend… read more »
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13. Cala Macarella // Menorca
Markus Trienke Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
Cala Macarella has much in common with many of Menorca's other most stunning coves. It is set in a deep rocky inlet of limestone cliffs covered in pine trees. The sand here is near white and contrasts brilliantly with the crystalline turquoise sea.
What gives Cala Macarella the edge over some of the equally lovely beaches along this coast (at least in terms of a family beach) are the facilities here.… read more »
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14. Cala Escorxada // Menorca
MontanNito Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
You would expect a beach this beautiful to get pretty busy in the summer, but this is not the case with the exquisite little cove of Cala Escorxada. It is just that bit too far off the beaten track for its pristine white sands and clear blue waters to ever get crowded.
If you don't have a boat getting to Cala Escorxada involves at least an hour's walk from the nearest… read more »
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15. Cala Mesquida // Mallorca
dronepicr Great for:- Swimming
- Kitesurfing
Located on a remote stretch of the rugged north-eastern coast of Mallorca is an oasis of beautiful soft, white sand lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach of Cala Mesquida is a true gem with the perfect balance of a stunning setting and all the facilities you'll need for a family day at the beach.
The beach of Cala Mesquida is set in a small bay with a backdrop of sand… read more »
