A guide to the best beaches in the Balearics
To say that the Balearics are treated to some seriously beautiful beaches would be an understatement. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, these islands are privy to a gorgeously warm climate and sea breezes that keep the air just the right temperature for lounging on the shore.
The beaches here range from party-heavy to supremely relaxing, great-for-kids or naturist-friendly. And, lucky for you, no matter which island you choose, you’ll have your pick of each beach scene, best accompanied by an afternoon siesta and a crisp cocktail.
Ibiza
Cala Conta, Ibiza Town
There are endless ways to explore Ibiza Town‘s Cala Conta – floating between its three unique beaches or exploring the tiny islands just off the coast. The two main beaches are backed by a rocky cliff and sand dunes, while the other is used by naturists. Come twilight, Cala Conta is famous for its sunsets, with many people gathering onshore and boats anchoring in the water to catch nature’s beautiful show.
Playa d’en Bossa, Playa d’en Bossa
This stretch of sand is the longest on the island of Ibiza, and arguably has the best amenities. Its shores are lined with beach bars, sunbeds and parasols, while the waters teem with sports like jet skis and catamarans gliding through the waves. Playa d’en Bossa is also home to megaclubs like the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Club and the Bora Bora Beach Club, so you’re never far from the area’s famous partying action.
Playa de Las Salinas, Las Salinas
In true Ibiza form, the beach at Las Salinas is often busy with party-goers gearing up for a night out, though lines of sunbeds keep things laid-back. Just a walk down from Playa d’en Bossa, the lightly-coloured sands are framed by pine trees and gently sloping waters, whose waves are packed with nearby boats. On one side of the shores you’ll find nudist areas and the famous Sa Trinxa Bar, and on the other, more bars and gourmet restaurants.
Majorca
Playa de Alcudia, Alcudia
On this Blue Flag award-winning beach, the skies meld with the water to create an endless stretch of turquoise, broken only by the warm, white sands. The waters in Alcudia are supremely safe and thus popular with families, as they remain shallow for quite a distance. Boat trips often leave from this part of the island, embarking on half-day cruises or diving excursions, and can get pretty busy with holidaymakers seeking out its beauty in the summer.
Es Trenc, near Ses Covetes
This beach isn’t attached to any one resort town, giving its white shores an exclusive, natural feel. It’s Majorca‘s unofficial nudist beach, though most people wear swimsuits and everyone shares the shallow waters without any fuss. Thatched umbrellas and sunloungers line the shores, while behind there are wetlands housing local marine life and vegetation.
Menorca
Playa de Son Bou, Son Bou
The beach at Son Bou is the largest in Menorca. The town’s hotels and the beach are separated by a nature reserve, so you won’t be disturbed by sounds of the lively town while you relax on the shores. There are parasols and sunbeds to rent and a selection of beach bars to grab a takeaway from throughout the day.
Cala’n Porter Beach, Cala’n Porter
Cala’n Porter‘s beach is a moderate-sized stretch of sand that’s bordered by tall, rocky cliffs. The sands here slope gently into the sea and people are kept safe in the water by the lifeguard on duty. Just along the shore are a few beach bars that offer ice cream and other light bites, plus a little souvenir shop. You’ll be able to rent parasols to keep the Spanish sun off your face while you lounge, plus pedalos for leisurely rides out to sea.