Complete guide to island hopping in the Balearic Islands

The summer of 2025 is just around the corner, flip-flops are on, and island hopping in the Balearic Islands is a big yes for the best holidays! The Balearic group has it all; golden beaches, scenic ferry rides, and island-hopping bliss!

In this guide, you can find everything you need to know about the Balearic Islands, from the top itineraries to the best travel tips:

• Island hopping in the Balearic Islands
• Top island hopping itineraries for the Balearic archipelago
• Travel tips

Ferry approaching the port town of Ibiza

Island hopping in the Balearic Islands

This year, go island hopping in the Balearic Islands and explore the western Mediterranean Sea, famous for their white-sand beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and unique vibes! Whether you’re into dancing the night away, looking for a peaceful beach escape, or want to enjoy a hike through the mountains, the Balearic islands have it all!

• 🏝 Mallorca: if you are a fan of impressive architecture and heavenly beaches (who isn’t, right?😊), head to Mallorca! The largest of the archipelago's major islands, it is perfect for everything from city breaks in Palma to hiking and beach-hopping.
• 🌅 Ibiza: you can't miss out on Ibiza! Let yourself go into the party atmosphere, and stroll along with numerous bars and clubs, ideal for all-day fiestas! But there's more than nightlife in the island, as you can discover bohemian villages, quiet coves, and magical sunsets.
• 🌊 Formentera: if you are a nature lover ready to explore unspoiled, hidden spots surrounded by greenery, Formentera should be on your radar! The smallest and most peaceful – ideal for slow days, clear waters, and zero stress.
• 🧭 Menorca: a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with unspoiled nature, hidden beaches, and a mellow pace, Menorca is the perfect starting point for an island-hopping adventure through the Balearics.

Tip: if time is not an issue for you, you can also explore the lesser-known Balearic Islands such as Dragonera, Cabrera, and S'Espalmador. The islet of S’Espalmador, for example, is a secluded uninhabited paradise with perfect beaches and impressive natural beauty. 

Calm day at the old harbor of Barcelona

How do I get around the Balearic Islands?

The Balearic Islands are located close to each other, so it’s getting around the archipelago by ferry is a breeze. In 2025, there are regular ferry routes connecting all four major islands, with Mallorca (or Majorca) being the main transport hub in the center of the Balearic group of islands. Ferries are fast, comfortable and scenic way to start your journey through this corner of the Meditteranean. Kick back with a coffee on deck, soak up the sea breeze and, if you're lucky, you'll even spot a few dolphins along the way!

🚢 The most popular ferry routes in 2025 include:

• Ibiza - Formentera ferry: only 30 minutes to an hour away, this is the ideal way to exprience two radically different sides of the Balearics. With more than 35 daily crossings between Ibiza to Formentera, you can be as spontaneous as you want.
• Mallorca - Menorca ferry: short, easy and an excellent weekend escape, you can hop on up to 7 daily ferries from Mallorca and be in Menorca in as little as 1 hour 15 minutes.
• Mallorca - Ibiza ferry: while the daily ferry trip from Mallorca to Ibiza is longer at 2-4 hours, the daily crossings you can easily experience two Balearic icons.

Tip: for real-time 2025 routes and ticket information, you can check out our Balearic ferry schedules.

Aerial view of the quaint port of San Antonio on the island of Ibiza

Useful island-hopping tips for the Balearic Islands

• The eastern coast of Spain is home to many beautiful cities and towns you can explore before your ferry trip to the Balearic Islands. Spend some days in Alicante, Barcelona or Benidorm before you catch the ferry.
• Some of the islands have more than one port, where you can catch a ferry. You may want to book accommodation close to the port, to minimize traveling time.
• Traveling by ferry from mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands means you can also bring your own vehicle. Island hopping with a car, motorcycle or caravan means you can head off the beaten path and even go camping in the Balearics!
• Apart from taking the ferry, you can also reach some of the smaller islets of the Balearic archipelago by swimming from shore! You can try it yourself, provided that you're an experienced and strong swimmer!
• While the best time to visit the Balearic Islands is from May to September, the archipelago is a fantastic year-round holiday destination.

The green islet of Dragonera opposite Mallorca

Top island-hopping itineraries in the Balearic archipelago

There’s a lot to see and do in the Balearic Islands. That’s why island hopping is the best way to really get to know the local culture and fully enjoy the nature, beaches and lifestyle of the region.

The Ferryhopper team recommends these 2 itineraries for island hopping in the Balearic Islands:

• Ibiza - Formentera
• Menorca - Mallorca - Ibiza

Tip: don’t forget to download the Ferryhopper App to book your tickets to the Balearic Islands faster and easier.

Ibiza - Formentera island hopping

Catching the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera is one of the best island-hopping trips in the Balearic Islands. It takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach the port of La Savina in Formentera and one-way tickets start at around €15.

That means, you can hop on a ferry to discover the beaches of Formentera and be back to party in Ibiza in the evening! Before you head to Formentera, you can experience the authentic side of Ibiza, by exploring the more traditional towns and villages for delicious food. You can check out our Balearic foodie guide for a taster!

The route from Ibiza to Formentera is operated throughout the year by Baleària, Trasmapi, Formentera Lines, and Aquabus. During peak season, with around 40 daily crossings during the summer. You can catch an early ferry from Ibiza and arrive in La Savina in the morning to enjoy a coffee by the port. Getting around the island by taxi, bus, bicycle, or your own vehicle is straighttford . If you're into exploring the island's trails, you can rent a bike or use public transport.

First stop at the capital of Formentera, Sant Francesc Xavier, where you can visit the Formentera Ethnography Museum to learn about the island’s traditions.

Then, you can head south to take a dip into some of the most amazing beaches on the island; Migjorn and Es Arena. Explore the impressive lighthouses scattered around the island and enter century-old caves. 

Before you hop on the last ferry back to Ibiza, don’t forget to swim in the magical waters of Playa Ses Illetes, close to the port. Watch the sunset, enjoy a cocktail, and off to the port you go!

Crystal-clear waters and small boats at Cala Saona beach in Formentera

Menorca - Mallorca - Ibiza island hopping

Combining Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza makes a great multi-day island-hopping tour in the Balearic Islands. You can see much of the local culture and top sites in 7 days, having the trip of a lifetime! Before you start your journey, pay a visit to the cathedral of Menorca in Ciutadella and go for a dip in the secluded Cala Escorxada beach.

The impressive medieval cathedral of Menorca in the town of Ciutadella

There are up to 7 daily crossings from Menorca to Mallorca, with most ferries taking 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the company, the vessel and the port of departure/arrival. You can travel between the two islands with ferries operated by Baleària, Menorca Lines and Corsica Ferries, and tickets start at around €19.  Trasmapi,

On the island of Mallorca, you can visit the beautiful towns of La Palma and Alcúdia to walk around the old alleys, enjoy cocktails at the chiringuitos (beach bars) by the sea, go hiking or mountain biking at the Tramuntana mountain, and swim in the inviting waters of Cala Pi and Es Trenc.

After a few days in Mallorca, you can hop on the ferry from Palma de Mallorca to Ibiza and get there in 2 hours on average. The route is in operation all year round with 1-3 daily crossings. Baleària and Trasmed are the companies operating between the two islands, and tickets start at approximately €54.

The final stop on this island-hopping adventure through the Balearics is Ibiza, a Mediterranean icon for partying and a bohemian lifestyle. Explore the dance beaches of the island, visit local artisanal markets, and relax to chill-out music at the original Café del Mar. Walk around the old town of Ibiza and try local delicacies at one of the quaint cafes and taperías.

Tip: if you don't have the time to see them all, you can also check our travel guide to help you choose between Mallorca and Menorca as well as Ibiza or Mallorca, and find useful tips and information about the Balearic Islands.

Boats at the port of Ibiza

Travel tips

The Balearic Islands are in the Mediterranean Sea and are part of Spain. Many travelers visit the 4 major islands of the Balearic group every year. The archipelago is popular for its exquisite gastronomy, exotic beaches, hippie vibes and distinctive lifestyle.

There are different experiences and attractions for every taste, whether you want to party or just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Here are some of our tips to make the most of your trip the Balearic Islands!

How do I get to the Balearic Islands?

First thing's first! There are more than 7 major ports in the Balearic Islands. You can catch a ferry from Barcelona, Dénia and Valencia in mainland Spain to the 4 major islands of the Balearic archipelago throughout the year. You can also fly to the islands of Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza from many European cities.

Ferry routes are more frequent during the summer months, and there are also sailings between the islands, as well as to the smaller islets of the archipelago, including Dragonera, Es Vedra and Cabrera.

🚢 For more information, check out the details on how to get to the Balearic Islands:

• How to travel to Ibiza
• How to travel to Mallorca
• How to travel to Menorca
• How to travel to Formentera

Colorful alley in the town of Alcúdia in Mallorca

How many days should I stay in the Balearic Islands?

Would you like to go island hopping and explore the whole island group? If yes, then we suggest that you stay for an average of 10 days in the Balearic Islands. 

There are frequent ferry routes connecting the islands so you have flexibility when it comes to organizing your trip. Continue reading for information on how to get to the Balearic Islands, how to plan your island hopping, and what to do during your holidays.

Traditional fishermen's huts at Punta de Sa Torre de Ses Portes in Ibiza

What should I see and do in the Balearic Islands?

The island group is rich in experiences, activities and sites. When going island hopping in the Balearic Islands, you can try water sports, spend your whole day on the beach, party all night, or visit historical monuments and local markets.

Here are the top 10 activities in the Balearic Islands in 2025 according to Ferryhopper:

1. Go cycling in Formentera to explore secluded beaches in an eco-friendly and fun way. Our cycling in the Balearics guide has more info on routes to check out.
2. Party all night at one of the bars and beach clubs of Playa de Las Salinas in Ibiza.
3. Walk around the cathedral of Santa Maria de la Palma in Mallorca at night and enjoy the impressive fountain lights.
4. Visit age-old watchtowers on the island of Dragonera, accessible from the port of Sant Elm in Mallorca.
5. Try the delicious flaó cheesecake at a cute cafe in Sant Francesc of Formentera.
6. Visit the cave network Cuevas de Artà in Mallorca and get to see impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
7. Go cliff-diving at Cala Tarida in Ibiza.
8. Discover the Balearic hiking trails and waterfalls amongst tall pine trees at the Cala Mitjana beach in Menorca.
9. Stroll around the old town of Ibiza, to witness the signs of medieval history on the island.
10. Visit the clothing-optional beach of Cala Varques on the island of Mallorca.

Crystal-clear waters at Es Caló beach in Formentera

Book island-hopping tickets for the Balearic Islands

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book ferry tickets without any hidden fees, and organize your island-hopping adventure in the Balearic Islands. Find all the available ferry connections on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, compare ferry companies and fares, and plan your trip in the Balearic archipelago.

Tip: check out all current ferry offers that you can take advantage of to book cheaper Spanish ferry tickets to the Balearics.