Best Beaches of the Balearics
When it comes to oceanfront property, the Balearic Islands have vast and varied resources: everything from long sweeps of beach on sheltered bays to tiny crescents of sand in rocky inlets and coves called calas—some so isolated you can reach them only by boat.
Not a few of the Balearic beaches, like their counterparts on the mainland coasts, have become destinations for communities of holiday chalets and retirement homes, usually called urbanizaciónes, their waterfronts lined with the inevitable shopping centers and pizza joints—skip these and head to the simpler and smaller beaches in or adjoining the Balearics' admirable number of nature reserves. Granted you'll find few or no services, and be warned that smaller beaches mean crowds in July and August, but these are the Balearics' best destinations for sun and sand. The local authorities protect these areas more rigorously, as a rule, than they do those on the mainland, and the beaches are gems.
Beach Amenities
Be prepared: services at many of the smaller Balearic beaches are minimal or nonexistent. If you want a deck chair or something to eat or drink, bring it with you or make sure to ask around to see if your chosen secluded inlet has at least a chiringuito: a waterfront shack where the food is likely to feature what the fisherman pulled in that morning.
Ses Salines, Ibiza
Easy to reach from Eivissa, Ibiza's capital, this is one of the most popular beaches on the island, but the setting—in a protected natural park area—has been spared overdevelopment. The beach is relatively narrow, but the fine golden sand stretches more than a kilometer along the curve of Ibiza's southernmost bay. Two other great choices, on the east coast, are Cala Mastella, a tiny cove tucked away in a pine woods where a kiosk on the wharf serves the fresh catch of the day, and Cala Llenya, a family-friendly beach in a protected bay with shallow water.
Benirrás, Ibiza
Benirrás is a small cove tucked away on Ibiza's northern coast backed by pine-clad hills. Known for its sunsets and laid-back vibe, it's popular with artists and hippies. Every Sunday at sunset, drummers gather to form ritualistic drum circles, one of the island's most popular events. On other days, it's a peaceful stretch of soft sand with calm water to spend a few hours.
Platjes de Ses Illetes, Formentera
The closest beach to the port at La Sabina, where the ferries come in from Ibiza, Ses Illetes is Formentera's preeminent party scene: some 3 km (2 miles) of fine white sand with beach bars and snack shacks, and Jet Skis and windsurfing gear for rent.
Es Trenc, Mallorca
One of the few long beaches on the island that's been spared resort development, this pristine 3-km (2-mile) stretch of soft, white sand southeast of Palma, near Colònia Sant Jordi, is a favorite with nude bathers—who stay mainly at the west end—and day-trippers who arrive by boat. The water is crystal-clear blue and shallow for some distance out. The 10-km (6-mile) walk along the beach from Colònia Sant Jordi to the Cap Salines lighthouse is one of Mallorca's treasures.
Cala Macarella/Cala Macaretta, Menorca
This pair of beautiful, secluded coves edged with pines is about a 20-minute walk through the woods from the more developed beach at Santa Galdana, on Menorca's south coast. Macarella is the larger and busier of the two; Macaretta, a few minutes farther west along the path, is popular with nude bathers and boating parties. Cala Pregonda, on the north coast, is a lovely crescent cove with pine and tamarisk trees behind and dramatic rock formations at both ends.
