My guide through the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera

My guide through the Balearic Islands: Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera

 

Exploring the Balearic Islands (and Beyond): My Guide to Mallorca, Formentera, Ibiza & London

There’s something magnetic about the Balearic Islands — a feeling that creeps in the moment you step off the ferry or wind down a cliffside road and catch that first glimpse of turquoise water. This past May, I spent just under two weeks chasing that feeling through Mallorca, Formentera, and Ibiza — with a few city stops to bookend the trip. And while each island had its own rhythm, one thing was clear: I should’ve spent more time in Formentera.


This wasn’t my first time in Spain, but it was my first dive into the Balearics — a trip built around photography, laid-back beach towns, and the kind of travel days where you lose track of time. What follows is a journal of our route, favorite spots, and what I’d do differently next time.

London: A Quick City Kickoff

 

We kicked off the trip in London, mainly as a fun way to break up the flights. While we only had a couple days, we squeezed in a surprising amount: Columbia Road Flower Market, some shopping in Shoreditch, and a two-part showing of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Between acts, we grabbed dinner at Dishoom — an incredible Indian restaurant I fell in love with while living in London, and go back to on every visit. 


Later that night, we popped into Waxy O’Connor’s, a cozy multi-level pub that felt like a cross between Diagon Alley and a Wes Anderson set. It was the perfect low-key London send-off before island life began.


Lounge tip: We flew out of San Diego International Airport and kicked things off in the Chase Sapphire Lounge, which was honestly a game-changer. All inclusive fresh food, full bar, and space to relax—way better than crowding around the gate. We also stopped in the Chase lounge at IAD (Dulles) on the way home after our Barcelona layover—equally solid. If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card earns it's keep.

Mallorca: Sun, Stone, and Scenic Drives

Mallorca is big—way bigger than I expected. Four days felt like a solid intro, but we barely scratched the surface. Think winding mountain roads, quiet hill towns, and Mediterranean coves that look like movie sets.


We based ourselves in Valldemossa, a historic stone village tucked into the Tramuntana Mountains. From there, we spent our days swimming in hidden coves, eating well, and chasing light through coastal cliffs.

What We Did

  • Cala s’Almunia & Caló des Moro – Iconic for a reason. Narrow, rocky inlets surrounded by cliffs and shockingly blue water. Best experienced early before the crowds roll in.

  • Cala Llombards – Easier access, same postcard views.

  • Cala Deia – Known from The Night Manager and Instagram, but still maintains its charm.

  • Valldemossa Town – Even if you’re not staying here, spend a few hours wandering the cobblestone alleys, popping into art shops and bakeries.

 

Where We Ate

  • Es Taller – A standout. Inventive Spanish dishes and one of the best meals of the trip.

  • Quàtze Valldemossa – Great for a sunset dinner in the town square. Order the fish.

  • Ca’n Molinas – Legendary local bakery. Perfect for pastries on a cloudy morning.

  • C’an Mario – Feels like eating at a Mallorcan grandmother’s house. Totally unassuming from the outside, but full of rustic charm and homemade food. IYKYK.

 

For Photographers

 

Mallorca is a playground for photographers—cliffside views, moody mountain light, golden stone towns. I shot most of the trip on my Canon EOS R5, and brought along my Canon EOS 3 for a few rolls of film. Golden hour hits different here.

Formentera: The Island I Didn’t Want to Leave

After a ferry from Mallorca to Ibiza, and then a short hop over to Formentera, everything just slowed down. No noise. No rush. Just white sand beaches, Caribbean-blue water, and barefoot beach bars.


If I could redo the trip, I’d spend at least 3 full days in Formentera. It’s that good.

 

What We Did

  • Ses Illetes – We arrived early and were rewarded with near-empty beaches and the clearest water I’ve ever swam in. By mid-morning, it fills up, but still never feels crowded like mainland beaches.

  • Cala des Mort – A secluded rocky cove that feels like your own private island if you time it right. We spent most of our time here just swimming and watching boats drift by.

  • Evening Ferry Ride – One of those accidental magical moments—watching the sun set over the sea as we headed to Ibiza.

 

Formentera has a subtle, barefoot-luxury vibe that’s hard to describe. Everything here feels intentional but low-key. You don’t do much—and that’s the whole point.

Ibiza: The Wind-Down

By the time we made it to Ibiza, we were admittedly running on fumes. I’d tweaked my foot in Formentera, and we were ready for a little R&R. We spent our last two days taking it easy.


The highlight? A visit to Cala d’Hort, one of Ibiza’s most iconic beaches with a direct view of Es Vedrà rising dramatically from the sea. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop mid-sentence and just stare.


We stayed near Talamanca, which gives you quick access to Ibiza’s Old Town and quieter beaches. If you’re not in the mood to party, there’s still plenty to enjoy here—sunsets, seafood, and slow mornings.

Final Thoughts & Itinerary Recap

 

If you’re planning a similar Mediterranean escape, here’s what I’d recommend:

 

  • Mallorca: 4–5 days minimum. There’s so much to explore, from quiet towns to epic drives.

  • Formentera: 2–3 days at least. Perfect for recharging and swimming in the clearest water in Europe.

  • Ibiza: 1–2 days, especially if you’re flying out from there. Visit Cala d’Hort and take it easy.

  • London (or another city stop): Fun for contrast, especially if you’re routing through Europe anyway.

 

Travel Hack:

Airport lounge access through the Chase Sapphire Lounge (San Diego and IAD) made a huge difference on long travel days. If you take even a couple of trips a year, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is well worth it for the lounge perks, trip protection, and travel rewards. Its travel insurance has saved us more than once—like when Vueling lost our luggage this trip, or when Hertz tried to charge over $1,000 for a flat tire in Italy last year. Apply through my referral link here and I can earn points as well.

Keep an eye out for my upcoming Balearic Islands print collection—Mallorca coves, Formentera coastlines, scenic Ibiza beaches, and a few moody film frames from our journey. 


Have a question or need help planning your own trip? Drop me a message—always happy to talk travel.

Back to blog