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Spain’s bright blue beached Balearic Islands are a western Mediterranean holiday institution and to say the area is spoilt for choice is an understatement.

Between Ibiza and Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca there are exactly 369 different beaches to choose from.

A tough task to narrow it down? Tell me about it 😛

Here are the best beaches of the Balearic Islands.

Soller, Mallorca

This little village on Mallorca’s west coast combines gorgeous mountain scenery and a stunning sea view to boot. The horseshoe bay and its sandy beach are well served by a cafe and bar dotted pedestrian promenade but it hasn’t been developed too much so it’s not super touristy.

a woman looks over the bay at soller mallorca, best beaches of the balearic islands
@andreari_7 via Instagram

Ses Salines, Ibiza

One of Ibiza’s most popular beaches is a playground for young, good-looking people looking to put their feet up after a big night partying. Trendy cocktail bars and DJ music are the name of the game here – it can get crowded but head south to the rocky, quieter bays for more space.

boats anchored in the harbour at ses salines ibiza, best beaches of the balearic islands
@seewhatuwontsee via Instagram

Cala Comtessa, Mallorca

You’ll find this charming little beach about 10 kilometers southwest of Palma de Mallorca. It’s rarely crowded and offers a little privacy among the chaos. The 100 meter long stretch is hemmed in by trees and low cliffs.

a quiet beach in cala comtessa, best beaches of the balearic islands
@janferragut via Instagram

Benirras, Ibiza

Here’s a key beach to the north of the island. The pebbly sand beaches here look over the stunning rock formation called Cap Bernat, referred to by locals as ‘The Finger of God’.

The rocky seabed makes this the perfect place for snorkeling but the beach is most famous for the Sunday hippy drum circle to see the sun off for another day.

a crowd watches the sunset at benirras beach
@lucajsage via Instagram

Es Grau, Menorca

Being a part of the S’Albufera des Grau Nature Reserve means this beach is protected by the government from over-development. The secluded spot is still about 85% locals even in the depths of summer. Take children here to frolic in the endless shallows. It’s also a great kayaking spot.

kayakers rest in a cove at es grau menorca
@romaneexj via Instagram

Platja de Ses Illetes, Formentera

This white fine-grain sand beach is characterised by its diminutiveness and a gentle slope that only reaches 1.5 meters of depth 50 meters from the shore. Its calm waters are due to the protection of nearby islands and guess what? Nudism is only not permitted but actively encouraged.

a bridge leading to a public beach in ses illetes formentera
@affittoformentera via Instagram

Cala Pilar, Menorca

This barely discovered u-shaped beach is famous for the contrast of colours between the golden sand, turquoise waters, chocolate rocks, and bright green vegetation. If you’re looking for a tranquil beach miles from civilisation this is the one.

crimson san along the beach at cala del pilar menorca
@anab3ll_a via Instagram

Cape Formentor, Mallorca

Known as a ‘wild peninsula’, this beach on Mallorca’s northeast tip has the most dramatic scenery of any beach on the list. White pine covered 400 metre cliffs spike out of the sea at random, giving way to cove beaches straight out of a postcard. The drive is as spectacular as it is scary.

an aerial view of cape formentor mallorca
@annadesi via Instagram

Want to see yourself on that beach?
Take me to the Balearics!

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