How to Get to Balearic Islands

How to Get to Balearic Islands by Air

The Balearic Islands have three international airports: one at Ibiza, one at Palma de Mallorca and one at Mahón. All three have connections to the Spanish mainland, as well as to other European cities including London; the flight from London to Palma de Mallorca is only a little over 2 hours. In all three cases, you’ll find convenient bus and taxi services from the airport to the nearest city.

By Sea

A number of ferry companies run regular passenger and car ferries between the European mainland and the Balearic Islands. Ferries include a few Spanish companies, besides some Italian, Algerian and French companies too, which run services from their respective countries.

Getting Around Balearic Islands

By Air There are convenient and relatively cheap air services which operate inter-island flights in the Balearics; they’re usually much more economical than going by ferry. During peak season however, most flights get full to the brim, so your best bet is to head for the airport as early as you can in the morning and get yourself waitlisted on a flight to the place you want to go.

By Road

The easiest way to get around on the Balearic Islands is to hire a vehicle- most large towns, and all capitals, have rental agencies from where you can hire a car or a scooter. Alternatively, you can try the local bus service- it’s pretty efficient, and covers most of the islands, linking resorts to other towns. If you’re going to be traveling by bus, it’s advisable to check local timetables before starting off (most hotels will be able to help you out with this).

By Train

The only island on which trains run is Mallorca, where there’s a regular narrow-gauge train service between Palma, Soller and Inca. You’ll have to buy tickets locally; Inter-Rail passes are not valid on these routes.

By Ferry

There’s a regular ferry service which connects Ibiza to Formentera, and, if you’re ready to pay extra, you can always find an agency in most ports where you can hire a boat. Smaller ferries do trips between the other islands, but most of these are so overpriced that it generally makes more sense to go by plane- unless the thrill of going by sea is what you’re intent upon.