Bay in Mallorca, framed by the rocky entrance of a cave (Stripes Europe)

While Mallorca is, by far, the easiest of the Balearic Islands to get to, the other three inhabited islands each have their own flare. 

You can also read all about traveling to Mallorca.

Its reputation is warranted: Ibiza is the island for nightlife. From clubs to cabarets, techno vibes to hippy sounds, this place has it all. In the daylight hours you can rest up at rocky cove beaches, take a horseback ride in the countryside or enjoy the quaint shops and markets that dot smaller towns around the island. 

There are some direct flights from a few German airports to Ibiza. You can also take a ferry from Palma, Mallorca.  

Cala d'Hort, Ibiza (Spain) (Lukasz Janyst)

As a biosphere reserve, Menorca has mostly avoided the influx of mass-market high-rise resorts. Instead, the island has a more rural and rustic feel, with beautiful sandy beaches and small villages. However, Menorca is also more expensive than the rest of the Balearics and not as easy to access. 

From Germany, there are infrequent, summer-season flights straight to the Menorca airport. There are also daily connecting flights from Palma, Mallorca and ferries from both Palma and Alcudia in eastern Mallorca. 

The little port of Es Castell at dusk, Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain (Massimo Pizzotti-Adobe Stock)

The smallest island of the bunch, Formentera is primarily flat, making it a great biking destination. It’s popular to visit as a day trip from Ibiza or Mallorca but staying on Formentera means easy access to the laid-back natural beaches and a plethora of water activities.  

There is no airport in Formentera. The easiest method is by flying into Ibiza and taking one of the frequent quick ferries, even with a bike or rental car. You can also take a car ferry from Palma, Mallorca, which takes roughly four hours. 

Access portal to Formentera beach (Juanjo-Adobe Stock)