7-Day Itinerary in the Balearic Islands: Day-by-Day Route, Map and Budget

7-day itinerary in the Balearic Islands: overview

This 7-day itinerary covers Palma, Calvià, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca with an estimated budget of €1,200 – €1,800 per person (not including international arrival/departure flights). This route is designed for travelers who want to experience the essence of the Mediterranean at its fullest, combining the historic culture of Majorca, the bohemian nightlife of Ibiza, the turquoise waters of Formentera and the ancestral tranquility of Menorca.

It is ideal for couples or groups of friends with a medium-high energy level, as the itinerary involves frequent island changes to maximize the experience in one week. Below, you’ll find a summary table to quickly visualize the daily travel plan.

Día	Ciudad / Isla	Highlights Principales	Traslado / Km aprox.
Día 1	Palma de Mallorca	La Seu, Barrio Santa Catalina, Playa de Palma	Llegada al Aeropuerto (PMI)
Día 2	Calvià (Mallorca) → Ibiza	Es Mirador, Yacimiento Son Boronat, Ferry	Coche/Bus a Puerto (30km) + Ferry (2h 45m)
Día 3	Ibiza	Dalt Vila, Museo Puig des Molins, Praderas Posidonia	Movilidad local en la isla
Día 4	Formentera (desde Ibiza)	Ses Salines, Faro de la Mola, Estany Pudent	Ferry Ida/Vuelta (30m – 1h)
Día 5	Ibiza → Menorca	Traslado interislas, Check-in Menorca	Vuelo (45m) o Ferry vía Mallorca (4h)
Día 6	Menorca (Sur/Ciutadella)	Naveta des Tudons, Torre d’en Galmés	Coche de alquiler recomendado
Día 7	Menorca (Norte/Mahón) → Salida	Fornells, Poblado Talayótico Talatí de Dalt	Traslado al Aeropuerto (MAH)

Day 1: Palma de Mallorca, history and gastronomy

Morning

Activity 1: La Catedral de Santa María de Palma (La Seu). (1.5 hours). Start your trip exploring the city’s Gothic jewel. Admission costs approximately €9 and offers stunning panoramic views from the terrace.

Activity 2: Palacio Real de La Almudaina (Royal Palace of La Almudaina). (1 hour). Right opposite the Cathedral, this fortified palace was the residence of the kings of Majorca.

Recommended breakfast: Café in the historic center. Order an Ensaimada (spiral-shaped sweet pastry made with sugared, fermented and baked dough) with coffee. Price: €5 – €8 per person.

Midday

Where to eat: Traditional restaurant in the Santa Catalina neighborhood. Try the Tumbet (a vegetarian dish similar to ratatouille, with layers of potatoes, aubergines and fried red peppers covered in tomato sauce) or Frito Mallorquín (Majorcan-style fried offal and vegetable dish). Average price: €25 – €35.

Afternoon activity: Leisurely stroll through the old town or visit the Santa Catalina market.

Afternoon

Afternoon activities: Climb up to Castell de Bellver. It is one of the few circular-plan castles in Europe. The views of the harbor are spectacular. Admission approx. €4.

Snack or rest: Free time at Playa de Palma or rest at the hotel before dinner.

Night

Dinner: Santa Catalina or Portixol area. Fine dining option such as Marc Fosh or Adio (Michelin restaurants) for a gourmet experience, or a modern bistro. Price: €60 – €100.

Nightlife: Palma has a sophisticated but less chaotic nightlife than Ibiza. Cocktail bars on the Paseo Marítimo.

Day 2: From the cliffs of Calvià to the magic of Ibiza

Morning

Activity 1: Es Mirador and Puig de na Bauçana. (2 hours). Drive or take a tour to Calvià. Enjoy the views from the lookout point and explore the natural area.

Activity 2: Son Boronat archaeological site. (1 hour). A quick introduction to the area’s Talayotic history before departing.

Recommended breakfast: Light breakfast in Calvià or brunch before heading to the port. Price: 10€ – 15€.

Midday

Where to eat: Quick meal or picnic in the Calvià area before making your way to the port of Palma or Sant Elm to catch the ferry to Ibiza. Price: 15€ – 20€.

Afternoon activity: Transfer to the port and boarding. The Baleària or Trasmapi ferry takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to connect Palma with Ibiza.

Afternoon

Afternoon activities: Arrival in Ibiza, hotel check-in, and a first swim in the nearby coves (e.g., Talamanca or Figueretas) to unwind after the journey.

Snack: Artisan ice cream on the Ibiza seafront promenade.

Night

Dinner: Restaurant in Ibiza Town. Try the Bullit de peix and Guisat de peix (iconic fish stews served with potatoes and aioli). Price: 35€ – 50€.

Nightlife: If it’s high season, an “Opening Party” experience at a famous club, or a quiet dinner in Dalt Vila.

Day 3: Ibiza, Phoenician culture, and dreamlike beaches

Morning

Activity 1: Dalt Vila and the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves. (2 hours). Stroll along the Renaissance walls declared a World Heritage Site.

Activity 2: Carthaginian necropolis in Ibiza (Puig des Molins). (1.5 hours). Visit the Monographic Museum to understand the island’s Punic past. Approx. entry fee: 4.50€.

Recommended breakfast: Coffee and pastries in central Ibiza. Price: 8€ – 12€.

Midday

Where to eat: Beach bar (e.g., Cala Salada or Benirràs). Mid-to-high price in season: 30€ – 50€.

Afternoon activity: Swim and relax in the Posidonia Oceanica meadows, a protected natural heritage site that guarantees the water’s transparency.

Afternoon

Afternoon activities: Visit a hippy market (Las Dalias if it’s Saturday, or Punta Arabí if it’s Wednesday) to buy local crafts.

Snack: Fresh fruit or a smoothie bowl at a beach club.

Night

Dinner: Can Font restaurant (Michelin Star) for a special night out, or a fresh fish restaurant at the port. Price: 70€ – 120€.

Nightlife: Ibiza is world-famous for its clubs. Option of a dinner show or a drink at Pacha or Amnesia.

Day 4: Day Trip to Formentera, the Mediterranean Caribbean

Morning

Activity 1: Ferry to Formentera. (30 min – 1h). Early departure from Ibiza.

Activity 2: Vehicle rental (car or scooter) in Formentera. It’s the best way to get around the island.

Recommended breakfast: At the port of La Savina before starting the route. Price: 10€ – 15€.

Midday

Where to eat: Restaurant in Es Pujols or Illetes. Try the Sofrit pagès (hearty meat stew with chicken, pork, potatoes, vegetables, sobrasada, and botifarra sausage). Price: 25€ – 40€.

Afternoon activity: Beach time at Ses Illetes, considered one of the best beaches in the world.

Afternoon

Afternoon activities: Visit to the La Mola Lighthouse (inspiration for Jules Verne) and Estany Pudent (salt lagoon) within the Ses Salines Natural Park of Ibiza and Formentera.

Snack: Return by ferry to Ibiza to sleep there and make the next day’s transfer easier.

Night

Dinner: Light dinner in Ibiza Town or the port area. Price: 20€ – 30€.

Nightlife: Rest or a quiet evening stroll along the marina.

Day 5: Transfer to Menorca, the Quiet Island

Morning

Activity 1: Breakfast and check-out in Ibiza.

Activity 2: Transfer to Menorca. Recommended option: Direct flight (Air Nostrum/Volotea, 45 min). Ferry option: Via Palma (slower, 4-5 hours total).

Recommended breakfast: At Ibiza Airport. Price: 10€ – 15€.

Midday

Where to eat: Arrival in Menorca (Mahón Airport). Lunch in Mahón or Ciutadella. Price: 20€ – 30€.

Afternoon activity: Pick up rental car (essential in Menorca) and transfer to accommodation.

Afternoon

Afternoon activities: First contact with the island. Quick visit to Fornells, a fishing village famous for its lobster restaurants.

Snack: Mahón cheese with quince paste at a local shop.

Night

Dinner: In Fornells or Ciutadella. Try the Caldereta de Langosta (brothy lobster stew, the most emblematic and prized dish). Price: 40€ – 60€ (main course).

Nightlife: Menorca is much quieter. Family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 6: Talayotic Menorca and Southern Coves

Morning

Activity 1: Naveta des Tudons. (1 hour). Prehistoric megalithic monument unique in the world. Entrance approx. 3€.

Activity 2: Torre d’en Galmés. (1.5 hours). The largest Talayotic settlement in Menorca. Entrance approx. 3€.

Recommended breakfast: At your accommodation or a café in Ciutadella. Price: 8€ – 12€.

Midday

Where to eat: Restaurant in Ciutadella. Try the Berenjenas rellenas al estilo menorquín (hollowed eggplants stuffed with their own flesh, vegetables, and bread, baked au gratin). Price: 20€ – 30€.

Afternoon activity: Visit to the historic center of Ciutadella and its port.

Afternoon

Afternoon activities: Southern coves route: Macarella, Macarelleta, or Turqueta. Swimming and relaxation.

Snack: At a beach bar in the cove.

Night

Dinner: Farewell dinner in Mahón or near your accommodation. Try the Arroz de la Tierra (hearty dish that, despite its name, is made with cracked wheat and pork sausages). Price: 25€ – 40€.

Nightlife: Stroll along the port of Mahón.

Day 7: Northern Menorca and farewell

Morning

Activity 1: Talatí de Dalt Talayotic Settlement. (1 hour). Near Mahón, it offers a complete overview of the Talayotic culture.

Activity 2: Last souvenir shopping (Avarcas sandals, Gin Xoriguer).

Recommended breakfast: Full breakfast before heading out. Price: €10 – €15.

Midday

Where to eat: Early lunch near the airport or in Mahón. Price: €20 – €30.

Afternoon activity: Transfer to Menorca Airport (MAH) and return flight.

Afternoon

Afternoon activities: Return flight home.

Evening

Dinner: At home or at the destination airport.

Recommended accommodation

• Palma/Calvià: Boutique hotels in central Palma (Santa Catalina or La Lonja areas) or 4-5 star resorts on the Calvià coast. Range: €150 – €300 per night.
• Ibiza: Agroturismos (rural hotels) inland (Santa Gertrudis) for tranquility, or design hotels in Ibiza Town. Range: €200 – €400 per night.
• Formentera: Small hotels or villas near Es Pujols. Range: €250 – €500 per night (very high prices in August).
• Menorca: Rural hotels (Agroturismos) or charming hotels in Ciutadella/Mahón. Range: €150 – €250 per night.

Transport between cities

To make this Balearic Islands route efficiently, combining transport options is key:

• Mallorca to Ibiza: Fast ferry (Baleària/Trasmapi). Duration: ~2h 45m. Price: €60 – €90 per person + car if you bring one.
• Ibiza to Formentera: Regular ferry. Duration: 30 min. Price: €25 – €40 round trip.
• Ibiza to Menorca: Direct flight recommended (45 min). The direct ferry is seasonal and slow; it often requires a stopover in Mallorca (4h+). Flight price: €80 – €150.
• Local mobility: A rental car is almost essential in Menorca and highly recommended in Mallorca and Ibiza to access the best coves.

Estimated budget

For a mid-to-high level, calculate the following expenses per person (excluding international flights):

• Accommodation (6 nights): €1,200 (based on a shared double room in 4*/5* hotels and agroturismos).
• Food and Drinks: €600 (Breakfasts €10, Lunches €30, Dinners €50 daily average).
• Inter-island Transport: €200 (Ferries and internal flight).
• Local Transport (Car rental + Gasoline): €350 (divided by 2 people).
• Leisure and Tickets: €150.
• ESTIMATED TOTAL: €2,500 per person (or €1,250 if traveling as a couple sharing hotel and car expenses).

On your own or on an organized tour?

Deciding how to explore the Balearic Islands depends on your style:

• On your own:
  • Pros: Total flexibility to change beaches if it gets windy, the chance to discover hidden restaurants and set your own pace.
  • Cons: Requires complex logistics (booking ferries well in advance in summer, renting cars that sell out fast).
  • Profile: Independent travelers, couples seeking privacy, and experienced travelers.
• Organized tour:
  • Pros: Absolute convenience, door-to-door transfers, guides who explain the history (e.g. Talayotic sites) and guaranteed access to activities.
  • Cons: Less free time on the beaches, strict schedules, and generally fewer opportunities for local culinary “discovery” beyond tourist menus.
  • Profile: Families with small children, large groups, or travelers who prefer not to worry about logistics.

Practical tips

1. Book months in advance: In July and August, inter-island ferries and rental cars sell out. For such a tight 7-day trip, you can’t afford delays.
2. Wind is key: In Menorca and Ibiza, the wind (Tramontana or Levante) can change the beach experience. Have a plan B (sheltered coves) ready every morning.
3. Eco-friendly sunscreen: To protect the Posidonia Oceanica meadows (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), always use “Reef Safe” creams.
4. Cash in Formentera: Although there are ATMs, some small beach bars and bike rental shops in Formentera prefer cash.
5. Dinner times: In Spain, especially on the islands, dinner is late (21:00h – 22:00h). If you’re going to Michelin restaurants like Marc Fosh or Can Font, book a table weeks in advance.
6. Sustainable Tourism Tax: Remember that all the Balearic Islands charge a tourist tax per night of accommodation (approx. 2€ – 4€ per person/night in mid-to-high category), paid upon arrival at the hotel.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to visit all 5 areas in 7 days without being too stressed?

It’s an intense but feasible itinerary if transfers are optimized. The key is to use internal flights (Ibiza-Menorca) instead of slow ferries and accept that some days will be more about “transit and brief enjoyment” than total relaxation on a towel. If you’re looking for 100% relaxation, it’s recommended to reduce to 2 or 3 bases (e.g. only Mallorca and Ibiza).

What is the best time of year to do this 7-day trip?

June and September are the ideal months. The weather is perfect for the beach (25°C – 28°C), the water is warm, but there are fewer crowds than in July/August, making it easier to find accommodation and tables at restaurants like Can Font or Marc Fosh.

Do I need a car on all the islands in the itinerary?

In Palma and Ibiza Town you can get around easily on foot or by taxi. However, for Calvià, southern Menorca, and the coves of Ibiza/Formentera, a rental car is almost essential to keep up this 7-day pace efficiently. Public transport in Menorca is limited outside Mahón and Ciutadella.

What typical dishes should I not miss on this trip?

You must try the Ensaimada in Mallorca, the Bullit de peix in Ibiza, and the Caldereta de Langosta in Menorca. Each island has a very distinct culinary identity based on local products like sobrasada and fresh fish.