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Year after year, the glistening waters of the Balearic Islands have been drawing thousands upon thousands of visitors. Immaculate sandy beaches, hidden coves and medieval walled cities ensure this sunny corner of Spain never falls into obscurity.
The advent of package holidays in the second half of the 20th century only strengthened the islands’ tourism sector. All inclusive family-friendly resorts appeared at an expeditious rate; purpose built resorts like Palma Nova and Magaluf cropped up in Mallorca to cater for a younger crowd. In Ibiza, the sleepy fishing village of Sant Antoni de Portmany grew into Europe’s clubbing capital.
Ibiza and Mallorca are the largest of the four inhabited Balearic Islands. An impressive 77% of the islands’ population reside on Mallorca alone. Smaller Menorca and Formentera account for just under 10% of island residents. Whist Menorca has more recently grown to be a popular destination, Ibiza and Mallorca are the two which consistently appear on travelers’ bucket lists.
As we take a look at what each islands has to offer, you can be the judge of Ibiza vs Mallorca.
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Ibiza vs Mallorca
Getting There
Ibiza
Lying around 150 kilometers from Valencia on the Spanish coast, there are two ways to reach Ibiza. Unless you’re lucky enough to have your own yacht or private jet- which a staggering number of visitors to Ibiza do – you’ll be arriving by ferry or on a flight.
Ferries from the Spanish mainland depart from Barcelona, Denia and Valencia. The quickest option is Balearia’s route from Denia which takes just over two hours. The sailing from Barcelona lasts around 9 hours, whereas the Valencia crossing takes just over 6 hours. All arrive at the island’s main port in Ibiza (Ibiza’s largest settlement which confusingly shares a name with the island).
If arriving by air, you’ll land at Ibiza Airport (IBZ), a few miles south of Ibiza town. Bus line 10 runs frequently between the airport and the town center, taking around half an hour. During the summer months (June to October), bus 9 links the airport with Sant Antoni. Ibiza Airport is served by year-round flights from across Spain and several European destinations including London City. Through the busy summer seasons, the number of flights and destinations served jumps considerably.
Mallorca
As we continue the Ibiza vs Mallorca debate, Mallorca already has one clear advantage over Ibiza. Whilst you’ll still need to arrive by boat or plane, Mallorca’s airport is far bigger and better served than Ibiza’s.
Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) is 8 kilometers from Palma. The A1 bus runs every 15 minutes to the city center. TIB, Mallorca’s intercity bus operator, have regular services to other towns on the island including Cala Bona, Campos, Platja de Muro, Pequera and Magaluf. Palma Airport is served by year-round flights from across Europe and North Africa. Seasonal flights open the island up from visitors from further afield. United provide the only link from North America to the Balearics with a regular from Newark.
If you decide to travel to Mallorca by ferry, like with Ibiza you can sail from Barcelona, Denia or Valencia. Ferries sail to both Palma and Alcudia, on the island’s north eastern coast. Journey times from Barcelona are around 3.5 hours whilst Denia and Valencia can take between 5 and 8 hours.
Places to Stay
Ibiza
If Ibiza wins the Ibiza vs Mallorca battle for you, we recommend staying in either Ibiza town or Sant Antoni de Portmany. Ibiza town is best for exploring the island’s history and culture, whilst Sant Antoni is the hub of Ibiza’s world-famous nightlife scene. If you prefer somewhere a little more secluded, check out this farm stay in Sant Joan de Labritja.
Our top pick in Ibiza town has to be Hostal Europa Punico. Hostals, common in Spain and Latin America, offer excellent value. Despite the name being similar to a hostel, hostals are simply older, smaller hotels with a local bar/ restaurant on the ground floor. Europa Punico is no exception to this rule and has an excellent location in the old town.
For harbor views, Ryans La Marina is our go-to. If you’re craving a spot of luxury, check out Mirador de Dalt Vila. A member of the iconic Relais & Chateaux association of luxury boutique hotels, this is the kind of place for the full Ibiza experience.
If you choose to stay in Sant Antoni, it pays to book as early as possible. With a short summer season, prices can be high and availability, low. Hostal Florencio is one of Sant Antoni’s best bargains. M Hotel is the perfect balance between value and quality. Their rooftop pool, complete with a pool bar, is the perfect spot to relax on a sunny afternoon. If you want to be as close to the marina as possible, take a look at Hotel Es Mitjorn.
Mallorca
If you’ve decided Mallorca has taken the lead in the Ibiza vs Mallorca debate, we strongly recommend booking a hotel in Palma. As we’ll explore later, there is so much to see and do in the island’s capital. That said, if a beach escape is what you’re looking for, Cala d’Or is perfect for getting away from it all.
The best area to stay in Palma is the historic old town. Petit Palace Hotel Tres has the ultimate location overlooking the cathedral. Take a seat on their rooftop terrace to watch the city lights twinkle at night. For the best harbor view, Hotel Mirador is the place to stay. For somewhere with a slightly lighter price tag, Hotel Abelux is just a short walk from the old town in a quiet residential neighborhood.
In Cala d’Or, our top pick is Hotel D’Or. An affordable choice with a gorgeous outdoor pool, it’s just a short walk from the marina. For the ultimate bargain, Hostal San Francisco has classically decorated rooms and an excellent restaurant.
The Food Scene
As we consider the Ibiza vs Mallorca question, the food scene is one area where it is almost impossible to choose a clear winner. Just 122 miles apart, the islands share a very similar cuisine. Balearic cuisine is closely related to that of wider Spain.
Ibiza
Ibiza is known for its fine dining scene. With so many of the world’s rich and famous gracing its shores every summer, it’s no surprise. Whilst this can detract from having an authentic local dining experience, one spot you shouldn’t miss is Cala Gracioneta in Sant Antoni. They manage to strike the perfect balance between a luxury experience and traditional Ibizan cooking.
Other unmissable foodie highlights in Sant Antoni include the ecological food market, held every Saturday next to Can Tixedo café. Pick up some artisan bread, cured meats, local honey and a bottle of Spanish wine to enjoy as a picnic on the beach.
Kasbah is a favorite for tapas with sunset views, whilst La Cantina Portmany is best for international cuisine. With chefs hailing from every corner of the world, they somehow manage to produce delicious and authentic Indian, Thai, Tex-Mex and Italian plus plenty of Spanish dishes.
A highlight in Ibiza town is La Scala. With a serene garden terrace to dine on, they serve classic Mediterranean favorites like John Dory, lamb and ceviche. Also well worth a visit is Locals Only. Don’t panic- you won’t be chased out the door for being from a far away land. Instead, you’ll be warmly welcomed and served delicious, seasonal cuisine.
Mallorca
There is one place which gives Mallorca an instant lead in the Ibiza vs Mallorca battle. Palma is a foodie paradise. The streets of the old town are dotted with traditional cantinas serving up the best Balearian produce around. A great way to discover them is to join a foodie walking tour of Palma’s old town.
For the best tapas in Palma, seek out the Little Tapas Place (La Lonja, Carrer de la Boteria, 4, Centre, 07012 Palma). The tapa list is extensive, the sangria is divine and the service is second to none. Marina Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy paella with a sea view. If you’re in need of a break from Spanish cooking, Krishna is Mallorca’s finest Indian restaurant whilst Osteria de Placa Sant Francesc is the top spot for Italian fayre.
For a taste of nostalgic Mallorca, head to Ca’n Joan de s’Aigo, a family-run bakery famous for its flakey ensaimadas since the 1700s.
If you opted to stay in Cal d’Or, there’s no shortage of great spots for dinner here either. Bocana is the go-to for tapas. Stunning sea views and local flavors are the order of the day at 17 Restaurant. For global cuisine, Restaurant Different’s menu covers pretty much every base.
Things To Do
Ibiza
If there’s one thing Ibiza is more famous for than any, it’s its nightlife. Attracting the trendiest DJs and a hip crowd, if you want to party, Sant Antoni is the place to go not just in Ibiza, but the whole of Europe. If nightlife is your scene, Ibiza will undoubtedly come out on top in the Ibiza vs Mallorca battle.
Kicking off with epic opening nights in late April, the party runs right through to mid-October with an incredibly diverse events calendar. Make sure you secure tickets for the big-name acts well in advance.
Whilst Ibiza nightlife is legendary, not being a night owl is no reason to write the island off in the Ibiza vs Mallorca debate. Ibiza town’s UNESCO-listed old town (Dalt Vila) is a whole world removed from Sant Antoni’s clubs.
Then there’s the miles of unspoiled beaches and secluded coves. Discover the undiscovered with a 4×4 tour of secret Ibiza. And, whatever you do, don’t miss the chance to take a day trip to Formentera, the smallest inhabited Balearic island. With no airport, the only way to reach this paradise island is by ferry from Ibiza.
Mallorca
The most visited Balearic island, there’s no denying the Mallorca wins hands down in this aspect of the Ibiza vs Mallorca battle. If you’re a fan of history and admiring stunning architecture, you’ll feel instantly at home in Palma.
Hop aboard an open top bus for a guided tour around Palma’s must-sees. You’ll be able to alight at the stunning cathedral. Built between 1229 and 1601, it stands on the shoreline hemmed in by the old city walls guarding the city. It’s well worth going inside to see the second-largest Gothic rose window and eighth-highest nave in the world.
Right next to the cathedral is the Royal Palace. Still one of the Spanish royal family’s official residences, it was built by King James II of Mallorca in 1309. It’s well worth taking the time to explore the inside; tickets can be purchased on the door.
Next, head up to Bellver Castle. Also built by King James II, the Gothic-style castle was initially home to the monarch of Mallorca. Entrance tickets are available on site, but more impressive than the interior is the stunning view of the city below.
Other Mallorca highlights include the impressive Caves of Drach, a boat trip on the crystal clear waters of the Med and afternoons spent lazing on the beach, preferably with a cocktail in hand.
The Final Verdict: Which Island Wins the Ibiza vs Mallorca Battle?
The ultimate question: who wins the battle of Ibiza vs Mallorca?
Like so many things in life, it really comes down to personal preference. If a touch of class, amazing music and late night frivolity are what you’re about, Ibiza wins hands down. For a relaxed pace of life, amazing architecture, history and culture are your cup of tea, Mallorca is the Balearic island for you.
Of course, there’s only one way to finally settle the Ibiza vs Mallorca debate: visit both. And that’s easier than you might think. With several daily flights between the two islands taking around half an hour to make the journey, you could even do a day trip from Mallorca to Ibiza or vice versa.
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