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Cruises Balearic Islands : Offers and promotions 2026 - 2027

31 cruises found

Cruise to the Balearic Islands: how to choose the right one

A cruise to the Balearic Islands lets you experience, in just a few days, everything that makes the sunny, vibrant Mediterranean so appealing: strolling through Palma's narrow streets, swimming in Ibiza's coves, enjoying lunch overlooking the sea, then slowing the pace on Menorca or Formentera amid crystal-clear waters, small harbors, and unspoiled nature.

The trip blends the good life, distinctive ports of call, and seaside escapes. On board, the experience continues naturally aboard ships designed for vacations, with pools, shows, activities, and time together.

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Balearic Islands

Itinerary : Savona, Olbia, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

7 other departures

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Savona

06/13/2027

from

$ 1,053

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other departures:

30 May 2027

20 Jun 2027

11 Jul 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona, Olbia, Valencia

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

7 other departures

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Valencia

06/16/2027

from

$ 1,053

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other ports of embarkation:

Olbia, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona

Other departures:

02-30 Jun 2027

14 Jul 2027

11-25 Aug 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Olbia, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona, Olbia

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

6 other departures

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Olbia

06/14/2027

from

$ 1,053

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other departures:

31 May 2027

12 Jul 2027

09-23-30 Aug 2027

Other departures

View offers

Itinerary : Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona, Olbia, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

4 other departures

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Toulon La seyne sur mer

06/19/2027

from

$ 1,072

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other ports of embarkation:

Savona, Valencia, Olbia

Other departures:

29 May 2027

07-28 Aug 2027

04 Sep 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona, Golfo Aranci, Valencia

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Valencia

06/23/2027

from

$ 1,072

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other ports of embarkation:

Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona
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Itinerary : Savona, Golfo Aranci, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Savona

06/27/2027

from

$ 1,110

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other ports of embarkation:

Toulon La seyne sur mer, Valencia
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Itinerary : Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona, Golfo Aranci, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Toulon La seyne sur mer

06/26/2027

from

$ 1,110

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other ports of embarkation:

Savona, Valencia
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Itinerary : Barcelona, Villefranche, Santa Margherita, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Barcelona

Virgin Voyages
Valiant Lady
On-board meals included
Valiant Lady

Valiant Lady

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Barcelona

07/02/2028

from

$ 1,238

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Barcelona, Palamos, Toulon, Cartagena, Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Barcelona, Palamos, Toulon, Cartagena, Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Barcelona

Silversea
Silver Ray
On-board meals included
Silver Ray

Silver Ray

11 d

Suite

Barcelona

05/02/2027

from

$ 8,700

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Barcelona, Toulon, Ajaccio, Cannes, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Barcelona, Toulon, Ajaccio, Cannes, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Barcelona

Silversea
Silver Ray
On-board meals included
Silver Ray

Silver Ray

10 d

Suite

Barcelona

05/12/2027

from

$ 9,300

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Barcelona

Silversea
Silver Ray
On-board meals included
Silver Ray

Silver Ray

9 d

Suite

Barcelona

04/24/2027

from

$ 9,600

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Barcelona, Marseille, Monaco Monte-Carlo, Port Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona, Marseille, Monaco Monte-Carlo, Port Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona

Silversea
Silver Muse
On-board meals included
Silver Muse

Silver Muse

10 d

Suite

Barcelona

08/29/2026

from

$ 9,940

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Palamos, Toulon, Cartagena, Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Palamos, Toulon, Cartagena, Alicante, Valencia, Barcelona

Silversea
Silver Ray
On-board meals included
Silver Ray

Silver Ray

11 d

Suite

Barcelona

04/04/2027

from

$ 10,000

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Barcelona, Toulon, Cartagena, Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Palamos, Barcelona, Toulon, Cartagena, Alicante, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Palamos, Barcelona

Silversea
Silver Ray
On-board meals included
Silver Ray

Silver Ray

11 d

Suite

Barcelona

04/14/2027

from

$ 10,000

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Nice, Ajaccio, Alghero, Collioure, Palamos, Port Mahon, Ibiza, Alcudia, Barcelona, Sete, Saint Tropez, Nice, Ajaccio, Alghero, Collioure, Palamos, Port Mahon, Ibiza, Alcudia, Barcelona, Sete, Saint Tropez, Nice

Silversea
Silver shadow
On-board meals included
Silver shadow

Silver shadow

13 d

Suite

Nice

04/13/2027

from

$ 9,980

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Valencia, Ibiza, Marseille, Genoa

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa

5 d

Inside Stateroom

Valencia

09/15/2027

from

$ 683

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Marseille, Barcelona, Ibiza, Palermo

Costa Cruises
Costa Smeralda
On-board meals included
Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda

5 d

Inside Stateroom

Marseille

08/30/2026

from

$ 877

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Marseille, Savona, Olbia, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

2 other departures

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Marseille

06/12/2027

from

$ 1,053

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included

Other departures:

10 Jul 2027

21 Aug 2027

View offers

Itinerary : Olbia, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona, Golfo Aranci

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Olbia

06/21/2027

from

$ 1,099

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Golfo Aranci, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Toulon La seyne sur mer, Savona, Olbia

Costa Cruises
Costa Fascinosa
On-board meals included
Costa Fascinosa

Costa Fascinosa

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Golfo Aranci

06/28/2027

from

$ 1,110

Special Prices for Families
Full board"
Authentic Italian cuisine
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Port Mahon, Saint Tropez, Monaco Monte-Carlo

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Evrima
On-board meals included
Evrima

Evrima

5 d

Suite

Barcelona

09/23/2027

from

$ 7,300

On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Nice, Port Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Cartagena, Motril, Malaga

Star Clippers
Star Clipper
On-board meals included
Star Clipper

Star Clipper

8 d

Inside Stateroom

Nice

10/20/2027

from

$ 3,076

Butler service 24/24
Gourmet experience
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Valetta, Port Empedocle, Cagliari, Port Mahon, Ibiza, Cartagena, Malaga

Star Clippers
Star Clipper
On-board meals included
Star Clipper

Star Clipper

10 d

Inside Stateroom

Valetta

11/04/2026

from

$ 3,827

Butler service 24/24
Gourmet experience
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Lisbon, Leixoes, Vigo, Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Port Mahon, Alghero, Ajaccio, Civitavecchia / Rome, Lisbon, Leixoes, Vigo, Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca, Alcudia, Port Mahon, Alghero, Ajaccio, Civitavecchia / Rome

Silversea
Silver Dawn
On-board meals included
Silver Dawn

Silver Dawn

13 d

Suite

Lisbon

09/28/2027

from

$ 8,900

Drinks included
Gourmet cuisine
Butler service included
Stay fees included
On-board meals included
View offers

Itinerary : Monaco Monte-Carlo, Saint Tropez, Port Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Evrima
On-board meals included
Evrima

Evrima

6 d

Suite

Monaco Monte-Carlo

10/17/2027

from

$ 9,100

On-board meals included
View offers

How to choose your Balearic Islands cruise

1. Choose your archipelago

  • The must-sees (Mallorca & Ibiza) : The perfect blend of historic sites (Palma), lively beaches, and spectacular coves.
  • The unspoiled islands (Menorca & Formentera) : Ideal for unspoiled nature, complete tranquility (biosphere reserve), and crystal-clear waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.

2. Choose your cruise line

Top experiences for your Balearic Islands cruise

The largest of the Balearic Islands offers a spectacular mix of rugged mountains, Gothic heritage, and picturesque villages.
Palma

Palma

Walk through the gardens of the Almudaina Palace before sharing tapas in the old quarter of La Llotja.
Valldemossa

Valldemossa

Escape to this romantic village in the Serra de Tramuntana, where George Sand and Chopin once stayed.
Sóller

Sóller

Board the legendary vintage wooden train that winds through enchanting landscapes filled with orange groves.
Palma

Palma

Explore Bellver Castle, one of Europe's few circular castles, with magical views and pine-shaded trails that are perfect for a run.
Valldemossa

Valldemossa

Wander through the flower-lined lanes and stop for a treat: "coca de patata," a local sweet bun that children love.
Sóller

Sóller

Take the picturesque old tram from downtown to the Port of Sóller for a well-deserved swim at the beach.
Palma

Palma

Choose a guided bike tour through the historic center to see the cathedral, city walls, and hidden lanes, then keep the good times going over Mallorcan tapas.
Valldemossa

Valldemossa

Lace up your sneakers for a challenging hike in the Tramuntana Mountains, with breathtaking panoramic views.
Sóller

Sóller

Rent scooters to explore the spectacular coastline and uncover hidden coves inaccessible by car.
The White Island is famous for its lively nightlife, but it also boasts a UNESCO-listed medieval town and a neighboring island with a Caribbean feel.
Ibiza Town (Dalt Vila)

Ibiza Town (Dalt Vila)

Stroll through the steep, whitewashed streets of the UNESCO-listed fortified town and step back in time.
San Antonio

San Antonio

Enjoy a romantic lunch overlooking the sea at one of the beautiful nearby coves, such as Cala Salada.
Formentera (excursion)

Formentera (excursion)

Rent a small scooter for two and head to Ses Illetes Beach for a quick escape to paradise.
Ibiza Town (Dalt Vila)

Ibiza Town (Dalt Vila)

Let the kids play explorers atop the massive ramparts, which offer stunning views of the harbor and the Mediterranean.
San Antonio

San Antonio

Take a glass-bottom boat ride around the bay and introduce the little ones to marine life.
Formentera (excursion)

Formentera (excursion)

Take the ferry from Ibiza (30 minutes) to safely enjoy the island's warm, very shallow waters.
Ibiza Town (Dalt Vila)

Ibiza Town (Dalt Vila)

Enjoy the lively atmosphere at the beach clubs or browse one-of-a-kind finds in the designer boutiques of the Marina district.
San Antonio

San Antonio

Settle in on a terrace, sip a drink to the sound of chill-out music, and gaze out over the pristine bay.
Formentera (excursion)

Formentera (excursion)

Rent a private boat to cruise along the island's coast and drop anchor near the famous chiringuitos (beach bars).
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca is a slow-travel paradise with pristine coves and unspoiled nature.
Mahon

Mahon

Stroll along the magnificent natural harbor (the world's 2nd-largest) and enjoy an ice-cold "Pomada."
Ciutadella

Ciutadella

Enjoy a romantic lunch at the picturesque little harbor after exploring the old capital's aristocratic palaces.
Fornells

Fornells

Share the local specialty, "Caldereta de Langosta" (spiny lobster stew), in this charming fishing village with whitewashed facades.
Mahon

Mahon

Take an excursion boat to explore the historic harbor and glimpse the old military fortresses.
Ciutadella

Ciutadella

Explore the island's mysterious prehistoric remains with the kids, including the remarkable Naveta d'Es Tudons.
Fornells

Fornells

Rent kayaks and glide safely across the calm waters of Fornells' large, sheltered bay.
Mahon

Mahon

Visit a traditional finca (farm) nearby for a relaxed tasting of local cheeses and cured meats.
Ciutadella

Ciutadella

Rent transparent paddleboards along the west coast to discover sea caves that are inaccessible on foot.
Fornells

Fornells

Charter a sailboat for your group to discover the pristine coves in the north of the island.

The best times to go on a cruise to the Balearic Islands

May - June (spring)

Weather & swimming

Ideal mild weather. 20°C to 26°C. Nature in full bloom.

Expert advice

The ideal balance. Perfect for hiking (Serra de Tramuntana) or cycling before the vacation crowds arrive.

July - August (peak season)

Weather & swimming

Bright sunshine & hot weather. 30°C to 35°C. Water at 26°C+.

Expert advice

The season for 100% relaxation and nightlife (especially in Ibiza). This is the time to reserve your lounge chairs at the beach clubs.

September - October (late season)

Weather & swimming

The "sweet spot." 24°C to 28°C. The water is still very warm.

Expert advice

The seasoned traveler's choice. The sea has warmed all summer, the light is golden, and the crowds are leaving the beaches and narrow streets.

November - April (low season)

Weather & swimming

Absolute calm. 12°C to 18°C. Mild climate.

Expert advice

Ideal for exclusive cultural visits. Be aware: many clubs (Ibiza) and beachside shops close during winter.

SeasonWeather & swimmingExpert advice
May - June (spring)
Ideal mild weather. 20°C to 26°C. Nature in full bloom.The ideal balance. Perfect for hiking (Serra de Tramuntana) or cycling before the vacation crowds arrive.
July - August (peak season)
Bright sunshine & hot weather. 30°C to 35°C. Water at 26°C+.
The season for 100% relaxation and nightlife (especially in Ibiza). This is the time to reserve your lounge chairs at the beach clubs.
September - October (late season)
The "sweet spot." 24°C to 28°C. The water is still very warm.The seasoned traveler's choice. The sea has warmed all summer, the light is golden, and the crowds are leaving the beaches and narrow streets.
November - April (low season)
Absolute calm. 12°C to 18°C. Mild climate.Ideal for exclusive cultural visits. Be aware: many clubs (Ibiza) and beachside shops close during winter.

Hotspots on a Balearic Islands cruise

With turquoise coves, charming villages, and Mediterranean vistas, the Balearic Islands are perfect for short but action-packed port calls. To make the most of your day ashore, here are the top spots to prioritize.

In Mallorca

In Mallorca

Head to Can Pere Antoni for an easy swim with views of Palma Cathedral, or to Es Trenc for a wilder setting and clear waters.

In Ibiza

In Ibiza

Choose Cala Salada or Cala Comte, two reliable favorites for swimming, rocky scenery, turquoise water, and a break overlooking the sunset.

In Formentera

In Formentera

Ses Illetes Beach remains the absolute must-see, with its pale sand, shallow waters, and almost Caribbean-like setting.

In Mallorca

In Mallorca

Head to Can Pere Antoni for an easy swim with views of Palma Cathedral, or to Es Trenc for a wilder setting and clear waters.

In Ibiza

In Ibiza

Choose Cala Salada or Cala Comte, two reliable favorites for swimming, rocky scenery, turquoise water, and a break overlooking the sunset.

In Formentera

In Formentera

Ses Illetes Beach remains the absolute must-see, with its pale sand, shallow waters, and almost Caribbean-like setting.

In Palma

In Palma

Start with La Seu Cathedral and Almudaina Palace, then wander through the old town's narrow streets to the La Llotja district.

In Ibiza Town

In Ibiza Town

Head up into Dalt Vila, the UNESCO-listed fortified town, to combine a historic stroll, ramparts, and harbor views.

In Menorca

In Menorca

Explore Mahón and Ciutadella, two charming ports of call with natural harbors, old lanes, pale facades, and peaceful terraces.

In Palma

In Palma

Start with La Seu Cathedral and Almudaina Palace, then wander through the old town's narrow streets to the La Llotja district.

In Ibiza Town

In Ibiza Town

Head up into Dalt Vila, the UNESCO-listed fortified town, to combine a historic stroll, ramparts, and harbor views.

In Menorca

In Menorca

Explore Mahón and Ciutadella, two charming ports of call with natural harbors, old lanes, pale facades, and peaceful terraces.

In Mallorca

In Mallorca

Head into the Serra de Tramuntana, particularly around Valldemossa, Sóller, or the Sa Foradada viewpoint, for spectacular sea views.

In Ibiza

In Ibiza

Es Vedrà is one of the archipelago's most iconic sights, especially late in the day when the light turns golden.

In Menorca

In Menorca

Head to Favàritx Lighthouse or the northern coves for a rockier, wilder, more unspoiled setting far from the major seaside hotspots.

In Mallorca

In Mallorca

Head into the Serra de Tramuntana, particularly around Valldemossa, Sóller, or the Sa Foradada viewpoint, for spectacular sea views.

In Ibiza

In Ibiza

Es Vedrà is one of the archipelago's most iconic sights, especially late in the day when the light turns golden.

In Menorca

In Menorca

Head to Favàritx Lighthouse or the northern coves for a rockier, wilder, more unspoiled setting far from the major seaside hotspots.

What our guests loved:

Must-do experiences on a Balearic Islands cruise

Swimming in the coves and clear waters of the archipelago

Travelers often cite the coves as the highlight of a Balearic Islands cruise, whether around Ibiza, Formentera, Menorca, or Mallorca. They especially appreciate the color of the water, the sheltered bays, and the easy rhythm of swimming, boating, snorkeling, and lunch by the sea.

Strolling through Palma, Dalt Vila, and charming villages

Travelers' feedback also highlights ports of call where they leave the beach to stroll through old lanes, past a cathedral, city walls, or lively little squares. Palma, Ibiza Town, Valldemossa, and Sóller appeal for their mix of heritage, shops, terraces, and an easygoing Mediterranean atmosphere.

Enjoying small harbors and local specialties

Many travelers remember the Balearic Islands for their intimate harbors, where they can take time to stroll, enjoy a drink, or try a local specialty. Mahón, Ciutadella, Fornells, and the Port of Sóller are often praised for their gentle atmosphere amid boats, pale facades, fish, cheeses, tapas, and relaxing terrace breaks.

Hidden gems off the beaten path

Stopping at Mercat de Santa Catalina for tapas and neighborhood life

In Palma, travelers looking beyond the cathedral and old-town corridor often enjoy Santa Catalina for its lively neighborhood feel, covered market halls, casual counters, and quieter residential streets. Mercat de Santa Catalina is ideal for a short, authentic break with counter-service tapas, Mallorcan products, fish stalls, and a less formal atmosphere than a restaurant in the historic center.

Discovering Santa Gertrudis, the laid-back Ibiza of squares and terraces

In Ibiza, travelers who come for more than the nightlife often mention Santa Gertrudis for its quieter, central, and welcoming feel. The village appeals with its square, terraces, small shops, and casual eateries. It offers another side of Ibiza: relaxed, lived-in, and less centered on beach clubs.

Enjoying a swim at Binibeca amid rocks and crystal-clear water

On Menorca, travelers appreciate Binibeca for its quieter pace, especially when they leave the much-photographed white village for the small rocky areas along the water. Feedback describes an easy swim, with flat rocks, steps leading down into very clear water, and a less developed setting than a large, full-service beach.

Learn more about your Balearic Islands cruise

The Balearic Islands, a choice destination for a cruise in the sun

In the heart of the Mediterranean, some 92 km off the Spanish coast, lie the Balearic Islands, an archipelago made up of four main islands: Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera. Despite the ever-growing influx of tourists from all over the world, who come to admire the archipelago's historic vestiges and enjoy the beauty of its beaches, the Balearic Islands have managed to retain their authenticity. Mallorca, the largest of the islands, covers 3640 km². It's famous for its eternal springtime climate and fine sandy beaches, but also for its fountains and architectural masterpieces. Minorca, which covers an area of 710 km², remains relatively unknown to holidaymakers, yet is not lacking in charm, with its authentic coastal towns and beaches still preserved from the hordes of holidaymakers. The destination of choice for hippies in the 60s, Ibiza, which covers an area of 541 km², is the leading destination for the jet set and clubbers from all over the world, who come to party the night away. Your cruise stopover in the Balearic Islands will introduce you not only to this aspect of the island, but also to a quieter, more reserved side that few holidaymakers are lucky enough to experience. Formentera, the most secretive of the Balearic Islands, is a verdant jewel of just 82 km². Here, time seems to stand still, the better to let you appreciate nature.

The Balearics, for a Mediterranean cruise

For many, the Balearic Islands are just a fashionable seaside resort, but to sum up this archipelago solely in terms of the beauty of its beaches would be to show it a lack of respect. If lazing in the sun is on the agenda during a stopover in Palma de Mallorca , Mallorca's main city, it's not the only thing you can do. The city is a microcosm of culture, brimming with architectural marvels that transcend the ages. This cultural stroll begins with a tour of the city's emblematic monuments, including Bellver Castle and its circular structure, a Gothic relic that served as the royal residence under Jaques II. The "Seo", Palma de Mallorca's cathedral, is another Gothic building you'll have the chance to admire during your Balearic cruise stopover. Directly opposite is the Almudaina Palace, a former Muslim castle that served as the residence of Mallorca's monarchs during the 13th century. Built on the site of an ancient Moorish fortress, it overlooks the entire seafront. If the building's exterior already catches the eye with its structure, inside it fascinates with its remarkable decoration, where tapestries and furniture from other Spanish historical monuments take pride of place. The palace's inner courtyard, with its perfectly manicured gardens, is also well worth a visit. Continue your discovery of Palma with a visit to the Museo de Mallorca, home to an impressive collection of earthenware and antique objects. Want to discover Palma's surroundings? Take the little train to the Serra de Tramuntana. The program includes visits to farming villages and olive groves. Before leaving Mallorca, be sure to visit the Dragon Caves and their underground lakes surrounded by immense stalagmites and stalactites.

After Mallorca, your cruise ship will drop you off in Menorca, a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the pleasures of the sea in complete tranquillity. The island's most popular beaches are Valls and Cala Pregonda. After a swim, take the road to La Ciutadella, the ecclesiastical town where you'll find the medieval cathedral and other ancient buildings. Before reboarding your ship and continuing your cruise, be sure to admire the sunset in the sandstone quarries of Pedreres de S'Hostal. Your next stop is Ibiza, the party island of the Balearics. Discotheques and trendy bars abound. If you want to enjoy a little peace and quiet, take the road to the es Savinar Tower to admire the islets of Es Vedra and Es Venadrell, 200 meters above the sea. Cruises to the Balearic Islands also take in the island of Formentera, much to the delight of nature lovers. Cycling through salt marshes and pine forests, swimming in turquoise waters lined with fine sand on the beaches of Llevant and Illettes are all on the agenda for this stopover.

A charming destination all year round

The best time to cruise the Balearics is from April to November, but if you want to enjoy more pleasant weather, the ideal time to plan your trip is from June to October. At this time of year, the water is 21 degrees, making swimming much more pleasant. Rainfall is also fairly low. If you want to avoid the influx of holidaymakers, schedule your cruise a little before the school vacations, between May and June, or just after, from September to October.