Want to line up some summer sun and easy-going seaside vibes? Look no further than our boutique hotels in the Balearics. Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza have some of the best shores in the Med, and getting there couldn’t be easier. We round up our top spots for your next Spanish beach break.
Mallorca beaches
Puerto Soller Beach, Mallorca
On the northwest coast of Mallorca, the scenic seaside town of Puerto Soller awaits. Peppered with fish restaurants and infused with a friendly atmosphere, the town arches around a rather lovely sandy beach. The sheltered water is perfect for swimming and most of the harbourside is pedestrianised, creating a charming café culture. From here you can take boat trips along the coast – the cliff-ringed cove and river gorge of Cala Tuent is a highlight. Esplendido Hotel is perfectly placed on the seafront, giving many rooms open-water views.
Es Trenc Beach, Mallorca
Mallorca’s most famous beach, Es Trenc, is a glittering curve of white-silver sand and turquoise water, backed by the peaceful Es Salobrar de Campos nature reserve. This naturally beautiful shoreline is glorious for sun-lounging, but with salt flats and over 1,700 bird species just feet away, it would be a shame not to pack your binoculars, too. Active types can also hike to the lighthouse of Cap de Ses Salines or cycle the coastal path towards Cap Blanc. If you stay at nearby Font Santa Hotel, there may even be time to boat to amazing unspoilt coves through the Mondrago National Park (including the secret beach of S’Amador).
Menorca beaches
Cala Binigaus, Menorca
Backed by rugged cliffs and pine trees, this long swathe of sand is a break from the norm. Most of Menorca’s south-coast beaches are compact rocky coves, but at Cala Binigaus you get miles of white sand stretching along to Sant Tomas and San Adeodato beyond. There’s the odd beach café and resort along the way, but generally you’ll be unwinding amid Menorca’s signature rural landscape and the glittering open sea. This 6-bedroom villa has direct beach access and kayaks to carry down to shore. Alternatively, Binigaus Vell’s horses give you the chance to explore the coast from on high.
Cala en Porter, Menorca
Also on Menorca’s south coast, Cala en Porter is a lovely sheltered cove book-ended by tumbling cliffs of fragrant pine and olive trees. Not only is it ideal for those lazy sun-drenched afternoons you’ve been dreaming of, it’s also perfectly placed for cocktail hour afterwards. Just along the coast you’ll find the Cova d’en Xoroi cliff-front bar, said to have the best sunset views on the island. Arrive in good time to catch the last rays of the day (it’s deservedly popular). Loving those sea views? Just a 5-minute drive away, rural retreat Torralbenc has ocean glimpses from its infinity pool and decadent spa.
Ibiza beaches
Cala Llenya and Cala Mastella, Ibiza
Sitting side-by-side, Cala Llenya and Cala Mastella make a wonderful duo. Cala Mastella has woodland on either side, while Cala Llenya is a small, sheltered cove that’s perfect for kids. Both are within easy reach of El Bigotes, a rustic little fish restaurant hovering over the sea. The fresh fish is superb and the timeless atmosphere never fails to charm (book ahead). Stay nearby at boho-chic agriturismo Can Talais or foodie favourite Can Curreu.
Cala Nova Beach, Ibiza
Cala Nova is a beach reinvented. Thanks to hip boutique hotel Atzaro, this glorious stretch of sand now boasts the fabulous Chiringuito – a restaurant-cum-bar-cum-music venue. Here, you can feast on paella, fresh fish and tasty barbecued meats, sip bespoke cocktails and chill out to cool island beats under one achingly chic sea-view canvas. Bliss.