The four islands of the Balearics offer something a little different to the Spanish mainland. Indeed each island is also very different to the next, with a range of property prices and styles to suit any buyer.
So, which island would suit you best? Let’s take a look…
Although the largest of the Balearics, nowhere in Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is more than an hour’s drive from the airport in Palma. That accessibility, plus affordable year-round flights, has helped to make it just about Europe’s biggest holiday destination.
Mallorca makes a wonderful permanent home too, with a lively and energetic expatriate population from all over the world, whether for retirement or work. (And with much of the property over €500,000, why not consider a golden visa if your budget stretches that far?).
The climate promotes an active lifestyle, with sailing, diving and swimming in the turquoise waters, hiking and cycling through the mountains, or teeing off at the island’s 20 golf courses. Being the birthplace of tennis star Rafa Nadal, there are plenty of tennis clubs too.
Where to buy
Almost half of Mallorca’s 900,000 permanent population live in the capital, Palma de Mallorca. This attractive city boasts a chic old town, a 12th century cathedral and honey-coloured buildings that bask in a golden glow as the sun begins to set.
The resorts are dotted around the coast, with different areas appealing to different age groups, nationalities and budgets. There really is something for everyone, from medieval Moorish townhouses down seductive alleyways in the old town, to the grandest clifftop mansions priced in five figures, to apartments from around €150,000 on the southern coasts. There are more affordable options in the more traditional interior, but for a detached villa with pool in more popular areas you’re likely to need at least €500,000.
Two-bedroom detached villa with pool in Ciutadella, Menorca
Menorca is Mallorca’s smaller sister island, generally regarded as less frantic, more affordable and more family-oriented than Mallorca or Ibiza.
This laid-back attitude is encouraged by being harder to reach in winter, with most off-season travel via Palma or Barcelona.
Menorca’s fans wouldn’t have it any other way. With 216km of stunning coastline, the island has dramatic cliffs in the north and a plethora of gentle, sandy beaches along its southern coast, many awarded Blue Flag status for cleanliness and facilities.
As you head inland, life becomes noticeably more rural with traditional whitewashed villages scattered among the hills. Menorca is famous for its horses – so look out for the horse festivals in the summer.
A typical day on the island could involve strolling through the cobbled streets of the cities, picnicking in the rolling countryside, browsing the local markets or sipping wine by the charming harbours.
Where to buy
Menorca has a population of less than 100,000, but its two main cities are a good place to start your property search. On the east coast you’ll find Mahón, also known as Maó. The city is buzzing in the summer, particularly over the first weekend of September when the whole city comes alive for the Nuestra Señora de Gràcia festival. The architecture is sophisticated, with eighteenth century mansions, a Gothic cathedral, and balcony-fronted townhouses. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to visit too. Property is affordable; a budget of €100,000-€200,000 would present you with a large range of apartments.
On the west side of the island is Ciutadella, an upmarket and elegant city. The stylish harbour with chic waterfront restaurants is the focal point, with maze-like cobbled streets just behind. You’d need around €130,000-€200,000 for an apartment in Ciutadella. Townhouses start at around €200,000.
Donned the ‘party capital of the world’, there’s no doubt that Ibiza has excellent nightlife. But the island is often pigeonholed by this reputation and can be overlooked by overseas buyers.
Escape the resorts and you’ll find serene countryside carpeted with colourful flowers, traditional villages and secluded coves with white-sand beaches.
Even Ibiza’s quieter towns have a cosmopolitan feel, with boutique shopping, al fresco dining and stunning architecture. Ibiza’s old town has even been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to buy
If you’re looking to avoid the louder nightlife, Portinatx in the north of island is where to buy. This former fishing village gets busy, of course, but the atmosphere is relaxed and is popular with families and couples.
For somewhere a little more lively, consider the coastal town of Santa Eulalia. It has some of the best gastronomy on the island, art galleries, designer shopping and a swanky marina. Being just 21 kilometres from the airport, the resort is easily accessible.
Finally, closer to Ibiza’s famous old town, look to Jesus, a village in the suburbs of Ibiza town. Offering a trendy café culture, Jesus has a unique and fashionable vibe and is just two kilometres from Ibiza town.
Property in Ibiza is pricier than the other islands. You can find one- and two-bedroom apartments from €200,000, but larger apartments start around €350,000.
Four-bedroom house in Sant Ferran De Ses Roques, Formentera
It’s easy to overlook little Formentera, but Rightmove has a choice of homes here with prices from just €320,000 to over €6.5 million. So, there is plenty of choice even on this island of just 12,000 inhabitants, which you arrive at on a ferry in about 30 minutes from Ibiza as there is no airport.
That should give you a flavour of the atmosphere. But although Formentera is all about peacefulness, tranquility and beaches, there are also great restaurants and beach clubs too. It has traditionally appealed to A-listers with a hippyish vibe, from Joni Mitchell to Bob Dylan, and it’s where Kate Moss goes to chill out.
Where to buy
The island is barely 20 kilometres wide, but within that you have five interesting villages. The capital and hub is Sant Francesc, which has whitewashed buildings in that typical Spanish island style, yet some are medieval.
The best places to buy are probably those villages closest to the port in the west, such as Sant Ferran de Ses Roques, Es Pujol, Platja de Migjorn or Cap de Barbaria. Consider too, the more easterly option of El Pilar de la Mola.
Written by Overseas Guides Company.
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