Bask in the Beauty of the Balearics: Menorca & Mallorca - 10 Days

Highlights

• Spend your first day exploring the shores of Menorca on a Jeep tour
• Relax on some of the Bealearic's most incredible beaches on both islands
• Go swimming, snorkeling, and standup paddleboarding on two boat tours
• Learn how to cook Spanish cuisine from a local chef and go wine tasting

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Menorca, Optional Activities

Welcome to the Balearic Islands! This archipelago off the east coast of Spain enjoys a sterling reputation as one of the finest holiday destinations in the Mediterranean. On this great escape, you'll visit two islands, the first being Menorca. Though it's the second-largest of the four main islands, it is still relatively small, and you can see a lot in a short time.

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the capital of Mahón. This city has a long and storied history, founded by the Carthaginians in the thirrd century BCE, yet it was inhabited long before that. Needless to say, its charming Old Town is filled with plenty of historic landmarks and buildings. After checking into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the nearby beaches.

Day 2: Private Jeep Tour & Sunset Picnic

In the morning, hop in an open-roofed 4WD Jeep and hit the backroads to explore the far corners of Menorca. Enjoy the scent of wild rosemary as you cruise across the island, stopping to admire its many natural highlights, including white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, rugged coastline, steep valleys, and even a few limestone quarries.

During the trip, your guide will recount fascinating info about the island's culture and history. Then, as it gets late in the day, you'll stop at a private farm and lay out a blanket to enjoy a picnic as the sun sets over the horizon. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 3: Self-Guided Beach Day on Menorca

Today is yours to relax on Menorca's famous beaches like Cala Macarelleta and Cala Escorxada. Or, you can travel around on your own to stake out other equally beautiful stretches of sand. Popular options include visiting the secluded Cala Pregonda, a jewel in the island's north; embarking on a rigorous hike to the magnificent cove Casa Pilar; or venturing to Cala en Turqueta, the pearl of Menorca's south.

Other beach options include the shallow waters at Platja des Grau, perfect for families. You can also stroll along the scenic waterfront at Cala Escorxada or enjoy the convenient amenities at Cala Mesquida. with lifeguards, bathrooms, and restaurants.

Day 4: Kayaking Adventure, Cheese & Wine Experience

Now that you've seen Menorca from land, it's time to see it from the water. After breakfast, you'll transfer to the tranquil bay and fishing village of Es Grau, located on the north coast just outside Mahón. Here, you'll grab a paddle and embark on a 2.5-hour kayak excursion.

You'll begin by paddling across crystalline and turquoise waters along the rugged coast, stopping to relax on unspoiled beaches at Sa Torreta and Colom Island. You'll enjoy panoramic views of landmarks like Cape Favàritx and explore the Des Colomar sea cave as you go. After working up a sweat in the kayak, you'll hop in the water for a refreshing swim before paddling back to the village and returning to your hotel.

Day 5: South Coast Boat Tour, Cooking Class in Ciutadella

Get ready for another island adventure—this time by sailboat. In the morning, travel to Cala Galdana and embark on a day trip to explore the hidden gems and natural highlights of Menorca's southern coast. You'll pass secluded beaches, caves, and coves as you cruise along crystal-clear waters in the region. During this chartered excursion, you'll visit 10 different locales, where you can swim, snorkel, standup paddleboard, or sunbathe on deck.

When you return to land, you'll transfer to Ciutadella. In this historic port city on the west coast, you'll meet up with a local chef for a three-hour cooking class to learn the secrets to Menorcan cuisine. Your instructor will reveal the history behind the dishes you cook and explain the cooking techniques as you go. Don't worry, as it's a relaxed affair during which you'll be snacking on local wine, cheeses, and cured meats as you cook. Once everything is ready, sit down and savor your culinary creation served with a delicious dessert. Afterward, return to your hotel.

Day 6: Fly to Mallorca, Optional Activities

After an early breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport and board a quick 40-minute flight to Mallorca, the largest of the Balearics islands. Famous for its rugged coastline dotted with romantic coves and dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea, Mallorca also boasts 30 miles (48 km) of white-sand beaches. The consensus is that Mallorca has some of the finest stretches of sand in the Balearics.

When you arrive at the airport, a driver will transfer you to your hotel in the island's capital Palma de Mallorca. Then you can head out and judge the beaches for yourself. On a self-guided tour, you can travel around and visit highlights like Cala Mondragó, which is located within Mondragó Natural Park; Cala Agulla, a beautiful option in the northeast that's fringed by pine forests; and Es Tranc, a star beach that stretches for 6 miles (10 km) on Mallorca's southern coast. 

Day 7: Mallorca Catamaran Trip, Snorkeling & Kayaking

In the morning, you'll head to the port in Palma de Mallorca and board a catamaran for a full-day tour around the bay. Depending on the wind, your first stop will be the serene La Cueva Verde or the charming resort of Illetas. Upon reaching either of these picturesque coves, unwind with a refreshing swim and savor a snack of traditional Iberian cold cuts accompanied by wine, cava, beer, or a soft drink. 

After the first stop, you'll continue to Cala Vella, a secluded bay with teal-colored waters only accessible by boat. Amid the enchanting scenery, you'll enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch prepared onboard the catamaran. Then spend the afternoon enjoying various aquatic activities, including swimming, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

Day 8: Self-Guided Tramuntana Mountains Hike

After breakfast, you'll work up a sweat on a self-guided hike around one of Mallorca's most impressive natural wonders: the Tramuntana Mountains. Located northwest of the island, these limestone mountains with sharp ridges and massive bluffs are a hiker's dream. This medium-difficulty hike takes up to three hours and requires nothing more than hiking boots or athletic shoes.

Throughout the entire scenic tour, you'll enjoy stunning coastal views. Expect breathtaking views of the coast from many lookout points. You'll also visit some of the historic mountain villages famous in the area. These include the carless hilltop hamlet of Valldemossa, the tranquil cove and rocky beach of coastal Deià, and the long waterfront promenade of Sóller.

Another option is to visit the 14th-century Real Cartuja, a Carthusian Monastery in Valldemossa. This historic site once housed composer Frédéric Chopin and his lover George Sand during their stay in the winter of 1838. Wander through the beautiful grounds and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this iconic building. Afterward, return to your hotel.

Day 9: Palma Walking Tour & Wine Tasting

This morning, you'll immerse yourself in Mallorca's fascinating history on a self-guided walking tour of Palma, which is not only the official capital of Mallorca but of all the Balearics. There's a lot to see here, with a history dating back to the Roman period, plus Byzantine, Moorish, and Christian influences. Though Palma draws crowds for its enormous 14th-century Castell de Bellver, you can visit many other historical and cultural landmarks.

Enjoy walking through the city's beautiful neighborhoods, including the Casco Antiguo (Old Town), with its bustling square, markets, and monuments. Other areas worth seeing include Santa Catalina, with its traditional houses, the historic area around La Lonja, and the Bay of Palma. Along the way, stop to visit fresh flower and food markets, enjoy a traditional meal, or spend some time on the beach.

Day 10: Depart Mallorca

Unfortunately, your Balearic island-hopping adventure has reached its conclusion. At the appointed time, transfer to the airport in Mallorca and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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