Best destinations in the Balearic Islands for holidays without a car
Beach holiday – Cala Millor, Santa Eulalia
City trip and exploring the island – Palma, Mahon, Ciutadella
Touristy destinations with lots to do and see – Cala en Blanes, Cala en Bosch, Puerto de Alcudia, Playa de Palma, Palma Nova
Party and nightlife – Ibiza Town, San Antonio
Beach holidays without a car
1. Cala Millor in Mallorca
Cala Millor has its own long, white sandy beach and quiet dunes from which you can swim. From here, you can easily walk to the nearby beaches of Cala Bona or Sa Coma. You can also easily reach many more nearby beaches along the coastline by bus. Want to skip the beach for a day? Then many popular attractions are nearby, like Dinosaurland, Safari Zoo, and two popular caves. There are also many restaurants and quite a fun nightlife.
Marins Playa is an excellent hotel for families, and Kyrat Amarac is better for adults and couples
2. Santa Eulalia in Ibiza
Santa Eulalia is a not-too-touristy village with a lot of authenticity still. It also has an excellent beach that does not get overly crowded with tourists. There are also many beaches and coves nearby that you can hike to or walk to. If you want to explore even more beaches, tourist boats can take you there from the local marina. Nightlife is pretty laid-back and relaxed, but some excellent, authentic restaurants are here.
The W Ibiza hotel is located near the beach and the vibrant part of town.
City trips and exploring the island without a car
1. Palma in Mallorca
By far, it is the best place for a city trip holiday on the Balearic Islands. Without a car, it is easy to get around using public transport, which can take you all over the island. These buses can also take you to many nearby water and amusement parks. The tourist train to Soller also leaves from here, and there is a quick and easy connection to the airport.
Innside by Melia Palma Center is an ideal place to explore the city, and also pretty budget-friendly.
2. Mahon in Menorca
Also an excellent choice if you want a bit more peace and quiet compared to big and busy Palma. Mahon has an easy connection to the airport and excellent public transport that can take you to many fantastic beaches nearby. In the city, there are lots of excellent tapa places and catamaran tours to explore the harbour.
The Sindic Hotel Boutique and Hotel Sant Roc are excellent options for visitors to Mahon without a car, as they are centrally located and close to the bus stop.
3. Ciutadella in Menorca
Ciutadella used to be the capital of Menorca, so it boasts a rich history and culture. Because it does not have the best airport connection, it is best to book a shuttle bus before arriving. For beach lovers, there are quite a few beaches you can walk or hike to. If you don’t feel like walking, then you can use one of the many boat tours that can take you there directly from the local marina. There is also a ferry to neighbouring Mallorca that you can take from here.
Cheap & Chic is a very budget-friendly hotel. If you want to be closer to the beach, stay at the Ferrer Skyline or Seth Port de Ciutadella.
Touristy destinations with lots to do and see (so no need for a hire car)
In Mallorca – Playa de Palma, Palma Nova and Puerto de Alcudia
Mallorca generally has the most things to see and do, as it is the largest island and the most touristy. All these destinations have water parks and other nearby attractions and parks:
- Playa de Palma is the easiest to reach without a car from the airport and has party-focused El Arenal nearby. It is excellent for couples and adults visiting Mallorca without a car.
- Palma Nova has the best amusement parks and attractions, and clubbing and party nightlife in nearby Magaluf. It is ideal for younger couples or families with older children and teenagers.
- Puerto de Alcudia is on the other side of the island and is, therefore, best reached by shuttle or taxi. It is also the best choice for families with smaller children.
In Menorca – Cala en Bosch and Cala en Blanes
Menorca is much smaller and less touristy, so there is less to see and do. But if you want to visit Menorca and stay in the more lively holiday destinations with the most things to see and do on the island, then Cala en Bosch and Cala en Blanes are the best choices.
In Ibiza
While Ibiza is a great island, it has few attractions and amusement parks. Its focus is more on the beach, beach clubs, and clubbing. Therefore, there are not really any holiday destinations with much to see and do except for nightlife. So, unless you are looking for an excellent place to enjoy the nightlife without a car, I can not advise you on where to stay in Ibiza.
Party and nightlife without a car (Safer and more fun!)
1. Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town, or Eivissa, is an excellent place to stay on the island for clubbing and nightlife. Famous nightclubs like Pacha and Lio are here, but the party bus can take you to major clubs all over the island. Neighbouring party areas like Playa d’en Bossa can also be reached quickly and easily. Also, the other major party area on the island, San Antonio, can easily be reached by bus. The “Taxi Boats” can easily take you to many nearby beaches, and the connection to the airport is easy by public transport.
If you like to party, both Play Hotel Ibiza and The Standard Ibiza are excellent places to stay.
2. San Antonio
San Antonio, another popular party place on Ibiza, is a more budget-friendly place to stay. Here you will find The Sunset Strip, ideal for enjoying the sunsets and The West End full of pubs and bars. Also, the “Taxi Boats” can easily take you to many nearby beaches and beach clubs. You can also take the island tour boats to visit many islands like Espalmador, Formentera, and Es Vedra. From San Antonio, there are also many excursions all over Ibiza by bus, and the party bus can take you to the major clubs on the island. Also, with public transport, you have a quick connection to the airport.
NYX Hotel Ibiza and Palladium Hotel Palmyra are great hotels for people who like to party and be close to everything.
3. El Arenal (and Playa de Palma)
Both are close to the airport and especially El Arenal has an excellent party and clubbing scene. Since it is very close to the airport, it is easy to reach for a quick party holiday to Mallorca. There are also lots of amusement parks and water parks nearby like Palma Aquarium and Aqualand El Arenal.
Pure Salt Garonda is a great hotel for adults, just on the edge of the party area of El Arenal.
