Island hopping in the Balearics off-season: what to expect

With a mild climate, an abundance of sunshine, peaceful hikes, and lonely lighthouses, the Balearic Islands are a Mediterranean paradise that you can also enjoy outside their peak-tourism months (July and August).

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find useful info about island hopping in the Balearics off-season so that you can explore Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera in peace and quiet.

The impressive Gothic Cathedral of Palma, La Seu

Island hopping in the Balearic Islands off-season

Are you interested in island hopping in the western Mediterranean Sea in the low season? Choose the Balearic Islands! In fact, the Balearics have, in recent years, been advancing long-term strategies to transform tourism into a more sustainable and less-seasonal industry.

If you’re fascinated by impressive architecture and misty landscapes, head to Mallorca, the largest island of the archipelagos.

And of course, you can’t miss out on Ibiza! Here, you will eat superb food, witness amazing sunsets and dance the night away (yes, even in winter). However, if you are a nature lover, ready to explore unspoiled, hidden spots surrounded by greenery, Formentera and Menorca are perfect to start your island-hopping adventure.

How do I get around the Balearic Islands?

The Balearic Islands are located close to each other, and therefore, it’s easy to catch a ferry and explore the archipelago. The Balearics' primary transport hub, located in the center of the group, is Mallorca.

Read on if you're interested to learn more about the most popular ferry routes in the Balearics in the off-season:

• Ibiza to Formentera ferry: there are usually up to 15 daily crossings in the off-season and the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera lasts about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Mallorca to Menorca ferry: there are usually 1-4 daily sailings from Mallorca to Menorca. The fastest ferry takes about 1-2 hours.
• Mallorca to Ibiza ferry: you can hop on a ferry from Mallorca to Ibiza daily. There are around 9 weekly crossings in the off-season lasting about 2.5-4 hours.

Ferry departing from Mallorca

Useful island-hopping tips for the Balearic Islands

• Before your ferry trip to the Balearic Islands, you can explore numerous lovely cities and towns along Spain's eastern coast. Spend a few days in Alicante, Barcelona or Benidorm before you catch the ferry.
• Some of the islands have more than one port, where you can catch a ferry. You may want to book accommodation close to the port, to minimize traveling time.
• Traveling by ferry from mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands means you can also bring your own vehicle. Island hopping with your car, motorcycle or caravan is a great idea!

Top island hopping itineraries for the Balearic archipelago in the off-season

The team of Ferryhopper suggests these 2 itineraries for island hopping in the Balearic Islands:

• Ibiza - Formentera 
• Menorca - Mallorca - Ibiza

Useful tip: you can find more information about ferries and schedules to the Balearics in the off-season on Ferryhopper and explore the Spanish islands on a budget! Also, don’t forget to download the Ferryhopper App to book your tickets to the Balearic Islands faster.

Ibiza - Formentera island hopping

Catching the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera is one of the best island-hopping trips in the Balearic Islands. The route from Ibiza to Formentera is operated throughout the year with daily ferries. It takes only 30 minutes to reach the port of La Savina in Formentera. 

Since Formentera is very small and mostly flat, it’s easy to get around the island by bike or scooter, if the weather allows it of course. Alternatively, you can rely on public transport.

Start your trip by walking around La Savina. Make sure to take a look at the Far de la Savina, one of the 3 lighthouses in Formentera. You can then reach the island’s capital, Sant Francesc Xavier, in just 20 minutes.

Visit the chapel of Sa Tanca Vella and the Formentera Ethnography Museum, before getting lunch in one of the town’s many restaurants frequented by the locals during winter.

Before your magical day trip to Formentera comes to an end, don’t forget to catch the sunset and enjoy a cocktail at the port.

View to the ocean from the lighthouse in Es Cap de Barbaria, Formentera

Menorca - Mallorca - Ibiza island hopping

Visiting Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza is a great multi-day island hopping in the Balearic Islands. There are multiple crossings from Menorca to Mallorca, even in winter, taking around 1-2 hours. The route is usually operated by Menorca Lines, Trasmed, Baleària, Corsica Ferries and Trasmapi.

On the island of Mallorca, you can walk around the old alleys of the beautiful towns of La Palma and Alcúdia and go hiking or mountain biking at the Tramuntana mountain.

After a few days in Mallorca, you can hop on the ferry from Palma de Mallorca to Ibiza in about 2.5-4 hours. The route is in operation daily with 1-2 daily crossings in the off-season, usually served by Baleària and Trasmed.

The island of Ibiza is the destination for partying and you might be wondering whether winter partying is also possible, to which the answer is yes! Many of Ibiza’s most famous clubs organize parties even in winter.

During the day, walk around the old town of Ibiza and try local delicacies at one of the quaint cafes and taperías. We also recommend visiting local artisanal markets. 

Tip: if you don't have the time to explore them all you can read our guide to help you choose between Menorca and Mallorca. You can also find out more travel tips and information about the autumn holidays in Ibiza.

Cloudy day in Ibiza

How many days to stay in the Balearic Islands?

Would you like to go island hopping and visit every island in the Balearic archipelago? If so, we advise that you remain in the Balearic Islands for a minimum of 10 days.

You will have flexibility when it comes to planning your journey because there are frequent ferry connections between the islands.

Winter weather in the Balearic Islands

Visitors to the Balearic Islands in the winter can anticipate cool but far from freezing temperatures with averages of 14 to 16°C and very little rainfall. This makes it the perfect weather to enjoy the Balearic Islands, without the fear of burning or getting sunstroke.

Keep in mind, however, that the Balearics are pretty windy, especially from October to April. From all the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is slightly warmer during the winter.

What can you do in the Balearic Islands in the off-season?

Here are the top 10 activities in the Balearic Islands in the off-season according to Ferryhoppers:

1. Visit the almond blossom festival (Fira de la flor d’ametler) held in Son Servera, Mallorca, in early February.
2. Walk around Dalt Vila, the historic center of Ibiza Town, and visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows and Eivissa Castle. 
3. Try the delicious flaó cheesecake at a cute cafe in Sant Francesc of Formentera.
4. Celebrate the Sant Antoni festivities on the 16th and 17th of January in the villages of Sa Pobla, Manacor, Artà, Pollença, Muro, or Palma in Mallorca. 
5. Visit Las Dalias hippy market in Ibiza on Saturdays, which consists of more than 300 stalls. 
6. Go bicycle touring in Formentera to explore secluded beaches in an eco-friendly and fun way.
7. Explore Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park in Mallorca, the Balearics’ sole national park. 
8. Visit the photogenic sandstone quarry of Ses Pedreres de s’Hostal in Menorca.
9. For a dreamy Balearic sunset, go to the iconic stretch of San Antonio in Ibiza. 
10. Stoll around the cathedral of Santa Maria de la Palma in Mallorca at night and enjoy the impressive fountain lights.

 The Pedreres de s'Hostal quarries, one of the most unique spaces in Menorca

How do I get to the Balearic Islands?

There are more than 7 major ports in the Balearic Islands. Throughout the year, you can catch a ferry from the mainland Spanish cities of Barcelona, Dénia and Valencia to any of the 4 major Balearic islands. 

Here’s more info on how to get to the Balearic Islands:

• How to travel to Ibiza
• How to travel to Mallorca
• How to travel to Menorca
• How to travel to Formentera

Book island hopping tickets for the Balearic Islands

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book island hopping tickets for the Balearic Islands without any hidden fees. Find all the available ferry routes on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, compare ferry companies and itineraries, and plan your trip in the Balearic Sea in the off-season.