From the airport to the city centre Balearic Islands
Depending on the island you're arriving on, you'll have several options to consider before landing. If you're staying at a hotel, check with it to see if it offers an airport shuttle service. Alternatively, you can rent a car directly from the airport or hire a cab (approx. €40 to the city center).
If you want to get from one island to another, the cheapest and most convenient way is by boat. There are flights between Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, but prices are often high. Within each island, even if the bus networks are relatively well-developed, the most convenient solution is to rent a car.
Arrival by boat Balearic Islands
From France, you can reach the town of Alcúdia (Majorca) by ferry from Toulon in around fifteen hours (Corsica Ferries). From there, several shipping companies operate inter-island connections. The Balearic Islands can also be reached by ferry from Barcelona (Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza). Expect to spend between seven and nine hours on the ferry (in summer, a fast ferry service links Barcelona to Majorca/Minorca in four hours).
Formentera can only be reached by boat (from Eivissa town center and surrounding areas). Three companies operate services between the Iberian peninsula and the islands: Trasmed, Balearia and Grandi Navi Veloci. Since summer 2023, Balearia has included in its fleet the very first 100% electric ferry linking Ibiza to Formentera. The Cap de Barbaria can carry 390 passengers.
Public transport Balearic Islands
Buses are everywhere, very economical but not very comfortable in the middle of August. Some buses don't have air-conditioning and are often overcrowded at the height of the season. Tourist offices can give you all the information you need on routes, timetables, frequency and special conditions (maps). Leaflets are also available at the main stops. On the rail side, the only trains you'll be able to take in the Balearic Islands are the Sòller and Inca trains (on Mallorca).
In the Balearic Islands, the best way to get around is by boat! Several shipping companies share links with the coast and inter-island routes. With Trasmed and Balearia, you can get from one island to another without difficulty. Many small companies offer beach-to-beach connections. At the ports, take a look at the options available to you.
Mobility in Menorca. With a view to making it easier to visit Menorca by public transport, the island's government has recently increased the number of bus connections between towns/sites of tourist interest and facilitated direct access to beaches. To find out more, visit the mou-tmenorca.com portal, where you can obtain your Mou-T ticket.
Bike, scooters & co Balearic Islands
Small and eco-friendly, Formentera offers an ideal setting for cycling enthusiasts. The island is criss-crossed by "green roads", so you can easily replace the car with a bicycle during your stay, provided you have a few days on the island, which is not so small (otherwise, prefer a scooter).
In the rest of the islands , you'll need a motorized vehicle to get around. A scooter may be a good option on Ibiza or Menorca, if you don't intend to go all over these islands, bearing in mind that the journeys are never very long. Many holidaymakers opt for this option, especially on Ibiza, to reach the surrounding beaches. On the other hand, you'll need a car to explore Majorca, as the island is much larger. However, Majorca is a splendid playground for road and mountain bikers!
With a driver Balearic Islands
Cab fares are lower than in France, but beware of the various surcharges that can quickly drive up the price.
Day rate : pick-up €2.10, then €0.98/km.
Evening and weekend rate : pick-up and drop-off €4, then €1.16/km.
Airport and port surcharge : €2.90.
By car Balearic Islands
Driving. Your French driving licence is sufficient. The speed limit is 90 km/h on the road, 120 km/h on the autovies and 50 km/h in town. Wearing a seatbelt is compulsory and a helmet for motorcycles and mopeds as well. Fines are high.
Parking. No parking on sidewalks or at bus stops. In some places, the police are particularly strict. There are blue (paid) zones in all cities, but also zones reserved for residents (green). Do not park in these green spaces under any circumstances, or you may have to take your car to the impound lot. The white ones are free (check that there are no time limits).
Roads. The general condition of the roads is good, although in the small islands they can be deadly: the humidity falls at night and the roads, covered with dirt and dust, become a perfect slipping ground. Some roads, which have become too narrow for the number of cars on them, are really dangerous.
A few instructions that you cannot ignore: the permitted alcohol level in the blood is 0.5 g per litre. This corresponds to two beers or two glasses of wine. It is also forbidden to drive under the effects of drugs and narcotics or other substances, and even after having taken medication that can alter the physical or mental ability required for driving motor vehicles. So it's just like at home, except that here the police are not always very understanding with tourists.
Gas stations. In general, you will only find gasoline in the cities or large resorts. So be careful with the level of your gasoline and don't hesitate to go to the pump before the time..
