3 Top Tips for a Balearic Islands Cruise

The Balearic Islands are an extensive group of scenic Spanish islands, situated in the Balearic Sea. With stunning sunsets and enchanting coves, the three major islands of Menorca, Ibiza and Majorca – as well as the smaller island of Formentera – are popular tourist destinations for many. Hosting over 13.7 million visitors a year pre-pandemic, the islands have something to offer everyone. In this post I share tips to make the most of your Balearic islands cruise.

If you’re after a quiet and scenic adventure, the islands are ready to host your holiday of a lifetime. And how better to experience the beauty on offer than to take a Balearic cruise, so that you don’t have to choose between them?

But before you sail off into the sunset, this post provides some tips to ensure that you can get the most out of your Balearic islands cruise.

Think about the weather in the Balearics

One thing that is fairly consistent across all of the islands is the weather. Situated in the Western Mediterranean Sea and bounded to the south by continental Africa, the weather in the Balearic Islands is mild all year round. Spring and summer often see the warmest temperatures, with the summer months reaching temperatures in the high 20s. In the autumn and winter, the temperatures tend to drop to the mid-teens.

Similar to many seasonal countries, the Balearic Islands also see fewer hours of sunshine and more rainfall in the autumn and winter months. On average, summer months see around 10 or 11 hours of sunshine per day and 10mm of rainfall on average per month, whereas the winter months only see 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day and an average of 50mm of rainfall per month.

Winds on and around these islands stay pretty consistent throughout the year too, averaging around 8.5 mph.

Protect yourself from the sun and wind on a Balearic islands cruise

When packing for a cruise around the Balearic Islands, the time of year will very much influence what you bring with you.

There’s nothing that can ruin a trip more than feeling unwell, so if you’re heading off on your cruise during the aforementioned windier months, sea-sickness medication is a must-have. When the winds pick up on and around the islands, the water can get a little rougher, so be prepared.

Rest assured being on the open water does come with its perks, and during the summer sun, you have the advantage of enjoying a cool breeze. However, just because the sun may not feel as intense, it’s still dangerous if you’re not protected, so make sure you’ve packed your sunscreen, as well as aftersun in case you do get caught out during an afternoon nap.

As refreshing as the breeze may be, it has its disadvantages too – keeping your beach towel on the sunbeds aboard a boat can seem like an extreme sport. For this reason, towel bands are a must if you are cruising around the Balearics. They’ll keep your towel firmly gripped to your sunbed, meaning you can soak up the rays on deck without worrying!

Don’t miss out on trips on a Balearic islands cruise

Another top tip for your cruise is to take a look at the cruise schedule in advance. Who better to recommend events and things to do than the staff themselves? If you’re feeling super organised, take a highlighter aboard with you so you can keep an eye on the events you don’t want to miss out on.

A cruise around the Balearic Islands will offer you the chance to explore many of the islands, and I would recommend Menorca as a must-visit. Perfect for a hike or a bike ride, one must-see spot is S’Albufera des Grau Nature Reserve on the north coast. This protected reserve features a freshwater lagoon and, for the avid bird watchers out there, a wide array of birds to see. If you’re lucky enough to spend a day ashore here, this is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss.

Make sure you try the local food

Another thing you definitely shouldn’t miss out on if you’re cruising around these islands is the food. The Balearic Islands are renowned for having the freshest fish and some of the tastiest seafood options going. Menorca, in particular, is famed for its incredible lobster stew and the other islands have similar signature dishes. Your taste buds deserve the best, and these dishes won’t disappoint.

But if you aren’t a fish fan, there’s no need to despair. The cruise ship will have a wide array of foods available for you to choose from, including vegetable dishes perfect for vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements, to all the classics you know and love. Check out my Cruise Food section for inspiration.