The Balearic Islands
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Positives
- Waves in beautiful surroundings
- Friendly locals at most spots
- Still easy to find uncrowded spots
- Lots of non surf activities
Negatives
- Swarms of stinging jellyfish
- Mostly onshore lumpy beachbreaks
- inconsistent short-lived swells
- Very long flat spells
The Balearic Islands surf travel guide
The Balearic Islands are usually associated with package tourists and nightclubs but there is some decent Ibiza, Menorca and Mallorca surf spots for the patient surfer. Ibiza has a small surf population who regularly ride the N/NE swells, but keep a close eye on the spots that work in a S swell. The north coast is cliffy with deep water in places, cutting the options but there are plenty of junky beachbreaks to ride around the island. Formentera is a small, quiet, exclusive island with one main, south-facing spot but with some potential to the north, despite the other islands blocking most of the N swell. Mallorca is the biggest in terms of just about everything including surf spots and surfers yet still preserves some secrets along the N swell exposed coasts. Menorca is definitely the most swell-exposed island and Platja de Cavalleria is the centre of the rugged north coast surf scene. There are fewer tourists and more dramatic coast to explore, with more power and size to be found than the other islands.
Surf spots in The Balearic Islands
Research the 17 surf breaks in The Balearic Islands and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 17 breaks in The Balearic Islands.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 82,773,000
- Population
- 46,754,778
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +34
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Spanish (also called Castilian), Catalan, Galician and Basque.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- f
Visas
Spain is a Schengen state and citizens of most EU countries do not need a visa. Citizens of USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas for visits up to 90 days. All others including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the Spanish consulate in their home country.
Getting There
Flights to the Islands can be found from just about every major airport across Europe but prices vary enourmously so check a good flight compare site to get te best deals. The Islands can also be reached via car and passenger ferries from a number of ports, with wildly fluctuating ticket prices and timetables depending on departure point and season. High-speed ferries are quick and easy but the less time on the water equals higher prices. Trasmediterranea, Balearia and GNV ply the routes from Barcelona, Valencia and Denia to the various islands so pick the best option for your needs … price competition between the different companies keeps it reasonable. For summer sailings book early as the boats get full.
Getting Around
On the Balearic Islands, rental cars are expensive in summer but good deals can be had during the better surf months of autumn winter and spring and are the best way to explore the islands. There are several inter-island car ferries and moving from island to island is easy. The road systems get heavily clogged in summer. Drink or drugged driving by locals and tourists is commonplace and it’s as dangerous a place to drive as anywhere in the world. Whacked-out holiday-makers on mopeds are the first to drop! Local buses and hitchhiking are both reasonable choices. Carrying a surfboard with your thumb out will most times get you a ride very quickly. Surfboards on buses are all about how crowded the bus is and the mood of the bus driver…smile a lot. Bodyboards will have no problem.