Balearic Islands: Getting there & around

If your sole reason for visiting Spain is a trip to the Balearics, there's absolutely no financial reason to fly to the mainland first. You can often get affordable flights as part of a resort package. If you're already enjoying Spanish hospitality, however, the cheapest flights are usually out of Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia or Malaga. Once you're on the islands, you can often arrange a cheaper charter flight back to the mainland.

Another option is making the trip by boat. A speedy Buque rapido is operated by Trasmediterrànea (www.trasmediterranea.es). It's a catamaran and there's only one a day in the mid-and high season. None operate in winter. It takes about 3.75 hours and costs a hefty US$103-222. The same company also operate a 'fast ferry' between Valencia and Palma that stops in Ibiza en route. It takes 6.5 hours to Palma and 4.5 hours to Ibiza and costs the same as the catamaran. Again, it only functions in the mid- and high-seasons. The third option is the buque convencionale - a slow ferry that operates all year and costs US$254-292. These go from Barcelona to Palma every day (7hrs), and Valencia and Palma (7.5hrs) six times a week. Finally, there's a service on Balearia from Denia on the coast between Valencia and Alicante to Palma (5 or 9.5 hours depending on the type of ferry) via Ibiza (2-4hrs). It only operates in the mid-and high-seasons and costs US$73-104 to Palma and US$50-70 to Ibiza.

Given a flying time of less than 30 minutes, inter-island flights are expensive. A trip from Palma de Mallorca to Ibiza or Maó (Menorca) costs US$110 one-way. Ferries, operated by at least four companies, running different routes between the four main islands, generally cost between US$35-82 each way.

Once you arrive in Palma de Mallorca, there are two train lines and an extensive bus system that can get you just about anywhere on the island. There are also 30 car rental companies in the city, and you can hire bikes here and in many of the smaller villages. Menorca isn't quite as developed; to get from the airport to Maó you'll need to take a taxi or a bus that runs between Mào and the airport every 30 minutes until 10:00 .

There are three bus companies that offer access to most of the island, as well as plenty of places to rent cars, motorcycles and bikes.

Ibiza has several bus lines serving every corner of Ibiza City and the island, and there's even an all-night 'disco bus' in the summer, which makes a continuous circuit between the major clubs. Various companies rent cars, motorcycles and bicycles as well. The short ferry ride to Formentera is popular (US$26-43 depending on ferry type). Once you arrive, rent a bike and enjoy the day.