It’s summer and you’re heading to Spain but are unsure which Balearic island to visit: Ibiza or Mallorca. Both islands have turquoise waters, secret coves and stunning beaches. Both have incredible food: Iberico ham, Spanish cheeses, Padron peppers, suckling pig, heaps of paella and glorious wine. Both have gorgeous nature and a warm Mediterranean climate. To help you make a decision, here are our thoughts on how the islands are different, the best things about each island and whether Ibiza or Mallorca is the right island for you.

THE CONTENDERS: IBIZA OR MALLORCA?

Ibiza is a 220+ square mile island off the eastern coast of Spain known for some of the best nightlife in the world. Ibiza’s Old Town, Dalt Vila, is a UNESCO world heritage site with cobblestone streets and cozy buildings. The coastline is surrounded by sand and pebble beaches while the countryside is filled with dry, scrubby vegetation, farmers and hippies.

 Mallorca lies 120 miles northeast of Ibiza and covers a huge territory, 1,405 square miles. Mallorca has a lush, hilly interior and winding roads, perfect for biking and trekking. Palma, the main city, is bustling with activity and full of great spots to eat, drink and explore.

So, which island should you visit: Ibiza or Mallorca? 

THE TIEBREAKER: IBIZA V MALLORCA

Hi, I’m Lids. I’m a U.S. ex-pat who lives in London and who has made many trips to Ibiza (including Formentera) and Mallorca. I’ve stayed in different parts of each island, explored by rental car, speedboat and dinghy, feasted on as much good food as possible and gone out for fun nights. I’ve also visited to Menorca, the last Balearic island of the group, and travelled widely across the rest of Spain. I’ll help you figure out whether to visit Ibiza or Mallorca below.

THE PROS AND CONS OF IBIZA AND MALLORCA

If you’re limited on time or logistics and need to choose between visiting Ibiza or Mallorca, consider these points:

If you want to party in the greatest clubs, then head to Ibiza where you can hit up DC-10, Pacha and Ushuaia clubs (our faves) for the best electronic dance music. Check the schedule before you go as different clubs host different theme parties each night (or even day) of the week. For example, Amnesia hosts a foam party every Saturday where club goers are doused with frothy foam sprayed from full-on foam cannons. The iconic DJ David Guetta plays at Pacha every Thursday and Es Paradis hosts the weekly neon paint party where everyone gets splattered with glow-in-the-dark neon paint. You can find more information (like the party calendar, party descriptions) here.

If you want to relax in hip beach clubs during the day, head to Ibiza, home to the Experimental Beach Club and El Chiringuito (also Nikki Beach, Sunset Ashram and the Jockey Club). Wake up after your night out and head for a beach club where you can order a bottle of rosé, lobster for lunch and lounge on the daybeds, working on your tan. Most beach clubs open around 11am and you’ll need to book a daybed or lunch table ahead of time during the summer season. We love El Chiringuito’s on demand oysters (the restaurant part of the club has a designated oyster man who walks table to table with a bucket and oyster knife) and Experimental Beach’s fabulous frozen cocktails (also, sunsets!).

If you’re into wellness, yoga, detox or hippie living, then Ibiza is your place. The island hosts many wellness-oriented programs throughout the year (check with your local yoga studio for leads because it depends on what teacher / yoga style you’re into). Otherwise, Google ‘Ibiza yoga’ to find dates that work or look up Yoga Ibiza as a starting point (they host low key yoga retreats and you can stay as many nights as you like).  In the countryside, we love the La Granja farm/hotel for rest and relaxation. There are also tons of yoga and fitness studios, but our favorite is on the water: stand-up paddleboarding yoga @ SUP YogaPilates. Cruise around on a paddleboard while in upward dog. Then, feast on healthy, organic salads, smoothies and juices at one of the island’s Passion Cafes.

BONUS: SEEING BOTH IBIZA AND MALLORCA ON THE SAME TRIP

*Bonus* If you want to see two islands at once, consider Ibiza as its possible to make a half or full day trip to the nearby island of Formentera. Formentera has white sand beaches and sand-in-your-toes bars and cafes, ideal for lazy lunches (tip: our fave meal is at Juan y Andrea). There are also (from what we hear, ‘therapeutic’) sulfurous mud baths on the island, so dive in if you’re feeling adventurous and then wash the mud off on the nearby beach.

If you’re sporty and love hiking and biking, then Mallorca is your best bet. For cyclists, the island has lots of biking routes and terrains – everything from hilly mountains to flat roads with ocean views. Hotels go above and beyond for cyclists, offering bike storage, washing, repairs and even packed meals for riders. For hikers, Mallorca is paradise. There are tons of walking paths near the beach and across the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Order one of the Mallorca self guided trekking/hiking books on Amazon and strap on those hiking boots/cycling cleats. The best time to visit weatherwise is spring/fall (or summer if you can stand the heat).

Travelling with a tot in tow? Mallorca is super family friendly. The island has big airport with many direct flights originating in all major European cities. Hotels welcome tots with open arms, offering baby cots, kiddie menus, babysitting, kid friendly pools, kid-centered activities and kids clubs. Our fave spot for the family is the St. Regis, located by the ocean and a total kid-haven. Guests with little ones can join the Explorers Club where the kiddies receive a gift bag filled with a compass, passport and list of activities to kick start the hotel stay.

If you want an island that has a cool main city, then visit Mallorca so you can explore Palma. Take in the awesome architecture and wander the cobblestone streets in Old Town. Don’t miss the grand Mallorca Cathedral, part of which was renovated by the well-known modern architect Antoni Gaudi. Visitors can also check out the awesome Miro Foundation cultural center which showcases the works of Surrealist Spanish painter and sculptor Joan Miró. And if you appreciate craft drinks, don’t miss Ginbo, an award winning artisanal gin bar in town. Or pick up lunch, dinner or drinks at the ultra stylish Portixol hotel.

THE FINAL TIEBREAK: MALLORCA OR IBIZA

Both islands are legendary for fun in the sun and you can check out our guides for where to stay, what to eat and what to do here. But if you need to choose between Ibiza or Mallorca, here is our take: If you’re into parties, dancing, unbelievable nightlife and a great holistic wellness scene, Ibiza is your best bet. However, if you’re a sports enthusiast, traveling with family and or want to  take it easy and enjoy the countryside, then Mallorca is your spot. Now, ¡vámonos!

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It’s summer and you’re figuring out whether to visit Corsica or Sardinia for your holiday. Both islands bask in the Mediterranean sun, have rugged interiors and plenty of gorgeous beaches. The 7 mile channel separating the two islands is crossed via a 50 minute ferry ride. If you’re not able to fit both islands into one trip, here are our thoughts on how the islands are different, the best things about each island and whether Corsica or Sardinia is the right island for you.

THE CONTENDERS: CORSICA OR SARDINIA?

Corsica is a 3,350 square mile French island off the western coast of Italy known for wild boards, verdant hills and blue waters. In the summer, Corsica hosts Calvi on the Rocks, one the best summer music festivals in Europe. And did we mention the island has tons of amazing French cheese?

Sardinia lies 11 kilometers south of Corsica, covering 9,300 square miles (3 times the size of Corsica!). Sardinia has phenomenal sandy beaches, great wind for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing and boasts everything that is amazing about Italy – like the food! like the wine! like the style!

So, we’re here to help you decide which island to visit: Corsica or Sardinia?

THE TIEBREAKER: SARDINIA v CORSICA

Hi, I’m Lids. I’m a U.S. ex-pat who lives in London. I’ve spent a week in Sardinia on summer holiday (stayed in agroturismos and five-star digs and driven up/down the island looking for windy beaches to kite). I’ve also travelled through the rest of Italy on other trips. I’ve spent a ton of time in France and am heading to Corsica this fall (so post to be further updated). That said, a bunch of my friends have visited/spent whole summers on Corsica because of family on island. So I’ve chatted their ear(s) off to get the scoop for Travel Honey and help you figure out whether to visit Corsica or Sardinia below!

THE PROS AND CONS OF CORSICA AND SARDINIA

If you’re limited on time or logistics and need to choose between visiting Corsica or Sardinia, consider this:

If you love beaches, head to Sardinia where you can choose from 200+ sandy and pebble beaches with clear, bright blue water. Our favorite Sardinia beaches include Porto Pollo in the north, La Cinta in the west part of the island and Poetto beach in the south. These beaches have spots for refreshments and are amazing for water sports! If you want to explore, rent a car and beach hop. Sardinia has beaches near camp sites, pine forests, fishing villages and near the luxurious resorts of the Emerald Coast, a 55 kilometer stretch of coast where the ocean is an iridescent green color.

But if you prefer mountains with lush green vegetation, head for Corsica. Corsica is home to steep, granite peaks and rocky trails. It’s home to the legendary GR20 hiking trail which takes 15 days to hike and bisects the island, and Corsica National Park (there are tons of shorter hiking routes through the park). Wild cows and boar run amok in the hills, often straying into beaches and roadways (and causing headaches for local authorities). The island has a long-practiced and respected tradition of hunting in the mountains as well.

If you’re looking for glamour and glitz, look no further than Porto Cervo on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast. This plush stretch of sand is home to Cala Di Volpe, a hotel known for old-school glamour, its enormous pool, beachside location and icon guests (like Jay-Z and Princess Diana). Spend your days shopping for Prada, Bulgari and Valentino near Porto Cervo’s main square, dine at the Porto Cervo Yacht Club, lounge with the cool cats at the Phi Beach or Nikki Beach clubs or hang by the water and spot mega yachts.

If you want a more low key, authentic experience, then Corsica is the better bet. To connect with the land, stay at Domaine de Murtoli, a private nature reserve and working farm with 10+ houses, 3 restaurants (one on the beach, one in a cave, one under ancient trees) located on 5,000 acres of land. Corsica has beautifully designed contemporary hotels like Casadelmar and La Plage Casadelmar as well but they are not as flashy as what you’d find in Sardinia.

Meat-eaters and cheese connoisseurs – head for Corsica where you can feast on wild boars who forage for chestnuts. You can also sample cheeses from sheep and goats who thrive grazing in the hills. Corsican forests are filled with edible mushrooms and island bees make the best honey from nearby wildflower fields. Corsican food is hearty and stays close to land. Anyone who appreciates a good, thick, meaty stew or soup will love the island. When visiting, don’s miss the generous meats and cheeses served at Chez Seraphi, perched high up in the Corsican mountains.

Those who love pasta and fish will do well in Sardinia. The malloreddus is a dumpling shaped pasta with many ridges on its outer shell, made for sopping up sauce. This uniquely Sardinian pasta is traditionally served with tomato and sausage sauce and is available on most restaurant menus. Sardinia is also all about the ocean, seafood is fresh and plentiful. Head for any cafe or shack near the beach and order the grilled lobster or any gorgeous Mediterranean fish (even fish roe!). Our fave seafood spot is Fratirossi. For a more rustic meal, check out Agriturismo Su Connu where veggies and pasta are sourced right from the farm.

Last and this may be stating the obvious, but the question could come down to whether you simply want a more French (Corscisa!) or Italian (Sardinia!) experience on your holiday. Like French croissants, beret hats and bikes? Then all signs point to French Corsica. Like Italian Aperol Spritzes, fashion and pizza? Then Sardinia is your best bet.

THE FINAL TIEBREAK!

Both islands are great and you can read more about our take on Corsica here and Sardinia here. If you need to decide between visiting Corsica or Sardinia, here is our call: We recommend Sardinia for gorgeous beaches, glamour and delicious seafood. We recommend Corsica for rugged mountains, low key holidays and meat-enthusiasts. The choice may also come down to something as simple as  to whether you are seeking a more French (Corsica!) or Italian (Sardinia!) vibe during your time away. So, onward and safe travels 

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