Mallorca vs Ibiza: Family-friendly island or party-mecca?
Mallorca is bigger and more varied: the Tramuntana mountains, the city of Palma, cycling routes, families. Ibiza is smaller, revolving around party resorts (Ibiza Town, Sant Antoni) and picturesque northern beaches.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Mallorca for beaches, mountain villages and coves. Choose Ibiza for world-famous clubs and hidden bays. Flights from the Netherlands take about 2 hours 20 to Mallorca and about 2 hours 20 to Ibiza. On price, Mallorca is a good deal cheaper. For a first visit most travellers pick Mallorca.
Mallorca
Mallorca is more than just beach: the Tramuntana mountains (UNESCO), the old town of Palma with its cathedral by the sea, cycling routes and freshly grilled fish. Flights from Schiphol from €70 return, 7 days from €550 per person.
Flight from NL: €70 return
View Mallorca →Ibiza
Ibiza is two islands in one: the party mecca of Ibiza Town and San Antonio, plus quiet beaches and hippie markets on the north coast. Flights from Schiphol from €80 return, 7 days from €700 per person.
Flight from NL: €80 return
View Ibiza →Mallorca vs Ibiza at a glance
| Mallorca | Ibiza | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €70 return | €80 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 2 hours 20 | about 2 hours 20 |
| Coast / beach | Yes | Yes |
| Museums | A few good | Limited |
| Nightlife | Lively | Legendary |
| Winter weather | Mild | Mild |
| Best months | May, June, September | May, June, September |
| Ideal length | 6 days | 6 days |
| Price level | €€ | €€€€ |
Mallorca and Ibiza are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Mallorca is known for beaches, mountain villages and coves, while Ibiza is about world-famous clubs and hidden bays. On price, Mallorca is a good deal cheaper. Mallorca ideally needs 6 days, while you can see Ibiza well in 6 days. The best months are May, June, September for Mallorca and May, June, September for Ibiza. Want to combine them: A ferry (2 to 4 hours) or a short 40-minute flight links the two islands. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Mallorca
April-June and September-October: 20-27°C, perfect. July-August are 30+ and very busy.
Ibiza
June-September for party season. May and October quieter and cheaper. Winter is empty.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Mallorca
Directly from Schiphol to Mallorca (PMI) in 2 hour 30 minutes. KLM, Transavia, Ryanair. Bus 1 to Palma €5.
Ibiza
Directly from Schiphol to Ibiza (IBZ) in 2 hour 30 minutes. KLM, Transavia, Ryanair. Bus L10 to Ibiza-Town €3.50.
Costs compared
Mallorca
Hostels from €25, hotels €80-150, vacation rentals €100/night. Food: pa amb oli €6, lunch €15, dinner €25-40.
Ibiza
Hostels from €30, hotels €90-180, vacation rentals €120/night. Food: bocadillo €5, lunch €15, dinner €30-50, cocktail in club €15.
Who is it for?
Choose Mallorca if you are...
Families, hiking and cycling fans, couples who want more than just beach.
Choose Ibiza if you are...
20- to 30-year-olds for the clubs (Pacha, Amnesia), aesthetics fans, couples for beaches and sunset bars.
Our verdict
Mallorca is cheaper and worth visiting year-round. Ibiza peaks from June to September and is then 40% more expensive. Ferry between the islands: 4 hours, €60.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Mallorca or Ibiza
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.