There’s nothing quite like getting up high, sipping a cocktail and watching the sun set across the Balearic landscape. A rooftop bar offers an experience unlike any other on a Balearics yacht charter, whether you’re relaxing next to the infinity pool dropping away into the sky, or partying long into the night with the beautiful crowd.
The Balearics have some stunning rooftop bars, with more joining the mix each year. Our list of the best comprises not only some seriously swanky hotel terraces, but also an unforgettable cliff grotto and some fabulous local gems. After a day of wandering whitewashed villages and swimming off the yacht, shower off the sea and sunshine and get dressed up to hit these rooftop bars with some of the best views on earth.
PALMA DE MALLORCA
St Fransesc Hotel Singular, Old Town
Sitting atop a restored 19th century mansion in the Old Town, this upscale, intimate 200m2 roof terrace centres around a blue-green swimming pool edged with fragrant Mediterranean greenery. Elegant lounges sit under shade arbours and sunbeds span the solarium terrace. Order an aperitif from the pool bar and settle in, enjoying the views across the medieval city of Palma and its soaring gothic cathedral by the sea.
Best for: Pre-dinner aperitif in relaxing setting
Opening hours: The terrace is open for non-hotel guests from 19:00 until 10:30.
Almaq, Es Princip Hotel, Old Town
The 5-star Es Princip Hotel is crowned by a magnificent 800m2 rooftop terrace – complete with a pool and expanses of sunloungers overlooking across the palm-lined Paseo to the Bay of Palma. White cloth tables sit under vine-wreathed arbours, and stylish bartenders whip up cocktails at the gorgeous mosaic-tiled bar. Offering an all-day restaurant menu, live music and DJ sets, this Palma rooftop bar starts the day quiet and really amps up as the afternoon wears on.
Best for: A long Sunday brunch or a lively evening with music.
Opening hours: 12:30 to 23:30
Rooftop Bar, Nakar Hotel, Old Town
At Nakar Hotel’s rooftop bar, a 12m infinity pool floats above seriously good views of the medieval rooftops of Palma, the cathedral, and the sparkling sea. Reserved for hotel guests during the day, this rooftop bar gets going in late afternoons, with a lively crowd gathering for its famous DJ sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Best for: sunset cocktails and music.
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday from 16.30h to 00.00
Rooftop, Es Baluard Museum, Old Town
Perhaps an unlikely contender for Palma’s coolest roof terrace, this sophisticated lounge bar and restaurant sits atop the fabulous Es Baluard Museum of Modern Art. Edged by an ornate stone balustrade and looking out over Palma’s palm trees to the cathedral and the sea, this rooftop bar is a top spot day and night for both locals and visitors.
Best for: Taking a break on a day exploring Palma.
Opening hours: 10am to midnight
MENORCA
Cava d’en Xoroi, Cala En Porter
Menorca’s hottest ‘rooftop bar’ isn’t a rooftop at all, but a natural grotto carved into a mighty cliff on the island’s spectacular south coast. Offering one of the most unforgettable spots for a sunset drink on the planet, the cave’s terrace juts out from the sheer cliff face high above the Mediterranean, and is crowded with Balinese day beds and happy party people. It will get crowded – how could it not? – but that is all part of the fun. Early in the day you’ll experience a more peaceful vibe, while the atmosphere is simply electric at sunset. The cave transforms into a nightclub at 11pm, with themed parties and renowned DJ sets. Entry is paid.
Best for: Sunset drinks and making memories in an open-air club unlike any other.
Opening hours: 11:30 am to 10pm, nightclub opens from 11pm.
IBIZA
The Ninth, Hard Rock Hotel
The Ninth will feel like you just stepped off your charter yacht’s sundeck and onto another, but this one much, much higher. Perched at the dizzying edge of sky and sea, this huge rooftop space is encircled by glass to make the 360º views stretch forever and give a sense of floating high above the water. A white curved bar sits right on the edge, and sleek black and white furniture makes this the perfect spot for dancing, drinking cocktails and listening to live music, preferably while watching one of the epic Ibiza sunsets. The Ninth also hosts summer evening dinner shows with acrobatics, dance and music acts.
Best for: Sunsets and parties.
Opening hours: 6pm to 1am
Maymanta Pisco Bar, Aguas de Ibiza Grand Luxe Hotel, Santa Eulalia
Where the Ninth offers pure sleek minimalism, the Maymanta Pisco Bar brings Peruvian colour in all its sophisticated glory. This gorgeous rooftop bar is bright and funky, with a perfectly curated design style that matches Ibiza’s light and energy – colourful chairs, a bright yellow bar, Peruvian tiles and boat rope. Cocktails are top-notch, don’t miss the trademark Pisco cocktails. The view is just as good, looking down over Santa Eulalia Marina.
Best for: A drink before visiting the hotel’s outstanding spa, or cocktails with friends in the evening.
Opening hours: 10:30am to 1:30am
Rooftop Nine, Sol House, San Antonia
A homage to white minimalism, this sleek rooftop bar is home to big DJ acts every night of the week in summer. Featuring a long infinity pool and a glass balcony edge for uninterrupted views over San Antonio Bay, the teak deck is lined with white deckchairs and white bean bags – all in prime position to watch the DJs spin their magic. You can make a day (and night of it) and settle in to enjoy the Mediterranean menu. Sunsets here are pretty special.
Best for: DJ acts and sunset fun.
Opening hours: Midday to midnight.
Tira Pallá, Old Town
Want to hang out with the Ibiza locals in a funky little rooftop bar that feels like the real Spain? Tira Palla is one of Ibiza’s hidden gems, a colourful and laid-back Spanish roof terrace with great views of the old town. Order an (outstanding) cocktail or cold beer from the bar and enjoy the unpretentious but lively atmosphere, good music, and great staff.
Best for: Getting to know the real Ibiza with a cold drink in hand.
Opening hours: Late-3am (gets busy around midnight)
Up Ibiza Sky Society, Ushuaïa Hotel, Playa d’En Boss
Ushuaia is ground zero for parties on the White Isle, so it’s no surprise the hotel’s rooftop bar makes it onto this list. With a name like that, it’s definitely trying to make an impact – and it succeeds, with its striking mosaic floor, soft white daybeds and huge red cocktail bar with suspended aircraft propellers. Complete with electronic music and yakitori bar, the Up Ibiza Sky Society is a place to mingle with a fashionable crowd and watch as the sun sets and the party heats up across the Playa d’en Bossa.
Best for: Starting the evening off in style before heading down to the Ushuaia mega-club.
Opening hours: 7pm to 1am.
Radio Me Rooftop Bar, Me Hotel, Santa Eulalia
Featuring an infinity pool, bar and restaurant, the rooftop bar at ME hotel is seriously swanky. The neutral décor is all white and sand and sunlight, contrasting vividly with the bright blue sky and sea. Glass balustrades leave the views of Santa Eulalia Bay open and endless, and soft Balinese daybeds are the ultimate vantage point. The adjoining restaurant offers excellent tapas and seafood. The rooftop is reserved for hotel guests during the day but opens up at night.
Best for: A refined, relaxing evening with sensational views
Opening hours: Late afternoon until midnight.