Traveling to the Balearic islands obviously means sun, beach and fun. But there’s much more to see on Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and the smaller island of Formentera. Visit the interesting cities, the rural olive or orange farms and even some pre-historical sights. Check out the most important sights on each Balearic island.
Majorca
Majorca is the biggest Balearic island. Its beauty already attracted many famous visitors and artists since long ago. There is a wide variety of sights to visit like the city Palma, many enchanting beaches, natural parks, convents, castles and charming villages.
Palma de Majorca, the main city in Majorca has a splendid cathedral, Arabic bathing houses and many baroque, gothic and renaissance palaces. The influences from many people and cultures that once inhabited the islands are visible everywhere in this wonderful city. Visit the numerous museums, churches, impressive houses and many squares. Don’t forget to check out the interesting surroundings as well. You will definitely need more than one day to really get to know all the important sights in Palma.
El Cabo de Formentor marks the extreme northern point of the island. It’s the rocky ending in the sea of a range of hills called Sierra de Tramuntana. The peninsula is praised for its magnificent views over the sea and the island and the road to El Cabo is already worth the trip because of its beauty.
Sa Calobra. Among many beautiful beaches in Majorca, this town absolutely has the most beautiful. The long, curvy and rocky road towards the sea leads to the top of the impressive cliffs, 800 meters above the beach. Not only can you reach the beach by land, it’s also worthwhile to take a boat from Port de Sóller
El Castillo de Alaró and the village of Orient are accessible over a picturesque road leading through the charming village of Alaró. From the castle you can take the road to the village of Orient. This village is famous for its beautiful church. There are many good restaurants in these villages and they are a popular weekend destination for the locals in Majorca.
Menorca
The most northern island of the Balearics is a popular holiday destination for Catalan people. The traditional festivals and culture attract many visitors. Menorca’s main attractions are the virgin beaches with extremely clear water, the many pre-historical sights and the beautiful countryside, marked by the different latitudes and influences from the british occupation in the 18th century.
Ciutadella harbors some great architectural treasures, like the cathedral, the palaces, churches, arcades, patios and much more. The most interesting is without a doubt La Naveta des Tudons, a pre-historical building just outside the city where also many recovered artifacts are still being displayed. As the birthplace of José Roberto Torrent, the town dedicated a museum to this painter. Enjoy the charming restaurants and bars that are located in the small harbor of the city.
Cabos y calas are the many capes and beaches that are to be found all around the island. Walk over the rocky capes to enjoy the magnificent views over the sea and the island and take a rest or go for a swim at the amazing beaches with very clear water.
Maó is the capital of Menorca. There aren’t many monuments or special sights of interest, but the city is just of an incredible beauty with its typical white Mediterranean houses. Near Maó you can visit Es Castel. Every day the inhabitants of this small harbor village, once founded by the English, have the privilege to be the first people in Spain to see the sunrise.
Ibiza
Ibiza used to be a place where hippies would come together. This makes that the atmosphere on the island is still very cheerful, exuberant and free. Today Ibiza is known for it’s bars and clubs where famous DJs play during the summer. Although the island also has many beautiful sights to offer. Since Ibiza is the most Southern island of the Balearics there are many North African features to be found in the monuments and the architecture.
Ibiza town has a beautiful old town with an impressive 16th century fortress, antique city walls, a cathedral and the Sant Domingo church. Outside the city walls you will find the typical white fisherman’s houses before you enter into the modern part of the city with its straight streets, modern apartment flats and full avenues. Pay a visit to the archeological museums, the convent, the modern art museum, the marina, the Necrópolis and the main square Plaza de la Vila.
Calas (beaches) on Ibiza are very beautiful. Most of them are surrounded by rocks and covered with fine, white sand. The water is always very clear and blue. Lay down and get tanned, go for an occasional swim, just relax after or during a long trip across the island or take out your fishing gear. Some beaches that are worth a visit are Sa Caleta (11km SE of Ibiza), Cala Salada (19km East of Ibiza), Punta de Sa Galera (great fishing spot close to Cala Salada), Cala d’Hort (small beach with pine trees where you can enjoy the cool sea breeze; also close to Cala Salada), Cala de Benirràs (20km North of Ibiza).
Cubells is a small village on top of a cliff from where you have some amazing views over the coast. Close to Cubells you can visit las Salinas where seabirds hide between the white mounds. It’s a true and unique ecosystem bigger than a thousand hectares.
Formentera
Half an hour by boat from the harbor of Ibiza lays this small paradise. It’s one of the last true paradises left in the Mediterranean. On the calm island of Formentera you can relax and recharge yourself while enjoying the crystalline water and the enchanting nature.
El Pilar de la Mola is a very lovely village on a plateau where you can enjoy amazing views over the entire island. In the village itself you will find a charming 18th century church and there’s a typical Mediterranean windmill. Vineyards and carob trees surround the village. On Sunday a hippie market takes place in El Pilar. The village prides its many artisan workshops and artisan traditions.
Playa de Ses Illetes (6km North of Sant Francesc de Formentera), with its strip of dunes along the sea and the many inlets is one of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean. And Playa de Migjorn (6km South East of Sant Francesc) is a large bay with fine sand and crystalline water.
