5 must-sees of the Balearic Islands, Spain’s Mediterranean paradise
The Spanish archipelago known as the Balearic Islands hides a handful of treasures, both natural and human-made. It is a heavenly destination full of stunning beaches and coves, picturesque towns gazing over the Mediterranean Sea, fascinating caves and ancient ruins of timeless beauty.
Hence, there are many spots worth visiting on these islands which never cease to amaze new visitors. On the following lines, we will go over some of the must-see places of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera in order to truly understand the rich Balearic essence.
Guide to the Balearic Islands: 5 must-see places
The Cathedral of Mallorca
Also called the Catedral de Santa María de Palma de Mallorca or La Seu, the Cathedral of Mallorca can be found in the capital city of the Balearic Islands: Palma de Mallorca—or simply Palma.
Its construction began in the 13th century and lasted until the early 17th century. Although it was built following the Mediterranean Gothic style, later restorations and adjustments added elements of different architectural styles. For instance, in the 20th century the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí made changes to the cathedral’s interior. As a result, this impressive temple tells a century-old story and is definitely one of the must-sees of Mallorca.
The Drach Caves
Also located in the island of Mallorca, the Drach Caves are among the most valuable natural treasures of the Balearic Islands. Their name comes from the Catalan Coves del Drach, which would be translated as “the dragon caves”.
They consist of four caves that spread for almost 1200 metres in length on the east coast of Mallorca, more specifically in Porto Cristo. One of the main attractions of the Drach Caves is the large underground lake known as Lake Martel.
Talayotic Menorca
Menorca conceals a heritage of great historical value. “Talayotic Menorca” entered the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023, and it encompasses a good number of archaeological sites throughout the island, mainly prehistoric settlements and burial places. These fascinating remains blend into Menorca’s natural landscape and provide a glance into the human experience of thousands of years ago.
Dalt Vila
Ibiza, or Eivissa in Catalan, is well known for its festive atmosphere and intense partying, but this Balearic island has so many other things to offer. That can be seen in the very city that shares the name with the island.
The Dalt Vila corresponds to Ibiza’s old town, a charming area resting by the sea that is perfect for walking and soaking up the culture and the lifestyle of the island. Its walls, white little houses and narrow streets make up a perfect spot for exploring the soul of this Mediterranean paradise. Moreover, the Dalt Vila is included as one of Ibiza’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to being “an outstanding example of Renaissance military architecture”.
Ses Illetes
The last of these Balearic wonders will take us to the island of Formentera, home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. When one first visits Ses Illetes, it is difficult not to look in awe at the fine white sand and crystal-clear waters that turn into the most surreal shades of turquoise.
The beach of Ses Illetes belongs to the Ses Salines de Eivissa and Formentera Natural Park and it extends for over 450 metres. It has been often compared to the Maldives and the Caribbean, which makes perfect sense, considering the enchanting views of this unique coastal landscape. Diving into the marvellous waters of Ses Illetes is the perfect farewell to this adventure across the Balearic Islands.
This article was written in collaboration with Le Collectionist.