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Balearic Islands Travel Guide
 Valldemossa, Majorca, Balearic Islands.
Introduction
Smallest of the 17 Spanish autonomous communities, the Balearic Islands (Illes Balears in Catalan, Islas Baleares in Spanish) welcome more tourists per capita than any other region apart from the Canaries. The archipelago is composed of four main islands: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera.
Majorca, the largest, was the seat of the eponymous kingdom, founded in 1231 after the conquest of the archipelago by the King of Aragon. The Royal Palace and cathedral are the main attractions of Palma de Majorca, the Balearic capital and only city. The rest of the island is rugged and mountainous and interspersed with spectacular coves of aquamarine sea and white beaches. The highest peak, Puig Major, rises to 1,445 m (4,741 ft).
Minorca, to the north, is equally beautiful, but a bit flatter and more laid back. It also has a rich collection of Megalithic monuments.
Ibiza, to the south, is one of the Mediterranean party capitals, famous around the world for its vibrant nightlife scene and electronic music. It may come as a surprise than that Ibiza is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Biodiversity and Culture, owing to its unique marine and coastal ecosystems, its very ancient history (former Phoenician colony), and the exceptional Renaissance military architecture of the Upper Town of Ibiza.
Formentera, a smaller island just south of Ibiza, has barely 10,000 inhabitants and is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches.
Most of the Balearic population of 1 million speaks Catalan as well as Spanish.
Cuisine
Balearic cuisine is regarded as part of the wider Catalan cuisine, as it shares many dishes and ingredients with Catalonia and the Valencian Country. French mayonnaise was invented on Menorca and named salsa mahonesa, after its capital Mahon. The French took the recipe with them after their victory over the British at Port Mahon in 1756.
Typical Balearic culinary specialties include arròs brut (soupy rice cooked with game and mushrooms and spiced with cinnamon, saffron, pepper), arròs de la terra (grinded wheat with vegetables and sausages), caragols (snail stew), ensaïmada (pastry filled with reduced pork lard), flaons (sweet, round pasty filled with cheese), mè rostit/porcella rostida (lamb/piglet roasts), tombet (sliced potatoes, aubergines and red bell peppers fried in olive oil), trempó (salad of onions, green peppers and peeled tomatoes), and sopes mallorquines (soupy stew made from cabbage and other vegetables and served with bread).
Attractions
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Ibiza Island
| Ibiza (Eivissa) |
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 Ibiza Town, the capital of Ibiza, boasts a rich history dating back to Phoenician times and is home to Dalt Vila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive 16th-century fortifications. The city's charming old quarter is a maze of whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Ibiza Town is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and world-famous clubs, but it also harbours cultural gems like the Museum of Contemporary Art. The island's cuisine is notable for dishes such as 'bullit de peix', a traditional fish stew best enjoyed at local establishments like El Bigotes. Interestingly, Ibiza has been a significant salt producer for over 2,700 years, with the salt flats at Ses Salinas still operational and part of a protected natural park. The island also boasts a unique magnetic field that affects compasses, adding to its mystique. |
| Cala Xarraca |
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 Cala Xarraca is a secluded beach cove with crystal-clear waters, making it particularly ideal for snorkelling. The beach offers contrasting experiences depending on weather conditions - from calm waters perfect for swimming to windier days with larger waves. The area is characterised by rocky red cliffs and pine forests that create a dramatic natural backdrop. Local gastronomy in the vicinity features fresh seafood and traditional dishes served in taverns and trendy establishments. The cove's sheltered position and natural surroundings have helped maintain its unspoilt character, distinguishing it from some of Ibiza's more developed beaches. |
Natural attractions & Beaches
Es Vedrà
 Cala de Sant Vicent
Portinatx
Other attractions
 Santa Eulalia del Río
Cabrera Archipelago
| Cabrera Archipelago |
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Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, comprising 19 islands and islets, offers a pristine Mediterranean oasis just an hour's boat ride from Mallorca. The park boasts crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and unique attractions such as the Blue Cave (Sa Cova Blava), where visitors can swim in an ethereal blue environment. History enthusiasts can explore the 14th-century Cabrera Castle, which once protected the island from Berber pirates. The archipelago's rich past includes serving as a prison for French soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. Nature lovers will appreciate the park's biodiversity, with over 130 bird species using the islands as a migratory stopover, and the opportunity to spot rare marine creatures like whales, dolphins, and turtles. Hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints and ancient lighthouses, whilst the surrounding waters offer excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. |
Mallorca (Majorca) Island
| Palma de Mallorca |
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Palma de Mallorca features the world's largest Gothic rose window, measuring 13.8 metres in diameter, in its cathedral La Seu, which uniquely faces Mecca as it was built atop a former mosque. The city boasts Europe's oldest circular castle, Bellver Castle, offering panoramic views2, and houses Porto Pí, the world's third-oldest operational lighthouse. The local cuisine centres on fresh seafood, pork, and vegetables, with signature dishes including pa amb oli (bread with olive oil and tomatoes) and sobrasada (a spreadable sausage). Art enthusiasts will appreciate that many poets and artists have been drawn to the area, particularly the dramatic west coast. The city's architectural heritage includes the unique Pueblo Español, an open-air museum showcasing Spain's architectural styles, whilst the historic railway to Sóller, dating from 1911, offers scenic journeys through the countryside. Nearly half of Mallorca's population resides in Palma, making it a vibrant cultural hub. |
| Andratx |
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Andratx, a picturesque town on Mallorca's southwest tip, boasts a rich history dating back to the Roman era when it was known as Andrachium. The area's natural beauty has inspired writers and artists, with its small coves, vast cliffs, and charming natural harbour. Visitors can explore numerous walking routes, including the excursion to Camp de Mar and the ascent to Torre des Cap Andritxol. The town comes alive on Wednesdays with a vibrant market selling local produce, cheeses, and fish. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the CCA - Andratx Art Centre, one of the Balearics' largest contemporary art establishments. Andratx's cuisine reflects its land and sea bounty, with dishes like tumbet, frit de matances, and fish rice being local favourites. The nearby La Trapa Nature Reserve offers spectacular views of Sa Dragonera, an islet steeped in pirate lore. |
| Cap de Formentor |
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Cap de Formentor, affectionately known as the 'meeting point of the winds', is a 20-kilometre-long peninsula featuring dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine pine groves. Its iconic lighthouse, standing 22 metres high, took six years and 200 workers to build from 1857 to 1863, with materials initially transported only by sea due to the rugged terrain. The 13.5-kilometre road to the peninsula, constructed in 1925 by engineer Antonio Parietti, winds through spectacular viewpoints including Mirador del Mal Pas. The area boasts several hidden coves, including Cala Figuera and Cala Murta, whilst the kilometre-long Formentor Beach features crystal-clear waters and was once exclusively reserved for guests of the historic Hotel Formentor, which has hosted notable figures such as Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. The peninsula's highest point, Fumat, rises 384 metres above sea level, and on clear days, visitors can spot the island of Menorca from the lighthouse. The cape also serves as a crucial resting spot for thousands of seabirds during migration periods, including Eleonora's falcons. |
Beaches
Cala Millor
Cala Ratjada
Other attractions
Valldemosa
Alcúdia
Capdepera
Fornalutx
Manacor
Porto Colom
Porto Cristo
Sóller
 Ca'n Picafort
Pollensa (Pollença)
Minorca (Menorca) Island
| Cala Macarella & Macarelleta |
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Cala Macarella and its smaller sister cove Macarelleta are two pristine beaches nestled between pine-covered cliffs, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy shores. The main beach, Macarella, stretches 110 metres in length and 20 metres in width, whilst Macarelleta is a more intimate 40-metre-long cove accessible via a 10-minute coastal walk. The surrounding area boasts prehistoric caves and remarkable biodiversity, with Posidonia seagrass meadows contributing to the water's exceptional clarity. The beaches offer excellent snorkelling opportunities amidst diverse marine fauna, and visitors can explore the historic Camí de Cavalls trail that encircles the island. The sole dining establishment, Susy's Chiringuito, serves local fish and meat dishes with home-grown salads. The beaches' natural significance is protected as part of the Àrea Natural d'Especial Interès, with measures in place to preserve the delicate dune ecosystem. |
| Fornells Bay |
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Fornells Bay, a picturesque inlet on Menorca's north coast, boasts a rich maritime heritage and natural beauty. The bay, measuring 5 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide, offers protection from the open sea, making it ideal for water activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing. The village of Fornells, with its whitewashed houses and colourful wooden doors, is renowned for its culinary speciality - caldereta de langosta (lobster stew). History buffs can explore the 19th-century defensive tower, built during British occupation, which offers insights into the area's strategic importance. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the surrounding rocky coastline adorned with pine forests, whilst the bay's crystal-clear waters reveal a diverse marine ecosystem. The annual fiesta de Sant Antoni, held on the fourth weekend in July, provides a glimpse into local traditions. |
| Port Mahon (Maó) |
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Port Mahon boasts one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, stretching nearly six kilometres with depths reaching 30 metres. The city's architecture reflects its British colonial past with Georgian-style mansions, whilst its deep maritime heritage is evident in the impressive Fortaleza La Mola fortress. The harbour area bustles with waterfront restaurants serving local specialities like caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) and the city's namesake Mahón cheese, whilst the historic Xoriguer Gin distillery offers tastings of its distinctive spirits. The Mercat des Peix (fish market), housed in a 1920s hexagonal building, serves as both a fresh seafood market and a cultural hub for tapas and local cuisine. Interestingly, Mahón claims to be the birthplace of mayonnaise (salsa mahonesa), and the harbour features the fascinating Isla del Rey, home to an 18th-century hospital that can be visited by boat. |
Natural attractions & Beaches
Cala En Porter
Cala Galdana
Cala Mitjana
Cala Turqueta
Megalithic sites
Naveta d'Es Tudons
Torralba d'en Salor
Torre den Gaumes
Cova d'es Moro
Other attractions
Ciutadella (Ciudadela)
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: Local interest
: Moderately interesting
: Outstanding place
: Must-see in the country
: Top cities in Europe