What to See in the Balearic Islands

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Balearic Islands have 2 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Biodiversity and culture of Ibiza (1999)

Serra de Tramuntana ★★★★ in Majorca (2011)
This is the island's main mountain range, located on its west coast, offering numerous hiking opportunities. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional villages, such as Valldemossa.

Formentera

San Francisco Javier ★★
With just over 3,000 inhabitants, this is the main village on the island. From here, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and towns, a few hiking or diving opportunities, and above all, the many stunning beaches—including several naturist ones—that surround this small island of barely 80 km².

Ibiza

Ibiza (town) ★★
The capital of the island (called Eivissa in Catalan) has a pretty centre with its cathedral, ramparts, castle overlooking the city, and its Punic necropolis. But Ibiza is also and above all famous for its beaches and nightlife, which draw crowds.

Sa Caleta ★
Phoenician ruins next to a beautiful cove located south of Ibiza Town. They are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under "Ibiza’s Biodiversity and Culture.".

San Antonio ★
On the west coast, in a pretty bay, the second-largest town on Ibiza welcomes many (young) visitors with its beaches and intense nightlife.

Sant Joan de Labritja ★
This northern municipality is home to several tourist resorts.

Santa Eulària des Riu ★
On the east of the island, Santa Eulària offers a rather pretty seafront.

Natural Heritage

Es Vedrà Nature Park ★
This small uninhabited island southwest of Ibiza is a protected natural area. Access is only permitted with a permit.

Mallorca

Alcudia ★★
A major tourist hub featuring old quarters from the 14th century, set amidst mountains, cliffs, beaches, and small coves.

Cala d'Or ★★
One of the most popular and pleasant seaside resorts in Majorca, on its eastern coast.

Cala Millor ★
One of the many seaside towns on the east coast.

Calvia ★
West of Palma, this is the most tourist-heavy part of the island, with several resorts (Magaluf, Santa Ponsa, Portals Nous), hotel complexes, and various tourist services and facilities scattered across its territory.

Capdepera ★
This is a tourist area in the northeast of Majorca with several hotel complexes.

Deia ★★
A chic small village on the west coast, also known as the "artists' village" due to the many writers, actors, musicians, and painters who have stayed here.

Fornalutx ★★
A charming village on the west coast, near Sóller, from which you can hike in the surrounding area.

Manacor ★
The island’s second-largest city, located in its central-east region. It is known for its commercial activity.

Palma de Mallorca ★★★
The "capital" of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. It boasts a historic centre, an impressive cathedral, and a castle—though these are somewhat overshadowed by more recent developments. Palma is also known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Pollença ★★
A historic town in the northern tip of Majorca. You can hike in the surrounding area or swim at Port de Pollença.

Sóller ★★
A church, some beautiful buildings, and above all a base for hiking and mountain biking in the Serra de Tramuntana or swimming at Port de Sóller.

Valldemossa ★★
A very pretty village in the mountains of the west coast known for its Carthusian monastery.

Natural Heritage

Cabrera ★★
Small uninhabited island dependent on Majorca, classified as a national park. You can hike there and also visit the remains of a 14th-century castle, as well as a museum.

Drach Caves ★★
Four large caves connected to each other, inside which there is a fairly vast underground lake.

Albufera Natural Park, Mallorca ★
A natural area right next to Alcudia, popular for birdwatching.

Serra de Tramuntana ★★★★
This is the island's main mountain range, located on its west coast, offering numerous hiking opportunities. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for its traditional villages, such as Valldemossa.

Menorca

Ciutadella ★★
On the west coast, this former capital is home to numerous 17th-century civil and religious buildings that form a charming urban centre. There are also plenty of beaches to enjoy in the surrounding area.

Fornells ★★
A charming little fishing port nestled in its bay on the northern coast of the island. The village is renowned for its fish and seafood.

Mahon ★★
This is the main city of Menorca. Nestled in its bay, it offers a historic centre and a pleasant harbour. The town also has a lively atmosphere, plenty of bars, beaches, and several hotel complexes.

Monte Toro ★★
The highest point on the island (358 m), located at its centre. At the summit, you’ll find the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Toro and a stunning panorama of all of Menorca.

Naveta d'Es Tudons ★
This is the main "ancient relic" on the island, which has several scattered across it. This funerary monument is located near the city of Ciutadella.

Son Bou Beaches ★★
Quite touristy and popular with divers, this is the largest beach on the island, located on its southern coast. An ancient 5th-century church was also discovered here.