The UNESCO-Listed Old Town of Eivissa (Ibiza Island)
Postcard-perfect from every angle, the UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila is the Old Town of Eivissa that was the original medieval walled city. Here, tourists can discover a dreamy Mediterranean scene of quaint whitewashed houses cascading down to a vibrant waterfront.
The Dalt Vila stands on a hilltop above the rest of the town. Enclosed within ancient ramparts, a captivating medieval world reveals itself. Visitors are enchanted by the labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, winding pedestrian lanes, and grand historic houses.
The town's fortifications were built in the 16th century on top of the remains of the Moorish walls, with three gates and seven corner bastions. The main entrance gate is the Puerta de las Tablas featuring the coat of arms of King Philip II.
One of the fortifications' old bastions now houses part of the Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa (Museum of Contemporary Art). This collection presents works created on the island of Ibiza since the 1960s, as well as exhibits of photography, screen-printed posters from the 1970s, and Japanese prints.
The Old Town's crowning glory, the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows), soars above all the city's other monuments. Also known as the Catedral de Santa María La Mayor, the church was built in the 13th and 14th centuries on the site of the Yebisah Mosque, dating to the era of Islamic rule. Originally the cathedral was Gothic but was renovated in the 18th century in Baroque style.
From the terrace on the south side of the cathedral, tourists can take in the marvelous views of the bay. The cathedral celebrates its feast day on August 8th.
Palma de Mallorca (Mallorca Island)
Nestled along a picturesque bay, this elegant capital city is one of the top attractions on the Island of Majorca. Palma de Mallorca boasts two important monuments dating to the 14th century, the Castillo de Bellver (castle) and the Catedral de Mallorca (cathedral).
Presiding over the scenic harbor of the Old Town, the Catedral de Mallorca (also known as "La Seu") creates a magnificent impression from across the bay with its spires and towers soaring high above town. Tourists may visit the cathedral Monday through Saturday, and audio-guides are available. The cathedral also has a museum and gift shop.
Another important landmark in the Old Town is the 13th-century Palau de l'Almudaina, an old Moorish fortress that was converted to a royal palace for the Catholic monarchs in the 14th century. The palace is open to the public for visits daily, except Mondays.
The bustling La Lonja fish market at the Old Town's harbor and the Plaza Mayor, the Old Town's main square, are also worth visiting. Tourists should save time for simply strolling the Old Town's maze of atmospheric narrow streets while browsing the enticing boutiques (especially on Carrer de Sant Feliu) and perhaps stopping at an outdoor café or relaxing in one of the pleasant squares.
For those who love art museums, must-see attractions are the Museu de Mallorca (which displays collections of archaeology, fine arts, and Modernist ceramics) and the Fundació Miró Mallorca, a cultural center that presents exhibits of the artist's work. The Miró Foundation is housed in the art studio of Joan Miró, which was also his residence for nearly 30 years.
Many tourists come to Palma de Mallorca just for the sunshine and sandy beaches. With its year-round balmy weather, Palma de Mallorca is a perfect place for a seaside holiday.
About 10 kilometers from Palma de Mallorca, the Playa de Palma is one of the island's best beaches and has good facilities.
Near Playa de Palma is the Playa de El Arenal, an expansive palm-fringed beach adjoined to a yacht marina. El Arenal Yacht Club at the marina offers sailing lessons and hosts sailing competitions.
Talatí de Dalt (Menorca Island)
This rare prehistoric site is five kilometers west of Mahón in a rural landscape of stunning beauty. The megalithic monument, Talatí de Dalt, is a taula (T-shaped structure) topped with a thick stone slab supported by a central monolith and partially surrounded by a cyclopean wall.
Built around 1300 BC, the Talatí de Dalt is a prehistoric sanctuary that belonged to one of the most important Bronze Age settlements on the Island of Menorca. The site also features underground chambers that may have been used as dwellings.
Visiting the Talatí de Dalt requires a car (no public transportation is available). The site is open daily from April through October and charges a small admission fee.
Alcúdia (Mallorca Island)
This well-preserved fortified medieval town offers the charm of old-world Europe. Enclosed within the ancient ramparts, Alcúdia's historic center is an enchanting warren of cobblestone pedestrian streets and handsome stone buildings. While strolling through the walled town, visitors will notice many beautiful churches, as well as stately aristocratic houses featuring coats of arms and windows adorned with Renaissance-era decorations.
An interesting attraction near the 13th-century Església de Sant Jaume is the archaeological site (La Ciutat Romana de Pol·lèntia) that represents the Roman city of Pollentia dating from the 1st-century BC. The site features the remains of classical-era residential houses (this area is called "La Portella"), the Roman Theater dating to the 1st-century AD, and the Forum.
In addition to its Roman ruins, La Ciutat Romana de Pol·lèntia includes the Museu Monogràfic de Pol·lèntia, which displays artifacts uncovered at archaeological excavations of the Pollentia site. The museum's collection exhibits ancient jewelry, kitchen utensils, sculptures, and architectural elements.
After sightseeing, tourists can wander the town and find a spot to relax. Alcúdia has many inviting restaurants and cafés with pleasant outdoor terraces.
Alcúdia is also renowned for its traditional festivals and cultural events, such as the Holy Week festivities during Easter; the Via Fora street theater (historical reenactments) in July and August, the Festival de Teatro Clásico, which presents performances of classical antiquity at the Roman Theater in July; and the Fiestas de Sant Jaume, held every year at the end of July to honor the town's patron saint.
About three kilometers away from Alcúdia, the Port d'Alcúdia is a family-friendly seaside resort with a wide variety of hotels and a lovely sandy beach. The old fishing harbor of Port d'Alcúdia shares space with a marina where luxury yachts are docked alongside the humble fishing boats. Tourists will enjoy taking a stroll along the harbor's promenade or stopping for an authentic seafood meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Cala Portinatx Beach Resort (Ibiza Island)
On the northern tip of Ibiza Island, the Cala Portinatx is a family-friendly resort area with a wide selection of hotels. The climate is perfectly balmy, and the coastline features turquoise waters that appear tropical.
The Cala Portinatx bay is sheltered from the open sea by a rock barrier, protecting against tidal action and waves. The calm waters make swimming safe. Snorkelers and scuba divers also appreciate the tranquil sea and prize the crystal-clear waters.
Cala Portinatx boasts some of the best beaches of Ibiza, with sandy shores, gentle waves, and top-notch facilities. Visitors will appreciate the public bathrooms, showers, restaurants, shops, and snack bars. For water sports enthusiasts, paddle boats and kayaks are available for rent. Lounge chairs and sun umbrellas are also available for hire.
Cala Portinatx has three popular sandy beaches. The Playa s'Arenal Gros is the largest, a 125-meter-long stretch of fine white sand. The only beach on Cala Portinatx with lifeguards, s'Arenal Gros is an ideal place for swimming, boating, and waterskiing. Families with kids will love the waterslide park. The Playa de s'Arenal Petit is a smaller beach with a shallow seabed, which makes the waters safe for children to splash around.
Real Cartuja de Valldemossa (Mallorca Island)
Perched on a hilltop of the Tramuntana Mountains overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this quaint country village is surrounded by wooded hills, orchards, and olive groves.
The must-see sight of Valldemossa is the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa (Royal Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa) that was originally built as a royal residence in the 13th century. The famous composer Chopin rented a room here with novelist Aurore Dupin (George Sand) during the winter of 1838-1839; they both were inspired artistically by the beauty of the monastery and its serene natural setting.
During the summer, the Carthusian Monastery hosts the Chopin Festival, which invites high-caliber pianists to perform works by Chopin, as well as other classical music pieces.
The gorgeous Mediterranean landscape of the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana around Valldemossa inspires hikers and nature lovers. The Archduke's Path (created by the Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator) begins in the village of Valldemossa and follows an 11-kilometer loop trail (without signposts) through rugged mountainous terrain, oak groves, and pine forests. This moderately difficult hiking route affords breathtaking panoramic vistas of the dramatic coastline and Tramuntana Mountains.
Also, part of the municipality is the Port de Valldemossa, an old fishing village with a lovely harbor and a tiny pebble beach. This area is known for its superb cuisine. This area has several excellent restaurants hidden on quiet side streets. Right on the harbor, the Restaurante Es Port is a popular establishment renowned for its high-quality seafood and traditional Spanish dishes.
Formentera Island
Less touristy than Ibiza and Mallorca, idyllic Formentera offers a blissful escape to nature. This tiny island's pristine coastline has beautiful, secluded beaches and an unspoiled environment, ideal for relaxation.
The island features a splendid Mediterranean landscape with 100 kilometers of hiking routes that allow visitors to enjoy the natural scenery. It's also possible to get around the island by bicycle.
Nearby La Savina is the historic town of Sant Francesc de Formentera, which is full of cultural attractions. The town's 18th-century parish church is noteworthy for its fortified architecture, while the somber 13th-century Sa Tanca Vella chapel provided shelter during pirate raids. Sant Francesc de Formentera also has an Ethnography Museum and many boutiques and restaurants in the center of town.
The island's most famous beach is the Playa de Ses Illetes, set in an idyllic location with views across the sea to the Island of Ibiza. The beach has a fine white-sand shoreline, translucent turquoise waters, and a shallow seabed resembling a swimming pool. The gentle waves make this beach perfect for swimming, windsurfing, and sailing.
For those seeking overnight accommodations, Es Pujols is a great place to stay. This relaxing yet lively town has many restaurants, shops, and sites to see.
