Balearic Islands attractions

Dating back to around 70 BC, Alcudia Old Town is a historical highlight of north Mallorca. This charming enclave—which feels a world away from the modern holiday resorts of the island’s south—features Roman ruins, ancient city walls that you can walk atop, a bullring, churches, and a smattering of tapas restaurants serving Mallorcan specialties.

This gorgeous, remote beach on Menorca is worth seeking out for the sandy beach and turquoise water in its protected cove. There’s not a lot to do here or much infrastructure, so the main draw is relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling (if you bring your own mask). Visitors should make sure to respect the local environment to protect the beach from overtourism.

An idyllic and well-heeled resort town that’s just a quick trip from Palma de Mallorca, Camp Mar has long appealed to jet-setters and A-listers, as well as visiting families. Set on the island’s southwest, on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana mountains, it’s known for its well-serviced, 590-foot (180-meter) beach.

Palma's Fundació Joan Miró Mallorca showcases the works of celebrated Catalan artist Joan Miró i Ferrà, one of the world's most lauded surrealist artists. It houses a large collection of Miró’s paintings and sculptures, which are displayed in ever-changing exhibits focused on themes from his life and work.

A short walk from the town of Peguera, Cala Fornells is a compact cove with clear, calm waters and a mix of rocky and sandy shorelines. It’s less crowded than some of the better-known beaches on the island, and provides particularly good conditions for snorkeling.

A coastal footpath leads you down to one of southern Menorca’s finest coves, a sandy crescent backed by cliffs and pines, and lapped by shallow turquoise water. While Cala Mitjana is becoming better known and is sometimes busy, it’s mostly retained an unspoiled vibe thanks to its remote location—access to the beach is only by foot or boat.

Far from the crowds of Alcudia, Alcanada Beach (sometimes spelled Aucanada Beach) is a rugged stretch of coastline lapped by clear, turquoise water. It’s the natural highlight of the tiny town of Alcanada and features pebbles and stones rather than sand. Shallow water means it's great for swimming, while a lack of commercial development makes it a perfect spot to leave behind the bustle of daily life.

Located on the northern coast of Menorca, Cala Morell offers a unique combination of a relaxing surf and fascinating history. Though known for its clear, cobalt blue waters and rocky beach, Cala Morell is also home to one of the most important archeological sites on the entire island: a Bronze Age-era necropolis built into the rockface.

This chamber tomb in Menorca, dating back to the pre-Talaiotic period around 1200 BC, was discovered in the 1960s, when archaeologists found more than 100 bodies there, buried with jewelry and other artifacts. It’s Menorca’s most important megalithic monument, resembling an upside-down boat assembled from large stone blocks.

Guarding the picturesque mouth of Mahón Harbor is 19th-century Fortaleza de la Mola, whose beautifully preserved walls offer big views across the water. Also called the Fortaleza de Isabel II, the impressive fortress has galleries and tunnels that invite exploring, as well as hornworks where artillery once kept invaders at bay.

Travelers looking for a way to cool off on Menorca without heading to the beach will enjoy Splash Waterpark (Splash Sur Menorca), an attraction-packed destination. This family-friendly park has slides for the kids and lounge areas and Jacuzzis for the adults, plus food, drinks, and sunbeds to guarantee a comfortable visit.

See a diverse collection of wildlife at the Menorca Zoo (Lloc De Menorca), a park that is home to a variety of rescue animals, from goats to macaque monkeys. Highlights include the kid-friendly displays and an area where you can interact with lemurs, plus the on-site Bronze Age monument.

Nestled among the pine trees of northern Mallorca’s rugged coast, Museo Sa Bassa Blanca integrates art and culture with nature. Exhibits are artfully scattered across indoor galleries and outdoor gardens, and feature pieces ranging from 16th-century portraits to contemporary artworks and a “Zoological Park” sculpture garden featuring huge animals in the style of archeological excavations.

Burrowed into the rocky edge of Maó Harbor, Fort Marlborough is an 18th-century relic of Menorca’s military heritage. Dramatic views from the gun placements afford excellent views across the pretty Cala de Sant Esteve cove, while interior tours of the fort offer a chance to learn about a tumultuous side of the island’s history.

Aqua Center Water Park is a prime destination for visitors in Menorca who want a place to cool off and careen down towering water slides. With pools, jacuzzis, and a bar area—plus a kid-friendly water castle and bouncy play zone—the Aqua Center offers lots of family-friendly fun.

Puig de Galatzo Nature Reserve (La Reserva Puig de Galatzo) is a prime destination for visitors who want to experience Mallorca's natural beauty—and take part in a few thrilling outdoor activities. Enjoy hikes, a plethora of flora and fauna, and fantastic mountain views, as well as adventures like ziplining and rock climbing.

Founded in 123 BC, the Roman City of Pollentia is a collection of three partially excavated archeological sites: La Portella, a residential area where you can see the remains of three homes of former nobility; the Forum, once the Capitolino Temple dedicated to Roman gods; and the Theatre, featuring the ruins of a stage and seating area.

Grab the gang and enjoy the fun of Hidropark, north Mallorca’s only water park. Sitting on the edges of Port d’Alcudia, this popular park offers slides and pools for all ages–although its attractions are perhaps better suited to young kids than daredevil teens. Add game arcades, restaurants, and sun terraces, and visitors can look forward to bucketfuls of fun.

Just a short distance from the resort town of Cala Ratjada in northeastern Mallorca, Cala Gat (meaning the “bay of cats”) is one of the area’s loveliest beaches. Small and sandy, with beautifully clear turquoise waters, it’s sheltered from the waves by rocky headlands. Boats are not permitted here, which makes it easy to have a relaxing paddle.

Set in the former home of Mallorca’s wealthy March family, the Bartolomé March Foundation houses the collection of family patriarch Bartolomé March. The house (Fundacion Bartolomé March) provides a magnificent setting for everything from antique books and charts to 20th-century sculptures by Rodin—all within view of Palma Cathedral.

One of only two surviving gates in the historic Old Town of Alcúdia, Porta del Moll is a striking sight with its crenelated towers and the distinctive palm trees that sit before it. It serves as the poster child for this town in northern Mallorca, hailed as one of the island’s most beautiful places.

The horseshoe-shaped Playa de Sant Joan is renowned for its pristine beauty. It leads out onto calm, sheltered waters that glimmer aquamarine in the sun, and is ringed by green forests and rolling hills. As it only measures 650 feet (200 meters) across, it can get crowded, but that doesn’t detract from the beach’s natural charm.

The Na Burguesa Viewpoint (Mirador de Na Burguesa) sits at the top of the Serra de Na Burguesa, a mountain range that is easily accessible from Palma de Mallorca. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the city from the 1,443-foot (440-meter) peak, then hike through the surrounding woods on one of the area’s many walking trails.