Puig des Molins in Ibiza
Particularly worth seeing is the Puig des Molins, a 50,000 m² necropolis from the Phoenician-Punic period between 700 and 500 BC. The necropolis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is characterized by more than 3000 underground chamber graves with sarcophagi and valuable grave goods.
The north of Mallorca
The beautiful mountainous north is the least developed region of Mallorca. Worth a visit is the Formentor peninsula, which attracts visitors with its rugged cliffs that drop steeply into the sea. From the Cap de Formentor with the Mirador des Colomer viewpoint you can enjoy a wonderful view over the island. Another beautiful destination is the bay of Sa Calobra. Surrounded by the mighty mountains of the Serra Tramuntana, driving through the valley of Sóller on the serpentine coastal road is a unique experience. The town of Sóller itself has retained its Arabic layout with its narrow streets. Not far from Sóller are the two beautiful mountain villages of Fornalutx and Biniaraix. The idyllic artists’ village of Deià with its centuries-old olive trees and fragrant orange and citrus groves is also worth a detour. Traces of the past can be found everywhere in Alcúdia such as the Roman ruins of the amphitheater, the city gates from the Middle Ages and the church of Sant Jaume with Gothic and Baroque elements. Pollença impresses with its lively hustle and bustle in the restaurants and pubs around the Plaça.
The surroundings of Palma de Mallorca
The area around Palma de Mallorca has a lot to offer in terms of landscape: the Playa de Palma beach, the Es Carnatge nature reserve with its beaches and the island of Sa Galera cast a spell over those seeking relaxation. Located further inland, the Barrancos de son Gual y Xorrigo nature reserve inspires with its unique flora. The Archipelago de Cabrera National Park with the two main islands of Cabrera and Sa Conillera is known for its fauna, which is home to native bird species as well as migratory birds. The town of Valdemossa with the former Carthusian monastery is worth a visit because of its beautiful location at the foot of the Teix and because of the small houses with stone terraces and blooming gardens. The Palma Aquarium on Playa de Palma, the deepest aquarium in Europe,
The interior of Mallorca
The flat inland is famous for its almond trees. Mount Randa with its three famous monasteries offers a magnificent view over the area. The ascent to the 542 m high Table Mountain is particularly worthwhile when the fruit trees are in blossom, when the surrounding plantations are illuminated in the most beautiful colours. Artificial pearls are made in Manacor. The production facilities offer guided tours. The small town of Petra became known as the birthplace of the Franciscan monk Junípero Serra. Near Petra is the pilgrimage site Ermita de Nostra Senyora de Bonany – a monastery built in gratitude for rain after a long period of drought. The popular market in Sineu attracts locals and tourists alike. Livestock, fruit and vegetables, textiles, souvenirs and ceramics are sold here every Wednesday.
Ibiza town
The cultural center of Ibiza Town is the historic old town of Dalt Vila. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dalt Vila combines structural remains from several cultural eras. Above all, the Renaissance city walls, the Gothic-Baroque cathedral and numerous patrician houses bear witness to the centuries-old history of this quarter. At the highest point is the Cathedral of Santa Maria de las Nieves. The two party zones Privilege and Amnesia are located in San Rafael just outside of Ibiza Town.
Excursions to the east of Mallorca
Idyllic bays in rural surroundings characterize the east of the island of Mallorca. One of these bays, Cala Figuera between Cala Llombarts and Cap des Moro, is known for its many sports, ranging from swimming to surfing and diving. The so-called Dragon Caves (Coves del Drac) not far from Porto Cristo are a two-kilometer-long stalactite cave system with six underground lakes, in which hikes and classical music concerts are held. The old town of the picturesque fishing village of Portocolom, which is well worth seeing, is located in a beautiful bay. Here you can still experience the traditional atmosphere of the island far away from mass tourism. In the southeast of the island are Ses Salines – a salt mining area with a nature reserve that provides habitat for many species of birds. But the area with its beautiful sandy beaches is also attractive for beach holidaymakers. Most of the resorts in Mallorca are around Palma de Mallorca and on the east coast.
Formentera
A 4 km wide canal separates the tranquil island of Formentera from Ibiza. In summer there are hourly ferry connections. The largest town is San Francisco Javier. Formentera also has extensive pine forests and beautiful sandy beaches.
The port of Ibiza town
The arrival and departure of ships in particular makes the port of Ibiza come alive. The hustle and bustle of the summer season with bars, discos, boutiques and restaurants also brings the original fishing districts of Sa Marina and Sa Penya to life. The Passeig Vara de Rey invites you to stroll and shop. Calle de la Virgen is popular as a gay meeting place and shopping address. The Marina de Botafoc on the north side of the port offers high-end boutiques, casinos, real estate agencies, boat rentals, trendy bars and gourmet restaurants as well as the legendary discos Pacha and El Divino.
Ibiza West
Sant Antoni de Portmany is very popular as a tourist resort and party mecca. During the day the shops, the harbor promenade and the surrounding beaches are very popular, at night life shifts to the countless restaurants, bars and discos. The predominantly young tourists are mainly drawn to the West End, the island’s biggest party mile. The hottest clubs in town are Eden and Es Paradis Terrenal, which have achieved cult status with their legendary parties. The Café del Mar is the best address to enjoy the sunset in a relaxed atmosphere with jazz and classical music.
Ibiza’s south
A worthwhile destination is the old Carthaginian settlement of Sa Caleta from the 7th century BC. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it illustrates the urban development in the Mediterranean region of this cultural epoch. Also worth seeing is the Torre d’es Savinar near Es Vedrá, a watchtower from a time when pirates made the Mediterranean unsafe. From here you have a great view of both the open sea and the interior. The summit of Sa Talaia, which is the highest mountain on the island at 475 m above sea level, also offers a fantastic view. It is a magnet for mountain hikers and mountain bikers. Salt production was once Ibiza’s most important industry. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ses Salines, with its rich flora and fauna, serves as a nature reserve and recreation area.
Natural Reserves in Ibiza
The Ses Feixes wetland near Talamanca is the second most important nature reserve after Ses Salines, with numerous endemic animal and plant species. It was laid out by Arab farmers from the 8th century and used as arable land and pasture. Many species of birds winter in this wetland.
Ibiza
The third largest island of the Balearic Islands is a very popular holiday destination and a summer attraction, especially as a party island for young people. Ibiza’s nightlife is legendary. In the numerous clubs of Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni it is not uncommon to meet stars and starlets dancing to the beats of world-famous DJs. This is where it is determined what will be “in” shortly afterwards. In contrast, things are more tranquil in the other regions of Ibiza. The old hippie flair of the 1960s can still be found in the north in particular. But the Balearic island also has a lot to offer in terms of landscape. Beautiful beaches and small bays can be found almost everywhere on Ibiza. In the north and south there are dense pine forests, orchards are everywhere. The south is characterized by beautiful cliffs and a salty landscape. In the west, fruit and wine are mainly cultivated. Wide sandy beaches stretch south of the capital Ibiza.
Beach vacation in Mallorca
Numerous beaches to the east of the Mallorcan capital invite you to swim. The most popular is Cala Major beach, where you can enjoy the sun even in winter thanks to its sheltered location. Located right on the outskirts of Palma, Can Perantoni offers a fantastic view of the city with its wonderful silhouette dominated by La Seu Cathedral. Next to Can Perantoni is Ciutat Jardí, which is particularly appreciated by the locals. You have a beautiful view of the bay of Palma from the beach of Son Caios. The Cala Estància is sheltered from the wind and, with its clear water and fine sand, offers bathing opportunities all year round.
Palma
The old port and capital Palma is located in the middle of the wide bay of Palma, which offers fantastic sandy beaches to the east. The beautiful Gothic sandstone cathedral of La Seu towers over the city and is visible from afar. Today the city museum is in the Castillo de Bellver. Other attractions include the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and La Llotja, the old trading exchange that is now used for exhibitions. Also worth seeing are the monastery church of St. Francis, the baroque church of Monti-Sion and the numerous palaces with patios and Art Nouveau buildings modeled on Gaudí. The main promenades are Jaume III and Passeig d’es Born. The island’s cosmopolitan life pulsates in the pedestrianized streets of Via Sindicat and Sant Miquel, near Plaça Major.
Menorca
The second largest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is located about 40 km northeast of Mallorca. In the capital Mahón on the east coast, numerous buildings from the time of the British occupation have been preserved. The town hall (Casa Consistorial), the Santa María church and the San Francisco church are particularly worth seeing. Harbor tours are offered. A good road connects Mahón to the old town of Ciudadela (the former capital) on the opposite side of the island. Parts of the cathedral date from the 14th century. The city also boasts a variety of palacios and medieval churches. Both cities have excellent beaches in the vicinity. There are no coastal roads, but there are numerous excursions inland. Prehistoric stone tombs can be found all over the island. In Talah there is a 4000 year old giant stone circle.
Bathing near Ibiza town
The two beaches Platja Talamanca north and Platja d’en Bossa south of Ibiza Town are spacious, white sandy and have excellent tourist infrastructure.
Ibiza’s north
The small town of Balàfia near the town of Sant Llorenç is of great cultural importance, as the traditional buildings with defensive walls and towers to protect against piracy still exist here. In addition, the old structures of agriculture and animal husbandry can be seen. Also worth seeing is the village church, which is considered the most magnificent in the area. The church of Sant Miquel de Balansat on the Puig de Missa is the oldest sacred building on the island, along with the cathedral in Ibiza Town. Frescoes adorn the interior of the church. Another tourist highlight is the Cova de Can Marça, a 100,000-year-old stalactite cave near Sant Miquel. The Es Cuieram cave near the town of Sant Vicenç de sa Cala was a Phoenician sacrificial place for the fertility goddess Tanit.
Ibiza’s islands of Es Vedrà and Es Vendranell
Probably the most mysterious place on Ibiza is the rocky island of Es Vedrá, which rises from the sea at an impressive 382 m. Here the legendary sirens are said to have tried to seduce the Greek sea hero Odysseus with their singing. But other alleged events such as human disappearance, disorientation of birds when flying over and even UFO landings give the rock a mystical appearance. The sight of the two so-called magic islands Es Vedrà and Es Vendranell in the evening light of the setting sun in the bay of Cala d’Hort is particularly attractive. Here is also the archaeological site of Ses Païses de Cala d’Hort, which unearthed finds from the 5th to the 8th century.
Hiking and climbing in the Balearic Islands
With its diverse landscape and well-signposted hiking trails, Mallorca is a paradise for hikers. The Sierra de Tramuntana on Mallorca is very popular with hikers. The areas of La Creveta in Pollença, the Puig de Son Sant Martí in Alcúdia and Cala Magraner in Manacor on Mallorca are hot tips for climbers. Numerous hiking trails in Menorca lead hikers along the coast. The mountain formation Els Amunts on Ibiza offers unique opportunities for hikers and climbers. During the challenging hike to Cala d’Albarca you have a wonderful view of the cliffs.
