Before Ibiza earned its reputation as the world’s hot spot for beach club nightlife and its electronic dance music scene, the Balearic Islands stayed under the radar of all but the most in-the-know of European travelers. Now the secret’s out – but there’s so much more to these four Mediterranean islands off the coast of Spain than global celebrity DJs and beautiful people having a beautiful time. 

In fact, this enchanting archipelago, made up of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and yes, Ibiza! offers visitors sun-kissed beaches and stone formations, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, sunsets and lighthouses, hippy markets and living history.

Even if you enjoy a dose of late-night electronic dance partying at a stylish beach club, you’ll want to carve out time in your days to discover the unique allure of the Balearic Islands – including 3 very different World Heritage experiences.  

Mallorca

The largest of the four islands captivates visitors with its diverse landscape that stretches from rugged mountain ranges to serene coves and expansive sandy beaches. 

Mallorca’s capital, Palma (often referred to as Palma de Mallorca), is a treasure trove of history and modernity. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to charming cafés and restaurants with a vibrant culinary scene, bustling markets, and centuries-old architecture.

The phenomenal Palma Cathedral, with its stained glass windows, towers over the city. There, you may hear the medieval Song of the Sybil, a Gregorian chant that has been declared part of the Intangible World Heritage. 

Menorca

Named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, Menorca is more than a haven of unspoiled natural beauty, celebrated for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, charming fishing villages and lush countryside that invite leisurely exploration by foot or bicycle. 

It’s also an open-air museum, with ancient archaeological sites that hint at Menorca’s 3,000-year-old Talaiotic culture popping up across the natural landscape. Watchtowers rise out of the earth, and you’ll wonder at the remains of a funeral building experts say was in use as far back as 1200 BC. 

Ibiza

Ibiza, often associated with dynamic nightlife and world-famous DJs, is actually much more than a party destination. Beyond its vibrant clubs and endless summer festivals lies a side of Ibiza rich with history and natural serenity, with secluded coves and pristine beaches that balance out the club scene. 

Ibiza’s stunning walled old town, Dalt Vila, with its narrow, winding streets and imposing fortifications, is a reminder of centuries past and a World Heritage Site. 

Icons of hippy counter-culture flocked to the Balearic Islands in the 60s, and their influence lingers today, especially in street markets like the famous Las Dalias in Ibiza. Live music, food trucks, and a lively atmosphere surround hundreds of stalls selling crafts, accessories and typical white, Ibizan-style garments. 

Formentera

The smallest and arguably the most idyllic of the Balearic Islands, Formentera is the only one of the Balearic Islands without a World Heritage designation – but it’s well worth the visit. 

Formentera is a paradise for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Its soft, white sands and turquoise waters create an almost surreal setting, perfect for long, lazy afternoons under the Mediterranean sun.

Ses Illetes on Formentera often appears on the listings of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

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Images: Getty

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