'Do not miss' historical sites in the Balearic Islands

As the original package holiday destination, the Balearic Islands are not famed for their history or culture. Millions of people descend on Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza every year to sunbathe, swim, drink, eat and party. Not always in that order. Although some come for the 'other sides' of these islands, the vast majority miss out on the qualities that make these islands unique. With the exception of Ibiza - it's clubs are unique and are the very reason the island is so internationally popular - the parts that most people see of Majorca and Menorca could be any beach in the Med. But with just a little bit of exploration mere minutes from the main resorts, a truly special, individual and distinctive side to all three islands can be found. Here are three 'do not miss' sites in the Balearics.

Majorca

Away from the busy beaches high up in the Serre de Tramuntana Mountains you'll find a much more peaceful, low-key way of life. The Lluc monastery found in the 13th century and 17th century Basilica today remain the spiritual centre of Majorca. The sanctuary is surrounded by botanical gardens and it's the starting point for many walks higher up into the mountains.

Menorca

A holiday in Menorca is generally a little quieter than those on Ibiza and perhaps for more active than those taken in Majorca because the island is mostly made up of national park. But aside from the spectacular flora and fauna Menorca has a healthy spattering of historical sites too. Remnants of 4,000-year-old Talayotic settlements are spread over the entire island unlike anywhere else in southern Europe. The equivalent of Stonehenge, these monolithic structures are truly outstanding is a little eerie and mesmerising. The best examples are Talati de Dalt, Trepuco, Torretrencada, Torralba d'en Salort, Torre d'en Gaumes, Naveta d'es Tudos and Rafal Rubi. You can explore them all with breaks to Menorca from On The Beach.

Ibiza

It may be a 24-hour party zone around San Antonio and the modern parts of Ibiza town from May to September but the rest of the island, and indeed these two towns in low season, are peaceful and tranquil, so much so there are no dozens of yoga retreats being set up in the north to enjoy the 'special light' and serene surroundings. The most interesting historic part of the island however lies right in the centre of all the action. Ibiza Town, or the old part of it at least, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by walls and rising up to a cathedral at its peak, this part of Ibiza Town is stunningly beautiful. There are narrow cobbled streets carving serpentine pathways up to the hill top castle and cathedral and the views out over the harbours are spectacular. It's a little like Mont Saint-Michel in France without the grandeur in terms of setting and style.

Find out more about breaks to Menorca, Ibiza and Majorca and all these three islands have to offer on Spain.info.