The Balearic Islands have been made world famous by the “White Isle” of Ibiza’s hedonist summer of prestigious DJs at premium night clubs, attracting party lovers and celebrities galore. And of course Ibiza has the best gay beach of Europ: Platja de es Cavallet, and lots of gay bars in the old town and outside. But there is much more to this archipelago than dance beats and cocktails. If you want to get away from the main crowds, there are many smaller islets to hop between, with the stand-out national park on uninhabited Cabrera.

 

Watch the sunset over the bay from the high point at Es Verda near Cala d’Hort, Ibiza, enjoy old Spain in the historic Port d’Alcudia, Majorca, or relax on Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, in the spring and fall. If you love wine, you can tour the vineyards where grapes have been harvested since Roman times. Keep a look out for the native tipples of Manto Negro and Callet.

 

If you want to explore the landscape, there are over 300 beaches across the four islands. Head to Majorca, which has mysterious caves throughout the region, including the famous “Dragon Caves” with its underground lake. Cabrera’s Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park is home to many species of seabirds and you can spot dolphins and whales around the isle.