5 Beautiful Churches in the Balearics
The Balearic Islands are full of history, and that’s evident in their churches. There are plenty of churches large and small throughout the four islands of Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. From big cathedrals, to tiny village churches in the hills, whether or not you’re religious, you’ll find plenty of interest in these Balearic churches.

La Seu Cathedral, Palma, Majorca

The grandest and most impressive church in the Balearics, this huge gothic cathedral dominates the cityscape in Palma, Majorca’s capital city. It was begun in the early thirteenth century, but took a long time to build – it wasn’t completed until 1601. Because of this, it has a mix of architectural styles and influences. It has one of the highest naves of any church in the world, at 44 metres, and has become a symbol not just of Majorca, but of the Balearics as a whole. There are two services a day, with three on Sunday. At other times, it is a great place to simply wander around. One of its most unusual features is the buttresses along its vast outside walls, giving it a unique shape that stands out above the city.

Nostra Senyora dels Àngels, Sineu, Majorca

This church is a complete contrast to the huge La Seu. It is in the small town of Sineu, a typical small local town which not many tourists reach. Sineu is the central point of Majorca, and the church is at its highest point, making for some spectacular views. Its spire rises high above the rooftops of Sineu, which from a distance seem to cascade down from the church itself. It is only open to visitors on Wednesday – market day.

San Jose Church, San Jose, Ibiza

San Jose is in the centre of the island of Ibiza, on one of its highest hills. It is a beautiful whitewashed building with a small bell tower, standing out against the blue sky. It dates from the fifteenth century, and was built as a fortress church because of the village’s strategic position. The views from the church over the island are spectacular.

Ciutadella Cathedral, Menorca

Ciutadella is Gothic church built in the thirteenth century, on the site of a former mosque. The town of Ciutadella is an ancient settlement that was once the island’s capital, and the cathedral forms part of its old town. It is still the centre of religion in Majorca. The cathedral has a wide nave, flanked by six small chapels.

St Francesc Xavier Church, Formentera

A small church, but the most interesting in Formentera, St Francesc Xavier doesn’t boast the elaborate architecture of some of the churches in the Balearics. It is a small whitewashed building that was the first church built on this tiny island, in 1726. What it lacks in elaborate features, it makes up for in calm, quiet presence.