Home to salamanders, geckos, among other lizards, this wild, uninhabited, dragon-shaped islet off the dramatic southwest coast of Mallorca can be reached by ferry from Paguera or, for the adventurous, by kayak! Follow the marked trails to discover this pristine island. The crystal clear waters invite snorkelling.

High mountains and deep valleys frame Valldemossa, the village where the island's first two "celebrity tourists" — composer Frederic Chopin and authoress George Sand — lived in 1838. Once here, make sure to visit the village's main attraction: The Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa. Originally built as a royal palace in 1309 and later converted into a monastery of the Carthusian order, the Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa is an impressive complex that houses a palace, a church, an old pharmacy, an art collection of some of the greatest modern Spanish and local artists, and the cells where the monks lived for 400 years to find peace and rest. Each cell has its own exit to the garden terrace with blossoming magnolias and a wonderful view over the valley.

The Palacio Real de Madrid — the official residence of the Spanish royal family in the city — is Europe's largest royal palace, boasting a whopping surface area of 135,000 square meters and a staggering 3,418 rooms. This architectural marvel is not only visually stunning, but also features spectacular outdoor gardens and exquisite frescoes, furnishings, and paintings within its walls. Originally constructed in 1764 as a replacement for the Alcázar castle, which had been destroyed by fire three decades earlier, this magnificent edifice is a must-see attraction for visitors to Madrid. Nearly the entire palace is open to the public, including the Armoury and Pharmacy.

Perched on the rocky edge of Mallora, Castell d'Alaro is one of the island's most rewarding climbs — recommended by lovers of both history and nature. These ruins, a crumbling castle, several arched stone doors, and wall remnants are all that remains of what was once the fortress of 9th-century Christian warriors. Less adventurous visitors may drive to the ascent to take in the stunning views over almost the entire island. In case you want to stay overnight, Castell d'Alaró also functions as a guesthouse. There's also a small bar and restaurant where you can recharge your batteries and enjoy a meal with fantastic views.