Long celebrated for their natural beauty and creative energy, the Balearic Islands also have plenty to offer on the cultural front. Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca each bring their own flavour to the art scene, from contemporary installations to modernist landmarks. Whether you’re after bold new exhibitions or a quiet moment in a sculpture garden, here’s how to make the most of the islands this summer.

IBIZA:

Morning: start at the La Nave Salinas Foundation, just inland from Las Salinas Beach. Spencer Lewis’ Night by Day (until 8 August) transforms the industrial space with bold, gestural paintings made from jute, cardboard and pigment. His work nods to abstract expressionism, drawing on figures like Hans Hofmann and Willem de Kooning, yet speaks with its own raw, physical energy: visceral, urgent and distinctly his own.

Midday: walk or drive just five minutes to Las Salinas Beach for a refreshing post-exhibition swim or a quick bite at one of the beachside restaurants.

Afternoon: head up to MACE (Museu d'Art Contemporani d'Eivissa) in Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s fortified old town. The drive from Las Salinas takes around 25 minutes. Miquel Barceló’s El present permanent (until 16 November) brings together textured canvases inspired by prehistoric cave art and Mediterranean light. Round off the day by taking a short walk from MACE to the Castle of Ibiza for panoramic sunset views over the island and port.

Spencer Lewis: Night by Day at Fundación La Nave Salinas. Photo: courtesy of Fundación La Nave Salinas.

MENORCA

Morning: catch the shuttle boat from Mahón harbour to Hauser & Wirth Menorca. Boats depart regularly and the journey takes about 15 minutes each way. The gallery is located on Illa del Rei, a small island with views back to the city.

Late morning: begin with Cindy Sherman: The Women (until 26 October), a rare solo exhibition in Spain that revisits Sherman’s iconic photographic series from the 1970s through to the 2010s. Globally celebrated for her exploration of identity, gender and performance, Sherman uses costume, prosthetics and carefully constructed personas to question the ways women are seen and represented.

Next, explore Mika Rottenberg: Vibrant Matter, the artist’s first solo exhibition in Spain. Known for her surreal and satirical videos, Rottenberg blends sculpture and film to examine systems of labour, production and consumption. The exhibition features two of her acclaimed video installations alongside new sculptural works made from bittersweet vines and reclaimed plastic, offering an inventive take on materiality, absurdity and interconnectedness.

Midday: stop for lunch at Cantina, the open-air restaurant set among olive trees beside the gallery. A refreshing staple is the Ncold melon and almond soup 'ajoblanco' and tender free-range grilled chicken. The atmosphere is relaxed, with uninterrupted views of the harbour and surrounding landscape.

Afternoon: wander the sculpture trail or visit the restored 18th-century hospital next door before returning to Mahón by boat. Once back in Mahón, make your way to Sa Falua for a cocktail. Tucked away from the busier spots, it’s the perfect place to unwind: whether you’re sipping in the leafy courtyard or watching the boats drift by from the terrace. Installation view of Cindy Sherman: Women at Hauser & Wirth Menorca. Photo: courtesy of Hauser & Wirth.

MALLORCA

Morning: start at Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma to experience Cardinal Directions (until August), a major installation by Jessica Stockholder. Known for her inventive use of everyday materials, Stockholder creates immersive environments that blur the boundaries between painting, sculpture and architecture. In this exhibition, vibrant colours, textured surfaces and unexpected objects are combined to transform the gallery into a dynamic space that invites visitors to walk through, around and even inside the work. Rather than observing from a distance, you become part of the composition, engaging with shifting perspectives and surprising spatial relationships. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace, which offers one of the best panoramic views of Palma.

Midday: take a short 15-minute drive to Fundació Miró Mallorca, located in the peaceful Cala Major neighbourhood just 10 minutes from central Palma. The foundation offers a fascinating look at Joan Miró’s original studios, preserved with his sketches, tools and personal belongings, giving insight into his creative process. Alongside this, discover Rosa Tharrats: Refugia (until August), a contemporary exhibition featuring sculptural textiles that explore new forms and materials. Tharrats’ work examines themes of transformation and protection through tactile, speculative bodies, offering a distinct, modern perspective within the foundation’s diverse programme.

Afternoon: stroll through the sculpture garden with a coffee in hand and take in Rafael Moneo’s striking architecture surrounded by pine trees and sea views. End the day nearby with a relaxed dinner at one of Cala Major’s seaside restaurants. The area has a quieter charm, and you’ll find a few tucked-away spots where you can dine with views of the coast, just a short walk from the foundation.

Installation view of Fundació Miró Mallorca. Photo: courtesy of Fundació Miró Mallorca.