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Built in 1281 on a site where the Moors made soap, this church has suffered its share of woes, most notably when struck by lightning in 1580. Consequently, the façade you see today is a Baroque creation, though presumably no less massive than the Gothic original. The beautiful cloisters are the star turn, and, in fact, you must enter the church by going through them first.

Set in one of the most appealing towns on the island, this former royal residence and monastery has a rich history. Most captivating of all to the myriad visitors who come here is the poignant story of the winter visit of composer Frédéric Chopin, dying of tuberculosis, and his lover George Sand, along with her two children – all of whom left copious records of their experiences.

Up in the hills northwest of Artà, this monastery has a lovely vantage point, 400 m (1,312 ft) above the sea. It dates from 1804, when a group of hermits decided to rebuild the church that had been destroyed years before by pirates. The church is tiny and crudely frescoed, but it’s worth the hike. Bring a picnic.

Just east of Montuïri is a small monastery with views over the fertile fields of Es Pla. Facilities include a café-restaurant and nicely restored monks’ cells where, for a nominal amount, you can stay so long as you don’t mind sharing a bathroom.

Built just after the Christians reclaimed the Balearics in the 13th century, this church has a rare Gothic homogeneity, despite some later medieval touches and 19th-century additions.

Not so much an active monastery today as a place of pilgrimage that also draws tourists and nature-lovers. This is Mallorca’s holiest spot, high in the mountains, and has been a sacred zone since time immemorial. The complex has an attractive church, with a special chapel to house the venerated image, and there are also pilgrim paths to climb and nature trails to explore (seeMonestir de Nostra Senyora de Lluc & Santuari de Lluc).