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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.

At Cala Tuent on the wild northern coast is a small 13th-century hermitage perched high above the coast. It was remote then and remains relatively so today.

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).

Just to the south of Pollença, this serene place with marvellous views houses one of the oldest Gothic images of the Virgin on the island. The unassuming stone complex, dating mostly to the 18th century, comprises a courtyard, a chapel, fortified walls, a refectory and cells. You can rent a room here (see Santuari del Puig de Maria, Pollença).

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.

Pilgrims and other visitors can stay overnight at this former monastery, which has a truly spectacular setting, right at the top of the Serres de Llevant. You can’t miss it: the site’s huge stone cross and statue of Christ can be seen for miles around (see also Santuari de Sant Salvador, Felanitx).

This monastery is on top of Puig de Bonany. A stone cross was erected here in 1749 for Junípero Serra (see Petra), before he left on a mission to California. The sanctuary was built in the 17th century as an act of thanksgiving for a good harvest – bon any or “good year”. The modern church dates from 1925 and is entered via an imposing gate decorated with ceramic portraits of St Paul and St Anthony. The forecourt has panoramic views.

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.

Ramon Llull founded this hermit-age at the top of the Puig de Randa table mountain in the 13th century, and it was here that he trained missionaries bound for Africa and Asia. Nothing remains of the original building, but Llull’s legacy has ensured that the site is an important place for Catholics, who can stay overnight in simple rooms. The monastery, much of which is fairly modern, houses a library and study centre. There are other hermitages lower down the hill.

The lowest hermitage site on Puig de Randa is set on a ledge in a cliff above a sheer 200-m (656-ft) drop and has beguiling views out over the plain. It was founded in 1497 and appears, along with nesting birds, to be sheltered by the huge rock that overhangs it.