The Balearic Islands –Paradise in the Mediterranean

Where are they? What are they? Why do I have to go?

The Balearic Islands are a group of islands in the western Mediterranean Sea, near the coast of Spain. At present they are the most popular destination in the Mediterranean and their main islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

People from all over the world who are looking for a fantastic getaway flock to these four islands which comprise the Balearics chain. There are a host of tourist activities to choose from including watersports like parasailing, windsurfing, kayaking, diving and snorkeling or simply cruising on a chartered yacht along the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Tourists on their Balearic Islands holidays can also opt to party the party the night away at the number of clubs and bars, the most famous of which are based in the island of Ibiza.

Although every single one has a very particular character, they do have at least two things in common: The four of them offer several opportunities to spend unforgettable holidays and it is worth visiting them in any kind of season. Main reason for their popularity is not only their excellent Mediterranean climate with reliable sunshine and a wild nightlife, but also the beauty of their landscapes, wonderful beaches, the hospitality of their inhabitants, a lot of pretty harbours and a rich cultural offer.

You can enjoy the beaches and the nautical pleasures from May until November, while visitors who prefer to go on excursions, want to do sight-seeing or sports (tennis, bikes, fitness, horse riding, golf courses) or just can’t resist their shopping-temptations, will be happy throughout the whole year.

The islands are connected with each other as well as with the Spanish coast by ferries and airplanes, which makes it very easy to do some island hopping or even visit Barcelona.

Cultural Events

The big hotels of the most popular holiday destinations regularly organise so called “folkloric-evenings” with music-, dancing-, and singing-acts. But those who are really interested in the traditions and the characteristic customs of the islands and its inhabitants, I would recommend to make a move and visit the beautiful, small villages away from the coast. There you can celebrate amongst the local people and take part in their colourful “fiestas”, based on myths and legends. Contemplating an event like that, most of the strangers are simply overwhelmed by this world full of colours, enchantment and life.

Historic details

For a long time the islands were a popular destination of pirates and many fortifications still remind of those days.

Apart from pirates, the most important cultures in European history left their traces on the Balearic Islands: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs...

The Arab domination was responsible for major advances in Mallorca, but due to their continuous attacks on the Mediterranean navigation, Jaime I, king of Aragon, decided to conquer the island in 1229 – followed by Menorca two years later.
In the 18th century, Menorca became part of the British Empire, as a consequence of the treaty of Utrecht. The architecture of Menorca’s capital Mahon, as well as the atmosphere and the life-style are clearly influenced by that. After a short French domination the island became part of Spain.