Sneak Preview

The Balearic Islands, part of the country of Spain, lie in the western Mediterranean, about 80 km from the Spanish mainland. In the case of the Balearics at least, the distance from the mainland does not in any way detract from the importance of the area as a tourist destination. The Balearics are, if not more, at least as popular as the resorts of mainland Spain- an archipelago famous for its golden beaches, lively nightlife, and scenic beauty.

The Balearic Islands have everything to tempt even pretty jaded tourists- miles of lovely landscapes especially in the smaller islands, such as Menorca, which are still relatively unspoilt; a plethora of beautiful handicrafts and a choice of excellent seafood. And if you’re still looking for more, there are theatres, bars, nightclubs and cinemas galore; museums and art exhibitions; historic churches and monuments, and plenty of scope for enjoying yourself.

Did you know? The mayonnaise of Menorca is popular for good reason...the well-loved and badly-abused sauce actually originated on this island!

Historically Speaking

Occupied for at least 2600 years, and conquered by the Vandals in the early 6th century, the Balearic Islands were invaded by the kingdom of Byzantine shortly after. The Byzantine rule was not to last long, however, and by the opening years of the 10th century, the Muslims had gained control of the islands. Muslim occupation of the Balearics continued till about 1235, when James I of Aragon managed to secure Mallorca and Ibiza; and by the end of the 13th century, the islands had been totally taken over by the Spanish. First declared an autonomous kingdom, the Balearics eventually became part of Aragon, and remained so until 1833, when they were made a separate province of Spain (the island of Menorca was, during this period, occupied by Britain for nearly a century, till 1802).By the end of the 19th century, a regionalist uprising had started to gather force in the Balearics; this, though, never actually managed to take off. By 1931, a movement had begun for the introduction of autonomy- an enactment which finally occurred in 1983, when the Balearics were granted autonomous government.