History & Culture

The three major islands of the Baleares -Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza- although grouped together in the Mediterranean off Spain's eastern coast, are in fact greatly different in geography, climate and personality. They are, however, similar gastronomically, featuring wonderful seafood, sobrasada (a spreadable chorizo-style sausage) and ensaimadas -spiraled sweet breads.

The island of Mallorca, the largest of the Balearics, is only 75 kilometers from north to south and 100 kilometers from east to west, yet its typically Mediterranean landscape varies from the fertile central lowlands where fig, almond and orange trees flourish, to the precipitous cliffs of the northwestern coast. The city of Palma on the beautiful Bay of Palma is a well-sheltered natural haven. Mallorca has had international appeal since the last century and is no stranger to romantic trysts; it was here that Chopin and George Sand chose to live and enjoy the island's idyllic setting and excellent weather.

Menorca is the second largest island and although only 48 kilometers long, it is also quite varied geographically. Its northern face is a series of open valleys and treeless landscapes on an indented, rocky coastline; the northwest is greener, with luxuriant vegetation, while the south features cliffs and beautiful coves lapped by crystal clear waters. Lobster stew is an island specialty. The south is also an important center of 4,000 year old Bronze Age culture, and there are remains of more than 200 conically shaped fortified dwellings and tombs from that period. Much closer to our times, Menorca was a British possession in the eighteenth century, a fact immediately evident in the island's architecture. Today, Menorca owes its prosperity largely to tourism, to its excellent Mahón cheese and other milk products and to its fine leather goods -particularly footware.

Ibiza is a tiny twinkling gem set in the azure Mediterranean. It is inhabited by small farmers and fishermen, and its gentle rural landscape, dotted with olive and almond trees and grape vines, simple whitewashed houses, and fortified churches, has a timeless quality. It is an unspoiled paradise, the perfect retreat for those who like to get away from it all, yet at the same time Ibiza has become a mecca for the uninhibited. In summer the young international jet setters converge on the island to revel in the sun and sea by day and to partake in the island's vibrant "anything goes" night life when the sun goes down. Nevertheless, even at the height of summer there are still hidden corners in Ibiza where you can forget the twentieth century.

Click here for Spain Map