The Mediterranean Paradise of the Baleares is divided into the Gimnesias (Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera) in the north and the Pitiusas (Ibiza and Formentera) in the southwest. The islands are in the Mediterranean Sea, off Spain's eastern coast and enjoy an excellent climate with some 300 days of sun per year. There are countless wonderful beaches.

As a result most towns on the islands thrive on tourism and there are thousands of bars, discos and nightclubs everywhere, as well as the usual tourist shops an street vendors.

Dispite the yearly invasion of foreigners the Baleares have managed to maintain the regional identity, customs and language. The people's hospitality is unique.

You will find numerous relics from the past, such as Gothic cathedrals, ruins dating from the Stone Age and numerous small fishing villages where time seems to have stood still.

The Balearic Islands are of historical importance for all of Europe, as numerous prehistoric findings were made there. Almost all the important cultures left their traces on the islands, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Carthagineans, Byzanthinians and Moors, amongst others.

On Menorca alone, more than 500 findings were made. The monumental stone constructions of Asentamiento de Trepucó, at 2 km from Mahón, Talayot de Trebaluger in the surroundings of Villacarlos, Taulas and Naveta des Tudoms, close to Ciutadela, probably served for ritual ceremonies.

On Mallorca the Talayot de Sa Canova and the remains of the settlements of Ses Paises, Capocorb Vell and Claper dels Gegants are all of historical importance.

Jaime I of the Spanish kingdom Aragon conquered Mallorca in 1229. He left the island to his son Jaime II, as an independent kingdom, but in 1243 it returned to Aragon. Menorca had already become part of Aragon in 1231. The island was frequently attacked by pirates during that time and many fortifications still stand as a reminder of that.

In the 18th century Menorca became a part of the British Empire, as a result of the treaty of Utrecht. For that reason the island has a distinct architectonical style that was influenced by the British. Above all, the town of Mahón was influenced by that. Later, the French rules Menorca for a short period and in 1802, after signing the treaty of Amiens, the island reverted to Spain.

Historical findings on Ibiza show that the island was an important Carthaginian colony. After Carthago went to war with Rome, the Romans conquered the island. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Moors dominated the island. They ruled Ibiza from 707 AD, until they were expelled by Jaime I. Ibiza and Formentera where frequently attacked by pirates and the latter was even temporarily abandoned by its entire population.

There is a wide range of hotels, hostels, dormitories and campsites on all of the islands. Ibiza is especially notorious for its drugs scene. Most visitors arrive at the airport of Palma de Mallorca, which is actually Spain's busiest airport. Each of the Baleares has its own distinctive personality and there is always some special place for everyone. Many visitors return to the region after having been there once.