3 Fascinating Locations To Visit In The Balearic Islands Of Spain

The Balearic Islands nestle in the blue Mediterranean Sea off the coast of mainland Spain. The islands have many charming towns to visit, with shopping, dining and entertainment on offer. These beautiful isles are also known for their sheltered coves, lovely beaches and beautiful mountainous scenery.

UNESCO has recognized some sites in the Balearic Islands as Cultural Landscapes and there are many historic sites to visit. These include Roman and Moorish remains dotted all over the islands and other ruins from more ancient times.

Whether you are visiting the Balearic Islands for a beach vacation or rural holiday, it is well worth exploring these remarkable locations on the Balearic Islands of Spain.

1. Torre d'en Galmes, Alaior, Menorca

This fascinating location dates back thousands of years. In fact, this megalithic Talayotic settlement was built when the culture flourished on the island. The culture is named for its prehistoric watchtowers, known as talayots. Watch towers were used to keep an eye out for any enemies advancing on their settlement.

Image by Daniel Lobo on Flickr

Everything went fine, until the arrival of the Romans when the culture began to decline. However, the civilization left a number of talayots all over the island. One excellent example is the Torre d’en Galmes, a complete ruined walled town which is believed to have been built in around 1400 BC. The site is on top of a hill and has a public area, three talayots and a taula. The latter is a T-shaped building, thought to have a religious use.

Also on the site are the remains of private dwellings, built in a circular design, with a central courtyard (pictured below). Some of the homes have a hypostyle, or storage chamber. Archaeologists have also discovered a sophisticated water cistern system in the settlement.

Image by Daniel Lobo on Flickr

All the talayot sites are remarkable, as they were built without the help of machinery or mortar. Historians believe this particular settlement may have stood as an important trading center, linked to other ancient civilizations.

2. La Granja de Esporles, Mallorca

This 17th-century, palatial country house stands in Esporles, close to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range on Mallorca. Formerly home to a noble family and their staff, the house is now an open-air museum.

Image Wikimedia Commons

The museum preserves all aspects of the manor house, including its spacious rooms, including the drawing room, kitchen and workers’ quarters. Those on a food and wine tour in Mallorca can experience the on-site restaurant serving typical Mallorcan cuisine, a terrace café and even a working wine cellar. A number of artisan workshops are held here, including pottery, blacksmithing, carpentry, candle making and weaving.

The estate itself was involved in grains, perfumes and textiles in the past. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens overlooking the spectacular surrounding  landscape. Besides pretty botanical gardens, an ancient yew tree stands tall, along with a natural waterfall said to have been known by the Romans.

Image Wikimedia Commons

3. Miquel Barceló Installation in the Cathedral de Santa Maria de Palma, Mallorca

The Cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma in Mallorca is a fascinating place to visit. Built on the site of a Moorish mosque, the cathedral dominates the skyline of the capital city. Construction started in the 13th century and the structure has been modified over the centuries.

Image from Wikimedia Commons

However, this gothic cathedral also offers an unusual contemporary art installation. Artist Miquel Barcelo created an amazing modern representation of a well-known New Testament parable. The installation was created between 2001 and 2006 and is set in the right-hand apse of St. Peter’s Chapel. The artwork depicts the miracle of Jesus, multiplying the loaves and fishes for his faithful followers. The remarkable artwork is set off by the stained glass windows and stone furniture of the chapel.

Have fun exploring the beautiful Balearic Islands of Spain on your next vacation, breathing in the history, landscapes and culture of the islands.