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Times of the Balearic Islands

The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, around 5000 BC, and there are many Cyclopean remains. These show the communities constructed dwellings of stone. There is evidence of primitive agriculture including the keeping of domesticated animals. Jewelry, pottery and tools appear to have been produced. Later they were frequently visited by Phoenician traders. In 654 BC the Carthaginians founded what is today Ibiza city. Roman occupation followed and they were in turn expelled by the Visigoths. The Moors conquered the islands during the 8th Century and there is evidence of their occupation be found 300 years on the islands and the architecture Customs of the islanders themselves Christians reconquered the islands during the 13th Century. Mallorca fall in 1229 was followed first by Ibiza six years later. Menorca was the last fall in 1287. First, the islands as colonies, but Catalan famines and raids by pirates flourished encouraged by isolation from the mainland saw the Balearic Islands decline. Mallorca and Ibiza were occupied by the Bourbons after the conclusion of the Spanish War of Succession in 1715. However, Menorca was the British under the Treaty of Utrecht assigned together with Gibraltar on the Spanish mainland. The British took control of Menorca to 1802. During the Spanish Civil War 1936-39, Majorca and Ibiza were soon under the control of Franco's troops makes use of the Italian fleet to Mallorca, as it's starting point and provide support to the insurgents. Menorca remained Loyalist to 1939. The 1950's saw the first charter flights land on the islands to bring the tourists, who in turn bought prosperity to the islands and their peoples in this lucrative Trade participated. After tourism agriculture and fisheries make a significant contribution to the economy of the islands. Fruit, olive oil, wine, Majolica and silver filigree are exported in large quantities.

Formentera is the smallest of the four islands. A ferry from Ibiza, the island port of La Savina takes to drive between 25 and 50 minutes. Compared to the other islands Formentera is relatively underdeveloped and limited accommodation with less than 50 hotels and hostels. It is also expensive, as is eating out. The island itself is attractive and has good beaches with powder white sand and clear blue water. There are many opportunities for hiking and walking.

Ibiza, for 572 km ², is the third largest of the islands. The capital is Ibiza town, known for its renowned extravagant nightlife. This attracts many tourists, now over a million each Year visit. Some of the most famous discos in Spain can be heard publicly, along with many bars, cafes and restaurants. The Dalt Vila, a souk-like walled city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many beaches, but in the summer months these get very crowded. Cala Mastella in the east coat and Beniras in the West are two of the best. The north of the island is popular with cyclists and hikers. Inland the landscape is rocky and pine trees grow in abundance. Fishing and salt works contribute to the economy with some subsistence farming, supported by irrigation. Little rain falls and the predominant crops are almonds, figs and olives.

Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and covers over 3500 km ². Majorca's history before 1276 was the same as the other islands. But then founded the Kingdom of Mallorca and included the island along with some areas of both Mainland Spain and France. Perpignan, in Roussillon, France was the capital of the empire. It was back to the Crown of Aragon in 1343 and flourished until the discovery of America and the subsequent change in major trade routes. Palma de Mallorca, on the south coast and is known for its spectacular sunsets, is the capital. La Seu Cathedral, the city is enormous. Built on the site of a former mosque, construction commenced in 1230. It was about 370 years later, completed in 1600. Who today, who have tried to hurry a Spanish builder, is what his undaunted must look for other like an eternity in time. The city also has museums, Renaissance mansions a much in the old city and many beautiful churches. 1950 was the first charter flights land here and now, the island plays host to nine million visitors a year enjoy the mild climate and attractive landscape. Most come because of the obvious three S's – sun, sea and sand, but the island has much more to offer. The Serra de Tramuntana, rising to nearly 1500m, dominate in the north-west of the island. The combination of a rugged, rocky coastline, pine forests, olive groves and small, charming villages, Deia particularly high over the Mediterranean make this part of the island is very beautiful. Walking is popular with spring the best time for the summer months it can get very hot. Two bays dominate the north east Coast, the Badia de Pollença and Badia d'Alcudia. An almost continuous string of sandy coves and beaches make the coast and unsurprisingly this area has seen intensive development work. The south coast, however, is falling in the main rocky cliffs into the Mediterranean. Port d'Andratx on the southwest coast, is a small attractive town built on low hills surrounding a small bay. The island is famous for its caves and architectural treasures and prehistoric Known monuments. Another landmark is the abandoned old monastery where both Chopin and George Sand lived. The interior is of Es Pla, a large fertile plain, wheat, flax, Grape dominates, and olives are grown. Pigs and sheep are raised. There is also limited mining of copper and lead and quarrying of marble.

Cover 702 km Menorca is the island's second largest island of the Balearic Islands. In 1708 during the War of the Spanish Succession it was occupied by the British. France, she took during the Seven Years' War, but in 1763 the Treaty of Paris, he returned to British rule. In 1782, during the American Revolution, the allied French with Spain seized the island, but 16 years later the British came back. The last chapter was in 1802 when the Peace of Amiens to forgive Menorca Spain. But Today there is strong evidence of British occupation. Architecture has a distinctive Georgian feel even down to the sliding window. Today Port Mahon, lying, on the east coast, is the island's capital and main port. The harbor is deep and protected and overlooked by the city built on the cliffs at the southern end. British influence can be both Fort Marlborough and Collingwood House, named after the Admiral will be seen that served alongside Nelson. If further evidence for the UK Past is a visit to the Xoriguer Gin Distillery should they be required. Unlike the other two main islands of Menorca is still apparent. There is little intensive development and it is still possible, even in the middle of summer, beaches almost deserted. Ciutadella, on the west side of the island, is a charming town with elegant mansions. There are a lot of evidence for prehistoric past, Menorca and a large number of megaliths. There are many pages, and they fall into three different time points Periods. The Cave pre-Talayotic period or era from 2000 – 1300BC, the period Talayotic or Bronze Age, 1300 – 800BC and the Post Talayotic period or Iron Age, 800 – 100BC. The Center is hilly, but the island as a whole primarily lowlands. Despite the fact, Menorca, rainfall is greater than the other islands of irrigation is still required. Cereals, flax, wine and olive oil are the main agricultural products. There is some light industry. Lobster fishing also contributes to the economy.

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South Vancouver Island Potters Guild at Martin Batchelor Gallery