The islands are situated approximately 100 km southwest of the island of Majorca (Mallorca), and approximately 80 km east of the Spanish mainland (Cabo de la Nao, Alicante, Valencia).
The Illes Pitiüses are sometimes grouped together as part of the Balearic Islands, or else considered separate with the Balearics proper being Majorca and Minorca (Menorca). Politically, they are part of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands.