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Balearic Islands, Spain

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Fortuitously located in the middle of the mediterranean, no doubt by some benign gods, the Balearics is an autonomous region of Spain, made up of three principal islands:

• Mallorca
• Ibiza
• Menorca

The other, much smaller, islands of Formentera and Cabrera with the more isolated ones of Dragonera, Conillera and Espalmador, complete the archiepelago.

The capital is Palma de Mallorca. The total population of the region is some seven hundred thousand, in an area (the smallest) of five thousand square kilometres, though its density is the fifth highest in Spain.
The Balearics has a charm of its own. A gentle climate, crystal clear waters, diverse landscapes and the sun make it possible to be everything, but bored. Its a paradise for wildlife and people.

Heritage

The earlies art of the islands is found in the talayotic sculptures and the megalytic monuments of some three thousand years ago. The Romans bequeathed the theatre of Alcudia. The Moorish heritage is best seen in the Palace of Almudaina in Palma, the Alfabia and adjacent settlements at Fornalutx and Bibaraix.
After the Catalan-Aragon conquest in the thirteenth century there appeared many gothic buildings, notably, the Castle of Bellver, the Lonja(market) and Cathedral of Palma – one of the most beautiful of its style. Others worth visiting are: Real Cartuja in Valldemosa, the church of Santo Cristo y la Rosario, both in Ciutadella, and the house of Mercadal in Mahon.

In 1999 UNESCO designated the reserve of Ses Salines, the fortifications of Dart Vila, the necropolis of Puig des Molins and the Phoenician burial site of Sa Caleta as of world heritage importance.

Festivals traditions and gastronomy

The anniversary of the conquest of Mallorca by Jaima I is one of the most important festivals. Almong the many others, that of San Joan Ciutadella(when ?)with its equestrian processions(Caragols) and Ensortilles – the lancing at full gallop of hoops, stands out. The traditional dances and songs have their own features, Typical dances are the bolero and the jota. In Menorca they have their own version of the fandangos and in Ibiza they dance the Sa Curta and the Sa Llarga.

The cooking reflects the agriculture of the medeterranean – olive oil, bread, vegetables, fruit, wine and meat, especially pork. Typical dishes are – Trempo (salad of tomatoes, onions,capers etc) Pilotes(meatballs –Menorcan style) and Capirotada Conill(rabbit), Langostas(king prawn stew) – Menorcan or Ibizan style, Sobrasadas(spicy sausage), pork dishes(fried) and plenty of fresh fish. The cheeses , goat, sheep and cow, are flavourful, especially that of Mahon.. The Ensaimada(see picture) is the most popular of the Balearic pastries in a rich(!) variety of desserts.

History

The first settlements on Mallorca and Menorca date from the bronze age which developed an important Megalithic culture. Menorca has the greatest number of monuments, such as, taules, talaiots and navetas.
From the VI bc century the community was strongly influenced by the Greeks.
At the end of II bc century the Romans built the cities of Palma and Pollenca.
After the Vandal and Byzantine invasions the islands were taken over by the Moors(902)and they remained until 1229.
Jaime I then took over, using troops from Catalunja, which explains why a form of Catalan is still spoken, especially on Menorca.
Various take-overs succeeded one another until the beginning of the eighteenth century when Menorca was annexed by the British(Treaty of Utrect), then, in1756, for six years by the French, then back under the British until 1802, when it was finally rejoined to Spain.

Countryside

The greatest treasure of the Balearic archiepelago is its natural environment. Over forty percent of the territory is protected by special measures. There are forty nine designated habitat and wildlife areas in Mallorca, nineteen in Menorca and seventeen in Ibiza and Formentera.

Among the more important are – the national park of Cabrera, the reserves of Ses Salines at Ibiza and Formentera and the country parks at Albufera, Mondrago, sa Dragonera, and S¨Albufera des Grau. Additionally, Menorca benefits from the international seal of being designated a Global Biophere Reserve. Rare landscapes are to be found at the Torrent of Pareis and the Caves of Drac y Arte in Mallorca. Each island has a uniquely endowed habitat.

Coasts and beaches

The Balearic coasts have the most spectacular and beautiful beaches of Spain. They are a dream of smooth, white sand, totally clear warm waters that wash against cliffs and small beautiful coves. The exceptional quality of these beaches has been recognised universally.

Menorca boasts a coastline that is almost free of any developments and has dozens of spotless coves that excite the approval of all that see them. The ones that stand out are: La Vall, Cala Pregonda, Son Saura and Cala Turqueta.

Ibiza and Formentera can make similar claims about its beaches and coves of which Cala d¨Hort is special. From the air both islands share the same natural environment and this is best experienced in the reserve of Ses Salines.

Mallorca has such diversity as to enchant any visitor – from its long sandy beaches of the south, especially Es Trence and those adjoining it, to the cliffs at the start of the Sierra de Tramuntana and the Park of Mondrago.

Activities and sports

The Balearics offer every kind of leisure opportunity to all its visitors. Water sports, such as scuba-diving, sailing, rowing and windsurfining, are especially popular. Another well established sport is golf, which can offer some fourteen courses of the highest standard. Also well suited to the terrain is hiking and cycling. Adventure sports, such as hang gliding, ultra-lites or rock climbing are available at Bunyola. Horseriding has a long tradition and good provision with a native black breed that is particularly well suited to the local conditions.

At the end of the seventies Ibiza became the place to be for hippies and when this movement waned it was superceded the other fashions. More recently the island has been popular for its nightlife – discos, nightclubs and afterhours,

Getting there and around

The Balearics, as a principal tourist resort of the Mediterranean, has excellent air connections to Spain and the rest of Europe. There are airports on Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza.

Sea links are also excellent. The two main lines, Trasmediterranea and Balearia Eurolinies Maritimes, link the islands to each other and to Barcelona and Valencia. The port at Palma de Mallorca is a major port-of-call for many Mediterranean cruises.