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A beautiful Spanish enclave set in the Mediterranean Sea - famous throughout the world. Their climate, scenery and beaches are exceptional, and their inhabitants have a tradition for being particularly hospitable. The capital of the islands - Palma de Majorca - is 132 miles from Barcelona, 287 from Marseille, 172 from Algiers and 140 from Valencia. It would appear that these islands are the ideal location for resting and relaxing since they contain all the necessary ingredients for achieving this aim: beautiful scenery, forests, fertile farmlands, quiet and secluded beaches with crystal-clear waters, interesting folklore, a mild climate and temperatures, and a first-class hotel industry. In spite of the close proximity of the different islands and the very many common ties between them, each one has its own very different landscape. Majorca has a magnificent coastline consisting of rocky outcrops intermingled with many small coves that offer excellent sandy beaches. Menorca, on the other hand, is noted for its tranquillity, while Ibiza has a personality all of its won. Formentera and Cabrera are extremely solitary islands. History of the Islands There are still some interesting remains of megalithic monuments that date back to prehistoric times to be found on the island of Majorca. Examples include the talayot (towerlike monument) of Sa Canova, the settlements of Ses paisses, Capicorp Vell and Claper dels Gegants, and especially on Menorca the naveta (prehistoric tomb) of Els Tudons. The most famous civilisations in Antiquity left their mark on the island of Majorca, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines and the Arabs. In the year 1229 King Jaime I "the Conqueror", who was king of Aragon at the time, took control of the island and added it to his domain. At his death it was passed over to his son Jaime II and given the title of kingdom. Nevertheless, after a very short time as an independent state it eventually became part of the Crown of Aragon around the year 1343. Menorca is an ancient island, full of history and tradition. Throughout the centuries it has borne witness to the passing of the most diverse and illustrious civilisations. Back in the very distant past it saw the setting-up of a most primitive culture, evidence of which can still be seen today in the large quantity of enormous megalithic monuments that are spread all over the island. This was the culture of the talayot, naveta and taula (T-shaped monument), which can still be encountered in some of the prehistoric settlements that abound here. The number of monuments of his kind is so great that it has made the islands appear as if they were open-air archeological museums. In more recent times Menorca also witnessed the passing the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzandines and Arabs. The later, who remained on the island until 1229, were driven away by King Alfonso III of Aragon. Following it reconquest the island was repeatedly besieged by pirates. The most savage attacks took place during the reign of King Felipe II and were perpetrated by the famous Red Beard and Mustafa Piali and their followers. Spanish control of Menorca was lost in favour of England, as stipulated in the Treaty of Utrecht , and his situation lasted for almost one hundred years. As a result, there were constant attempts at recovering the island by the Spanish, and this provoked struggles between the British, Spanish and also the French throughout the 18C. The Peace Treaty of Amiens finally saw the return of Menorca to Spanish control in the 1802. Ibiza also has a very long history. Thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, many different civilisations left their mark on the culture of the island. As a result of all these comings and goings, the people of Ibiza are renowned for their extremely hospitable nature. Nobody is a stranger here, since the islands is used to the movement of travellers. Ibiza was an important Carthaginian colony, evidence of which can be seen in the archeological remains that have been found. Later on it became a Roman colony, and following a relatively short time period under the Vandals and the Byzantines, eventually fell under Moorish domination around the year 707. It was reconquered by Christian force under King Jaime I "the Conqueror" and the continual struggle against pirates forced King Carlos I to set about the construction of the walls. The history of Formentera is practically the same as that of Ibiza. It gets its name from the fact that its land was probably once given over to the cultivation of wheat (forment in the local dialect). It was occupied by the Phoenicians Greeks and Romans, and later was invaded several times at the hands of the Berbers. This was to cause its inhabitants to abandon the island, and it was not until the 17C that it was repopulated once again when it was finally safe from any pirate attacks. The Balearic Islands have provided Western culture with a large number of poets, missionaries and philosophers, including, for example, the mystic and philosopher Román Llull, and Brother Junípero Serra, the evangelist of California, who was born in 1713. Climate of the Balearic Islands Thanks to their privileged position in the Mediterranean, these islands enjoy an incomparable temperate climate. Even at the height of summer the maximum temperatures are not excessive, and the winters are renowned for their mildness. The relative humidity oscillates around 70% throughout the year. As a result, these two factors - temperature and humidity - help to produce a feeling of extreme well-being on the human body. There are approximately 300 days of sun during the year, with an average of five hours a day in winter and more than ten during the summer months. The sea is an intense blue colour, crystal-clear along the coasts where the temperatures are at their best. The prevailing wind is generally from the south-west, and the average yearly atmospheric pressure is 758.7 mm. Local Festivities and Folklore Among the typical festivities that are held in the different towns and villages of the Balearic Islands, one of the most important is that at Ciutadella around June 18th, 23rd and 24th. The festivities of La Devallament at Pollensa (March 23rd), Sa Pobla (January 16th and 17th) in honour of San Antonio Abad, and the Day of La Beata at Santa Margarita (September 3rd), are all of interest to tourists. Ibiza celebrates its festivities on the days between July 30th and August 5th, while Mahón does likewise from September 7th-9th. The folklore of Majorca is typified by its dances and songs. These include boleros, mateixes and copeos. On Menorca there are Mediaeval jousting tournaments held at Ciutadella, and on Ibiza one can witness primitive dances that constitute a unique spectacle. Local Crafts The Balearic Islands maintain a rich and flourishing tradition in local crafts. Embroidery, carvings in olive wood, wrought-iron works, cut glass, objects made from palm leaves and raffia, cultivated pearls, pottery, handmade shoes, and exquisite imitation jewellery are just some of the things that entice all those who come to visit. At Ciutadella, Alaior and Mahón (Maó) it is possible to find high quality shoes at very reasonable prices, whereas Manacor and Felantx are famous for their cultivated pearls. Throughout the island of Majorca one can find embroidery of an exceptionally high quality. Menorca has a long-standing tradition of furniture manufacture, and also offers the opportunity of buying the typical bowls and plates from Alaior and Ciutadella. Ibiza is noted for the growing importance of its fashion industry. Accommodation The islands can accommodate approximately 250,000 visitors in their modern and constantly-growing hotel network. The province can also accommodate up to 350,000 holiday makers in other modern and comfortable establishments that range from apartments, villas and bungalows. There is also the possibility of renting accommodation (with or without furniture), as well as buying property and land (although this largely depends on the availability in different areas). Nevertheless, the prices are generally quite reasonable here. Transport The Balearic Islands have the airports of Palma de Majorca, Ibiza and Mahón, making any journey extremely easy. It is also possible to reach them by ship, since Barcelona is only a night-crossing away aboard the most modern vessels. The journey takes just eight hours. By air the flight from Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid takes less than an hour, while from París and London it takes under two. It is also possible to take vehicles to the islands aboard ferries specially designed for the purpose. Both air and sea services have extra flights and crossing during the "high season" (July 1st-September 30th), the latter being organized through the company Trasmediterránea (Barcelona - Palma - Ibiza - Palma - Sete, and Bacelona - Ibiza - Palma). On the island of Menorca the most important dishes are those based on fish and shellfish, both of which are found in great quantities off the coast and are of an exceptionally high quality. Perhaps the most outstanding dish of all is lobster stew, consisting of pieces of lobster, peppers, onion, tomato, garlic and a liqueur made from herbs. Other typical dishes include lobster with rice, tunny fish with mayonnaise, partridge "a la menorquina" and roast goat with sobrasada. The cheese from Mahón is yet another fine local product. On Ibiza there is also a predominance of fish dishes. Typical dishes include burrida de ratjada, which is boiled ray seasoned with an almond sauce; lobster with squid and herbs; and el guisat de marisc - a succulent stew made with fish and shellfish. Throughout the Balearic Islands there are a large variety of coques - rectangular tarts that are covered with minced vegetables, fish or meat. As for wines, Majorca is the only islands which produces them. Nevertheless, these islands do have other interesting drinks. For example, Menorca is noted for its gin production, which is used in the preparation of the very popular pallofas, and on Ibiza there is a very strong herb liqueur known as frigola which is normally served with ice. |
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