Andalucia Tour Holidays
Balearics – Fun in the Sun on Stone Age Islands
Located in the western Mediterranean Sea about 60 miles off the Iberian coast is the archipelago Balearic Islands is one of the Autonomous Communities of Spain.
Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera at the end of the North in Ibiza and Formentera in the Southwest. These wonderful islands have Palma de Mallorca as its capital city and have two officially recognized languages – these being Catalan and Spanish.
No wonder the Balearic Islands are one of the most favored tourist destinations in Spain, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year and some of the prettiest beaches in the world offering near perfect conditions to get away from the stresses and strains of modern life.
As close together as they are, each island has a personality own. They have a rich local cultural heritage and are extremely accommodating, welcoming the influx of tourists (mostly Europeans) every year with the hospitality that is unsurpassed.
There are many stories about where the islands are named after, but probably the most interesting is the one that says They were named Gymnesiae (which in Greek means "naked") by the ancient Greeks as the first inhabitants often found to be naked or dressed only in sheep's clothing.
Mallorca (Majorca)
By far the most popular tourist destinations on the island of Mallorca are the around the bay of Palma. El Arenal, Magaluf and Palma Nova are among attracts thousands of visitors tour package hotels near the beaches, although in Recent years have seen a growing trend of more experience, individual travelers to book their own accommodation and take advantage of airlines low cost. Puerta Pollensa, for example, is a more luxurious and exclusive and is a popular destination for these independent style of holiday villa.
Majorca has many beautiful villages, mountains and hidden bays, which are rarely discovered by tourists. The capital of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca is located here and has a beautiful historical center dominated by a gothic cathedral.
Menorca (Menorca)
Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands 9 miles (15 km) wide and 32 miles (52 kilometers) long. The island's capital is Mahon, which has one of the largest natural harbors in Europe with local architecture and colonial built on a hill overlooking the port.
The coast of Menorca is a rugged, rocky coves and entrances, making it ideal and relaxing beach holiday not saturated.
Unlike the other islands of this archipelago, Menorca and mountainous rural interior has been left almost untouched which means that no local dependent on tourism, which has led to a flourishing local industry.
There are also plenty of history and culture in this area are relatively small, with the most famous attractions is the Organ Pipe National Monument and some of the many archaeological sites.
Mahon can be offered visitors a lot of places to do for those who not only want to beaches and the sea, as the mansion overlooking the bay, once occupied by Lord Nelson, and Xoriguer distillery where the world famous Menorca gin is made.
Ibiza
Probably best known as the world capital of the parties, Ibiza is a mecca for a destination for young people (in the heart?) that want to stay late and visit some of the biggest clubs in the world.
Although the resorts are filled by thousands of visitors during the season, there are plenty of other things so they can see and do something else that legendary nightclubs. Some of these attractions are museums, festivals and events and more than 50 stunning beaches.
Because of the beauty of the island and the weather generally guaranteed, there are many companies using the island as photography and filming locations.
the city of Ibiza, the largest town on the island also lays claim to being one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe.
Formentera
Most of the beaches of Formentera, the beautiful and unspoilt island in the Balearics South-west attract nudists from all over Europe, as well as nature lovers and young families seeking a safe and relaxing holiday in a quiet environment.
Since there is no airport on the island, the only way to get there is by ferry, leaving from Ibiza every 2 hours. There are many buses then travel from the port of Formentera the towns of La Sabina, San Francisco and La Mola.
The fact that the island can only be reached by ferry means that retained the original Spanish sensation and with little mass tourism that gives visitors a great opportunity to explore the island and visit the shops and old villages.
Cuisine of the Balearic Islands
Because of the many cultures that have passed through the archipelago over the years, there are hundreds of different dishes that now make up the cuisine of the islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera with most of them making the most of island resources.
Fish and fruit are abundant and occur as an ingredient in many dishes.
Food products should seek …
Olive oil de Mallorca, Mahon cheese, artichokes, almonds de Mallorca, Menorca Gin, sobrasada, ensaimada Majorcan eggplant.
Be sure to try these dishes …
Black tumbet rice, crawfish stew, fish ' Majorcan vegetable soup, pork loin with cabbage, eggs Sóller.
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About the Author
Written by Mark Buckingham for Rentaccomspain.com. Rent or buy your perfect Spanish retreat direct from the owner.
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