| The role of the Illes Balears as a crossroads in a sea full of historical events has left traces that any lover of the past will never tire of discovering. Evocation of its ages old history is one of the many different aspects the archipelago provides for the tourist; from the remains of its surprising megalithic culture and Punic settlements to the flourishing Modernism at the beginning of the 20th century, the islands are replete with fascinating places. Reconstructing the sights and sounds of the centuries by gazing on a heritage preserved by the present is another of the attractions of a group of islands subject to the comings and goings of various civilisations. From the steep slopes of the high peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana in Mallorca, the wide variety of habitats in the S'Albufera des Grau Nature Reserve in Mahon, the delightful scenery of Ses Salines in Ibiza to the sandy havens of peace in Formentera, the Balearic Islands are an inexhaustible source for all those who would like to instill its essence and drain it in a single draught. Each island is a microcosmos with its own individual personality, gifted with singular richness. The Illes Balears greatest treasure is its natural environment. The protected areas in the Illes Balears comprise over 40% of the total land area. There are 49 Natural Areas of Special Protection in Mallorca, 19 in Menorca and 17 in Ibiza and Formentera. Six of these areas have a special grade of protection: the National Park of Cabrera, the Nature Reserve of Ses Salines of Ibiza, and the Nature Reserves of s'Albufera, Mondragó, sa Dragonera and s'Albufera des Grau. In addition Menorca has been granted an international seal of recognition on being declared a Biosphere Reserve under the auspices of UNESCO, which in this manner has rewarded and encouraged the island's zeal for the conservation of such a privileged environment. Nautical activities are the bread and butter of an archipelago ever open to the sea. Maritime competitions are the high points of the sporting calendar, especially the many internationally prestigious sailing regattas in Palma Bay. In these waters sailors vie for the Trofeo Princesa Sofía, the Copa de Su Majestad el Rey, and the Trofeo Almirante Conde de Barcelona, occasions for celebration by the city, the island, and all the Illes Balears. It was here in the Bay that the greatest sporting event in the history of the city was partly held: the 1999 University Olympic Games. To provide the Games with the necessary facilities the whole sporting infrastructure was modernised, an action that benefited and will continue to benefit both local people and visitors. Among the installations that were given a sharp boost by this very special sporting event was the Escuela Nacional de Vela Calanova, a real hub and powerhouse for water sports in the islands. Diving, windsurfing, game fishing, water-skiing. the visitor has a limitless range of sports to chose from. The abundance of schools in which to acquire or perfect the skills that these nautical sports require guarantees a magnificent holiday in permanent contact with the sea. However, the Illes Balears are not content to leave the sporting life to the sea. Their wonderful climate leads many cycling teams to choose the island as a winter training ground. The traditional cuisine of the Balearic Islands, originating from a flourishing fishing industry and seasonal crops, long before the commencement of the tourist boom,
is very rich and varied. The ensaïmada, the well-known pastry which gets its name from the pork lard (saïm) used to make the dough, sobrassada, botifarró and camaiot, excellent charcuterie, the Mahon cheeses from Minorca, mayonnaise known as mahonesa in Castilian Spanish and maonesa in Catalan the local language. Frigola and Ibizan Hierbas, typical Ibizan liqueurs, tumbet and sopes mallorquines based on vegetables from Mallorca, sofrit pagès, a dish that Formentera shares with it neighbouring island of Ibiza. So many dishes to taste and discover! Some traditional crafts have evolved into true seals of distinction for their places of origin, giving rise to internationally renowned export centres. Among others, there is Menorcan jewellery, extending throughout the island in an organized network of studios. In this sector the cultured pearls of Manacor, Mallorca, enjoy global prestige. One of Mallorca's most characteristic and beloved handmade objects is the siurell, a coloured earthen figurine. The municipality of Marratxí, on the outskirts of Palma, is known as "the land of clay" for its omnipresent pottery workshops. The Illes Balears offer a wide variety of activities for all types of holidaymaker and all types of interests. Its traditional fiestas provide a unique range of celebrations to help you really get to know the local culture. There is also a wide variety of cultural activities: theatres, museums, art galleries and exhibition centres, classical, jazz, opera and pop music concerts, and much more. The choice is very varied and it could be said that the Illes Balears are one of the most active cultural centres in the Mediterranean. GETTING HERE: As the Mediterranean's main tourist destination, the Illes Balears enjoy excellent air links with Spain and the principal cities in Europe and the world. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca's airport leads the ranking of Spanish airports in terms of numbers of passengers. Over 200,000 planes pass through the airport facilities of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza every year. All of the islands are well interconnected by regular flights run by Iberia (Air Nostrum), Air Europa, Spanair and Air Catalunya. The islands also have outstanding ports which are the alternative gateway to the Illes Balears, although with much fewer passengers. Regular lines operated by Transmediterránea and Baleària Eurolínies Marítimes link the Illes Balears with Barcelona and Valencia. Likewise, the port of Palma de Mallorca is also a stopover point for a large number of Mediterranean cruises. More information: Tourist Office of Palma (Majorca): Plaça de la Reina, 2. Tel: +34 971712216, Fax: +34 971720251 Web site of the Govern de les Illes Balears:
http://www.illesbalears.es/visbal/web/ing/index.jsp Source: Institut Balear del Turisme |
