Balearic Islands (Islas Baleares), Spain.

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Balearic Islands They are located in the western part of the Mediterranean, have the status of the autonomous community as part of the province of the eponymous and belong. To date, this is one of the most promoted, expensive and visited country centers, known for its magnificent sandy beaches, beautiful nature and the impeccable level of service that the financially secured tourists from all over the world take place every year.

Features

Balearic archipelago is divided into two island groups. One of these includes the Gimine Islands, including C and a number of uninhabited land plots. To the other belongs to the Pitius and Pine Islands, with the inhabited islands and Formentera, as well as with a lot of uninhabited islands. Along with industrial enterprises and manufacturing factories, tourism plays a dominant role in the economy of the archipelago. Clearing almost at an equal distance from the Pyrenean Peninsula, southern Coast France and the North of Africa, the archipelago is a tight piece for travel lovers from all over the planet. Here come to relax, have fun, play sports and travel around the picturesque mountain landscapes of the edge. One of the main advantages of the islands is their diversity. In addition, it is well developed here tourist infrastructure And all conditions have been created for pleasant leisure. Many world celebrities buy themselves real estate on the coast and come here for a weekend or on vacation, so the probability of meeting in one of the calves sunny days, on the local beaches Someone like Michael Schumacher or Michael Douglas is pretty high.

general information

The territory of the Balearic Islands occupies an area of \u200b\u200bjust less than 5000 square meters. km, and the population is over 1 million 100 thousand people. The islanders are talking on Castilian and Catalan. The local time Looms from Moscow for 1 hour and 2 in the winter. Time Zone UTC + 1 and UTC + 2 V summer time of the year. Official site www.illesbalears.es.

Brief excursion in history

The lands of the Balearic Islands were inhabited long before our era, when Talayotsk and post-waist culture flourished here. In the second century, before the onset of the Christian era, these places were conquered by the Romans, since the reign of which, in some islands, fragments of defensive fortifications and other structures of those years have been preserved. Since the beginning of the X century, Balera has been conquered by the Arabs that have rules here more than 300-tons. Until 1343, the archipelago was an independent state, until he joined the Aragon crown to subsequently become part of Catholic Spain. In the Middle Ages, pirated raids were often performed on the islands, and there were regular conflicts relating to the injury of the island territory between Spains, France and Britain. Since 1963, the first tourists began to come here and after a few decades the Balera has become a popular tourist center, and such resorts as Ibiza and Mallorca have gained global fame.

Climate

On the shores of the archipelago, a moderate climate prevails, with high humidity and a significant temperature difference between the seasons. In the winter months, the thermometer column ranges from +8 to +15 degrees, and in the summer rises to +28 - +30 and higher. At the same time, the heat is moved very easily, at the expense of a refreshing sea breeze that blows down from the Mediterranean Sea. The bathing season, accompanied by an abundance of sunny days, begins here in May, and ends in October.

How to get

International airports are located on the largest islands of the archipelago - and. During the beach season, they take charter flights from many countries, including from the CIS and Russia. During the rest of the year, you can get here from which the islands are connected by the ferry message.

Transport

Railway exists only in Mallorca, and the movement of buses between settlements, has been established on all sites of sushi. On the water space of the archipelago, the yachts and boats are running, which are also rented.

Cities and resorts

Main cities and resorts

The role of the capital of the archipelago and at the same time one of the most popular his resorts, stands, located on the island of Mallorca, the largest among all the islands of Balear. In the city concentrated outstanding architectural facilities Different times, of which the famous Baler Castle is distinguished, dated by the XIII century. During the year, the capital notes numerous solemn events, collecting an impressive number of people, the medieval knightly tournament in the spirit of Middle Ages regularly passes here. Many are visiting the traditional Spanish Corrida, conducted on the bull area, in the city center. Among the natural attractions of the Island of Mallorca, stalactite dragons of the cave are allocated, near Porto-Cristo and the Underground Lake Martel. From other cities worth noting La Puebla, Manak and Inca, who are also worthy of separate attention.

Playa de Palma, Cala-D "OR, VINAS, Santa Ponx, Puerto Poles, Cala Major, Palma Nova, Alcudia, Kala Rujada and Paguer, distinguished by soft white sand are played as the most popular tourist centers. Beach and gentle entrance to the water. All beaches are well equipped, and also have municipal status and free to visit. At the same time, for the use of umbrellas and sun beds, the fee is naturally introduced. His active nightlife And weighing entertainment for every taste, the local resort of Magaluf is known, and for more measured and quiet rest in the family circle, Palma Nova or Iletas is more suitable. It is famous for both wonderful conditions for underwater dive, which contributes to the manifestation of attention to its shores from divers who come to the island specifically in order to enjoy the underwater wealth of these places.

On some attention, the city of Mao and Southadeople are worthy of the city, with their old buildings, churches and narrow streets, received by romantic halo. Also, on the island there are mysterious facilities of the Talayotian culture dated to the bronze age. These mysterious stone sculptures Remind about ancient civilization that existed here about 3.5 thousand years ago. Kaya Anna and Kayia Galdan are considered the most famous beaches of Menorca, and a certain sections spread out from them, ideally suitable for those who prefer silence and solitude. Without a doubt, the most popular and modern beach resort Balearic Islands is, with its noisy nightclubs, bars, restaurants and musical parties. Main resort cities On the island, in addition to the eponymous Ibiza, Playa Dan-Boss, Portina, San Miguel and Santa Elaria. Among the most visited beach areas, Playa de La Salina, Figgetas, Cala Salad, An-Boss, Cavallet and San Salinas, are also allocated, especially revered among nudists. For more lone rest Suitable Talamanca and Cala de Portor. Fans of the incessant fun, accompanied by dancing and music, are recommended by the beaches of Santa Elaria, Des-Riou, Sant Anthony and Playa Den Boss. Another pearl archipelago is the island of Formentera, with the only city - San France de Pomenter. This place is more intended for a relaxing rest surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes, and such beaches as Playa de Migjorn, Playa Ilenets, Playa Llavlan and Cala Saon, known for their purest sand and high ecology, are perfectly promoted.

Attractions and entertainment

In the territory of the islands, many interesting fragments have been preserved ancient facilitiesrepresenting huge interest for history lovers. Some of them are located in modern cities, and some form whole archaeological zones, such as an ancient Roman settlement, Pollenia in Mallorca. The greatest number of antiquities and architectural attractions are focused on, and, in cities and around the neighborhoods, as well as on numerous uninhabited archipelago islands, so for lovers of historical artifacts, the journey to Balera can turn into a real adventure. No less delight causes both local natural landscapes, among whom the Island of Cabrera is enjoyed by large tourist attention, with a land-sea park, as well as lakes Pudent and a cave, En-Cheroni cave and Punta de San Pedrera quarry on fermenter . For active pastime lovers, there is everything in resorts to exciting time, including water transport rental points, playgrounds on the beaches, fishing opportunities, as well as a lot of nightclubs, bars, restaurants, shops and shopping centers for every taste.

Kitchen

In restaurants, cafes and snacks of the Balearic resorts prevailing the classic Mediterranean cuisine. Fish, meat and vegetable dishes are presented here in the widest variety, and among local island works are the greatest demand, Majorkin soups, traditional paella, with rice and vegetables, sausage "Meeting" and multi-layered sandwiches "Pan de Oli". Among the sweets, buns made of sweet potatoes, the almond cake "GATO", firing bread and other wonders of culinary art. Special attention should be paid to Spanish local wines representing various regions of Spain.

Shopping

Balera are a real paradise for shopping lovers. Here you can satisfy almost any purchasing requests, from the most simple souvenirs to luxurious decorations and elite cosmetics. Stores at the resorts begin to work from early morning and closed only in the evening, but in the daytime, from 13 to 16.00 the time of the Siesta comes. Prices are high, and sometimes just translated, which is however, not surprising, given the status of the islands and the highest standard of living of the population in the country.

Balearic Islands are considered to be the most high-quality tourist center . There are gorgeous conditions for recreation and even the smallest details are also provided, so guests are not necessary to think about anyone, in addition, how to spend time. However, in this regard, it is not necessary to reflect for a long time, since the variety of leisure ways, from diving with scuba to riding, allows you to determine the choice very quickly. In any case, staying at the resorts of the Balearic Islands, invariably gives a lot of positive emotions and bright impressions, not allowing resting to regret the funds spent on vacation.

Balearic Islands - Archipelago, which consists of the following islands (in order from the greatest to the smallest): Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. The archipelago also has a number of small and mostly uninhabited islands. The capital of this region is the city of Palma de Mallorca. Official languages \u200b\u200bon the Balearic Islands are Catalan and Spanish. Most residents also speak English or German.

These islands are among the most famous in Spain. For example, Ibiza is visited by crowds of young people looking for entertainment every year. Ibiza is full of nightclubs, bars and beaches for nudists. The beaches of Ibiza are crowded, and on the streets at night and the day there are always a lot of people. At the same time, the neighboring island of Formentera is positioned as a place for those who love privacy and calm.

Mallorca island - symbol of the Spanish Sun, fun, alcohol and upscale hotels. Nevertheless, the island can still surprise you beautiful mountains, bays, secluded places and deserted beaches. Small villages and cities are also charming. The capital of the Palma de Mallorca region is worth a visit, because in this city there are many interesting places and beautiful cathedral. In general, Palma de Mallorca is the only one large city On the Balearic Islands. This city is located about 200 kilometers from Barcelona and 400 kilometers from Marseille (France).

Menorca is also interesting placeTo spend your vacation in Spain. It is less popular among tourists, but it is also worth a visit. Menorca can offer you prehistoric stone buildings, the city of Mao and an interesting port.

Weather

All the islands of the archipelago - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera - have a soft, typical Mediterranean climate. The region also has a climate feature characteristic of the islands. This is high humidity and low temperatures in the mountains.

The average annual temperature on the Balearic Islands is 17 degrees Celsius. In the spring, the average temperature ranges within 19.5 degrees Celsius, in the summer - about 270 s, in the fall - about 20.50 s, and in the winter - about 150 s. But there are small differences in the weather between different islands.

Balearic islands have more than 300 sunny days a year, so they still remain one of the best places in Spain, where you can spend your vacation. Some people even decide to purchase real estate here to continue their lives in this sunny place.

All islands are littered with windmills, which are often found on souvenir postcards in Mallorca and Menorca. Windmills Are part of the irrigation system on the islands, as some regions do not receive the required amount of precipitation for the cultivation of agricultural crops.

Features of the islands

Residents of the Balearic Islands are famous for their hospitality. Despite his proximity, the islands are different from each other. Mallorca has a magnificent, majestic, rocky coast and many picturesque beaches. Menorca is a peaceful and calm island. Ibiza, in turn, has its own individuality - here is very noisy absolutely at any time of the day. Well, the islands of Formentera and Cabrera are somewhat isolated from the rest of the Balearic Islands.

Transport

The gate to the Balearic Islands is Palma de Majorca Airport. Airports are also on Ibiza and Menorca Islands. From the Pyrenean Peninsula on the archipelago you can get through the regular ferry message.

To move on the islands there is a very well-developed bus network. You can also easily rent a car on any major island. To do this, you just need to have credit card and driver's license.

Main Islands

Majorca

Mallorca - very big Island in the archipelago. The word "Mallorca" comes from the Latin words "Insula Major", which means "big island". Mallorca has more than 550 km of coastline and beautiful sandy beaches. The coast of the island is famous not only by the beaches, but also beautiful rocky shores.

The population of the island is 795,000 inhabitants, so the population density is 218 people on square kilometer. Tens of thousands of foreigners live in Mallorca, mainly Germans, the British and Scandinavians who bought real estate here and remained on the island. Many people from Northern Europe bought their second home in Mallorca and come here for the summer.

Mallorca is located in the Mediterranean and enjoys great popularity among tourists who are looking for beautiful beaches In Spain, where the sun shines round year. Every year, millions of tourists come here not only from Europe, but also from around the world.

Menorca

Menorca has an area of \u200b\u200b695 km. sq. and a length of 217 km. The coast of the island consists of beautiful sandy beaches, rocks and bays. In the widest place, the island has a width of about 47 km.

Menorca is the second largest island as part of the archipelago, and its form looks like a boomerang. It is much calmer on Menorca than in Mallorca and Ibiza. Most of the island was built up at the beginning of the twentieth century. Most. high peak Menorca is Monte Toro with a height of 358 meters.

Ibiza

Ibiza Island for several years is the most popular holiday destination in Spain and the capital of the club life of Europe. Ibiza is famous for its nightclubs, discos and crazy parties, forth before dawn. The island in the summer is full of young people from all over Europe, which has fun here on the full coil. Lovers of a relaxing holiday here are definitely nothing to do, as it is difficult to find a plot on the island, where you can be in silence.

The capital of Ibiza is the city with the same name. It is located 7 km from the airport of the island. This is a beautiful and charming city where the main attraction is nightlife.

Formentera

For those people who do not like the noise of Ibiza, it is recommended to visit the island of Formentera. Lovers of silence, calm and stay away from civilization This island will give everything necessary for an excellent rest.

A small archipelago in the West of the Mediterranean has long become a favorite holiday destination from around the world. Of course, we are talking about the Balearic Islands. Soft climate, 300 sunny days a year, magnificent landscapes, azure beaches, rich culture, excellent opportunities for leisure and rest on any, even the most demanding taste, turned this place in the real paradise on Earth. Getting to the Balearic Islands is easy, each of them has its own airport, from which the planes fly as domestic flightsAnd in all major European cities. On Mallorca (or Mallorca) there is also a railway. At the archipelago, a very well-developed bus service and quite popular car rental, whose services have enjoyed many tourists. Therefore, problems in order to get somewhere not occurring, the main thing is to determine the choice. Many come here on vacation, and someone - to stay here forever.

The biggest island of the archipelago - Mallorca.

Despite the big stream of tourists from different parts of the planet, it is one of the most ecologically clean resorts Mediterranean Sea. The history of his popularity began in 19V., When Frederick Chopin and George Sand held a few unforgettable months in Mallorca, after which this place was widely known among artists, musicians, the life of aristocrats and simply lovers of a pleasant stay. It should be noted that the royal family visits every summer.

Today, this island is one of the most popular resorts Mediterranean. Generous Nature did not pumped out Majorca amazingly rich landscapes: the reserved forests and fertile valleys are hidden behind the mountain ranges, and sandy beaches are washed crystal clear, bright blue sea.

The bathing season lasts from May to October, the water temperature at this time ranges from 18 (May) to 28 (August) heat degrees. On the island there are several resort areas.

The largest of them - Arenal / Kan-Pastilla, famous for an extremely long sandy beach. Here are "Aquaciti" (water amusement park), mini-golf club, many cafes, restaurants, discos.

Cala Major / Iletasoccupied mining Islands where small cozy beaches are adjacent to picturesque rocks. It is here, next to the city of Palma, there is a summer residence of the Spanish kings - the Palace of Mariper.

IN spa zone Palma Nova / Magaluf Favorite children and adults "Maryland" (Park of marine animals) were built, attraction "Pirates", Palladium casino, numerous discos and entertainment centers.
And for those who prefer a relaxing holiday and quiet bay, the most best places - Santa Pona, Pagra, Andruks.

Thanks rich history (The island for centuries captured the Phoenicians, Carthagean, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Catalans and Spaniards) In Mallorca there is a large selection of attractions: the invaders left behind many monuments of history and architecture, diverse in color and style.

Especially magnificent capital of Palma de Mallorca island. Narrow streets in the center, fountains, parks and spacious areas make up the unique architecture of this city. It is impossible to pass indifferent, for example, by the Cathedral or Lock Baler, and the Arab bath or fish market in the port give the city a unique flavor.

Valdemos is a charming village with cobbled streets, where the Cartesian Monastery has been preserved - the place of the idyllic winter novel Georges Sand and Frederick Chopin. Of particular interest is the small museum of the tireless traveler and the talented writer of Erzgertzog Louis Salvador, as well as the old monastic pharmacy.

Balearic Islands - a small island archipelago of volcanic origin in the western part of the Mediterranean, removed east of the Pyrneal Peninsula by about 150-200 kilometers. The name of the islands comes from the overall name of the special detachments of the prashas, \u200b\u200bwho were from there and fought during the second Punic war in the army of Hannibal. Greek word Ballein in translation indicates "throw".

The Belear Islands Archipelago is customary to share the two island groups: the Gimnesian Islands and the Pitius Islands, which are still called pine. The composition of the Gimine Islands includes the islands of Mallorca (Mallorca), Menorca, Cabrera and several small adjacent islands and rocks, the largest of which are the island of air and the dragoner. The composition of the Pitius Islands includes two islands: Ibiza (in a number of sources, the name of the Island "Ibiza" is raspins, but it is considered an erroneous) and Formentera. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands is a little less than 5 thousand square kilometers.

The history of the Balearic Islands is rooted in deep antiquity. It is considered specialists that the first people on the islands appeared here about 5-6 thousand years before our era. Where did they come from, install, it is unlikely to succeed, but most likely, they came either from North Africa or from the Pyrenean Peninsula. At the end of the second millennium, the Talayotian culture was formed on the Islands of Mallorca and Menorca, the construction of which was preserved on the islands to the present day. After the end of the post-waist period, the Giminey Islands began to colonize the Phoenicians. It is about this period that the population of the islands began to gain in the Carthaginian army as an infrared, which increased the social status of the inhabitants of the island and assimilated them into the culture of Carthagen. After the defeat of the Carthage in the second Punic war, the Balearic Islands after the accusation of them in the Pirates has been conquered by the Roman Consul Quint Cecilia Metell. Quint founded several cities in the Balearic Islands, which are known in the world and now. This is Pollenia (Polynas) and Palma (Palma de Mallorca). After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, during the early Middle Ages, the island came first under the authority of the vandals, and then francs, and in 902-903 under the power of the Cordovsky Emirate. The power of Arabs lasted on the islands until the conquest of their Aragon in the period 1229-1232. In the 14th century, the island of Menorca was attacked turkish fleetwhich destroyed several cities on the island. In 1708, Menorca was occupied by the British, and in 1756, a battle between the fleets of Britain and France was held at Menorca, which ended with equal losses on both sides. In the subsequent islands invariably belonged to Spain, in addition to the period of Napoleonic wars, when the power over them passed for a short period to France. The fighting of the period of the first and second world wars passed by the Balearic Islands, as Spain adhered to neutrality. In the years civil War In Spain, Menorca island supported the rebels, and the rest of the Isle of the Archipelago - Republicans. But, despite this, the fighting on the islands was not conducted.

Currently, the Balearic Islands are part of Spain and they are given the status of the autonomous community in the territorial composition of the province.

The monetary unit in circulation in the territory of the Balearic Islands (as, in other times and all of Spain) is the euro (EUR, code 978), consisting of 100 euro scents.

The total population of the islands exceeds 1 million 100 thousand people. According to the ethnic composition, the population in its overwhelming majority considers himself Spaniards and Catalans, quite a bit of the Arabs and immigrants from other European countries. State and official languages \u200b\u200bon the Balearic Islands are Spanish and Catalan (which is also called either Catalan or Valencian).

The administrative center of the Balearic Islands is the city of Palma de Mallorca (in other sources - Palma de Mallorca), located on the island of Mallorca and populated with more than four thousand people. Among other significant cities on the islands include Siudadel, Maon and Ibis.

The main field of activity of the local population is agriculture specializing in the cultivation of vineyards and oilseeds, as well as the maintenance of tourists, whom more and more come to the island every year.

Numerous tourists arrive at the islands as the sea, there and aviation species transport. The geography of all the islands of the archipelago is such that almost all of them have comfortable bays and bays suitable for mooring both small private yachts and cruise liners. Palma de Mallorca is still the highest port of the islands, whose passenger turnover is more than three hundred thousand people per year. Islands with cities of Continental Spain are also connected regular flights Ships on underwater wings. Air transportation can be reached to the largest islands of the archipelago: Majorca, Ibis and Menorca, where they function international Airports Extracts that allow aircraft from various parts of the world. For intra-bar and flights to continental Spain, there are also two airfield San Luis and San Bone.

The tourist sphere on the Balearic Islands has been developing for a long time, therefore their infrastructure is quite developed in this regard. An integral attribute of tourism is the accommodation of guests and tourists arriving at the islands in large quantities. With this, hotels and small hotels, which are in abundance of almost all of the Archipelago Islands are copied. According to leading tourist catalogs, there are currently about 1,700 hotels and hotels of various grades on the islands. About 300 hotels have a five-star service class of guests. Most hotels and hotels are located closer to the coast of the islands, which makes it easier for tourists to numerous beaches and sea coast. A number of leading hotels of the Balearic Islands have their own specially equipped beaches, and for their visit to tourists, you must only come out of the hotel.

The climate of the Balearic Islands is defined as a typical Mediterranean. And this is, first of all, relatively warm and soft winter with hot and rather dry summer. The coldest months of the year are January and February. During this period, the air temperature can be lowered to +6 to 8 degrees. The warmest period on the islands from July to August. At this time, the air temperature fluctuates ranges from +19 to +29 degrees. Sea breezes that are called Embatam here, constantly blowing on the coast since the beginning of May to the end of September, neutralizing the heat effect. The most dry in July, in which precipitation falls in the form of short-term rains no more than 4-5 millimeters. The greatest amount of precipitation falls in the period of October and November. The island of Menorca is the most wetal during this period, where the amount of precipitation can be higher than the indicator of 130 millimeters. The temperature of the water in the winter-spring period is approximately +15 - 16 degrees, and by August, coastal waters have reaches in + 25-27 degrees. The beginning of the autumn is the most optimal period for swimming, the water temperature is then average + 21 degrees.

Natural and climatic conditions of the largest islands of the Balearic archipelago contribute to the development of beach tourism. So, for example, on the island of Mallorca it is worth highlighting several best beachesAmong which Cala Gran, Cala d'OR, Cala Ferrera, and Cala Llonga. They are small, but well-protected bays with small yellow sand on the shore. Next, deep into the island all the beaches go to the pine forest. All beaches are equipped with everything necessary for rest and are provided with well-developed infrastructure. Palmia de Majorca beaches: Platja de Palma, Calla Mallor and Calla Vinas are characterized by small yellow sand, and Son Caliu is gravel. It is also worth noting the beaches of Iletas, Magaluf and Palma Nova, having small picturesque bays with azureno clean and transparent water. The smallest sand on the island can be found on the Caulobric beach. In the tandem to the NIMU should be added to the turquoise color of the pure transparent water.

On the island of Menorca, there are also quite a lot of first-class beaches, which are located in the mouth of drying rivers, which here is called the word "Kaya". It is on the beaches of Kaya Anna and Kaya Galdan, small hotels were built directly near the shore, which facilitates the way to the water for their guests. The horizontality of the island sometimes makes it difficult to descend to the water to tourists who stopped in hotels outside the coastal zone, but this is not a significant hindrance for the beachheads. In the southern part of the island in the town of Son-Bow, the beach stretches with a length of three kilometers on sand dunes. This beach is considered "wild" and is intended for nudists. On Menorca, it is also worth noting the beaches of the Selala - Nou (Morela NU), premili (PRESILI), En-Tortuga (Capifort), which are concluded between Mossem Vives Capes (Cabo (Cabo Favaritx). These beaches are characterized by tranquility and a small influx of beachheads, even in the midst of the season.

Ivis Island on its coast has more than 18 kilometers of beaches. Phugeetas, Talamanca, Cavallets and An-Boss are considered the most popular among them. The greatest size is the beach of Cas Salinas, who chose nudists and various kinds of perverts. Less prestigious beaches on Ivice include Cala Salada Beaches, Cala d'Hort, Cala Jondal, Cala de Portnatx and Bennirras. In prestiges, they lose their fellows due to the inaccessibility in terms of transport and the minor amount of entertainment establishments in their challenges.

On the island of Formentera, where can only be reached by water from the island of Ivis, there are currently extremely nudist beaches. Among them is to celebrate Playa de Migiurn, Playa Ilenets, Playa Llavan and Cala Saon.

Pretty small waters of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Balearic Islands make them attractive for diving lovers, snorkeling, windsurfing and yachting. Lovers here active rest They go almost from all over the world.

Balearic Islands is a real find for attractions and antiquities. Numerous cultures that alternately replaced each other over the centuries, left their traces in architectural and historical monuments. List everything is simply not possible. Let us dwell on the most famous and weighty. In Palma de Mallorca, it is necessary to visit the Gothic cathedralerected in the 13th century on the site of the Muslim mosque, the Mariper Palace, where members of the Royal Family of Spain, the Gothic Church of St. Francis, who was erected in the 14th century, Royal Palace Almudine Building 13th century, Balever Fortress, standing on a hill north of the city and many other architectural monuments.

The fauna of the Balearic Islands is not too diverse and is presented mainly by homemade mammals. But Flora is striking with its diversity and pomp. Significant islands are covered pine forests, in which there are about 20 types of wood and grassy plants, assigned to the intertarm of this region. Forest mountain trails for which they are laid hiking routes, attract lovers of wildlife from around the world.

Balearic Islands (ISLAS BALEARES) This is an archipelago located in the Mediterranean, near eastern coast Spain. Its composition allocate five main islands - Mallorca (Mallorca), Ibiza (Ibiza), Menorca (Menorca), Formentera (Formentera) and a small island of Cabrera (Cabrara). Today, the archipelago of the Balearic Islands is a major center international Tourism, attracting developed infrastructure, respectability, mild climate and sandy beaches.

Balearic Islands General information about location, geography, climate ...

Today, the Balearic Islands is the autonomous region of Spain. Official name: Autonomous Community Balearic Islands - Spanish Comunidad Autonoma ES Illes Balears. Besides official name Also in the go and a simpler, everyday name: Balearic Islands or Balearic archipelago, both in the Spanish (ILLES BALEARS) and Catalan.

The autonomous community of the Balearic Islands is the smallest autonomous area of \u200b\u200bSpain. This applies to both the territory area and the number of residents permanently residing on the islands. It is believed that the total area of \u200b\u200bthe islands is approximately five thousand square kilometers. For example, in the encyclopedia "around the world" is given in 4 991.67 km². But with the number of inhabitants, everything is not so simple. There is evidence according to which the permanent population of the Balearic Islands for the first of January 2009 amounted to 1 million 070 thousand people, while the island annually visits at least 15 million tourists every year. This is one of the biggest densities of tourists per capita in Spain.

The Balearic Archipelago consists of a large group of islands, a different area forming a single geographic region having a lot of common, but also many differences. As already mentioned at the beginning of the article among the Balearic Islands allocate five main - Mallorca (Mallorca), Menorca (Menorca), Cabrera (Cabrara), Ibiza (Ibiza) and Formentera (Formentera) and many small, both having names and nameless, As a rule, uninhabited or not having permanent residents.

At the same time, the first three of the listed main islands belong to the group that wears common name Gimnesian Islands (Cat. Illes Gimnèsies, Islas Gimnesias). The name presumably comes from the Greek word Γυμνήτες (gymnets), which means "naked". Why from Greek and "naked"? A possible explanation is that in the long-standing time of the natives of the Balearic Islands served in the army of ancient Greece as the scoremen and, by virtue of the specifics of the profession, wearing a minimum of clothing. In this part of the Balearic Islands you can find many traces of both ancient Greek and ancient Roman history.

Ibiza and Formentera Islands, located south closer to the coast of Spain are called Pitius Islands (Islas. Islas Pitiusas) or pine. The origin from the Greek word πιτύα - pine. This name accurately describes the prevailing type of vegetation on the Balearic Islands - Mediterranean Pines. On this part of the Balearic Islands the greatest influence Predated Carthage and Arabic period of the history of Spain.

The administrative center of the autonomous community Balearic Islands is the city of Palma de Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca or just Palma). It is very big city Balearic Islands, and just a big city. The population as of January 1, 2009 amounted to 401,20 people, and with nearby suburbs - 474 035. Those. Almost half of the permanent population of the Balearic Islands lives in the capital.

The main thing that attracts holidaymakers to the Balearic Islands is the number sun hour A year, for Mallorca is 2442 hours or about 300 sunny days per year. The climate of the islands can be defined as typically Mediterranean - soft winter and roast and relatively dry summer. Summer season On the Balearic Islands, it opens in April and closes in October. The warmest and dry season: July and August. At this time, the average minimum temperature is +19 ... + 20, the average maximum +28 .... + 29. The sea breeze, called the Embat here, is constantly from May to September, and smoothes the summer heat.

The composition of the archipelago of the Balearic Islands.

Mallorca Island (Mallorca).

The biggest city of Balearic Islands is located on the largest island of Mallorca Archipelago (Mallorca), which is 3,640 square kilometers. This is the biggest island not only on the Balera, but in general in Spain. The population of Mallorca about 800 thousand people.

In addition to the capital of autonomy in Mallorca there are many more cities. Separate articles will be devoted to Mallorca and its cities, and here I will simply list several significant of them. Calvia (Calviá) - with a population - 51,462 people (for 2010) 20 kilometers from the capital. Lyukmayor (Cat. Llucmajor) - 36,681 people 30 km. Manacor (G. Manacor) - 40,859 people 50 km. Polynasa (Pollensa) - 16,981 people, at the other end of the island 55 km from the capital of the Balearic Islands.

The relief of Mallorca is mountainous, especially in the central part, where the mountain chains stretched from the southeast to the north-west of the island. North coast - Rocky ledges, mountain ridges, southern - enchanting beaches with small white sand, everywhere there are many small cozy coves.

Tourism is the basis of the welfare of Majorca, however, like all the Baleari Islands. In any corner of the island, you can find comfortable modern hotels, developed infrastructure for recreation. Mallorca refers to the number of regions in which you can relax all year round. Every year, Mallorca visits about 12 million people, most of which are well-secured foreigners. The most high-ranking rest in Mallorca is the monarch of Spain, here is one of the Residences of the Royal Family.

Menorca Island.

Menorca - The second is the island of the Balearic archipelago (695 sq. Km). He is five more than less than Majorca, and the number of inhabitants is less than ten times. This is a calm island as part of the Balearic Archipelago focused on elite rest. On the one hand, the island is considered one of the most expensive and fashionable resorts of Spain, on the other - there is no harmonious eye here. hotel complexes mediterranean coast. On Menorca, due to historical causes strongly influence English culture. The British make up the majority of holidaymakers, both ordinary tourists and real estate owners.

On Menorca, two significant cities - Siudadel (Ciudadela) and Maon (Island Mahón), who argue among themselves for the departure on the island. Siudadel - ancient capital Islands, founded in the Roman era, is located on the shore of the bay on the extreme western tip of the island. Maon City is no less ancient than Siudadel, according to some sources, it is one of the Carthaginian warlords of the first Punic war.

In both cities, according to 2010, an approximately equal number of inhabitants were about 29-30 thousand people. BUT B. modern world A more successful location of Maona in an excellent bay on the extreme eastern tip of the island of Mallorca turned out to be more in demand. Now Maon and the port of Maona are developing dynamically, and the time in Siudadel seemed to be stopped on the day when she gave her role of the capital.

Menorca is under the auspices of UNESCO as an international biosphere resource in whose territory construction is prohibited high buildings. As a result, most hotels and administrative buildings do not exceed the three floors, the roofs of the houses of the inhabitants of the island are harmonized with the color of the soil, and the walls must be painted in white.

Ibiza Island (Ibiza, Cat. Eivissa).

Ibiza Island (Ibiza, Cat. Eivissa) - the third area (570 sq. Km.), but the first in fame in the world, among the Balearic Islands, especially among the "golden" youth. Ibiza is the island of luxurious beaches, saturated nightlife, he is also rich in delicious pine forests. Ibiza is one of the most fashionable european resorts, It is famous for a unique club movement and nightlife, which are rightfully considered one of the best not only in Europe, but also in the world.

Ibiza is the island of the Balearic archipelago to the coast of Spain, the distance in a direct does not exceed 90 kilometers. The permanent population of the island of about 110 thousand servants, but annually the island visits at least five million. The capital of the island is the city with the same name of Ibiza (Ibiza), in which about 50 thousand servants constantly live. Here it is large portaccepting daily ferries from ports of mainland Spain (Dénia, Valencia, Barcelona) and neighboring Islands Balearic archipelago (Mallorca, Formentera).

Infrastructure Rest in Ibiza is focused not only on party members and "golden" young people. Stars of film and show business, representatives of Creative Bohemia, too, are happy to rest in Ibiza. For them, besides gorgeous sandy beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, yacht pier. Walking along the embankment of Ibiza near the port near the port, you can see the yachts of famous Hollywood actors, as well as famous singers, artists and athletes, and the villas belonging to them.

Formentera Islands and Cabrera (Cabrara).

At the end of our small review of the islands of the Balearic archipelago, it is worth a few words to say about the remaining two islands from the first five.

Formentera - the smallest inhabited island Balearic archipelago, located a few kilometers south of Ibiza. The length of the island is only twenty-three kilometers, width from two to seventeen, the area is 82 km². Only by sea can be hit on the sea, on your yacht or ferry from Ibiza or from Denia. No more than ten thousand people living on the island of the population, but in the season there can be 50-60 thousand holidaymakers at the same time. Almost everything coastline Formentera Islands is one solid beach, mostly sandy, but there are small stony coves in the rocks.

The fifth island of the Balearic archipelago of Cabrera (Cabrara) is uninhabited. It is located in the group of Gimine Islands, a few kilometers of south of Mallorca. This small (area of \u200b\u200babout 18 sq. Km) is attributed to the island to the number of significant, because since 1991, he and several other adjacent were announced by the National Institute of Nature Protection (Instituto Nacional Para La Conservación de La Naturaleza - Icona) Natural Maritime and Ground Reserve . Since then, in order to protect local fauna and flora, all visits to the island are under the control of the above-mentioned institution.

In total, there are more than 500 different types of plants on the territory of the reserve, many of which are no longer found anywhere in the world. On the island are reptiles by the families of the Balearic lizards and Salamander. The marine part of the reserve is represented by extensive thickets of algae, marine turtles, seals and dolphins. The calm atmosphere of the islands contributes to the resettlement of numerous bird colonies, these eagles, hawks, cormorants, seagulls. In the Mediterranean Sea, there are tuna, salmon, anchovies, crayfish and langusts.

A little from the history of the Balearic Islands.

The story of the Balearic Islands themselves begins about about a hundred and fifty thousand years ago. It was then that the islands separated from the mainland and became the islands. As for the history of people, the traces of their stay on the Balearic Islands are attributed by historians by the period of about 6,000 years ago.

The described and documented history of the Balearic Islands begins from 654 BC. This year, the Phoenicians founded the first seaport on Ibiza, and then the city on the site of modern Maona, on Menorca. After the Phoenicians was Carthage. After the fall of the Carthage, Roman came.

In 123 BC Roman Consul Quint Zecilly Metella captured the Balearic Islands. At the place of one of the settlements of the Bronze Age, located in the southern part of Mallorca, the city of Palma was founded, and in the northeast, at the place of the village of Phoenicians, the city of Alcudia (Alcudia). Balearic Islands entered the province of Tarrakonskaya Spain. The port of Alcudia came versions from the Roman cities that were in the northwestern part of the Mediterranean. The port of Palma tied the Balearic Islands with cities in Africa and on the continental coast. Subsequently, the Balearic Islands formed a separate province of the Roman Empire.

In the V century, N.Ee, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the Balearic Islands were captured by vandals, and in the 30s of the VI century briefly moved under the power of Byzantium and were attached to the province of Sardinia. It was the time of the beginning of the spread of Christianity.

At the beginning of the VIII century, Arabs came to the Balearic Islands. At the first stage, despite the formal vassal dependence on the Damascus Caliphate, the inhabitants of the islands continued to enjoy sufficient independence. Over the ages of one and a half centuries, the main source of income of the local population was piracy, at that time they attacked and on the courts of Christians and on the vessels of Muslims, whose path flew away from the archipelago.

Continuous piracy began to seriously annoy the nearby states and in the end the Balearic islands were subordinated and attached to the Cordic Caliphat. After the collapse of the caliphate, the Balearic islands moved away the Tifery and the islanders again took care of piracy. Palma de Mallorca became the main starting point for pirate expeditions against the courts of Christian states.

At the beginning of the XII century, the Pisa Navy conducted a successful military operation against Muslim piracy on the Balearic Islands. For a long time to hold the captured failed, but a heavy blow was inflicted in the region, which caused a protracted economic crisis On the Balearic Islands. Shortly after the completion of the campaign, the Balearic Islands were attached to Almoravid Caliphat, which Almhades were replaced, which lasted until 1229.

In September 1229, on the Mallorca coast, the 15-thousandth army of the king Aragon High I (Jaime I) was landed and after a three-month siege entered the capital of the Balearic Islands. The archipelago was attached to the Aragonian crown. At the site of the Arab capital, the city of Palma is tuned, Catholic churches come to the change of mosques. Over the next three centuries, the rulers of the Balearic Islands have repeatedly tried to return independence from Aragon's independence to the archipelago, but unsuccessfully.

With Korole Philip V in 1707 - 1716, the territories that previously belonged to the Aragonian crown, and including the Balearic Islands, became part of the new centralized Spanish state. The borders of the province of Balera in general coincided with the modern borders of the Autonomous Region Balearic Islands.

Since then, despite the complex political situation in the Mediterranean Sea, the history of the Balearic Islands is firmly connected with the history of Spain, with its takeoffs and falls and permanent wars (with England, for the "Spanish legacy", "Napoleonic" ...). So the island of Menorca was under the rule of the British crown and was returned to Spain only in 1802. And with piracy finally ended only in 1830, when the French was conquered by Algeria.

In the first half of the twentieth century, the history of the Balearic Islands is intertwined with the events of the Civil War. With the exception of menorca, all large islands The archipelago was supported by nationalists and served as the base sea Fleet and Air Force. Intensive development of tourism, which began in the second half of the 20th century, cool changed the life of the Balearic Islands. There was a complete conversion of the appearance of the local cities and the villages, they turned first to the resting sites for residents of mainland Spain, and then there was a rapid access to the global market. But this is a separate story.