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SPAIN
Balearics - Fun in the Sun on Stone Age Islands
By: Mark Buckingham
Located in the western Mediterranean Sea around 60 miles from the Iberian coast is the archipelago of the Balearic Islands that forms one of the Autonomous Communities of Spain.
Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera can be found to the Northern end with Ibiza and Formentera in the Southwest. These wonderful islands have Palma de Mallorca as their capital city and have two officially recognized languages – these being Catalan and Spanish.
There is no wonder that the Balearics are one of the more favoured holiday destinations in Spain, as with over 300 days of sun per year and some of the world’s prettiest beaches they offer near perfect conditions for getting away from the stresses and strains of modern life.
As close to each other as they are, each of the islands has a personality all of its own. They have a rich cultural heritage and the locals are extremely accommodating, welcoming the influx of tourists (mainly European) each year with hospitality, which is second to none.
There are numerous accounts as to where the islands got their name from, but probably the most interesting is the one which says that they were named Gymnesiae (which is Greek for ‘naked’) by the ancient Greeks as the early inhabitants were often found to be nude or clad only in sheep skins.
Majorca (Mallorca)
By far the most popular tourist resorts on the island of Majorca are the ones around the bay of Palma. S’Arenal, Magaluf and Palma Nova are among these attracting thousands of visitors into package tour hotels near the beaches although in recent years there has been a growing trend for more experience, individual travellers to book their own accommodation and take advantage of the low cost airlines. Puerta Pollensa, for example, is a more upmarket and exclusive option and is a popular destination for these independent styles of villa holidays.
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 historic centre overlooked by a Gothic cathedral.
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Minorca (Menorca)
Minorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands at 9 miles (15km) wide and 32 miles (52km) long. The capital of the island is Mahon, which has one of Europe’s largest natural harbours with both local and colonial architecture built on a hill overlooking the port.
The coastline of Minorca is one of rugged, rocky coves and inlets, which make ideal and relaxing un-crowded beach holidays.
Unlike the other islands in this archipelago, Minorca and its hilly rural interior has been left almost unspoilt which means that the locals do not have to rely on tourism, which has resulted in a thriving local industry.
There is also plenty of history and culture to be found in this relatively small area, with the most famous of the attractions being the Pipe Organ and some of the many archaeological sites.
Mahon itself can offer its visitors plenty of sights to see for those who don’t just want beaches and sea, such as the mansion house overlooking the bay, once occupied by Lord Nelson, and the Xoriguer distillery where the world famous Menorcan gin is made.
Ibiza
Probably best known as the party capital of the world, Ibiza is a Mecca of a destination for the young (at heart?) who want to stay out late and visit some of the most famous clubs in the world.
Although the holiday resorts are filled by thousands of visitors during the season, there are plenty of other things for them to see and do other than the legendary nightclubs. Some of these attractions include the museums, the festivals and events and more than 50 stunning beaches.
Due to the beauty of the island and the generally guaranteed weather, there are many companies who use the island as photographic and film shooting locations.
Ibiza town, 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 South-western Balearics, attract nudists from all over Europe in addition to nature lovers and young families seeking safe and relaxing holidays in a tranquil environment.
As there is no airport on the island, the only way to get here is by ferry, which leaves from Ibiza every 2 hours. There are then many transfer buses from the port of Formentera to the towns of La Sabina, San Francisco and La Mola.
The fact that the island can only be reached by ferry means that the it has retained the original Spanish feel and with little mass tourism this gives the visitor a great chance to explore the island and browse through the old shops and villages.
Cuisine of the Balearics
Due to the many cultures that have passed through the archipelago over the years, there are hundreds of different dishes that now make up the gastronomy of the islands of Majorca, Minorca and Formentera with most of them taking full advantage of the islands resources.
Fish and fruit are abundant and occur as an ingredient in many dishes.
Food products you should try...
Olive oil from Majorca, Cheese from Mahón, Artichokes, Majorca almonds, Gin from Minorca, Sobrasada, Majorcan Ensaimada, Aubergine.
Don’t forget to try these dishes...
Black rice, Crayfish stew, Fish 'tumbet', Majorcan vegetable soup, Pork loin with cabbage, Sóller eggs.
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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.
Courtesy of www.articlecity.com
Taking a Family Holiday in Ibiza
Taking a Family Holiday in IbizaBy Harry Lawrance
The small Island of Ibiza, part of the Balearic Islands off the east coast of Spain, is home to some 84,000 people yet attracts more than 10 times that number of holiday makers annually. Ibiza is most famous for its nightlife and thousands of partygoers are drawn to the island every year by top name DJs playing at some of the worlds biggest and best clubs. However Ibiza offers more to see and do besides drinking and dancing and is perfect for family holidays…
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Ibiza is approximately a two and a half hour flight from the UK and flights depart from all the major UK airports throughout the summer.
The high season in Ibiza for the nightclubs is between August 1st and September 15th. If you are embarking on a family holiday in Ibiza at this time you should avoid booking a holiday in Ibiza town, Playa d’en Bossa and the hostels and apartments in San Antonio. These are all popular with clubbers and will get very lively and noisy at night time.
The resorts of Santa Eulalia, Es Cana and Cala Llonga on the east coast, San Antonio Bay and Cala Vadella on the west coast, and Portinatx in the north are all suitable for families throughout the summer. Journey times from the airport are approximately 40 to 50 minutes for the east coast resorts; 30 minutes to the resorts in the west and around an hour to reach Portinatx. The ideal way to get around the island is to arrange holiday car hire; however regular buses and taxis are available from the airport. The normal taxis carry a maximum of four people and will not usually be able to provide safety seats for children so it may be necessary for you to book a private transfer.
With temperatures rising above 30ºC in the height of summer and even water temperatures reaching 25-27ºC, the beach is the ideal place to be. The waters of Ibiza are amongst the cleanest in the Mediterranean with many of the beaches repeatedly awarded the EEC blue flag denoting cleanliness and safety. The beaches at Cala Tarida near San Antonio Bay and Cala Portinatx both possess this coveted award and are very popular with families, while the very shallow water and lifeguards at Sa Caleta make it ideal for young children, although it can get busy at weekends.
Young children will also enjoy the play parks and play areas in Playa d’en Bossa, San Antonio Bay and Cala Llonga. Here you will find climbing frames, trampolines and plenty of enclosed, safe space for children to run around and play. Also look out for the mini trains that make frequent tours of the countryside.
For older children, the Aguamar water park in Playa d’en Bossa is very popular. The park features 7 sets of water flumes and a huge swimming pool. Entrance fees to the park are approximately €18 for adults and children over 12 and €10 for younger children. For more aquatic fun you can enjoy a variety of water sports in Ibiza including windsurfing, sailing, pedaloes, banana boats and parasailing. Also worth a visit is the medieval Eivissa castle at D’alt Villa which overlooks Ibiza town.
Other attractions in Ibiza include glass bottomed boat trips for a unique view of the marine life, a round of golf at the Ibiza golf course in Roca Llisa (beware the rather steep green fees), shopping in Ibiza town or simply driving around the island to admire the beautiful countryside.
To find and compare holidays in Ibiza and to book your holiday car hire try visiting Travelsupermarket.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harry_Lawrance
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Island of Majorca
Island of MajorcaBy David S
The beautiful island of Majorca (Mallorca to some) is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, with over 15 million visitors per year. While most tourists come for the sun, sand and surf – of which Majorca has plenty – the small island off the coast of Spain has far more to offer tourists than the stunning beaches. Majorca is famed for both its nightlife and its historic architecture and beauty.
Tourism has been good to Majorca, raising its standard of living well above the rest of the area. In return, Majorca is heaven for tourists. You’ll find Majorca hotels that range from economy to super-luxury class in nearly every city on the island. Whether you’re looking for the full experience of a luxury spa resort, or a simple room as your home base on one of the most beautiful islands in the world, there are Majorca hotels that will suit your budget and your style.
No matter where you’re staying on Majorca, there are beaches – Majorca boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world – but you’ll also find lesser known tourist attractions in the various cities and towns. Whether you like the bustling party-all-night-long atmosphere of Palma Nova and Magaluf or the serene beauty of tiny Cala San Vicente, you’ll find the resort atmosphere that will make your vacation stay in Majorca perfect.
Depending on where on the island you choose to stay, you’ll have your choice of Majorca hotel accommodations from single rooms to apartamentas, all in one economy suites that can be rented by the week or the month to luxury accommodations in modern resorts that include spas and entertainment all under one roof. Palma Nova, Magaluf, Santa Ponsa and Paguera are all located in the Calvia district on the southwest coast. The heavily populated tourist resort area is bustling and busy, with neon lit nightclubs and bright delights by day and night. The beaches tend toward the soft, warm sands that most tourists enjoy for their semi-tropical vacation hours, and the night-life keeps everyone dancing till dawn.
On the east coast of the island, Sa Coma and Porto Cristo offer a contrast to the sparkling, densely packed beaches of the southwest coast of Majorca. Unlike that coast, the eastern coast of Majorca has had the benefit of being planned and built deliberately as a resort area – and while some may think that lends it a more ‘plastic’ air, nothing could be further from the truth. The Majorca hotels and resorts in the tourist areas have gone to great pains to preserve the historic feel of the east coast, and the stretches of beach and islands between Porto Cristo and Palma are a combination of golden sand and the more rugged, rocky beaches of the north.
In keeping with the promise of anything under the sun, the northwestern coast of Majorca offers a completely different atmosphere than the rest. Puerta Pollensa is one of the older tourist areas of the island, and the Majorca hotels along the rocky coast still have the old-fashioned air of the British resort hotels of the early 1920s, a century removed from the concrete and modern bustle of the other tourist areas of Majorca.
Majorca is one of the busiest resort countries in the world. There’s a saying in Majorca that if you can’t find it here, it doesn’t exist. From rocky mountain hiking trails to sun and surf and water sports, Majorca offers it all. Come to Majorca and see for yourself.
A guide to Majorca http://www.hoildayheaven.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_S
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