Page 22 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

20  INTRODUCING THE BALEARIC ISLANDS A POR TR AIT OF THE BALEARIC ISLANDS  21

Currently, over 40 per cent of the archi­
pelago is legally protected. There is a total
of 82 areas of outstanding natural beauty,
while the whole of Menorca is designated
as a UNESCO Biosphere Res erve, with
18 designated sites that are currently
assigned special protection. Mallorca’s
stunning Parc Natural de S’Albufera is a
unique ornithological reserve and is one
of southern Europe’s most precious water
marshes. Among Mallorca’s parks and
nature reserves are Cala Mondragó and
Dragonera Island.
Cabrera Island National Park, to the
south of Mallorca, also enjoys special
protection. The number of boats permitted
to land here is strictly limited. This has
halted the mass influx of tourists, who
come here to experience its unique natural
Rocky coast near Coves d’Artà in Mallorca beauty and swim in its crystal­clear waters. Fishermen sorting their catch in Eivissa’s harbour
Here, the island’s landscape is protected,
Tourist Paradise Schiffer have homes on Mallorca, while as well as its surrounding waters. Formentera and numerous neighbouring
It was in the early part of the 19th century Elle MacPherson and Noel Gallagher (to National parks can be explored on foot uninhabited rocky islands, forms a com­
that tourists first began to arrive on the name but a few) have opted for life on or by bicycle, using special trails and sign­ bined ecosystem visible from the air. A
Balearic Islands, and since that time the local Ibiza. The Balearic Islands are also very posts. There are also organized tours. The region of outstanding ecological value
economy has taken full advantage of the popular with politicians and royalty, natural wonders of the islands can also be in Ibiza is the system of salt marshes, Ses
opportunities these new arrivals offered. including the Spanish royal family who seen outside the parks. Some charming Salines, which includes areas inhabited by
Over 11 million visitors travel here every have their summer residence in Palma. places are to be found, particularly in thousands of birds. Since the Carthaginians
year to enjoy the islands’ many attractions. The glitterati and other visitors are the valleys of the Serra de Tramuntana discovered the islands these salt marshes
Mallorca, the largest island, is by far the attracted to the Balearics by the cultural mountain range in Mallorca and in the have been used to supply salt extracted
most culturally rich, but the other islands flavours of the islands. The archipelago has secluded coves of the northwestern part from seawater.
are not short of attractions. Ibiza is famous many fascinating historic sights ranging of the island, as well as along most of the In Ses Illetes in Formentera, declared
as the clubbing capital of Europe; Menorca from Neolithic remains and castle ruins to coastline of Menorca. The Pitiusan (Pine a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the
is an ideal resort for families, while those stunning cathedrals and fine examples of Trees) archipelago, comprising Ibiza, seabeds are carpeted with fields of
in search of peace and quiet head for British colonial architecture. Gourmets can Posidonia oceanica, a sea­grass
the smaller island of Formentera. delight in the famous Menorcan cheeses species, which gives the water
You may even spot the occasional and Mallorcan wines, as well as sample the its crystal­clear appearance and
celebrity – Annie Lennox and Claudia products of the local distilleries, including makes it ideal for scuba diving.
gin (inherited from the English) and the
potent Ibizan herbal liqueurs. The famous People and Events
caldereta de llagosta (Menorcan lobster Although the impact of tourism
stew) is not to be missed. has been far reaching, island
customs and traditions have
Natural Treasures survived intact. This is partic­
The greatest riches of the archipelago are ularly apparent in the rural
its landscape and natural beauty. The local areas. To see this side of island
authorities, hoping to preserve these life, visit a local farmers’ market
assets for future generations, have issued in one of the small inland
several legal decrees that are aimed at towns, or sit down with
Portal of the main entrance to Palma’s cathedral protecting the natural environment. Solemn procession held during Corpus Christi the locals in a village bar.

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Portrait template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.2)
Date 5th December 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm