Page 23 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

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
beauty and swim in its crystal­clear waters. Fishermen sorting their catch in Eivissa’s harbour
Here, the island’s landscape is protected,
as well as its surrounding waters. Formentera and numerous neighbouring
National parks can be explored on foot uninhabited rocky islands, forms a com­
or by bicycle, using special trails and sign­ bined ecosystem visible from the air. A
posts. There are also organized tours. The region of outstanding ecological value
natural wonders of the islands can also be in Ibiza is the system of salt marshes, Ses
seen outside the parks. Some charming Salines, which includes areas inhabited by
places are to be found, particularly in thousands of birds. Since the Carthaginians
the valleys of the Serra de Tramuntana discovered the islands these salt marshes
mountain range in Mallorca and in the have been used to supply salt extracted
secluded coves of the northwestern part from seawater.
of the island, as well as along most of the In Ses Illetes in Formentera, declared
coastline of Menorca. The Pitiusan (Pine a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the
Trees) archipelago, comprising Ibiza, seabeds are carpeted with fields of
Posidonia oceanica, a sea­grass
species, which gives the water
its crystal­clear appearance and
makes it ideal for scuba diving.
People and Events
Although the impact of tourism
has been far reaching, island
customs and traditions have
survived intact. This is partic­
ularly apparent in the rural
areas. To see this side of island
life, visit a local farmers’ market
in one of the small inland
towns, or sit down with
Solemn procession held during Corpus Christi the locals in a village bar.

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