Page 48 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

THE BALEARIC ISLANDS AREA B Y AREA
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MALLORCA
Mallorca’s landscape is incredibly diverse for such a small island – ranging from
the fertile lowlands of the central region, to the high peaks of the Serra de
Tramuntana. Its warm climate, fine beaches and historic capital, Palma, make it
one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Venture away from the resorts
and you also find picturesque inland villages, thick forests and peaceful coves.
With an area covering 3,640 sq km and fauna, with a wide variety of birds.
(1,405 sq miles), and a population of Native species of flowers and flowering
around 846,000, of which nearly half shrubs are also in evidence, though
live in Palma, Mallorca is the largest the cultivation of fields, vineyards and
island of the Balearic archipelago. olive groves has partly displaced the
Consisting mainly of limestone, the natural vegetation.
terrain has a large number of cave The island has been settled since
systems, particularly in the wild central ancient times, and traces of Roman
region of the Serra de Tramuntana and and Arab civilizations can still be seen.
on the east coast. Some of these, such Once an independent kingdom, Mallorca
as the Coves d’Artà, can be visited as became part of Aragón and Catalunya
part of a guided tour. Elsewhere on in the 14th century, and was later
the island, there is much to enjoy, incorporated into Spain. Since 1983,
from stunning nature reserves and the Balearic Islands have been an
charming fishing villages to picturesque autonomous region of Spain.
ruins and impressive country estates. Much of the island is virtually untouched
The climate on the island is typically by tourism. Mallorca offers wonderful
Mediterranean, with dry summers and beaches and nightlife for visitors who
up to 65cm (26 in) of rainfall during the want a lively holiday, and rural retreats,
autumn–winter season. Cold winters peaceful coves and historic ruins for
are rare. The island has unique flora those seeking a quiet break.
Palma’s imposing Gothic cathedral, La Seu, built on the site of the former mosque
Torrent de Pareis, a major attraction of the Tramuntana mountain range
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