Page 513 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Spain

SP AIN ’ S ISLANDS  511

THE BALEARIC ISLANDS

Ibiza • Formentera • Mallorca • Menorca
Chic resorts and attractive coves and beaches, combined
with a climate which is hot but never uncomfortably so,
have made tourism the mainstay of life along the coasts
of the Balearic Islands. Inland, there is peace and quiet
in abundance, and a great variety of sights to seek out:
wooded hills, pretty villages, monasteries, country churches,
caves and prehistoric monuments to name but a few.

Talaiotic ruins (see p531), Roman Tourism has been established the longest
settlements and medieval fortresses in Mallorca, the largest island, with Palma
scattered across these islands are its beating heart. The green countryside of
reminders of the waves of colonizers Menorca is dotted with prehistoric monu-
that have been drawn to the Balearics, ments, and the island’s towns are full of
strategically located at a crossroads in noble, historic mansions. Ibiza has two
the Mediterranean. In the 13th century distinct aspects: its coastline, which is
Catalan settlers brought their language, a notched by innumerable rocky coves, and
dialect of which is widely spoken today. the hilly interior, characterized by brilliant
Today, the islands can justifiably claim white farmhouses and robust churches.
to cater for all tastes: from sunseekers on On small and relatively undeveloped
package holidays, for whom the larger Formentera, the pace of life is slow. The
resorts serve as brash fun factories, to islets surrounding the four principal islands
jet-setters and film stars, who head for are largely unin habited; one of them,
luxurious but discreet hideaways in the hills. Cabrera (off Mallorca), is a national park.

View through the window of one of Ibiza’s traditional, whitewashed farmhouses
The dazzling turquoise water at Cala Salada, Ibiza

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