BThe Alearic Islands (Islas Baleares) are a wonderful archipelago of small islands that surprise and enchant with their magnificent landscapes and beaches of exceptional beauty. Each island is different from the other, each has its own distinct personality.
The Balearic archipelago is located in the western Mediterranean Sea at approximately equal distances from the Iberian Peninsula, southern France and northern Africa. Three large and one small islands form the basis of the archipelago. The main islands of the Balearics are the resorts of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Today it is a major tourism center, the main one in the entire Western Mediterranean.
Story
The role of the Balearic Islands as a crossroads of trade routes in the Mediterranean cannot be underestimated. The history of the islands is full of historical events that have left interesting traces for lovers of the past. Various civilizations of the Carthaginians, Moors, and Christians influenced the historical development of each island. Some of the last conquerors of the islands were Jaime I of Aragon, who captured the archipelago in the 13th century, and the English, who occupied Minorca in 1708 - 1802.
Sights and recreation
In addition to stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and crazy nightlife, the Balearic Islands have other things to offer. The snorkeling sites are some of the best in the Mediterranean. Natural caves, water parks, casinos and horse racing are not a complete list of entertainment on the islands
Islands
Mallorca is the largest island of the archipelago, on which the regional capital, Palma de Mallorca, is located. Resort tourism is the main aspect of Mallorca's life. The island has a wide network of modern hotels, providing guests with first-class comfort and amazingly rich and varied nature. Thanks to its beneficial Mediterranean climate, Mallorca is one of the resorts visited by tourists all year round.
Ibiza is the most fashionable European resort, distinguished by its specific atmosphere, people, nature and, of course, unique clubbing and nightlife, which is rightfully considered one of the best not only in Europe, but also in the world. The island is not too small and has enough variety to not get boring, and not too big; so after just a few days of relaxation you will feel at home there.
Menorca is the second largest island in the archipelago. Despite its proximity to Mallorca, it has many of its own characteristics. The island is located in the northeastern part of the archipelago.
Two types of architecture can be observed throughout the island. On the one hand, completely white houses, typical of the Mediterranean, and on the other hand, buildings in a purely English style, evidence of the British presence on the island in the 18th century. Mahon (Mao), the main town of the island, is located behind a quaint 5 km long harbour, considered one of the best natural ports in the Mediterranean. Menorca has many archaeological sites that make it an open-air museum: various statues, crypts with burials. However, the most mysterious prehistoric monuments are considered to be numerous religious buildings of the second millennium BC, including the mysterious Taula - towers of large T-shaped stones lying one on top of the other. The purpose of these buildings is still unknown to scientists.
Kitchen
The basis of the traditional cuisine of the islands is seafood and vegetables. The most popular dishes are, at the same time, very easy to prepare.
There are a large number of recipes for preparing stewed vegetables (Frit mallorquí) with meat or fish. Various liqueurs from Maoirca and Menorca (Menorcan Liqueurs, Herbes and Palo) are very popular.