Belear Islands (islas Baleares) - Largest Mediterranean Tourism Center

The Islas Baleares are one of the seventeen autonomous Spanish regions. They have their own parliament, government, and island councils on the islands of Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera and Menorca. In addition to the Belear archipelago are many small islands, the total area of which is more than 5 thousand kilometers, and the coastline lasts for 1239 kilometers. The capital Belear - Palma de Mallorca is located just 140 kilometers from Valencia and 132 kilometers from Barcelona.

Rest here is not cheap, but very comfortable and pleasant.

Belears are located at an almost equal distance from the north of Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and the south of France. Nowadays this area has become the largest center of Mediterranean tourism.

The most popular resorts are Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera, Menorca, where numerous television stars, stage entertainers, top models, and simply rich people rest. For example, here are the villas of Boris Baker, Claudia Schiffer, Michael Douglas and many other well-known people.

Attract many tourists here, first of all the most beautiful beaches, the cleanest in all of Europe. And the swimming season is long - from early May to late November. It is worth mentioning about the huge number of entertainment institutions (casinos, discotheques, restaurants, cafes), which makes the rest on the Belear Islands even more remarkable and tempting.

Thanks to its beautiful landscapes, an abundance of sunny days, mild climate, many artists and writers choose these places for creative inspiration. Popular Spanish writer Santiago Rusignon called the island of Majorca "Rest Island", in honor of which he even wrote his work.

How to get there

Large islands have their own airports, which are connected by direct flights with all major airports in Europe. In the season from Moscow fly and charter flights, the rest of the year you can get to Barcelona, and from here already established a ferry regular service.

Between the islands, the sea and its air traffic are established. But only in Mallorca there is a railway. Between the islands are boats of various classes.

In the Belear Islands you can rent a car and travel comfortably on any island. The price depends on the route and brand of the car, but in general it is inexpensive.

Climate

On the Belear Islands, almost 300 sunny days a year! The climate is temperate, but rather with high humidity. The temperature fluctuates at different times of the year. So, in winter it varies from +8 to +16 degrees, and in the summer - from +26 to +30 degrees. But the summer heat is carried very easily, this contributes to the sea breeze ("Embatt"), which blows constantly from early May to late September.

The water warms up to +26 degrees in summer. Usually the season opens from the beginning of April and lasts until October.

Features

Resting on the Belear Islands, do not forget about the traditional siesta of Spain. From 13.00 hours to 16.00 here no one is working. At that time state institutions, banks and shops are closed. Exceptions are only tourist places.

On Belear, one of the highest living standards (throughout Spain). This is expressed in the prices of goods for local residents and for housing. But for tourists the cost of all services and goods is exactly the same as in Barcelona.

Attractions, Entertainment

The largest of the islands - Menorca, in the capital of which (Palme de Mallorca) are concentrated all kinds of architectural monuments of different eras and styles. Especially noteworthy are its beauties Bellver Castle and the cathedral, built in the XII century. In the historical part of the city there is a "Spanish town", where Knight tournaments are held regularly - an amazing theatrical performance in the spirit of medieval traditions. Another popular entertainment of the Spaniards is of course the bullfight. On the square "Bulls" you can witness unforgettable shows with the participation of the torero from various Spanish provinces. The main attraction of the island is the "Drakon Cave", having incredible beauty stalactite caves that are located near the town of Porto Cristo. In these places is the largest underground lake in the world "Martel", having a depth of up to 8 meters, width - up to 40 meters and length - up to 177 meters. In the east there is also the famous cave "Arta" with its diverse stone formations.

On the island of Menorca, its capital is Mahon. There are also many architectural monuments, to which a lot of hiking tours are laid. All of them are located close to each other, which makes the capital look like a museum. The Church of St. Mary was famous for the whole world preserved in excellent condition by the organ (XIX century), known for its sound quality and powerful power. The main life is concentrated on the areas of Reyal, Columbus, Conquest, San Frances and Miranda, where there are magnificent historical buildings and palaces. Be sure to visit the historic city of Menorca, Ciutadella, where you will admire palaces of aristocrats and medieval, mysterious streets. Pay special attention to the palaces of De Saur, Olivas, Salort and Vivo. And from the observation deck, which is located behind the building of the Municipal Council, admire the beautiful panorama of the seaport. In Menorca, there are many amazing buildings of the Bronze Age megalithic period - the buildings of the Taliotic culture. Mysterious stone buildings remind of mysterious civilizations that were here more than 3,5 thousand years ago!

Ibiza is the third island of the Belear Islands in size. Also has its capital - Ibiza. All cities, including the capital, are located on the coast. The most interesting are: the Archaeological Museum, which presents numerous exhibits of the Phoenician and Carthaginian eras; The remains of the fortress from the Renaissance - the gate Sas-Tuulas; The Cathedral complex on Cathedral Square. The highest buildings of the capital, preserved since the XVIII century - castles Almudaina and Castel. The most beautiful view of the port can be seen from the Dal Villa quarter. You can take boat trips along the entire coast of Ibiza, admire the beautiful beaches and enjoy the rich underwater world.

Directly from Ibiza, take a trip to the "pearl" Belear - island Fermenteiro. The island is almost entirely flat, except for the rocky capes of Cap de Barbaria and La Mola. In these places you can perfectly secluded rest. After all, there is only one settlement - San Frances de Fomentera, and even more reminiscent of a tourist village.

Resorts and beaches

Majorca stretched for 555 kilometers, there are 76 beaches, many of which have the "Blue Flag" - a symbol of environmental friendliness and amenities. All the beaches are free! The most popular are Playa de Palma, Calla, Vinas, Cala Mayor, Palma Nova. There are cozy coves with fine sand and pebble beaches. But at all there are water bicycles, sun loungers, bars, umbrellas, showers. Russian tourists have chosen the resort of Magaluf because of the convenient bays, clear water, clean sand. Illetas resort is suitable for families. The island is a real expanse for divers, but one can also learn this fascinating occupation.

In Ibiza, the beaches stretch for 18 kilometers. The most popular beaches are: Talamanca, An-Bossa, Cavalet, San Salinas. The latter is nudist. There are also secluded beaches - Cala Dort, Cala de Portnath and Bennirra (here they like to gather hippies). But, first of all, the island is a continuous noisy party, with discos right at the water's edge and dancing "till I fall"!

In Menorca, popular beaches are in the delta of withered rivers. Near to them small, cozy hotels are constructed. On the island stretch sand dunes, which nudists chose. In the north - gently sloping banks with wide bays and sandy beaches. Here are the quietest places for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

Kitchen

On the Belear Islands a real paradise for true gourmets! To be here and not fully enjoy the local cuisine is an unfortunate, inexcusable omission! The basis of the kitchen - all kinds of dishes from vegetables, meat, seafood. For dessert you will enjoy an abundance of fruits and traditional delicious pastries. Savor necessarily Malkin's hearty soup, caldera soup (with lobsters), gorgeous paella, sausage "gatherings" (from the meat of special black pigs), multi-layer canapés "pan de oli", fritos, lecho (fried suckling pig), rolls Sweet potatoes, almond pies, bread from figs and many, many other wonderful dishes! This you will not try anywhere else!

The Islas Baleares are rightly called the "largest tourism center"! Where, as not here, you can choose the rest, entertainment, and inspiration to your taste!