Overview

The Balearic Islands are a cluster of islands in the western Mediterranean sea that are formed tectonically near the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It consists of 4 islands – Majorca, Ibiza, Minorca and Formentera. These islands form an autonomous community and the city of Palma is the capital. Both Spanish and Catalan languages are the official languages.

History

The history of the earliest inhabitants is hardly known. However the following legends are being spoken about by various people:

According to Lycophron, the Greek poet and comedian, these islands had nude Boeotians as inhabitants.

Another legend states that after the Trojan War, these islands were colonized from Rhodes.

Some stories indicate that the inhabitants remained naked until Phoenicians clothed them; some say that they were nude only during summer.

These inhabitants loved their women so much that they gave as ransom 3 or 4 men to a woman.

Climate

The maximum and minimum temperatures in this city are 29°C in July-August and 8 °C in January.

Art and Culture

Museum Palau March in Palma – houses sculpture collections of Chillida, Rodin, Moore, etc.

Museum Balear of Natural Sciences and Botanical Garden – has plants in an area of 10000 sq. meters. Some of these plants are in danger of extinction.

Cuisine

The food items that are popular are - Sobrasada Mallorquina, a type of sausage, soups with noodles, meat or fish, vegetable sauces, Tumbet, Rostit, etc.

Sports and Entertainment

The Balearic Islands have a large number of tourists because of the nightlife in these places and the beautiful sea landscape.

Majorca is the largest of these four islands with a population of 780,000 people. Its capital Palma de Mallorca is attractive and popular for cultural tourism.

Minorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands with a population of 85,000. It is relatively quiet but is full of historic monuments – pre-historic remains, ruins of Christian churches, Roman ruins and monuments from the Islamic, English and Spanish periods.

The third largest but youngest island is Ibiza and it is very popular for its fun filled and high intensity night life; youngsters love this island. The population of this island is about 110,000. The old town of Ibiza has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The island, Formentera is the smallest of these islands with a population of 7500 and it has a beautiful coastline and attractive white sand beaches.

Shopping

You can purchase arts and crafts in ceramics, glass, fabrics, embroidery, leather, shoes, jewelry, silverware, pearls, trinkets, etc.

Business

Tourism is the main economic activity of the islands. The economy also depends on agriculture – potatoes, cereals, wine, olive oil, vegetables and fruits and livestock – cattle and poultry and fishing.

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