Main

June 18, 2007

Palma´s Cathedral

Palma is the capital of Mallorca and of course it offers many things to visit for tourists like Palma´s cathedral. 500 years were needed to complete the magnificant building. It´s a really surprising buliding because there are "modernista interior" features designed by Antinio Gaudí, best known for the Sagrada Famila in Barcelona. The original foundation came with the Christian Reconquest of the city. The church derives its effect through its sheer height, impressive from any angle but startling when glimpsed from the waterside esplanade.
On the way into the church, you will pass through the "Museu de la Catedral".

March 2, 2007

Ses Salines Natural reserve

Although most tourist activity is based around the coast, Ibiza has much to offer inland. Journey off the beaten track to find untouched villages that still reflect much of the incredible history of the island. Many are just a cycle ride away from your Ibiza apartment or your hotel in Ibiza. As to the coast, you'll feel amazed the island's beautiful sunsets and the special magnetism of some islets as Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell. The Natural Reserve of Cala D'Hort and Las Salinas, the later partly located at the south of Ibiza and partly in Formentera, including the sea strip that separates them and the islets called Es Freus, are the two main areas of environmental value.These are Ses Salines of Ibiza and Formentera, salt pans and marshes which were designated a Natural Reserve in 1995. Endemic plant and animal communities co-exist here in a rich ecosystem where salt is a dominant feature. All this makes their landscapes and beaches unique and unrepeatable. In earlier times, Ibiza was called the island of salt, and it is so to such an extent that its inhabitants were guaranteed a supply of the condiment by law. The first ones to exploit the marshes were the Carthaginians, towards the 5th Century BC. After the re-conquest of Spain from the Moors, they passed over to being the property of the University and became one of the most important saltworks in the Mediterranean. For various centuries they belonged to the Crown, until they passed into private hands with the sale of Church lands by Mendizábal in 1835. Today the extraction of salt continues as in the past, using traditional methods and creating a landscape of white mountains which seem to have come from another world. Since 1995 this area has formed part of the Sea and Land Natural Reserve of Ses Salines. It includes almost all the southern tip of Ibiza, the north of Formentera and the islets which separate both islands. It is an ecosystem with a rich diversity, designated an Area of Special Protection for Birds. Among the 124 catalogued species are herons and flamingos which are easy to sight on their migratory journeys from July to October and from February to May. The vegetation is conditioned by the salinity of the ground. There is a predominance of the endemic sempervivum, reeds and plants which thrive in brackish water. The hills, with a lower concentration of salt, are covered with savin juniper bushes, pine forests and shrub land of rosemary and rock roses.

October 23, 2006

The Natural Beauty of Majorca

There are many good reasons to visit Majorca and the other Balearic Islands, but the unique and enchanting natural beauty on the island of Mallorca definitely is one of the most important reasons. The Island doesn’t only offer holiday opportunities in popular party and beach resorts. Many Majorca hotels are located at quiet locations outside the tourist centers. You can easily find a good accommodation on Majorca near places where the island’s unique flora and fauna have been preserved. Enjoy the sight of the traditional Majorca windmills, the many olive tree fields and the many undiscovered virgin beaches.

The lagoons and marshes that can be found along the entire coastline of Majorca are filled with rich flora and fauna. Majorca has a surprisingly large number of natural habitats and ecosystems. There are about 1500 different flower and plant species. The forests which consist mainly of Alepo pine trees remain green throughout the year. Most woodlands can be found nearby the sandy beaches. Oak trees are more common in the humid zones in the North. If you enjoy nature walks but you prefer to avoid the mountains, you can find many beautiful paths in the dunes.

In the northwest of Majorca you can take a walk in the Sierra de Tramuntana. This impressive mountain range accommodates the Puig Major. With its 1445 m. it is the island’s highest summit. The Sierra de Tramuntana rises up from the sea with its steep cliffs and is covered with woods. The Sierra de Llevant on the east coast of the island has more sloping walls and there are many caves and deep inlets. South of the Sierra de Llevant there are 17 mini islands forming the archipelago of Cabrera. This Island group forms the one and only national park of the Balearics. The exceptional landscapes and unique animal species on Cabrera are a must see for nature spotters. If you like snorkelling or scuba diving, Cabrera is the place to be. Also the bird life above the island is incredibly diverse and impressive.

October 4, 2006

Tourist Attractions in Ibiza

The Paradisical Island of Ibiza has more to offer than just beach, sun and nightlife. Especially now the climate has gotten more bareable there are plenty of things to see and do all around the Island. Admire the Old Town of Ibiza, called Dalt Vila by the locals. It accommodates an impressive 16th century fortress, antique city walls, a cathedral and the Sant Domingo church. The typical white fisherman’s houses just outside the city walls are also a delight to see. In Ibiza Town you can visit many museums, like the archeological ones, the convent or the modern art museum. The marina, the Necrópolis and Plaza de la Vila are also well worth a visit. Book an Ibiza Hotel in the center of town and enjoy the city as well as its beautiful surroundings.

The second biggest town in Ibiza is Santa Eulària des Riu. It’s situated on the shores of the only river of the Balearic archipelago. It’s especially known for it’s pretty hilltop church. Below the church you can visit the small ethnological museum located inside an ancient farm. The town of Sant Antoni de Portmany is a very popular tourist destination. From this harbor town you can take nice boat trips to watch the submarine life through a glass bottom or to sail off to the beautiful sandy beach of Cala Bassa. Being a true holiday paradise Sant Antoni offers plenty of Ibiza accommodation. There is also a wide range of hotels in Santa Eulària and finding a lovely Ibiza apartment in any of these towns shouldn’t be any problem at all.

If you prefer something smaller you can visit the visit Es Cubells, a charming small village in the South of Ibiza. It’s situated on top of a cliff from where you have an amazing view over the coast. Not far from Es Cubells you can visit Ses Salines, an interior salt-water lake where one can spot thousands of seabirds. Ses Salines is a unique ecosystem bigger than a thousand hectares.