Balearic Islands is the group of islands in the western Mediterranean
blessed with an excellent climate of warm summers and mild winters. Palma is the
capital. The group is made up of two largest islands, Majorca and Minorca, and
the smaller ones, Ibiza and Formentera, also known as Pine Islands. The inland
of Majorca is mountainous and the highways not very often follow the coastal
line. Palma is a great Mediterranean port and has a long history of marine
commerce.
Both Catalan and Castilian Spanish are spoken. Inhabited since prehistoric
times : there are numerous Cyclopean remains : the islands were occupied by
Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines. The Moors,
who first came in the 8th cent., established an independent kingdom, which
became the seat of powerful pirates, harassing Mediterranean coastal cities and
trade.
The most famous from the Balearic Islands is the island of Majorca, which is
a popular holiday resort. Its capital, Palma de Majorca, lies in a wide bay on
the south-western side of the mountain. Torrent de Pareis offers some fine
views, and caves famous for their stalactites. Minorca is quiet compared
to Majorca, but still a beautiful place to spend holidays. The British ruled the
island for 100 years and much of the architecture reminds of the period. The
active nightlife takes place on the third island, Ibiza, which offers good
shopping areas as well. The island of Formentera, though smaller and a lot more
quiet than the other three, is famous for its beaches.
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