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Last Updated: Jun 9th, 2006 - 17:08:44 |
No visit to the lovely and historic nation of Spain would be complete without at least a cursory look at the famous Spanish islands. Thinking about it, these tropical paradises would certainly warrant a special trip just to take in all that they have to offer.
The Spanish islands are located in two groups; the Canary Islands lie off the coast of the autonomous community of Andalusia (the largest such community in Spain) and the Balearic Islands are off the coast of the autonomous Valencian Community. Located at opposing sides of the country, both Spanish island groups have their own unique offerings in terms of attractions, events, and local culture.
The Balearic Islands
Located off the Eastern coast of the Valencian Community in the Mediterranean Sea, this group of Spanish islands is actually divided into two groups; the Gimnesias in the North includes Mallorca, Menorca and Cabrera while the Pitiusas in the Southwest boasts the island duo Ibiza y Formentera.
The Balearics enjoy a beautiful climate with approximately three hundred days of sun each year. This fact along with the unbridled hospitality of the inhabitants and some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world makes the Balearic Islands a popular spot for sightseeing and tourism.
The most popular of these Spanish islands for tourists are Mallorca and Menorca. Both offer gorgeous climates and their own attractions. Mallorca is known for its cultural significance, boasting attractions like the Auditiorio de Palma, one of Europe’s best respected concert halls. Menorca is known as the “Windy Island” and the winds that blow here are said in legend to be able to alter a person’s personality.
Ibiza is popular with the young as it first gained popularity as a tourism destination in the 1960’s, in part due to the prevalence of psychedelic or hippie culture and a number of nude beaches. Formentera is a quaint attraction, being a small island with a surface area of only 90 square kilometers. Its size allows the sea to be viewed from almost any point on the island. Cabrera, the last of the Balearic Islands, was declared a nature preserve in 1991. Access to this lovely island is strictly controlled by the Spanish National Institute for the Conservation of Nature which organized tours and issues permits for those who wish to visit on their own.
The Canary Islands
This group of islands lies in the Atlantic Ocean, Southwest of Andalusia. Called “The Happy Islands” by the Romans and the “Garden of the Hesperides” by the Greeks, the Canaries became part of the Spanish Kingdom in 1496. This lovely group of Spanish islands includes the seven “major” islands of Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, and Hierro and several smaller ones including Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque Del Este, and Roque Del Oeste und Lobos.
Typical of all the Canaries Spanish islands are a preferable climate, pristine beaches, fantastic fishing, and unparalleled opportunity for rest and relaxation. Noteworthy islands in this group include La Palma, which holds two world records in the famous Guinness Book: the world’s largest volcanic crater and the highest elevation compared to diameter.
If you plan to travel to the Spanish islands, it could save you a lot of time to reserve your room in anvance.
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