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Awaiting Your Return From Shore |
The Balearics are comprised of
16 islands; the three principal ones are Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca.
Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Arabs have invaded these islands over the
centuries. Remains even show evidence of the prehistoric Talayot
civilization, a megalithic culture that flourished here between 1500 B.C.
and the Roman conquest.
Lying just 60 miles off the Spanish mainland, the islands’ lush and
rugged landscape, combined with an extremely mild, sunny climate, prove
irresistible, especially to northern Europeans. As a result, the Balearics
boast cosmopolitan resorts with lively nightlife and plenty of sports
activities.
Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is the largest of the islands, with an
area of more than 1,400 square miles. The scenery is magnificent, with
cliffs along indented shorelines jutting out of the sea and mountain ranges
sheltering the plains from swift sea breezes. The fertile plain in the
center is covered with almond and fig trees, plus olive groves with some
trees 1,000 years old. Tall pines, junipers and oaks line the mountain
slopes.
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the archipelago. A cosmopolitan city
with sophisticated shops and restaurants, it also offers buildings of
spectacular Moorish and gothic architecture.
In the western part of Mallorca, nestled into the mountains, lies the
village of Valldemosa. It is known for its Carthusian monastery, where
Frédéric Chopin and George Sand (George was a woman) spent the winter of
1838-1839. On a trip to picturesque Valldemosa, see the monastery and the
rooms where Chopin composed his Raindrop Prelude and George Sand gathered
impressions for her book A Winter in Majorca.
Port Info, Shopping, Eating & Golf |
Awaiting Your Return
From Shore |
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Complimentary
Spirits Await |
Return to Your
Suite and Sail Away to The Next Adventure |
Entertainment
and Dancing Await You |
