Sailyachter

The Balearic Islands (officially in Catalan, Illes Balears) is a Spanish autonomous community, composed by the islands of the Balearic archipelago, located in the Mediterranean sea, next to the Eastern coast of Spain. It comprises two groups of islands and numerous small barren islands; The Gimnesias; Near Menorca, Majorca and Cabrera and some other barren islands (like Dragonera, Isla del Aire...); and the Pitusas: Ibiza and Formentera, and the different smaller islands that surround them (like Conejera).

The origin of the name 'Balearic' is Punic. It stems from the plural of 'ba' lé yaroh'. The substantive 'bá lé' means 'those that exercise the office of' and 'yaroh' acts as a verb that refers to throwing stones. The general meaning would come down to 'the stone thrower's teachers'. These teachers are the so-called 'honderos' of the islands. One of the main attractives of the islands is to be found in the megalithic monuments that are still conserved. Among them, special attention deserve the 'Talayots', the 'navetes' and 'taules'; all of them belong to the period between 1800 and 1500 b.C. There also remain some slight Muslim traces: the Cathedral of Palma, the Market and the Castle of Bellver. This circular Castle, together with the Tower of Homage, presides over the bay of Palma; it stands out as a clear example of Gothic art. We can also highlight some churches of the same perid like the Santa Creu, Santa Eulalia, San Jaume, or San Nicolau. More recent churches are San Francesc or Montesión. Both, Ciudadela and Palma, exhibit some outstanding examples of the eighteenth century architecture. The time of invasions and pirates has also left an indelible mark and is to be kept in mind once the historic precedents and fascination are to be numbered.

The temperate, mild, climate with more than 300 sunny days a year, the beautiful landscape and beaches, the wide array of cultural activities, the possibilities of leisure and relax, the festivities and hospitality of their inhabitants, make out of these islands a cosmopolitan location, with visitors arriving from all around the globe. No wonder why the airport from the capital, Palma de Mallorca, became the most visited in Spain.

Some of the typical products of the islands, closely related to the local traditions, are crystal pottery, jewellery, ceramics, needlework, leather, silver goods, and the indigenous cuisine, rich and varied, reflecting an ancestral fishing and farming activity. Besides, the desserts and typical sausages are very recommendable. Each island has its own personality and is characterized for combining and blending leisure and rest. The nautic sports are an excellent option to enhance this experience.

Tourism has deeply impacted in the economy of the islands, promoting the enlargement and improvement of the infrastructures and the numerous connections to the rest of the continent. The ensamble of different factors like the outstanding climatic conditions during the summer, a lovely scenery, and an ancient sailing tradition stemming from the Phoenicians in the sixth century b.C., has made of these islands one of the best destinations for enjoyng yacht cruises. Wih more than fourty marinas, nautic clubs, and ports, these waters are an excellent regatta field to enjoy recreational boats, transforming the holiday season into days of sailing and navigation, time to hoist sails and conquer the Mediterranean.