Majorca
Majorca
Majorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, the seventh of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. It has about 900,000 inhabitants, ranking fourth in the Mediterranean by population.
The capital is Palma de Mallorca which, according to the most recent data (September 2021) has a population of around 400,000 inhabitants.
Etymology –
The island of Mallorca has an interesting etymology. The name “Mallorca” comes from the Latin language. During the Roman period, the island was known as “Insula Maior”, which means “largest island” in Latin. This name was used to distinguish Majorca from the surrounding smaller islands.
The smaller island nearby was called “Insula Minor” (smaller island). Over time, the name “Insula Maior” evolved into “Mallorca” in the Catalan language, spoken in the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca.
Geographic Features –
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, an archipelago located in the western Mediterranean Sea and belonging to Spain. Below are some of the main geographical features of Mallorca.
Majorca is located in the western Mediterranean Sea, east of mainland Spain and northeast of the east coast of Spain. It is surrounded by the Balearic Sea.
Mallorca covers an area of approximately 3,640 square kilometers and is approximately 100 kilometers long from east to west and 75 kilometers from north to south. The island has an irregular shape and has a variety of landscapes. Its coasts are indented, with numerous coves, bays and sandy beaches.
The main mountain range is the Serra de Tramuntana, which extends along the northwest coast of the island. These mountains reach heights of up to approximately 1,445 metres, with Puig Major being the highest point on the island. The Serra de Tramuntana is an Area of Great Natural Beauty and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
South of the Serra de Tramuntana, the central plains of Mallorca extend, with a gentler topography than the surrounding mountains. This region is characterized by hills, cultivated fields and almond groves.
The Serra de Tramuntana features numerous spectacular valleys and gorges, some of which have rivers flowing through them. For example, the Sóller Valley is one of the best known and most scenic valleys on the island.
Mallorca is also famous for its spectacular caves and caverns. One of the most famous is the Cueva del Drach (Cave of the Dragon), which features underground lakes and stalactites.
The island of Mallorca is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Sandy beaches are mainly found along the south and east coast of the island, while the northwest coast is more rocky.
This island enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The island is characterized by a pleasant average annual temperature and a high number of hours of sunshine.
Historical Notes –
Mallorca has a rich and fascinating history dating back thousands of years.
The first traces of human settlements on the island date back to prehistoric times. The first inhabitants of Mallorca were probably indigenous peoples, but over the centuries the island was invaded and colonized by different civilizations. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Byzantines are just some of the cultures that have left their mark on the island.
During the Roman era, Mallorca became an integral part of the Roman Empire and was an important province. The island was known for the production of grain, olive oil and wine, which were exported to other parts of the Empire. The remains of Roman villas and other archaeological sites bear witness to the Roman influence on the island.
Over the following centuries, Majorca underwent several invasions and changes of domain. In 534 AD, the Ostrogoths led by Theodoric the Great invaded the island, followed by the Byzantines in 534. In 707 AD, Majorca was conquered by the Muslims of the Umayyad Caliphate. During the Muslim occupation, the island experienced a period of prosperity, with the development of agriculture, commerce and art.
However, in 1229, it was conquered by the Aragonese king James I of Aragon during the Reconquista, the period in which Christians gradually reconquered the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim occupation. The island became part of the Crown of Aragon and later of the Kingdom of Spain.
During the period of Spanish domination, it suffered various pirate raids. In the 18th century, the island was involved in the War of the Spanish Succession and suffered heavy bombardments. Furthermore, Majorca played a strategic role during the Napoleonic wars, as the island was an important base for the British fleet.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Majorca became a popular tourist destination, attracted by its natural beauty, stunning beaches and Mediterranean climate. The tourist industry has contributed greatly to the island’s economy and has led to rapid urban development and an influx of visitors from all over the world.
Today, Majorca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. As well as its wonderful beaches, the island also offers a rich culture, with historic cities such as Palma, its capital, boasting a stunning Gothic cathedral and a charming old town. Mallorca is also known for its delicious cuisine, which combines Spanish, Mediterranean and international influences.
Mallorca’s history has helped shape the island into what it is today, a place where tradition and modernity merge, with a rich cultural heritage and a natural environment of outstanding beauty.
Ecosystem –
The island has a very diverse ecosystem which includes a variety of habitats, including mountains, plains, rocky coasts and sandy beaches.
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains occupy a large part of the northwest coast of Mallorca and form a biosphere reserve declared by UNESCO. This mountainous region is characterized by deep valleys, dramatic cliffs, gorges, springs and waterfalls. The area is covered by luxuriant vegetation, with forests of pine, oak and olive trees, and offers shelter to numerous species of flora and fauna.
The central plains of Mallorca, such as the Pla de Mallorca, are characterized by farmland, cultivated fields and rural landscapes. Here are fields of almond trees, olive trees and vineyards. This area is important to the island’s agriculture and produces wine, olive oil and other crops.
The coasts of Mallorca offer a variety of landscapes, from rugged cliffs to sandy bays. Along the rocky coasts you can find sea caves, coves and hidden beaches. Mallorca’s beaches, such as Playa de Palma, Alcudia and Es Trenc, attract tourists from all over the world for their crystal clear waters and natural beauty.
Mallorca is also home to several wetlands, such as the Albufera de Mallorca, an important nature reserve that provides habitat for a diverse range of migratory bird and aquatic species. These areas are essential for the conservation of the island’s biodiversity.
The ecosystem of this island is rich in endemic species, which are unique and found only in this area. For example, the Majorcan green toad is an amphibian that lives exclusively on the island. Furthermore, Mallorca is an important transit point for many migratory birds on their migration routes between Europe and Africa.
However, like many tourist destinations, Mallorca also faces environmental challenges related to the tourism industry, such as waste management, marine pollution and pressure on natural resources. Efforts have been made to promote sustainable tourism and the conservation of the island’s ecosystem.
Overall, Mallorca’s ecosystem offers a great variety of natural landscapes, ranging from mountains to coasts, and is home to a rich biodiversity, making it a fascinating island for nature lovers and travellers.
Flora –
The flora of Mallorca is characterized by a great variety of plant species. Mallorca’s natural environment features a combination of mountainous areas, coastal lowlands, wetlands and coastal environments, offering a diversity of habitats for plants.
In the mountainous areas that culminate in the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, there are species adapted to the harshest conditions, such as holm oaks (Quercus ilex), cork oaks (Quercus suber), carrasques (Quercus faginea) and pines (Pinus halepensis). In addition, there are shrubs such as heather (Erica multiflora) and mastic (Pistacia lentiscus).
In the coastal plains and wetlands, plant species adapted to saline soil conditions can be found, such as spartina (Spartina maritima) and sea rush (Juncus maritimus). These areas are important for the conservation of coastal habitats and the species that depend on them.
The coastal areas are characterized by the presence of pioneer vegetation, such as sandweed (Ammophila arenaria) and other sand-loving plants that establish themselves on the sand dunes. These plants are essential for the stability of the coastal dunes.
Furthermore, Majorca is home to a variety of endemic plants, i.e. species that are found only in that specific geographical area. Some examples include Majorcan orchid (Serapias nurrica), Majorcan astragalus (Astragalus balearicus), and Majorcan fern (Asplenium majoricum).
It should be emphasized that the flora of Mallorca is subject to various threats, such as urbanisation, intensive agriculture and the introduction of invasive species. Therefore, the conservation of natural habitats and endemic species is a major challenge to protect the island’s biodiversity.
Wildlife –
The fauna of Mallorca is characterized by a variety of interesting species, although its relatively small size and the presence of human settlements have influenced the biodiversity of the island. Among these we mention:
– Majorcan Goat (Myotragus balearicus): This species of wild goat was endemic to Majorca and became extinct around 3000 BC. It was relatively small in size and had short, sturdy legs. The remains of this species have been discovered in several caves on the island.
– Balearic lizard (Podarcis lilfordi): This lizard is endemic to the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca. It has a brown or olive-green coloration on its back and a dark stripe along the sides of its body. It is one of the most common reptile species on the island.
– Sea turtle (Caretta caretta): The waters around Mallorca are home to several species of sea turtles, including the common turtle. These turtles migrate across the Mediterranean Sea and can be seen along the coast of the island.
– Seabirds: Mallorca is an important nesting point for several species of seabirds. Some examples include the herring gull (Larus michahellis), the common shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), and the guillemot (Puffinus mauretanicus).
– Ghirlandaio (Natrix maura): This non-venomous snake is common in different parts of Mallorca. It has a dark coloration and can be found in aquatic habitats such as ponds, rivers and swamps.
– Common gecko (Tarentola mauritanica): This small nocturnal reptile is widely distributed in Majorca. It has the ability to adhere to vertical walls thanks to its suckers on its feet and is often seen in homes and gardens.
It is important to note that due to urbanization and human impact on the environment, some native species have come under significant pressure, however, there are also protected areas and ongoing conservation efforts to preserve the island’s biodiversity.
Environmental Protection Actions –
The island of Majorca is a place of great natural beauty and of great environmental importance. To protect and preserve the environment on the island, various environmental conservation actions have been taken. Below are some of the main actions taken:
Natural parks and reserves: Several protected areas have been created on the island of Mallorca to preserve the unique ecosystems and biodiversity. The Mondragó Natural Park, for example, is a nature reserve that includes beaches, forests, wetlands and a variety of plant and animal species.
Conservation of marine fauna: Marine protected areas have been established to protect marine habitats, such as posidonia oceanica meadows. These areas help preserve marine life, including fish, sea turtles and cetaceans.
Management of water resources: To address the scarcity of water on the island, measures have been taken for the sustainable management of water resources. These include using efficient irrigation techniques, recycling wastewater and promoting water-saving practices among residents and visitors.
Renewable energy: The island of Mallorca is promoting the use of renewable energy sources to reduce the environmental impact associated with energy production. This includes installing wind farms and using solar PV systems to generate clean electricity.
Sustainable tourism: Being an important tourist destination, the island of Mallorca is promoting sustainable tourism. This includes raising visitor awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, encouraging responsible tourism practices and promoting ecotourism.
Waste Management: Measures have been implemented to improve waste management on the island. This includes separate waste collection, recycling and implementing waste reduction programs. The goal is to reduce the environmental impact deriving from the production and management of waste.
Environmental Awareness: Environmental education and awareness programs have been developed to engage the local community, visitors and businesses on the importance of environmental conservation. These programs aim to promote sustainable behaviors and create greater awareness of the island’s fragile ecosystem.
These environmental safeguarding actions on the island of Mallorca are essential to protect its natural beauty, preserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. However, it is important to maintain an ongoing commitment to environmental protection and to monitor the impacts of human activities on the island to ensure its long-term conservation.
Guido Bissanti