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Italian Cada pasajero viaja en barco por algún motivo concreto, unos lo hacen por placer, otros por visitar a su familia, por trabajo, y también hay quién lo hace para aprender. Como los 54 alumnos de primero de la E.S.O. del Instituto de Enseñanza Secundaria “Gabriel Císcar” de Oliva (València), que hace unos días se embarcaron en el fast ferry Ramon Llull para participar en el programa educativo que ofrece la Fundació Baleària, “Xpedicionària: un dia a Formentera”. Esta propuesta didáctica, que tiene como objetivo la sensibilización y educación ambiental, permite que cada año más de 500 alumnos de centros educativos de Catalunya y Comunitat Valenciana se embarquen en los ferries de la naviera para realizar actividades de concienciación y preservación del mar. Este año, el proyecto ha presentado una nueva propuesta para descubrir la pitiusa menor a través de los servicios de conexión directa entre Dénia con la isla balear. Un programa intenso, que se concentra en un día, pero que pretende, a través de una metodología totalmente práctica, motivar a los estudiantes a implicarse de una forma más activa en la conservación del medio ambiente. “Se trata de una propuesta de excursión intensa que permite conocer un territorio único por sus características medioambientales y que gracias al viaje en barco, desde Dénia lo tenemos a tiro de piedra”, declara Víctor, uno de los responsables del programa. RUMBO A LA PITIUSA MENOR A las ocho de la mañana se citaban, alumnos y profesores, en las instalaciones de Baleària Port de Dénia. En el muelle, el Ramon Llull ya lucía amarrado, listo para ser embarcado por los pasajeros de su primer trayecto del día, el de las 9.30 horas. Justo a tiempo, el jefe de cabina del Llull, Alfonso Monfort, ordenaba el embarque de pasajeros y el grupo de estudiantes se distribuía en la primera cubierta del fast ferry, con el murmullo de chavalería que todos hemos vivido y que provoca un día de excursión. Estaban contentos, nerviosos y un poco impacientes. Es normal, para ellos era su viaje de fin de curso, y poder estar un día por Formentera para descubrir su flora y fauna y tomar el primer baño del año, era motivo suficiente de celebración. [caption id="attachment_2352" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] 
Los estudiantes, camino de embarcar en el 'Ramon Llull'.[/caption] ¡BIENVENIDOS A FORMENTERA! Entre idas y venidas de la terraza cubierta, pasaban los alumnos olivenses una travesía que finalizaba a las 11.30 horas de la mañana, cuando el capitán Pepe Borruel atracaba el buque en el puerto de Formentera. Juntos, como un banco de peces en el Mediterráneo, los estudiantes desembarcaban y ponían pies en tierra firme. Allí les esperaba Marga Serra, guía del programa educativo y la encargada de llevarles durante toda la jornada expedicionaria por la pitiusa menor. Tras una breve bienvenida, se montaban en un autobús rumbo a Can Marroig, el centro de interpretación del Parque Natural de Ses Salines de Ibiza y Formentera. Una vez allí, “a través de actividades interactivas, se mostró a los niños participantes cómo funcionaba la Salinera y las especies protegidas que habitan en la isla. El principal objetivo es que conozcan las especies endémicas, únicas de este ecosistema, ya que no existen en otras partes del mundo”, afirma Serra, que además es bióloga marina y lleva 12 años como educadora ambiental. Tras descubrir las curiosidades de las distintas especies, como la posidonia oceánica, visitaban la playa de Ses Illetes, para conocer la importancia ecológica de su sistema dunar y aprovechar el paisaje para comer y darse un chapuzón entre sus aguas cristalinas, cita obligada cuando se visita la isla. [caption id="attachment_2349" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] 
Marga Serra da la bienvenida a los alumnos en el Puerto de la Sabina de Formentera.[/caption] LA MOLA Y SANT FRANCESC Por la tarde vendrían las visitas a las otras postales paisajísticas características de Formentera, el Far de la Mola y su mirador, para contemplar una de las mejores panorámicas del Mediterráneo. Después, visitaban el pueblo de Sant Francesc para dar un paseo por sus casas blancas estilo mediterráneo. Con el atardecer, concluía la jornada, y los jóvenes exploradores se embarcaban de nuevo en el ‘Llull’ de regreso a casa. “Ha sido una experiencia muy enriquecedora, pues los niños, con su vivencia personal, han reconocido especies del ecosistema que habíamos estudiado en clase, como la ‘sargantana’, típica de las Baleares”, comentaba Amparo Gadea, profesora de Biología. Pese a haber estado todo el día, y desde primera hora en ruta, todavía les quedaban fuerzas para comentar durante el trayecto todo lo vivido durante el día. “Lo que más me ha gustado ha sido poder nadar en la playa de Ses Salines, ha sido muy divertido”, afirma una alumna de primero B. Ya se sabe que los niños tienen una energía inagotable. [caption id="attachment_2351" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] 
El pueblo de Sant Francesc, en Formentera.[/caption]
Guías de viajes
Morocco's Mediterranean side
This region is perfect for exploring cities with centuries of history and switching off amid natural landscapes and unspoilt beaches. From Tangier to Nador, here are ten places in northern Morocco to discover by motorhome. Only a few kilometres separate Spain from Morocco; in less than an hour by ferry from southern mainland Spain, an entire country opens up that is best discovered slowly. The Rif massif dominates this Amazigh region and has shaped a landscape of small, remarkable roads that cross valleys and hug the coastline. 1: The gateway to Morocco Tangier This city is a gateway not only to Morocco but to the African continent. Located at a strategic point on the Strait of Gibraltar, it has Phoenician and Roman roots. The streets of the medina reveal both the Arab past and present, while this architecture mingles with 20th-century buildings dating from the period when Tangier was under international administration. Spanish influence can also be seen, for example in the Cervantes Theatre. Tangier's ceramics reflect the colour of the sea 2: Views over the Strait Cape Spartel Cape Spartel, ten kilometres from Tangier, offers one of the finest views over the Strait. This is where the Atlantic gives way to the Mediterranean. The lighthouse here was one of the first in the country and has been operating since 1864. It stands within a nature reserve that fills up at weekends with Tangier residents looking to escape the city for a family day out. Nearby are also the Caves of Hercules and the Atlantic beaches of Sidi Kacem and Achakkar where surfing and other water sports can be enjoyed. 3: The Atlantic coast Assilah The narrow white streets of Assilah have become an open-air museum. Murals bring colour to the medina of this small Atlantic town. From the old-city walls you can see the ocean and the town's sandy beaches. It is the perfect place to stop and enjoy some fish. Assilah's medina is recognised by UNESCO as historic heritage 4: The blue city Chefchaouen Morocco's blue pearl wins over travellers with its maze of lanes on the side of a mountain. The old town is a seemingly endless network of irregular streets lined with small shops selling souvenirs, clothes, food and spices. It is one of the best places to stay overnight and also a great base for enjoying the many walking trails in the region. 5: Switch off in nature Talassemtane National Park This natural park of almost 60,000 hectares is one of the treasures of the Rif Mountains. One of the best places to base yourself is the small village of Akchour, from where several routes set out into this mountainous area on foot or by bike. You can also see Atlas cedar forests and the waterfall named after the village. Streams and natural pools abound in Talassemtane 6: The White Dove Tetouan Back on the Mediterranean, Tetouan is an essential stop. Its buildings are white, while in the medina this colour mixes with the green of many doorways. The old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tetouan is also known as “the daughter of Granada” because of its Hispano-Moorish architecture. A few kilometres away lies Martil beach, the closest coastal area to the city and a good place to spend the night. 7: Sea and mountains Al Hoceima National Park Following the coastal road from Oued Laou towards Al Hoceima brings you to this national park, a vast landscape of nature and mountains that descend towards the Mediterranean. Between the cliffs and rocky stretches are small hidden beaches and coves such as Taoussarte and Taydiwine. Ospreys can also be seen hunting over these waters. 8: Mediterranean beaches Oued Laou Set between the mountains, the beach and small fishing village of Oued Laou are among the best places to stop, unwind and take a break from the journey. The road from Tetouan is one of the most beautiful in northern Morocco, following the coastline past cliffs and small rocky coves. Several campsites, shops and restaurants can be found near the village. Green is associated with Paradise in Islam 9: The city on the cliff Al Hoceima This Rif city lies on the coast, surrounded by beaches and home to one of the most important ports in northern Morocco. It stands on an impressive cliff. Between 1994 and 2004, two major earthquakes struck the area, causing more than 500 deaths. It was also one of the centres of resistance to Spanish colonisation. Today, it is one of the most popular places for locals and travellers to spend their summer holidays and enjoy the calm Mediterranean waters. 10: The eastern coast Nador Nador is the final stop and the most important city on Morocco's eastern coast, only a few kilometres from Melilla. The city overlooks the Mar Chica, a saltwater lagoon connected to the sea. Following the road east, you come to the well-known Red Beach, a rocky beach, and the long Ras El-Ma beach, with several kilometres of sand. Close to the Algerian border lies the resort town of Saïdia, where you will find numerous large hotels and restaurants.
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Guías de viajes
Mallorca on foot and on two wheels
Mallorca's mild climate and good transport connections have led many walkers and, above all, cyclists to choose the island for their favourite sport. Here are ten routes to get your legs moving, either on foot or without leaving the saddle. With 1,600 km of secondary roads and 468 km of signposted routes, Mallorca offers the perfect infrastructure for cycle tourism. Its diverse landscape —coastal, urban, rural and mountainous— also makes it ideal for exploring on foot. The experience is even better when the island is quieter, between October and May. 1: Contrasting landscapes along the old railway line The Manacor–Artà greenway This is not a circular route, so you will need to plan the return journey. At just under 30 kilometres, it is relatively easy and lets you enjoy a variety of landscapes without getting off the bike, following the old railway line. Starting east of Manacor, by the time you reach Artà you will have passed through tunnels and old stations and seen rural Mallorca, mountains, Mediterranean woodland and, in the distance, the coastline of s'Illot and Cala Millor. An easier alternative runs from Son Carrió to Son Servera. 2: Culture and the Serra de Tramuntana Valldemossa, Deià and Sóller The Valldemossa Charterhouse, where Chopin stayed, and Sóller's architectural heritage, particularly its Modernist buildings, make these two Serra villages well worth visiting. This road-bike route is for experienced cyclists. From Valldemossa, head to the Monastery of Miramar, founded by Ramon Llull, and Son Marroig, associated with Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria. Following the coast, you will reach Deià before descending to Sóller's Orange Valley. The route covers 36 km. 3: Mallorca's highest point, Lluc and the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs Puig Major from Sóller Another demanding route for experienced cyclists, but one that belongs in this top ten because it climbs the island's highest peak. From Sóller, climb to the Monnàber tunnel, around 900 metres long. Roughly 2 km farther on is the military base, where permission must be requested to access Puig Major. From its 1,445-metre summit, you can enjoy some of the island's finest views. Afterwards, descend towards the Lluc Sanctuary, another essential stop, passing the Cúber and Gorg Blau reservoirs. From Coll de Sa Batalla, return to Sóller along the MA-10. Walking among ancient stones 4: Beaches and natural parks by bike From Cala Egos to Es Trenc This non-circular road-bike route covers around 60 km. It takes in the coast of Santanyí and Campos and some of Mallorca's finest beaches. Starting in Cala Egos, head to Portopetro via Camí des Barranc, passing along the northern edge of Mondragó Natural Park. Continue alongside the torrent d'en Reieta to Santanyí, then cross this attractive town and ride on to Es Llombards, Ses Salines and Colònia de Sant Jordi. There you can leave the bike and, if the weather allows, walk for a while and take a dip in Es Trenc-Salobrar Natural Park or, at the other end, Es Carbó. All are spectacular beaches. 5: Great views of the Serra and the coast Planícia from Esporles This 30 km mountain-bike route is of moderate difficulty. Starting in Esporles, one of the Serra's prettiest villages, head towards Mirador de Mar along the old path that once linked the village with Port de Calonge. The views are spectacular. Return towards the MA-10 to descend towards Banyalbufar, but turn off first towards Planícia. Depending on your energy and available time, you can explore one of the three routes within this public estate. On the return journey, stop at the Es Verger viewpoint before continuing to another beautiful village, Banyalbufar, and from there back to Esporles. 6: Phoenician necropolis beside the beach Son Real The walk through the public estate of Son Real, in the municipality of Santa Margalida, is especially suitable for families. It is only around 2 km long, with no significant climbs or descents, and includes plenty to interest children. There are four possible routes, but the essential one leads to the impressive Punta des Fenicis necropolis, with burials dating from the Iron Age through to Roman times. And while you are there, you can enjoy a swim at the beach next to it. Sea and mountains in Sóller 7: Family walking and cycling S'Albufera S'Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park, in the north of the island, is ideal for families. There are four routes that can be completed on foot or by bike: Sa Roca, Es Colombars, Es Cibollars and Es Camí d'Enmig-Ses Puntes. The longest, around three hours, is the last of these, but all of them offer the chance to enjoy the park's rich wildlife, particularly its birdlife. 8: One of Mallorca's most photographed horizons Torrent de Pareis There are several routes, some even suitable only for mountaineers, leading to the spectacular mouth of this torrent, one of Mallorca's most photogenic beaches. The classic route is the descent through the gorge from s'Entreforc, where the Gorg Blau reservoir flows out: it takes around 6 hours, covers 5 km and requires experience or a good guide. The easiest family-friendly option is the path beginning at Sa Calobra beach. 9: Ramon Llull's place of contemplation Cura Sanctuary If Ramon Llull chose this as a place for spiritual retreat, there must have been a reason. Our suggested route starts in the village of Randa before climbing to Cura Sanctuary, where the Mallorcan philosopher withdrew in the 13th century and founded his school. Along the way, as well as enjoying impressive views, you will visit the Sant Honorat hermitage and Nostra Senyora de Gràcia Sanctuary. On the final section, along Camí de Bon Pastor, you can see some galleries that were used as ammunition stores during the Spanish Civil War. The only real difficulty is the access to Puig de Son Reus. 10: Refuge for Trappist monks during the French Revolution La Trapa Several paths lead to La Trapa, a monastery founded in 1810 by French Trappist monks who, twenty years after the storming of the Bastille, decided to flee the country. Abandoned only a few years later, the estate was acquired in 1980 by the environmental group GOB to prevent development. The most popular route to La Trapa begins at s'Arracó cemetery. Another route from Sant Elm follows the coastline. A third goes via Coll de Sa Gramola and is a good choice when the rocks are wet. All of them provide exceptional views of the Sa Dragonera islet. Horses accompany cycle tourists
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