Palm archipelago. The Palm Jumeirah is a Man-Made Miracle in Dubai

03.02.2021

To leave lines on the water requires insight.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

We were lucky enough to witness the implementation of a grandiose project of the 21st century, which can rightly be called the eighth wonder of the world. We are talking about a man-made archipelago of artificial islands in the United United Arab Emirates(UAE) under the general name "Palm Islands in Dubai" (Palm Islands in Dubai, or in short - The Palms). Surely, most of us have already heard about the construction of three islands in Persian Gulf- Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira. In addition to this "trilogy", in January 2008 another archipelago was completed off the coast of the Emirates called "The World", imitating the outlines of the continents of the planet Earth, but we will talk about it a little later.

So, the islands, or rather the peninsulas (since they are connected to the coastline) are made in the form of traditional Arab countries date palms (by the way, very revered in Islam). Each island is crowned with a crescent moon at the top. It performs the function of a breakwater and at the same time is a Muslim symbol. Also, the islands are surrounded by protective barrier reefs. At the Palm Jebel Ali, they are inscriptions in Arabic, namely, quotes from the poems of the ruler of Dubai, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum:

“In order to leave lines on the water, insight is needed; Great people set themselves great goals. Draw wisdom from the one who has it; Not everyone on a horse is a rider."

"Take wisdom from the wise, It takes a man of vision to write on water, Not everyone who rides a horse is a jockey, Great men rise to greater challenges."

It is he, the absolute monarch of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed, who is in charge of all this amazing construction. Actually, it is known that the economy of the UAE is based on oil. And 3% of all oil reserves of the emirates are located in Dubai. But the sheikhs of Maktoum did not want to put up with such a situation, realizing that the entire economy should not be based on oil alone. That is why they began to make Dubai the best tourist resort in the world. And even now we can say that they competently disposed of the money received from natural resources. It is expected that when all the currently planned islands of Dubai are built, this will add more than half a thousand additional kilometers of territory.

Palm Islands became the first major projects that conquered the world with their uniqueness - the state company Al Nakheel Properties, their construction cost $ 7 billion.

By the way, the Palm Islands is the second man-made structure on Earth (along with the Great Chinese wall), which can be seen from the moon with the naked eye. They have become a symbol not only of the city of Dubai, but of all the Arab Emirates. Especially after their picture was taken by Russian cosmonauts from the ISS station.

The Palm Jumeirah project was launched first in June 2001. Palm Jumeirah consists of a "trunk", from which 17 "branches" extend, forming a crown. The breakwater that protects the island from waves at sea has a length of 11 km. It took 7 million cubic meters to create it. m. sand. There will be 28 hotels on the crescent surrounding the island. The total area of the island is 25 sq. km.

In 2006, the main work on the construction and formation of the infrastructure of Palma was completed. Then the newly appeared islanders were able to see their possessions. Currently, work is in full swing on the construction of residential buildings and landscaping. After the completion of the first stage of construction on the Palm Jumeirah, about 1,400 villas have already been built, 11 in each of the “branches” and about 2,500 apartments located in 20 buildings located in the eastern part of the “trunk”. There are plans to build 32 hotels on Jumeirah. The main attraction and dream for tourists is the Atlantis complex, consisting of two pompous towers connected by a bridge. Palm Jumeirah can be proud of 78 km. magnificent beaches.

Most of the villas are currently sold out. Special demand for "marine" real estate is in the UK. Buying a home on Jumeirah is sought not only by celebrities, but also by wealthy inhabitants. Currently over 500 villas are occupied.

The problem of delivering tourists and islanders to Palma is practically solved. It is planned to carry out movement on ultra-modern airships of the Skyship 600 model, as well as launch a 5.5 km long monorail. The latter will start functioning already in April 2009 and will connect the city with the palm island, and tests of the monorail in real operating conditions will begin in October this year.

Monorail cars from Japan will run on the line. The system is fully automatic, however, the driver will be constantly present in the cab. It is planned to transport up to 2.4 thousand passengers per hour in one direction in 4 separate trains, each of which consists of 3 cars. At the same time, the monorail will be integrated with the Dubai Metro.

Palm Jumeirah is the smallest in comparison with sisters - Jebel Ali and Deira.

Following Jumeirah, in October 2002, the Palm Jebel Ali project was launched. Jebel Ali is larger than Jumeirah by about 40-50% and has a more exotic shape. While the sale of real estate on this island is sluggish - supply exceeds demand. Most likely, this is due to the fact that before the completion of all construction work, you need to wait several years, and rich people do not want to rest at a construction site. It is possible that the main bet in Jebel Ali will have to be made on tourism, and not on private housing.

More than 1,000 bungalows will be erected on the "second palm" of the waterfront, supported by Polynesian-style pilings. It is planned to build more than 2,000 villas of different layouts. To attract wealthy investors, even the creation of houses on individual projects is proposed. It is predicted that the so-called "palm" of Jebel Ali by 2020 will accommodate about 1.7 million inhabitants. The infrastructure is currently under construction. Residential complexes will be built last. At 30.000 sq. m. it is planned to rebuild a complex of buildings made of glass and concrete, which in shape will resemble the sails of yachts. 4 will be placed on the crescent surrounding Palm Jebel Ali theme parks entertainment - SeaWorld, Aquatica, Busch Gardens and Discovery Cove.

Here it is planned to build the first marine aquarium in the region, where they will demonstrate water attractions world-class, where you can see dolphins, killer whales and other inhabitants of the underwater world. The Sea Village will become one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Middle East.

The Palm Jebel Ali is approximately 22 kilometers and 17 minutes by boat from the Palm Jumeirah. It is assumed that a separate road junction will lead to the island, through which it will be possible to get to Palma directly from Shaikh Zayed Road. This is the main street connecting shopping center Dubai and the capital Abu Dhabi - it has 5 lanes in each direction and stretches for 55 km.

The first 27 km were built between 1993 and 1998. Shaikh Zayed Road is the most important highway in Dubai. It connects with such highways as Al Ain Road (Al Ain Highway), Hatta Road (Hata Highway), Emirates Road (Emirates Circuit Highway), and others. To facilitate the flow of cars - and it reaches 200,000 cars daily - 13 junctions have been created on this central street.

The construction of the Palm Deira started in October 2004. Deira is planned to be eight times the size of the Palm Jumeirah and five times the size of the Palm Jebel Ali. This project is the largest and longest-term one. After its completion, the “third palm” will become the largest man-made island in the history of mankind, which will serve as a habitat for 1 million people. The work is planned to be fully completed by 2015, however, due to the large volumes and costs, most likely, the significant date will again be postponed for several years.

Deira is an exotic palm tree with a wide, massive "trunk" and 41 branches. The anthropogenic structure is crowned with a crescent - a breakwater. Due to the size of the object, its construction was divided into several stages. Deira island will be located between Dubai Creek and Al Hamria Port. Palm Deira is designed to revive the old district of the same name in Dubai.

"The World" (The World)

And, finally, the last to date, the island project of the Arab sheikhs called The World. Its construction was completed on January 10, 2008. These are 300 man-made islands, each of which is a mini-copy of one of the countries. Together they form a geographical map of the world, which can be seen from a bird's eye view. The complex is located a few kilometers from the coast, between the Palm Islands. The archipelago does not just repeat the shape and outlines of the continents - each of the islands corresponds to the national color and traditions of the country it symbolizes. Thus, the Mir complex will indeed become a miniature copy of the globe. An improved copy, because the idea of creating the most comfortable living conditions here will be brought to perfection. Comfortable villas, developed infrastructure, serene landscapes around, parks and lakes. All islands are up for sale. The offer is really tempting: to live in personal Cuba or in Africa. Therefore, the excitement around The World does not subside.

The idea to build a "copy of the globe" belongs to the ruler of Dubai, one of the most influential and richest people in the world, already mentioned at the beginning of our story, Sheikh Mohammed. Officially, the construction is carried out by the same Nakheel company, but in reality, foreign contractors hired by the Dubai government are more involved in the construction of the islands. The materials for the islands are local. The sand for the islands was taken from the Persian Gulf, the rock mass was also mined in the UAE.

The World archipelago is located 4 kilometers from the coast of Dubai. Communication between the islands of the "Mir" and the continent is supposed to be only by water and air. Recall that the Palms will be connected to the coastline of the metropolis through bridges. However, this difficulty does not particularly worry the newly-minted owners of the islands, the rich man, who allowed himself to buy a plot of "water paradise" for 20-40 million dollars, is quite capable of buying a yacht, or even a helicopter. Delivery of tourists to the islands is planned to be carried out on the latest models of airships, as well as pleasure ships (ferries).

At present, for the most part, the large islands are sold out, for example, "Australia", "New Zealand", "Ireland". There were also buyers for Finlandia and Brunei, which investors plan to turn into capitals of luxury and fashion. "Greenland" was ranked among his possessions by Sheikh Maktoum, who built a luxurious villa surrounded by tropical gardens on its territory.

The Nakheel Company retained the right to dispose of the 20 islands located in " North America» Archipelago Mir. This resort was called "Coral Islands". Here it is planned to build magnificent hotels, parking for yachts, as well as picturesque villages.

The other side of luxury

Unlike the builders and masterminds behind the sculpting of the islands, environmentalists do not experience great joy from such serious changes taking place in the waters of the Persian Gulf. Concerns have been repeatedly expressed about the negative impact of artificial islands on the flora and fauna of the coastal zone. Skeptics say that the islands can upset the natural balance, and increased use of the Persian Gulf bay will lead to its pollution. It should be noted that the government of Dubai listens to the remarks of the “greens”, since it is itself interested in the development of the tourism industry. In particular, artificial reefs are arranged around the islands, on which favorable conditions are created for the living of marine life. Desalination and water purification stations will be installed on the central islands of The World archipelago. It is planned to use environmentally friendly energy sources.

The next snag faced by the authors of The World project is stagnant water in the bays of the archipelago. It is difficult to deal with this, because. the complex of islands is framed by a 26-kilometer breakwater 4 meters high, which, undoubtedly, makes it safe, but interferes with the renewal of water.

There are a number of other concerns that torment potential buyers - in particular, the reliability and durability of artificial islands. A number of experts believe that as a result of climate change on Earth and an increase in the water level in the World Ocean, in half a century, anthropogenic land areas will be plunged into the abyss. Supporters of the project refute these statements, "reassuring" investors that their holdings will remain afloat for at least 800 years.

The construction of The World archipelago, however, as well as its sister Palms: Jumeirah, Deira and Jebel Ali, caused a flurry of emotions in the world community. A number of critics call Dubai's projects pompous and overly ambitious, especially against the backdrop of a looming food crisis and the catastrophic plight of developing countries. However, the Emirates, whose standard of living is one of the highest in the world, do not stop these statements at all, but rather, on the contrary, encourage them to implement more and more extravagant projects.

Construction of the Palm Jumeirah

The idea of creating this unusual structure appeared back in the 90s, when the free space on the coastal strip of the emirate suitable for construction ended. The project was designed to increase the territory for the further development of the tourism industry: beaches, hotels, villas, entertainment centers.

The construction of this architectural wonder began in 2001 at the initiative of the monarch of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed. The name of the island (Palm Jumeirah) is translated as "Palm Crown". The characteristic shape was chosen not only in honor of the symbol of the emirate, but also based on careful calculations. With a relatively small size in diameter - 5.5 kilometers - the trunk has 17 branches with a total coastline of 56 kilometers. This is 9 times more than if the creators had conceived the island as round.

The builders used 94 million cubic meters of sand and 5.5 million cubic meters of stone. From this amount of material, it would be possible to build a wall 2.5 meters high, which would encircle the Earth along the equator. The entire structure is supported by its own weight - there is no concrete or steel fortifications. However, the years of existence have proven the viability of such a "natural" project.

Panorama from the hotel Atlantis

Attractions and entertainment

Some of the most striking sights of the island are: the Aquaventure water park - the best in Europe and the Middle East, the Dolphin Bay dolphinarium, the Lost Chambers marine aquarium, as well as the Atlantis, The Palm hotel itself, on the territory of which entertainment mentioned.

lovers water sports It is worth visiting the local kitesurfing beach. Al Mamzar and Jumeirah Beach are a beach and park area where it is good to relax both alone and with a couple or family. There are many leisure options for tourists to choose from: SPA and fitness, boat trips, hotel entertainment, helicopter tours, nightclubs, museums, diving courses, and so on.

A monorail with small trailers runs along the trunk of Palma, allowing you to make a trip of 4 stops. You can also travel around the island by taxi.

Tourists

Thanks to changes in the legislation of the emirate, everyone can purchase real estate on the Palm Jumeirah with full and unconditional ownership. But the prices here are very high.

You can visit the Aquaventure water park on any day of the week, but the duration of its operation varies depending on the season. Usually this is the period from 10 am to sunset. For children under 2 years old and everyone who lives in the Atlantis hotel, admission is free. Other visitors will have to pay from 200 to 250 dirhams for one day of stay. A one-day ticket that allows you to visit both the water park and The Lost Chambers aquarium will cost 240-300 dirhams, depending on age.

In the Dolphin Bay dolphinarium, you can participate in interactive programs with dolphins and sea lions: swimming, photography, games, tricks. The cost of such entertainment varies from 116 to 385 dollars. All rides listed have the same opening hours. All questions can be asked to the hotel manager by phone +9714 426 2000 at any time of the day or use the official website of the hotel for this.

To get to the Palm Jumeirah, you can take a taxi. road from international airport Dubai takes approximately 30 minutes. public transport– travel in the direction of Jabel Ali to the station at the Mall of the Emirates. From here you will have to take a taxi. You can also take part in an excursion that includes a transfer.

Every traveler coming to the United Arab Emirates should definitely visit this beautiful island. His visit leaves many unforgettable impressions.

Island problems

Near the Palm Jumeirah complex is not at all what it is from afar. From a bird's eye view, Palma looks luxurious. And everything on Earth is very dull and lifeless. And also due to the fact that the water in the channels stagnates, there is a vile smell in the air, as if something is decomposing. Therefore, buying a villa on the leaves of the Palm Jumeirah is not the most profitable investment of several million dollars.

If they create new wonders of the world these days, then it is done in Dubai. To see one of them, you will have to go to Jumeirah, one of the prestigious areas and go down to the bay.
palm islands called the archipelago, consisting of three artificially created islands. For them, the form of trees revered in these places - date palms was chosen. Each got its own name - Palm Jumeirah (Palm Jumeirah) built first, Palm Jebel Ali (Palm Jebel Ali), the largest Palm Deira (Palm Deira). The unusual picture is complemented by small islands. The constituents of "Universe" and "World" are smaller archipelagos of simple form.
It's hard to believe, but it took only 10 to 15 years for the construction company Nakheel to realize this masterpiece of engineering. No country in the world has yet managed to create something similar. Initially, the project seemed beautiful, but at the same time fantastic and not suitable for implementation in the material. But the creators managed to think through the whole course of action and from the very beginning of the work did not deviate from the plan. The speed with which the work proceeded surprised even people who were far from construction.
The project relied on the results of a survey of this part of the Persian Gulf, a relatively shallow and wide strip of the continental shelf. To create a solid and reliable "foundation", a huge amount of stone and sand had to be lowered to the seabed.
To protect the constructed islands from strong storms, they had to be surrounded by a strip of barrier reefs. Even here, the authors did not simplify their task by giving the reefs around the second palm tree the shape of Arabic letters. The blue waves of the bay glide over the lines of the poetry of Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai. And the islands that rose from the water became proof of what he wrote about - sincere faith in a dream and wisdom can create an unimaginable miracle.
It is impossible to say how many years work will be carried out on Palm Islands- there are many more improvements or additions in the project. But this does not detract from the merits of what has already been created, and real estate on bulk archipelagos is in demand among the elite and celebrities.
After the completion of all work in Dubai, a separate piece of paradise will appear. Everything in it is designed for the comfort of wealthy guests and residents - numerous entertainment complexes, sandy beaches and green parks, golf courses, luxury hotels, and nightclubs.

Palm Jumeirah

It won't be long before Palm Jumeirah is recognized as a modern wonder of the world - what can be compared with this small artificial archipelago, which really looks like a stylized image of a palm tree. It is the smallest of the three palm islands and is the project of Nakheel, a well-known construction company.
Only five years passed between the laying of the islands and the beginning of their development. About 520 km stretches coastline, and the total area is equal to eight hundred football fields. You can get to the mainland by connecting them with a 300m long bridge. A three-lane (both-way) road tunnel running underwater leads from the shore to the crescent-shaped protective structures.
Among the resorts of the emirate Palm Jumeirah is the most popular.
Now there are more than twenty operating hotels and entire complexes, arranged with real oriental luxury. For those who prefer a measured rest near a calm warm sea this is the ideal option.No less interesting are the islands for divers - artificial reefs at different depths, old planes brought and flooded and many other original ideas will make diving unforgettable.
The palm tree is divided into three parts. On the central part, which plays the role of the "Trunk", there are parks, several restaurants and large shopping centers. There, among the greenery, there are residential complexes where wealthy connoisseurs of comfort and beautiful views are offered many apartments of any size - from modest one-room to luxurious, with four or more rooms in 20 multi-storey buildings.Of them opens beautiful view to the Persian Gulf, to the banks of the canal dividing the "Trunk" into two parts. The palm tree has a "crown" in the form of symmetrical "branches" spread out into the sea. There are seventeen of them, each with villas, different in area and design, arguing with each other in luxury and richness of decoration and furnishings. There are almost fifteen hundred of them.

The "Crescent" has its own purpose - it was created to protect the rest of the archipelago that surrounds it. The "Crescent" area is given over to hotels. Here are the most famous hotel chains. Surprisingly, the resulting mixture of architectural styles does not seem annoying or out of place. The Venetian style is adjacent to the building in Japanese, then you can see the Brazilian or strict European classics.
Main transport connection with Dubai - high-speed monorail train.

Palm Jebel Ali

No matter how magnificent the Palm Jumeirah is, the second island Palm Jebel Ali there is a chance to surpass it in originality. For the man-made island, the site was chosen closer to the harbor of Jebel Ali, the most extensive in the world.
The construction of the island began a year later - in 2002. The work took five years, and the construction itself was launched only in 2009. It is known about plans to build an island city nearby larger area- Dubai Waterfort.
The construction is still far from being completed - too big plans take time to be implemented. In addition to business centers, part of the island will be given over to villas and bungalows. And the spit, protecting the island from the sea, is intended for amusement parks. Busch Gardens is set to become the most modern amusement park in the emirate, attracting children and adults alike. In addition to it, there is also Discovery Cove Aquatica and Sea World. The piers are no less originally designed - a giant killer whale, etc. For the entertainment of tourists, a real sea village is being built, where, in addition to a huge aquarium, water super-attractions are installed.
Unfortunately, the decline in oil prices is reflected in the financing and timing of construction. Perhaps part of the project will be postponed until a more prosperous period.

Palm Deira

The construction of the third Palm was the third stage in the creation of an artificial archipelago and began in 2004. Quite a lot is known about the project - Palm Deira should surpass the other two islands in size (by 5 and 8 times) and become the largest of all the islands created by man. It will have enough space for a million people. Initially, the date of completion of construction was called 2015. But the scale of the work, their complexity and high cost, combined with the decline in the world economic level, do not allow meeting the deadline.
The Deira Palm has 41 "branches" on a solid, wide trunk. There were many difficulties in the construction of the obligatory half-moon breakwater. It was planned that the island-palm will revive and decorate the old area, next to which it is being built.

The World - a whole world in miniature

Arab sheikhs have long been famous for their love of luxury and grandiose projects. And oil revenues make it possible to translate the most crazy and fantastic ideas into reality in a short time. So appeared "The World"- a small artificial archipelago of 300 islets. Each of them is a tiny copy of some country. When viewed from above, the outlines of the islands merge into a huge map of the world.

By January 2008, all island countries were ready. The creators did not limit themselves to giving the islands the exact shape of the selected countries and continents. The design and atmosphere of the islands were reproduced in a characteristic national style in compliance with the main traditions.
A lot of work was invested in creating a comfortable environment for the residents and guests of Mir. They tried to bring every little thing to the limits of possible perfection. We succeeded - luxurious elegant villas and mansions against the backdrop of charmingly serene landscapes with lakes and quiet parks seem like a piece of fairyland. Such an island can be purchased for personal use. But for the opportunity to settle in your own warm country, you need to pay a very substantial amount. Although there are plenty of people who want to.
Therefore, the idea of Sheikh Mohamed, the ruler of the emirate, can be called successful and profitable. As well as the choice of the developer company - Nakheel. Several foreign contractors were allowed to work. Most of materials for the islands received in the Emirates.
The distance from the archipelago to the coast is only 4 km, but the construction of a bridge or a tunnel, as in the Palms, is not planned - only air and water transport. The owners of " paradise islands"There is always the opportunity to replenish your transport fleet with a helicopter or another yacht. Several pleasure ferries and, in the future, airships will be involved for tourists.
So far, not all the islands have found wealthy owners - except for Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, Greenland (Sheikh Maktum), Brunei, and Finland have been sold. Two last islands should over time eclipse the European centers of luxury and fashion.
Twenty islands in the "North American" part of the archipelago are left to the Nakhee. They are to become a resort under beautiful name"Coral Islands". In addition to parking lots for small and big yachts and luxury hotels there is a place for beautiful villages and other components paradise for tourists.
The reaction to anthropogenic archipelagos can be different - environmentalists fear the impact on the bay and even the climate of the coast. Many believe that such projects are poorly compatible with the period of economic crises. But it is impossible not to admire this wonderful creation of engineering and architectural thought that arose over several decades.

Many have heard on TV about the construction of three islands in the Persian Gulf. In 2008 the architects created the fourth island. Now let's learn more about each of them. All peninsulas (connected to the coast) are shaped like palm trees, which are considered the national trees in the United Arab Emirates. On each of the palms, a crescent moon is visible from above. It has several meanings. Firstly, the crescent is a symbol of all Muslims, and secondly, on the peninsulas they play the role of breakwaters. Barrier reefs have also been created for 100% protection. Surprisingly, the reefs repeat Arabic inscriptions - quotes from works written by the ruler of Dubai.

The ruler of Dubai, Mohammed, personally supervises all stages of construction. How did it all start? Everyone knows that the entire economy of the UAE is based on oil production. But the sheikhs were not satisfied with this alignment. Therefore, Dubai began to turn into the most best resort in the world. If you look at the whole situation from the outside, it is clearly seen that finances are not spent in vain. Dubai is currently considered one of the most fashionable tourist places all over the earth.

Palm islands have conquered the world with their uniqueness. This is the only project of its kind in the world, on which more than $7 million has been spent. Interesting fact is that the Palm Islands are in second place after Chinese wall visible in space.

Jumeirah Island

The very first was the Palm Jumeirah (2001). It is a trunk with a top of 17 branches. Crescent - breakwater has a length of 11 km. It is planned to build 28 hotels on it. The project has been implemented for five years. The main buildings were built and the infrastructure was formed. To date, the construction of residential buildings and landscaping of the Island is underway. 1,400 mansions and 2,500 apartments have already been commissioned in the first phase. There are plans to build 32 hotels. by the most popular place on Jumeirah was the Atlantis complex. It consists of two huge towers, between which a bridge is laid. The length of the beaches is 78 kilometers. The construction of villas and mansions has not yet been completed, but most of them have already been sold out. The island is very popular among residents of the UK. Jumeirah can be called an elite place. Many celebrities consider it a huge success to buy property here. Immediately after the buildings were settled in the first stage, the problem arose of delivering residents to their homes. But today it was successfully solved by moving people on a special airship and along a monorail. Despite its size, this palm tree was the smallest of the four.

Jebel Ali Island

The project began to be implemented a year after Jumeirah Island. Jebel Ali is 50 percent larger than her sister and has an unusual shape. There are no real estate sales yet, as it will take quite a long time to wait. Therefore, they plan to focus on recreation and tourism here. A large number of houses and villas for tourists are planned to be built on Jebel Ali. Also in the project is the creation of houses for individual orders. According to forecasts, 1.7 million people will be able to live simultaneously on the Island in 2020. Now infrastructure is being built first. Residential buildings will be built last. It is planned to build four recreation parks on the crescent. In one of them, a marine aquarium will be erected, where it will be possible to watch whales, dolphins and other inhabitants of the sea. Jebel Ali is located 20 kilometers from Jumeirah. You can get there by boat. The designers want to build a road line between the Islands, which will connect not only the Islands, but also the Dubai shopping center.

Deira Island

In 2004, construction began on the Palm of Deira. This project plans to build the largest man-made Island in the world. He is many times larger than the size of his older sisters. The designers calculated that by the end of construction, a million people could live on the Island. Deira consists of a rather thick trunk and 41 branches. The top is also bordered by a breakwater - a crescent. Due to the large scale, the construction was divided into several stages.

Mir Island

On the currently this is the last project. It was completed in 2008. Why Mir? The project consists of 300 islands, repeating the outlines of different world countries. Together they form a whole world map. You can see it, of course, only with high altitude. Mir is located near Palms. Each Island embodies the traditions of the country it depicts. So this complex is a small copy of the world. There is all the infrastructure necessary for a person, villas and houses have been built. Flowers are blooming and trees are growing all around. "Mir" is a corner of paradise on Earth. The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed, conceived to build such a large-scale project. Officially, the construction is carried out by a Dubai company, but in fact, foreign construction companies run everything. The only way to get to the Islands is by air and water. But that's not such a problem. After all, if a person can afford to buy a house for 20 million, then it is quite possible that he will buy himself either a yacht or a helicopter. Tourists will also be able to visit the Islands on a high-tech airship of the latest design.

Cons of the Palm Islands

Unlike the creators, biologists do not share the enthusiasm for such large buildings in the bay. There are fears that the construction will negatively affect the flora and fauna. The Dubai government listens to the opinions of scientists and tries to create favorable living conditions for aquatic life.

Do you remember the ad for a chocolate bar: a girl with a beautiful figure is basking near a palm tree against the backdrop of a turquoise sea and drinking coconut milk?.. Today we will talk about a place where you can not only feel paradisaic delight but also test the real feelings.

Palma - the "true" island

A small piece of land in the middle of the ocean, created as a result of the eruption of an underwater volcano, today is buried in green gardens of indescribable beauty. Palma has become famous for its special atmosphere, which is often noted by those who have been there. And if other Canary Islands attract tourists active species sports and relaxation on the impeccable shores, then Palma has its own magic.

Being surrounded by "living" inanimate nature, a person returns to his essence, remembers the soul. Perhaps that is why there are such conflicting reviews about Palma: it attracts some, it repels others, forever.

Have you already felt the power of attraction? Then welcome to the island of Palma! It occupies only 708 square kilometers, so we have no doubt that you will want to explore it all. And we anticipate the first question upon arrival.

Where to rent a car?

It can be rented directly at the airport, so do not rush to leave it. To do this, you need to have a driver's (international) license, a voucher and credit card. The list of required documents does not end there, so we advise you to take care of the full package of documents in advance and book a car in advance. By the way, if you are under 21, the company may not give the car back. In some regions, the critical age reaches 23 years.

Rent a car to get more out of Palma!

And finally, a couple of reminders about the rules of the road, which are highly recommended on the island of Palma:

Everyone must be allowed to pass at the pedestrian crossing. In this place, it is not customary for pedestrians to fear for the carelessness of the driver. In addition to people, goats, cats, dogs and rabbits can jump out onto the road. Be careful, especially at night!
overtaking cars on the right is not accepted;
want to overtake a car while in the leftmost lane? Turn on the left turn signal - they will understand you and give in;
if you want to slow down, first put your hand to the left or turn on the left turn signal. So you warn about the stop following you. On a mountain road with poor visibility before turning - horn;
yellow markings prohibit parking a car;
a fine for exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h will be €100;
driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to imprisonment;
and lastly, representatives of the traffic police do not take bribes

Housing on about. Palm

Now let's talk about housing. What do you want: villa, hacienda, cottage or apartment?

Fazenda keeps a long history within its walls. Sometimes she is two hundred years old. A cozy rural house with gardens, a swimming pool and everything you need will plunge you into complete peace and give you an unforgettable experience. Weekly rent will cost at least €300-400. The price may include cleaning, transfer to the airport, yacht rental and much more.

Apartments on the island Palma is promised a no less comfortable stay, but directly in the resort town, where, in addition to the pool and terrace, you can see the beach and bars-restaurants not far away. The cost is from €300.

Spacious villas will cost you €1000 per week. And for lovers of relaxation with an agricultural “tinge”, cottages are suitable: cozy small houses with a plot of land, a garden or a kitchen garden. You will have to pay €350 or more for them.

Separately, I want to talk about one unique hotel for adults. Have you ever wanted to spend a couple of unforgettable days in the museum? The Hacienda de Abajo hotel offers to walk past the relics and feel like an exhibit in some sense. The history of the estate begins in the 16th century, but it was opened only in 2012 after a thorough restoration. This is probably why the price tag is quite acceptable: from €92 per night. The hotel is located in a quiet historical center resort town Tazacorte, surrounded by banana plantations and with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Beaches

There, in Tazacorte, there is forever sunny Beach on which gloomy clouds do not cast shadows even in winter. And at night along the coast, dozens of fishermen in boats wait for their catch. The light of the lamps, reflected in the dark water, and the male singing are mesmerizing! The table below shows a few more notable beaches.

Puerto Naos beach on Palma island

Be sure to swim in the natural pools of Charco azul in San Andres on the island of Palma (Spain)

Despite the small area of the island and our rather lyrical introduction, there is something for everyone here. But the priority, of course, are excursions. Here is just a short list of places to go and things to see...

Attractions

The main attraction of the island is its nature. And amazingly clean air. Since 2002, Palma has been recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve. About 35 percent of its area is covered with pine and laurel forests.

The Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Extensive forests and mountains make the island ideal for hiking.

"Colored" waterfall in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

Together with ferns, dragon trees and other species (and there are more than twenty of them), they form a "dome" that shelters the ancient north of the island. These are the "last of the Mohicans" forests, endangered representatives that for many years covered the south of Europe. Especially for lovers of romance and solitude, trails are laid here, along which you can walk, “wrapped up” in fog and feeling the breath of wildlife.

A couple of steps from the central part of the city of Los Llanos, there is a good Botanical Garden. Not far from it is the Maroparque zoo with exotic birds and animals: pompous peacocks, finicky toucans, slender herons, etc. sit in the aviaries.

Los Llanos de Aridane The largest city on the island. Here you can take some spectacular photos against the backdrop of bright facades.

Las Manchas has an original mosaic square of the Four Stones. Here, a small but beautiful fountain, numerous gazebos and benches, as well as a stage for performances are buried in greenery. It is convenient that the house-museum of wine was attached very close. Here you can taste and even buy the vaunted Canarian wines.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital of the island. The city is notable for the facades of houses in the colonial style.

Be sure to visit the cactus garden on the way to El Paso. There are more than seven hundred exotic species there.

For museum lovers:

in the cigar museum you will get acquainted with the stages of making high-quality cigars, which are quite comparable in quality to Cuban ones;
in the silk museum you will see the process of production of silk products. When leaving, do not forget to buy something for yourself or as a souvenir;
There is also the only banana museum in the world on Palma, where you will be told in detail about the impact of a banana on the society and economy of the island. The fact is that this product is the most cultivated and exported

There are many scattered throughout the island. viewing platforms(free!), from where absolutely fantastic landscapes open up for every taste: the coast and cities, amazing sunsets and the vast ocean.

A well-known fact, which we have no right not to mention, is an astronomical observatory that studies the entire northern hemisphere of the planet. If you decide to visit this delightful place, be sure to register in advance and bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes. The observatory is located on the high point islands: 2400 meters above sea level.

A couple of facts that were not included in the article:

Tenerife - for now the only island in the Canary Islands, with which there is air international communication. Therefore, you will have to get to Palma "the old fashioned way", with transfers.
There is practically no crime in this place, life is measured and calm.
In addition to the forests on the Palm, you can admire the extensive heather fields.
Since scientists are monitoring our Universe around the clock, special lighting has been installed on the roads, which does not interfere with astrophysicists' work.
There are some geographical names, which includes the word "Palm". Do not confuse them, so as not to be instead canary island Palma on, for example, Palma de Mallorca, which is on about. Majorca.
The average air temperature during the year is approximately 22-24 °C.
The palm tree is able to provide itself with vegetables and fruits. And the potato crop is harvested here four times a year.
There are not many places for tourists on the island - not a few: only seven thousand. So hurry up! ;)
Palma is known for producing delicious honey.

Leisure

In this regard, the opportunities on the island are no less than the number of attractions. Surprised? It seems, what else can you do in a place surrounded by azure warm water, under the gentle sun? Here's what:

diving or spearfishing. If you have already mastered scuba diving, it's time to get down to business smarter. True, there are many conditions for spearfishing to take place. First, not every fish can be caught. Secondly, not on every day and, thirdly, not in any place you like. In addition, prey cannot be sold, and there must be a license to fish. If these restrictions have discouraged you from hunting underwater, well, you can just go fishing. Catching a rich catch - no matter where you are: in a boat or under water - is always a pleasure. Or even easier: just go to boat trip. It's not bad too;
climbing or paragliding. And for this, and for another type of entertainment, there is everything you need here. By the way, the island of Palma is considered one of the most ideal places for free flights;
organize a real marathon or explore the route on foot, visiting ancient caves. You can use a mountain bike

Pay attention to the possibility of a tour of the acropark, which is located very close to the Refugio del Pilar. suspension bridges, cables and nets will dilute a relaxing holiday with vivid impressions.

Gastronomy

It's delicious everywhere. A little unusual - the influence of many national cultures: Spanish, European, Latin American, African and not only. The basis of the dishes is still fresh seafood of excellent quality and impeccable taste. Add to this excellent home-made wine, amazing desserts and, as they say, "impossible to resist"! Prices in restaurants range from €10-15, with wine the amount increases to €50. By the way, dinner on Palma starts late and can drag on until midnight.

Green and red mojo are traditional hot and spicy Canarian sauces.

P.S.

Here it is, the island of Palma, to which today we deservedly give the palm (no pun intended) among other islands of the Canary archipelago. See you in Palma? ;)