Menorca

Menorca

• About Menorca

  Menorca is one of the jewels of the Balearic Islands, renowned for its rich green landscape and pristine beaches. It's a perfect family holiday destination offering a relaxed, environment. Situated between Spain on the edge of Europe and the North African coast Menorca is famous for its spectacular climate, a good choice of affordable accommodation and lively nightlife. This beautiful holiday island, which has a substantial coastline of some 200 km, also includes an array of beautiful villages and towns and some impressive historical sights.

• The Balearic Islands

  The other main island attractions of the group are Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. All the Balearic Island are popular for their bars, hotels and beaches as well as unspoilt villages and historical sights. Dusty ruins and untamed countryside during the day give way to fun pubs and clubs in the evening.

• Geography

  Menorca, sometimes known as Minorca, takes its name from being smaller than nearby island Majorca. At 47 km long and up to 19km wide it is five times smaller and considerably less developed than the better known Majorca. Menorca is divided into the Tramuntana to the north with its rugged coastline of dark sandy beaches, and the southern Migjorn, an area of green pastures, white sand beaches and romantic coves. Due to its rare wetlands and dune systems the entire island has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Did You Know?

  With over 100 beaches Menorca has more stretches of sand than any other Balearic island.

• Accommodation

  There is a wide range of accommodation from quality hotels to budget including plenty of self-catering apartments and campsites.

• Travel

  Flights are numerous to Menorca from major European and Spanish cities, including Palma in Majorca, Barcelona and Madrid. Maó Airport is just 5km from the city centre.

  Ciutadella in western Menorca is accessible by sea from Barcelona and Mallorca's Alcudia and Cala Ratjada. Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia are accessible from the port of Maó. The main interior road links Maó to Ciutadella and there is a wide network of rural roads that lead to the coast and to the island's various prehistoric monuments. There is a bus system linking major towns and the airport to the city. Car and scooters are available for hire.

• Sports

  There are plenty of opportunities for sports on Menorca. Why not go horse-riding on one of the many bridlepaths? Sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, canoeing, cycling, walking are some other options. Divers are spoilt for choice with various wreck sites and underwater caves to explore. If you have a head for heights there are various schools of flying and paragliding. In Son Parc on the northern coast there is also an 18-hole golf course.

• Recommended Beaches

  Son Bou

  Longest beach on the island. The 3km stretch of quiet waters lies in front of a popular resort.

  Arenall d'en Castell

  Large crescent shaped beach with fine sand popular with families.

  Cala Binisafuller

  Popular beaches set between Punta Prima and Cap d'En Font.

  Cala Galdana

  Pine-lined bay with a white sand beach which is gently shelved making it ideal for families with young children. Very relaxed with many pretty coastal walks nearby.

  Cala'n Porter

  A horseshoe shaped beach with major facilities at the oldest resort in Menorca.

  Els Canutells

  Located at the eastern part of the bay. A perfect golden beach.

  Binibèquer

  Nice beach near quiet resort.

  Cala Mesquida

  This lovely and unspoiled cove north of Mahon is a local favourite.

  Punta Priman

  The most southerly and most popular of Menorca's beaches. Offers some breathtaking views.

• Attractions

  Catalan Gothic Cathedral

  Fortress like Cathedral in the Catalan Gothic style of the 14th Century also retains the old minaret of an earlier mosque. The cathedral features some detailed architecture and an exterior featuring a large collection of gargoyles.

  S'Albufera des Grau

  This nature reserve stretches 8.5km along the coast from Cap de Favàritz northwards and includes dunes, wetlands and ruins. You can learn about the various ecosystems at the exhibition centre.

  Ciutadella

  Moorish old town containing many beautiful civil and religious buildings, many built in the 17th Century. The town hall is the former palace of the Arab governor. Ciudadella de Menorca has been declared a National Monument by the Spanish State.

  Fornells

  Stylish harbour town on the north coast. The most upmarket place on the island with plenty of good restaurants and a nice marina.

  Es Freginal Park

  Situated in the city centre of Maó, a green park with flower displays, beautiful lawns and a stage for cultural events.

  Cales Coves

  West of Maó the area includes prehistoric caves that were used as burial chambers during the Talayotic period.

  Mahon

  One of the great ancient ports of the world, the capital of Menorca is filled with buildings from period of British rule. Impressive old buildings in the town include the Church of Santa Maria, famous for its monumental Baroque organ.

  Villacarlos

  Charming village with British colonial architecture and some beautiful bays. Nearby is the Albufera des Grau, a natural park with lake which is a haven for bird life.

  Mercadal

  Nestling at the foot of Monte Toro, which at 357 metres is the highest mountain of the island, is Mercadal. Attractions include its Byzantium church, various prehistoric sites and some wonderful beaches.

• Key Facts

  • Full Name - Menorca, one of the Balearic Islands
  • Population - 82,000
  • Time Zone - GMT 1
  • Languages %u2013 Spanish, English widely spoken
  • Currency - Euro