The jewel of the Mediterranean
Enjoying one of the best preserved and unique natural environments in the Mediterranean, Menorca has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The island is a natural paradise of spectacular ravines, underwater and land caves, where wild birds, animals and plants may be observed in their natural habitat.
Along its 216 km of coastline, the beaches are Menorca’s main attraction. From unspoilt sandy coves and isolated rocky inlets with sparkling water, to busier beaches, with a range of popular activities, there are locations to suit all tastes. The coast also offers an amazing diversity of water sports; canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and cruising, as well as diving and cave exploration in crystal clear waters.
The towns of the island are peaceful places in which to wander, discovering as you go, local craft shops, open-air markets and popular restaurants, combining traditional recipes with haute cuisine. Menorca’s cuisine is centred on fresh fish and seafood, as well as top quality locally grown produce. Distinctive Menorcan handicrafts can be found in specialist shops, as well as at open air markets organised in most towns. The island’s craftsmen mainly create, pottery, basketry, jewellery and leather, such as the famous and now very fashionable abarcas shoes.
Culturally, the island offers a huge range of high quality jazz concerts, classical music events, opera and theatre. Each town has its own fiesta throughout the Summer season.
In addition Menorca boasts an enormous variety of nightclubs and discos, mostly concentrated in Mahón and Ciutadella. The Cova d’en Xoroi is located inside a spectacular natural cave, with unparalleled views out to sea.
The majestic fortress at La Mola in Mahon harbour was built when the port needed protection from enemy fleets. Across the harbour entrance from La Mola, can be seen the remains of San Felipe Castle with its underground tunnels. Well worth visiting is Sant Nicolau and Menorca’s Cathedral in Ciutadella, as well as Santa Maria church and the town hall in Mahón.
Menorca has more calas than all the other Balearic islands together. All types of marine services are available in Mahón, Ciutadella and Fornells. Boats can be chartered and smaller craft are available in most tourist resorts. Excursions to remote beaches and diving tuition are also readily available. For keen golfers, Menorca has an 18 hole course at Son Parc and is also perfect for cyclists, with short distances between points of interest in natural landscapes.
One of the great attractions of Menorca is, without doubt, its unspoilt sandy beaches and coves and isolated rocky inlets. The gem all these share is clear sparkling water. The south coast offers abundant pine groves, white sand and calm turquoise waters. The northern beaches are quite different as a result of greater erosion. The sand is thicker and darker and there is less vegetation.