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At a Glance

Area Description

Menorca, also known as Minorca, is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea and belongs to Spain. Menorca takes its name from Minorica which means "minor island" - from being smaller than nearby island of Majorca. The island is the furthest east of the Balearics - only 48 km long and 20 km at its widest point, its highest point, called Monte Toro, is 358 m/1174 ft above sea level. Menorca is the most family-orientated, picturesque and tranquil for a villa holiday of all the Balearic Islands. The coastline is largely unspoilt with spectacular silver-sanded gently curving bays to rocky inlets with pine tree settings.

Menorca is lush, green and stunningly beautiful providing a quiet, relaxed holiday in a lovely, natural setting. There are no less than 100 beaches along its gorgeous coastline, perfect for young families providing uncluttered, white sandy beaches with hidden coves to explore and crystal clear azure waters not to mention absence of all-night bars and clubs. Nature lovers will love the island's pine-clad coves, limestone ravines and its wealth of wildlife which includes eagles, kestrels, kites and even wild tortoises. Sporty visitors will enjoy the nine-hole golf course, horse riding, hiking and, of course, a good range of water sports!

Minorca's location in the Mediterranean led to its dominance by various civilisations including the Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines and Moors. It came under British rule for nearly 200 years in the 17th and 18th centuries, hence the English, Georgian-style feel to the capital city of Mahon. Maó or Mahón is famous for its natural harbour - 5km long, over 1km at its widest point, and 15-30m deep proving the second largest natural harbour in the World, after Pearl Harbour. There is much to do at the port, watching the ships and yachts, admiring the views, enjoying the hospitality of the restaurants and sampling the local gin in the Xoriguer Gin Distillery. Worth seeing are the buildings of historic interest, including, the Arch de San Roque, the only surviving remains of the XIV century wall that circled the town, the Church of Santa Maria, in the Plaça Constiució, is 200 years old and is home to a great organ with over 3000 pipes and adjacent to this is the town hall, built in 1631 and restored in 1788, it has a clock tower which still houses the clock brought from England by the first British Governor in the XVIII century. Even the town’s market resides in a building which was originally a convent, built along with the neighbouring church in 1751.

Menorca has a truly Mediterranean climate, and averages 315 days of sunshine a year. The average summer high temperature is around 30º, although this often rises in the middle of August. Lingering British influence is seen in the Minorcans' taste for gin, which during the local festes the islanders mix with bitter lemon to make the popular Pomada. Also famous is Formatge de Maó, a cheese typical of the island.

The historic town of Ciutadella, on the west coast, has some lovely harbourside cafes, delightful narrow, winding streets and a 14th century cathedral which took more than 50 years to build. Worth seeing is the old town which is surrounded by the "Contramurada", the street which runs around the town and where originally the walls of the old city stood. It is a maze of narrow streets of Arabic and medieval origins. Possibly, the most characteristic images of Minorca are the TAULAS. Formed by two thick slabs of carved stone, one of them is embedded in the ground and supports the other one which rests horizontally on top. Two of the most well known Taulas on the island are found in the district of Ciutadella, "TORRE TRENCADA".

Resorts In Luxury in association with Ski In Luxury

Prestige Property Menorca Real Estate