Insiders Guide To Menorca



Posted: Monday, March 29, 2010

by Mark Bartley

Formerly occupied by the British, Menorca (also known as Minorca) is the second largest and northernmost of the Balearics with a population of less than 100,000. It's also the most peaceful and charming of the islands having been saved from ugly over development by limits imposed by Franco. Ironically his 'punishment' for not siding with the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War handed the island the valuable gift of preservation and saved the island from the kind of rash over-development seen in other parts of Spain.

With 216km of coastline, not only does Menorca have more beaches than the rest of the Balearic Islands put together (over a hundred in fact) but the many coastal coves and ravines allow for plenty of adventure and exploration. From crystal-clear waters in the coves of Cala d'Algaiarens to Menorca'a southern most beach Punta Prima, you can discover your own unique Menorca. The quality and sheer natural beauty of the island's protected coast is hard to match anywhere in the Mediterranean.

The favourite beaches lie between high cliffs at the eastern end of the south coast. Others further to the west and in the northeast with its more with a rugged and rocky coastline are also idyllic and well worth exploration. Inland, Minorca's beauty and eco-diversity (in 1993 UNESCO aiming to preserve environmental areas, such as the Parc Natural S'Albufera d'es Grau wetlands declared it a Biosphere Reserve) extends to wooded areas, deep gorges, salt marshes and lush green countryside. Meadows surrounded by white stone walls and old-fashioned wooden gates are alive with colourful wild flowers, olive groves and orchards.

Ancient historic towns, with narrow cobbled streets snooze in the sunshine and modestly reveal architectural delights from centuries of cultural diversity. Menorca after all has played host to a variety of guests over its long history – from Minoans and the Romans, to Moors and more recently the British and French. The island's two major ports Mahón and Ciutadella, each elegantly exhibiting their British colonial heritage, Moorish roots and modern Spanish identity, both deserve relaxed, unhurried exploration.

Active Menorca is another way of lookig at this island. Of course, there's far more to Menorca than its history, beauty and serenity. The island offers a host of top quality activities to keep you entertained. Golf Son Parc, ideal for beginners and experienced golfers alike, is a championship quality course and was designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas who has designed many of the world's top courses, including UK courses and San Roque on the Costa del Sol.

The new sport of kite surfing is becoming popular in different resortsr, horse riding with Menorca a Cavall, based at Santa Rita between Mercadal and Ferreries, as well as diving, snorkelling, boating and windsurfing. Luxury hotel or villa holidays in Menorca really do offer something for everyone. It's not surprising that once visited many people begin life long love affairs with this island that see them coming back year after year. You may too.

For a great island break then the choice of villas on Menorca offers a location for everyone and from April through to September the weather is certain to be lovely.
Mark Bartley is a well respected writer on consumer affairs and a customer champion. He has experience in several industries including travel, finance, retail and leisure. He seeks to provide useful information from an unbiased viewpoint and helps people understand complicated market areas and find the best deals or services available.
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