Menorca

Menorca, Spain

Beat the crowds in Menorca (or Minorca), the smallest and most tranquil of the Baleriac islands. The stunning coves and white sand beaches are matched with idyllic countryside and historic ruins. This island's charm attracts visitors year round.

Population:

91,100

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 Cents

Emergency Numbers:

Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Police: 112
National Police: 091
Local police: 092

Opening Hours:

Most shops and businesses open from Mon-Sat 9am-1:30pm and 4:30pm-8pm, while some of them close down on Saturday afternoons as well.

Newspapers:

Roqueta
Menorca - Diario Insular

The City

Menorca, the most eastern isle of Spain’s Balearic Islands, is only 48 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide but it still manages to pack in over 100 beaches along its coastline – more than Ibiza and Mallorca combined. Consequently, unfurling a towel and soaking up the rays are the most prevalent thoughts of the thousands of holidaymakers who touch down at Mahón Airport during the six-month season. And indeed, Menorca is a perfect place to go snorkelling and to discover hidden caves. You can also get spectacular views of the stunning coastline, and the island's marvellous nature by either hiking on Monte Toro, its highest peak, or by a going on a horseback excursion. The reward of any activity is always a breathtaking view, and on a clear day, you can even see all the way to Mallorca.

However, Menorca has a lot more to offer than just sandy beaches, amazing landscapes and its beautiful coastline. Take a stroll to the historic cities to see the architectural heritage of the British occupation or the medieval era: to Fort Marlborough with its gloomy tunnels, to La Mola or to Cathedral Ciudadella, a beautiful church with lovely stonework and stained glass windows. On top of that, you can sample one of the best legacies of the British ruling: locally distilled gin.

Do & See

Many visitors immediately head east through the flower-freckled meadow land of the interior to the resorts of Cala en Forcat, Cala en Bosch and Cala Galdana. However, step off the beaten track and you will be rewarded - Mahón (or Maó), an interesting capital with a turbulent history, saw many sea conflicts as the Spanish, British and French grappled for control of this strategically important naval base. The influences of all three cultures, as well as the native Baleriac one, can be seen here today.

Beach Life

Beach-goers are spoilt for choice in Menorca. Some are only accessible by private road where a small toll is often charged during the summer months.

Dining

The island’s signature dish is (unsurprisingly) seafood – caldereta de llagosta, or lobster stew, to be precise. Anyway, you can also expect pork with apples or plums, and dozens of variations of oliaigues, or garlic soup, but you should not be tempted by a Minorcan breakfast, unless you are of a robust constitution, as you will then order some great neat gin!