Menorca
Of all the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the least commercial and gimmicky, and it has done the best job of preserving the striking natural beauty for which the archipelago is known.
Life on Menorca is a stark contrast to the wild party scene that dominates Ibiza and the shopping mania that consumes Majorca. Though it caters well for the burgeoning tourist industry, the ‘jewel of the Balearics’ has retained much of its virgin landscape and traditional Spanish heritage and is more suited to a laid back, nature-loving crowd or family groups than the young and restless party lovers that flock to neighbouring islands.
Menorca’s fabulous coastline has a greater number of beaches than Ibiza, Majorca and Formentera put together, and while it is justifiably known as an island of beautiful beaches, this is far from all it has to offer.
In addition to its spectacular coast, Menorca encompasses some of the most important environmental areas in the Balearic region. The north coast is a wild, pine-permeated region of largely untouched landscape, indented by several exquisite and isolated coves. The S’Albufera wetlands reserve is among the richest ecosystems on the island; it is made up of a series of dunes, marshes, lagoons and pine groves, and harbours scores of seabirds, migratory birds, flora and fauna.
Menorca’s historical legacy is complex and compelling, and there are countless archaeological sites and cultural attractions scattered throughout its towns, coastal regions and rural areas, ranging from prehistoric settlements and burial constructions to magnificent examples of medieval architecture and comprehensive, fascinating museums.
Menorca’s prime location in the Mediterranean has made it coveted territory for thousands of years. The island’s early history was turbulent, with power being wrested back and forth between several civilisations. Each occupying force left a legacy behind, resulting in the complex cultural tapestry that characterises Menorca today. Menorca is known as one of the best diving spots in the Mediterranean, with a plethora of excellent dive sites incorporating wrecks, coral gardens, thriving marine life and underwater caves featuring sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. In 1983, Menorca was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, effectively protecting 40 per cent of the island’s surface area from development, including its most significant natural areas and its abundant archaeological sites.
