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Legend tells that the winds of Menorca modify the personality of people. Maybe that is the reason why those who came here once as tourists mostly return ... Menorca certainly has a very strong personality, and a very different one to the rest of the islands. Menorca , the "minor" island, as it was called by Romans, has an almost virginal interior (compared for instance to the "major" island, Mallorca ) and shows interesting remains of its old history. On the other hand, there are beaches and lonely bays around it at a length of 216 kilometers. An ideal resort for all those who are looking for true relaxation.

Minorca has a land area of 702 square kilometres and a coastline of 216 kilometres. The maximum distance between two points is 47 kilometres, that is, between Ciutadella and Maó. The coast of Sant Lluís , at the eastern end of the island, is the first spot in Spain where the sun rises.

Geologically the island is divided into two symmetrical but very different halves. The North, has an uneven and rugged coastline with sparse vegetation and numerous islets and reddish and dark sandy beaches. The South is made up of calcareous rock, is flat and has smooth cliffs, gullies sculpted by water and coves of white sand surrounded by pines. The highest elevation of the island is Monte Toro at 357 metres.

Menorca Weather

In summer , the average is 24ºC and in winter, 11ºC. The climate can be classified as "mild" and the cool north wind, known as the tramuntana, characterizes the Minorcan landscape.

The average annual rainfall varies from one place to another on the island and is between 450 mm. in the south eastern region and 650 mm. in the interior and the north eastern end. The rainfall distribution throughout the months of the year is also very irregular.

Thus, as in a normal rainfall pattern, the maximum seasonal rainfall is in autumn and very little falls in the summer period.

Menorca Facts

Menorca , with a population of 62,000, is a bright and radiant island bathed by the magnificent Mediterranean sun, which reflects the dazzling whiteness of the whitewashed houses.

The green countryside, the blue sea and sky, and the white of the buildings are the three main colours that go to form the island of Menorca .

A visit to the island is like arriving at a promised land, where everything is simple and nice, as are its inhabitants. Strange as it may seem, Menorca is basically an unknown island in terms of modern tourism. Its rocky and ever-changing coastline is made up of magnificent beaches and coves, some of which are being developed, and others which are secluded and quiet, where man has yet to read.

Thanks to the shape of the island, which is only 47 km long and between 10 and 19 wide, it has a coastline of some 200 km. As a result, the entire island is really all coast. The sea is a constant factor in the life of Menorca , and its numerous coves and natural harbours are ideal for the practice of all kinds of water sports. Menorca presents a fairly level landscape, its highest point being Mount Toro , on the top of which stands the shrine of the island's patron saint. The views from here are quite breathtaking.

The shortest distance from the mainland by sea is via Barcelona , although there is also a ferry service from Palma . In addition, there are regular flights between Barcelona and Mah architecture are a combination of typical island and English characteristics, seen mainly in the streets, where we find houses without balconies, and around the port area, where the houses have sash windows. On the north side of the port stands the San Antonio Estate ("Golden Farm"), which, according to legend, was the residence of Admiral Nelson and Lady Hamilton during their stay on the island. Mahnta Mar of San Bou and Cala's Porter.

Mercada (3,000 inhabitants) Lying inland and not far from Mount Toro, the highest point on the island. Nine kilometers away is Es Migjorn, with the beach of Sant Tomas , and at a distance of 10 km we find the beautiful Arenal den Castell beach.

Ferreries (3,076 inhabitants) Located in the centre of the island it has picturesque red and white houses.

Cala Sant Galdana This cove, not far from Ferreries, offers the most beautiful scenery with rocks and hundred-year-old pine trees.

Ciutadella (19,311 inhabitants) A very traditional small town with an interesting cathedral. Nearby is the naveta (prehistoric tomb) of Els Tudons, the largest and best-preseved of its kind. There are also the excellent beaches of Cala Santandria, Alga inhabitants)

A typical fishing village, surrounded by pine groves, with a large natural port. It is a popular summer holiday resort.

Punta Prima Has an excellent beach with fine sands.

Several words that are unique to the Menorqui language derive from English. Grevi is gravy, bifi is beef and plumqueque is presumably the cake the British rulers had for afternoon tea

The British influence also lingers on in the bow and sash windows of some of the elegant Georgian houses in Mahon .

Mahon is the birthplace of mayonnaise. The word was invented by the amorous French Duke of Richelieu , who used it as an aphrodisiac. Mahonesa translates as 'a girl from Mahon '.

To the Greeks, Menorca was Meloussa, meaning Island of Cattle , to the Phoenicians it was Nura, or Island of Fire . Its present name - meaning 'little one' as opposed to Majorca , the 'big one' - dates from Roman times.

Some people maintain that Golden Farm to the north of Mahon is where Nelson hid out with his lady love Emma Hamilton. Others believe he spent his time here alone, writing "Sketches of My Life".

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