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Despite
being well-known, Menorca doesn't suffer the excesses 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.
Quietest
of the three main Balearic Islands, Menorca has no large resorts,
and accommodation is more self catering apartments and villas,
rather than hotels. Much of these are around the beautiful beaches
and gentle countryside at Cala Galdana, Santa Tomas, Son Bou and
Cala'n Porter, all in the south. Those venturing to the Fornells
area in the north will find the more rugged side to Menorca.
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 Mahón (Maó) that take
about forty-five minutes, and also flights between Mahón
and Palma. The latter now has a new and modern airport that is
specially designed for handling heavy air traffic, both from mainland
Spain and abroad.
Mahón
(Maó)
The capital
of Menorca, with its population of about 22,000, has a picturesque
appearance that distinguishes it from all the other towns and
villages. Its layout and 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. Mahón has all
the attractions of a modern city, and all along its promenade
one can find many of the old, typical fishemen's taverns.
The port,
which stretches some 20 km along the coast, and has a width of
almost 5 km, is the most sheltered and imposing on the entire
Mediterranean. This is the location of the island of El Rey, on
which stand the ruins of the old British Naval Hospital. Some
of the other important constructions to be found are the Church
of Santa María la Mayor, which has an enormous organ; the
Churches of San Francisco and El Carmen; and Mercadal House, which
today serves as a museum. Two kilometres outside Mahón
is the prehistoric settlement of Trepucó, which has impressive
talayots and taulas. And close-by are several beaches and coves
including Cala Mesquida and Cala Fons, the latter being near to
Villacarlos.
Villacarlos
(4,637 inhabitants)
Lying at
the entrance to the port of Mahón its architecture and
appearance show a clearly British influence.
Sant Lluis
(2,200 inhabitants)
An inland
village, founded by the French in the 18C during their shortlived
period of domination.
Cala Alcaufar
A fine
urban development with a lovely beach.
Alaior
(6,007 inhabitants)
Famous
for the manufacture of men's footwear. Close-by are the popular
beaches 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,
Algañares, Cala Blanca and Cala Blanes.
Fornells
(150 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.
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