Menorca is, without a doubt, the best destination to regain your sense of union with nature and relax. The island is a real picture postcard with turquoise waters, charming villages, tradition, exquisite cuisine, and a love of nature and the environment. So much so, that it has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Exuberant nature in the North of the island
In northern Menorca, you’ll find unspoilt beaches that provide an unexpected contrast with the southern part of the island and that will, almost certainly, ensure that you add it to your list of the most surprising places you’ve ever visited. The reddish earth contrasts with the blue-green of the sea and shows you the beauty of nature in its purest state.
Menorca has a geological history stretching back over 400 million years, and it’s in the North of the island where we can best appreciate this; it’s where we find the most ancient natural structures. The Tramuntana winds have moulded the rocks to such a degree that you may even believe you’re on the moon. Cala Pregonda, Cala Presili, Algaiarens, Na Macaret, Cala en Blanes, Sa Mesquida, Platja d’enTortuga… the list of beaches to discover is never-ending.
Paradise in the south
Following the beach route, sheltered from the wind, paradise on earth awaits you in the southern part of the island. Fine sands, clear tranquil waters where you can clearly see the seabed, and verdant pine woods welcome you to the Balearic Mediterranean. Ideal surroundings to have a relaxing swim with the family, take a walk, or simply commune with nature and relax. Macarella and Macarelleta, Cala en Turqueta, Binibèquer Nou, Es Talaier, Son Bou, Trebalúger, Cala Galdana or Binigaus, will surprise you with their serene beauty.
Much more than beaches
It’s true that the island’s beaches are an important attraction, but Menorca has much more to offer visitors: culture, gastronomy, folklore, the Biosphere Reserve, cycle routes……
A major attraction is the historic fiestas that take place in Sant Joan de Ciutadella, which the Menorcan people spend all year preparing and that the islanders really look forward to, as well as being a great attraction for visitors from all over the world. It all starts with the “Dia des Be”, the Sunday before the most important days which are the 23rd and 24th of June. Horses, jockeys, and Menorcan folklore are the main attractions. These represent the main tiers of traditional Menorcan society: the “caixer senyor” (the nobility), “el caixer capellà” (the church), “el caixer casat” and the “caixer fadrí” (the artisans) and the “caixers pagesos” (the farmers).
The popular celebrations continue on the island until September when the Fiestas de la Mare de Deu de Gràcia de Maó mark the end of the festival season.
When you visit the island, you’ll see that the party continues with the delicious local cuisine, definitely worth celebrating: “coca bamba”, the cured meats, artisan bread, Mahon cheese, or the famous lobster stew, along with the local gin will recharge your batteries, ready to keep exploring. Alaior, Ciutadella, Es Castell, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, Ferreries, Fornells, Llucmaçanes, or Maó are just a few towns well worth a visit. You should also take a trip to visit the fantastic lighthouses, or the island’s Talayotic archaeological remains, or maybe do some stargazing, as this area is considered a Starlight Reserve by UNESCO. Menorca has so much to see, it’s no wonder it’s a number 1 destination for visitors.
