Minorca
Holidaymakers' paradise in the Mediterranean
Categories: Minorca Balearic Islands Spain
Menorca is translated from Catalan as "The Little One". But in contrast to its big sister Mallorca, new hotel buildings were prohibited early on in favor of nature. Today, almost half of the northernmost Balearic island is under nature protection. The nature park S' Albufera Es Grau has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1993. The north of the island is rocky, rugged and rugged. The gentle south offers long sandy beaches and picturesque bays, which are used for tourism. 
© pkazmierczak / Fotolia
Menorca stretches for 50 kilometers from the Bajoli headland to Cape La Mola. Island capital is Maó. The pleasant climate contributes to the fact that the island has developed into a year-round popular tourist destination. The hotels are mostly tranquil and the hosts are friendly and helpful. About 700 Germans live permanently on Menorca.
The island is forested and green. Stone walls line the fields, which are intensively used for agriculture and cattle breeding. Mahón cheese is produced in the whitewashed farmhouses of Menorca.
The traditional hard cheese made from raw cow's milk is available in different degrees of maturity. Many cheese dairies are located in Alaior. On Menorca the cuisine is hearty, but simpler than on the neighboring island of Mallorca. In addition to olive oil, cream and butter are also used for cooking. For the first time the island was settled by humans 6,000 before Christ. Even today, prehistoric monuments on Menorca are considered stone witnesses. A stroll through the old town of Ciutadella is fantastic. But first and foremost is the bathing pleasure with excellent water quality.
Offside located bays are sometimes only reachable on longer ways. Nobody is bothered by bathers without a cover. Deep sea fishing, surfing, diving and snorkeling are among the most popular activities on Menorca. However, golfers on the whole island have only one course at their disposal. Tennis players have more luck with many offers. Cyclists often struggle with strong winds. There are hardly any signposted hiking trails. Often the paths lead over private grounds, which is allowed during the vacation season. On the 197 kilometers long circular hiking trail Cami de Cavalls you can experience Menorca.
Among the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the least populated. Most inhabitants live in the cities of Maó and Ciutadella. The official language is Catalan. English, French and Moors also influenced the language because they stayed on the island for a long time. Communication in English is usually no problem. In Spain the sun rises first at the eastern end of Menorca. In spring, poppies, gladioli, margarites and hyacinths cover the landscape. Holm oak and pine forests alternate with wild olive trees. The highest elevation, 357 meters, is located in the center of the island and is called El Toro. 
© pkazmierczak / Fotolia
Herons, ducks, ibises, storks and flamingos feel comfortable in the wetlands. In the capital of Menorca, churches, museums, cafés and stores invite you to stay. The natural harbor of Maó is the second largest of its kind in the world, which can be discovered daily during a catamaran trip. The departure point at the Moll de Llevant is not far from the tourist information. In the port of the capital there are ferry connections to Palma, Valencia and Barcelona. There is a connection to Alcúdia on Mallorca from Ciutadella. Five kilometers southwest of Maó is the Aeroporto de Menorca.
