Menorca (Spain) has been an ultra-trendy destination for a number of years, mainly because of the wide variety of excursions on offer on the island. This little piece of paradise is in the Balearic archipelago, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, only a few hours by plane from the main European capitals. Menorca is a destination for culture and nature lovers. It is therefore not surprising that Menorca is a fashionable destination.
The range of excursions in Minorca is endless.
Travelling to Minorca is not just a holiday, it is an unforgettable experience. For example, it is a paradise for travellers who like walking, combining nature and discovering secret beaches. But what do you really know about this island? Where to go to Menorca? What to discover?
The island of Minorca is the second island of the Balearic archipelago.
Its surface area of 702 km2 is 5 times smaller than that of Majorca which has 3500 km2. Ibiza is slightly smaller with 572 km2. As for Formentera, it is tiny: 83 km2. Menorca is 53 km long, with a maximum width of 19 km and a minimum width of 8 km.
Reasons to go on excursions in Menorca
66% of the surface of the island of Menorca is protected.
It is undeniable that Menorca is the most unspoilt island of the Balearic archipelago. The revealing fact is that its urbanised surface area is only 5.7%.
- Menorca has around 75 beaches and coves.
These are beautiful coves and beaches of fine sand, often at the foot of cliffs. Some of them are urbanised but most of them are unspoilt and easily accessible. Some coves, almost secret, require a 30 to 45 minute walk.
Many coves with crystal clear, turquoise waters are in the rankings of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the Mediterranean: Cavalleria in the North, Turqueta, Macarella, Mitjana and Talaier in the South.
- Menorca has 7 lighthouses.
They are now all automatic. Unfortunately we cannot visit any of them. Go on excursions in Menorca: bring your picnic and watch the sunset. My favourites are the lighthouses of Cavalleria, Favaritx and Punta Nati.
- 63 kilometres separate Menorca from Mallorca.
When the weather is clear you can see the neighbouring island of Mallorca. Take a trip to the lighthouse of Cap d'Artrux, the closest point between the two islands. You can reach Mallorca by ferry from the port of Ciutadella via several daily connections. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- El Toro, at 358 m high, is the highlight of Menorca.
It is not a very high mountain, but the place is magical. It can be easily reached by car and from there you have a 360° view of Menorca, it is simply spectacular. The excursion to the mountain of El Toro is a must on your holiday in Menorca.
- GR 223 or Camí de Cavalls.
Its name means horse trail. It is the hiking route around the island of Menorca. Its origin is ancestral, it was created to defend and control the arrival of enemy ships. Today it is a magnificent hiking route with slight slopes that crosses rich and varied landscapes. In particular, you will pass many beautiful coves.
- 216 km is the number of kilometres of coastline that Menorca has.
100 kilometres to the north and 85 kilometres to the south. There are many options available to you to discover it (in addition to its coves, calas in Menorcan): hiking, kayaking, boat trips, diving or even paddle surfing.
- Menorca has 96.000 inhabitants.
Menorca is the most peaceful island of the Balearic Islands. Don't hesitate to stroll through the narrow streets of the old town of Ciutadella or Mahón.
Biosphere Reserve
The whole island of Menorca has had this status since 1993. It is awarded by UNESCO. This means that man lives in a natural environment, in a responsible way, knowing how to conserve its cultural, landscape and historical heritage.
In addition to being a biosphere reserve, Menorca also has the Albufera del Grao natural park (a marine reserve), numerous prehistoric monuments and is recognised as a Starlight destination.
- Menorca has 1502 registered prehistoric monuments.
That means 2 prehistoric monuments per km2. It has the highest density of prehistoric monuments in the world, the Naveta des Tudons, the Talayotic settlements of Torre d'en Galmès and Torralba d'en Salord.
- Caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) is a typical dish
The capital of caldereta de langosta is Fornells, a small fishing village in the north of the island.
- Abarcas menorquinas: the quintessential summer footwear
The manufacture of shoes and sandals has been a tradition in Menorca for more than 150 years. Currently, 7 Menorcan companies produce around 800,000 pairs a year. They are exported to 48 countries on 5 continents. The most striking example of their popularity is that they are worn by the Spanish royal family.