Menorca The 'Windy' Island

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 the second largest of the Balearic Islands is well-known for its diversity and exclusivity both in terms of culture and landscapes. Menorca is popular and famous for its fascinating beaches overlooking the sparkling and turquoise sea waters. The extensive growth of lush green vegetations, covering the entire mainland area is the best available picturesque scenery a place can ever have. The absolute serenity and silence of the beautiful villages and towns of Menorca arouses a feel of awe, splendor and mysticism within those staying there.

There are so many wonderful attractions next to peaceful holiday resorts which line the south coast of Menorca. There is a string of quiet fishing villages, like Fornells, along the island´s rougher northern shore, nice old market villages like Alaior and Es Mercadal, but also the towns Maó and Ciutadella, are all absolutely worth a visit.

Spa & Wellness in Menorca
Towns and villages
Beaches
Nature
Climate

Spa & Wellness in Menorca

Over all, the island of Menorca is an ideal retreat for people wanting to relax. The great Spa & Wellness facilities Menorca offers in combination with the fine sanded shores coupled with green sceneries in the countryside, plus the great weather, will surely make up a great vacation time for everyone. It is an ideal resort for all those who are looking for true relaxation.

Towns and villages

There are so many nice towns and villages on Menorca. There is a string of quiet fishing villages, like Fornells, along the island´s rougher northern shore, nice old market villages like Alaior and Es Mercadal, but also the towns Maó and Ciutadella, are all absolutely worth a visit.

Maó, despite its status as island capital, Maó has a comfortable, small-town feel and wandering around the ancient centre, with its long-established cafés and old-fashioned shops is a relaxing and enjoyable way to pass a few hours. Especially from the water the beauty of the city becomes clear. From there it is extraordinarily beautiful, its well-worn, pastel-shaded houses tumbling down the hillside, interrupted by bits and pieces old city. It is the general flavour that really appeals rather than individual sights.

Ciutadella, In contrast to Maó´s hustle and bustle is Ciutadella´s grace and serenity. Located west of the island, the old capital Ciutadella has many monuments dating from the 18th century. Essentially, it is the whole ensemble that gives Ciutadella its appeal rather than any specific sight. The narrow, cobbled streets boast fine old palaces, hidden away behind walls and a set of Baroques and Gothic churches make Ciutadella a lovely place to stay.

Fornells, Renowned for the excellence of its restaurants, Fornells is a delightful bay side location. With its measured development, it is one of the appealing resorts on the island. Fornells is famous for its lobster stew ´Caldreta de llagosta´. Although there is no beach in Fornells itself, on the western part where the coast is simply stunning and beautiful you find Cala Pregonda, which has a pretty beach bordered by Pines and Tamarisk.

Alaior is an old market hilltop town 12 kilometers from Maó. It has a pretty little centre of cobbled streets and ancient whitewashed houses. It is also home to a couple of cheese-making factories where you can sample different kinds of ´Queso Mahon´.

Mercadal, located at the foot of the island's highest mountain, Monte Toro (357 m), squatting amongst the hills at the very centre of the island. Another old market town, it is an friendly place of whitewashed houses.

Beaches

Menorca beaches are certainly less crowded, therefore finding a nice hushed place of your own (where you can lay down your mat and work up a good tan) will not be so hard to achieve. This must be one of the few places in the Mediterranean where it is possible to have a beautiful beach largely to yourself in summer.

A few of our favourites are:

Cala d´Alcaufar, one of the earliest developments is a particularly picturesque cove. The development is set beside this handsome inlet of flat-topped limestone cliffs and a turquoise sea.

Punta Prima is one of the most glamorous beaches on the island. Punta Prima has a great fine white sanded beach, splendid vistas, and contemporary amenities. There are bars, shops, and a car park nearby as well.

Cala Pregonda is to be found at the western part of Fornells. This coastline is simply stunning and is wonderfully bordered by pines and tamarisk. The beached can easily be reached, even with just a short walk from Binimella.

Sant Tomàs, although the village of San Tomàs exists of hotel and apartment building, the beach is superb. The 3 kilometre-long sandy beach looks very inviting as it slopes gently into the ocean.

Cala Santa Galdana, also called ´Queen of the Calas´. Despite the high-rise building you find here, there is no denying the beauty of the setting, the curving sandy beach framed by pine trees and limestone cliffs. Several exquisite cove beaches lie within easy reach of Cala Santa Galdana, like the beautiful Cala Macarella.

Cala Macarella, here, severe, partly wooded limestone cliffs surround a band of white sand that shelves gently into the sea. It is a beautiful spot, with ideal conditions for swimming.

Cala en Turqueta, close to Ciutadella, you will find this lovely cove backs by wooded limestone cliffs. The beach a sheltered horseshoe of white sand, slopes gently into the sea, making ideal conditions for bathing. It is most unusual to find a crowd here.

Nature

Central Menorca is still very much a rural setting which is largely agricultural. Move to the North for dramatic landscape, wild cliff coastlines, and hidden bays and coves all to yourself most days! The West side of Menorca is considered particularly attractive. Especially along the coast where it becomes a little more rugged and where the beaches are very attractive.

Menorca has two distinct geological areas. In the north, sandstone predominates, giving a red tint to the low hills which roll out towards the rough coastline. To the south all is limestone, with low-lying flatlands punctuated by hills and fringed by a cove-studded coastline. The landscape is further cluttered by hundreds of stone memorials, mostly dating from the second millennium BC. The most interesting sites are Talatí de Dalt and Torrellafuda.

From Es Mercadal you can easily reach ´Monte Toro´. At 357 meter, the summit is the island´s highest point and offers great views. On a clear day you can see almost the whole island.

Climate

The island of Menorca has a typical Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. It is oftentimes called the 'windy city' most probably for its widespread, northerly winds termed as the tramontana. Many tourists may not notice this particular breeze as they come and leave the island.