Menorca, Islas Baleares

Menorca is the most easterly of the Balearic Islands. In fact it's the first place in Spain you'll see the sun rise!

Although only 25 miles from its neighbour Mallorca, Menorca is more peaceful than any of the other Balearic Islands and remains an oasis of sandy coves with over 120 sandy beaches of clear azure seas. Menorca is often claimed to be one of the most beautiful islands in the whole of the Mediterranean, with strong British links dating back to the times of Nelson. For the energetic, the island offers a superb selection of water sports, peaceful country walks and for lovers of history there are mysterious, archaeological remains that date back to prehistoric times.

Menorca is the second largest of Balearic Islands, and along with its sister islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the South East coast of mainland Spain. Flying time from most UK airports is around 2 hours and on arrival local time is +1 hour GMT. The main tourist airport at Mahon is a fairly small, but has grown to be a modern facility, however, on departure be aware that the luggage trollies will need a 1 Euro coin to release them.

Despite the onset of mass tourism in the 1960's, Menorca still remains relatively un-spoilt and quiet when compared to its neighbours. We lived there during the mid-70s and if my memory serves me right there were only 2 sets of traffic lights on the island!

The resorts do tend to be concentrated along the islands south coast and are almost all purpose-built in the last 30 years to meet the ever increasing demand for accommodation.

In contrast to the south of the island, the north coast is very rugged with very picturesque horse shoe bays. Monte Toro is the only real mountain on Menorca, and is well worth a visit to the monastery at its peak. There is a main road which joins Mahon in the East to the former capital Ciudadela in the West and this road effectively splits the island in two.