Post on 10-May-2015
description
Covering 702 square kilometers with 216kilometres of coastline and despite beinga fairly flat island with no great
mountains, Menorca has many natural treasuresand a variety of landscapes which include lagoons,marshes, small springs and smooth hills.
The natural variety of the island is extremelywide and a real treasure with deep gorges startingfrom the insides of the island and winding theirway towards the southern coast. These ravines areauthentic, holding a variety of flora with 220species, which cohabit, with the remains of maresstone quarries and prehistoric constructions.Marine species of special interest are those found inthe more than ten underwater caves which aren'tfound anywhere else. As well as these underwatercaves, Menorca bears over fifty inland caves toexplore.
Menorca is extremely cultural and it’s passion isparticularly expressed with the Sant Joan festivities,where the Menorcan horse breed becomes theone and only protagonist, as well as the variety ofhandicraft created by the most skilled hands ofthe island or the expressiveness of its atavisticfolk jigs.
Menorca has always been the birthplace ofdifferent artistic personalities. The continuousexposure to such beauty of the island hasinspired writers, painters and sculptors, as wellas musicians; a unique muse for its bestsymphonies.
Local festivities are celebrated during thesummer throughout the different towns andsuch events are the best proof of the
traditional Menorcancustoms. Thestarting point ofthese festivities, andconsidered themost popular, areheld in Ciutadellabetween the 23rdand 24th of June.
Menorcancraftsmanship,includes anauthentic andvariable form of
modeling beauty.
Some examplesof this diversecraftsmanshipare masterwoodworkersof farming tools, fashionjewellers, pottery, blacksmiths, cheese makersand boat makers of llauts (menorcan vessels).
Menorca offers the most natural way of experiencingsport – the island is lined across with countlesscountry paths to discover. These can be enjoyed by
walking along established routes or by bike, taking advantageof its flatness or experiencing an exciting feeling of freedomon horseback along the coastline. The "Cami de Cavalls" (apath originally created to take by horseback whichsurrounds the island) is recommended in order to capturethe charm of the Menorcan coastline as it follows theisland's entire outline.
The sea breeze helps to create the best atmosphere tofight back the heat and enjoy the fresh air and all excursionsallow for some common stops – the many coves andbeaches where to recover and refresh in the privilegedwaters. The Camí d'en Kane, made during the Britishdominion, is an appropriate route for two wheelers, whichoffers the opportunity to get together with the essence ofthe old rural scenery.
Known as the Island of wind, Menorca is great for sailingand windsurfing. A number of companies rent out differentkinds of vessels or offer excursions to any of the beautifulbeaches where you can enjoy a wonderful dip in theMediterranean or a dive into its depths. If you practisescuba-diving in Menorca you will fall in love with itstransparent waters. Its sea bottoms are an enchanting forestof unique plants and marine species, caves, light effects andshipwrecks. Diving in the Protected Area at the north of theisland is a real underwater adventure where lobsters andbasses can be seen as they move about freely.
After so many thrills, you can relax with a game of golfwith the advantage being the climate, which allows for playat any time of the year. By being located close to the seaand surrounded by nature, golf can be played within anincomparably quiet scenery.
Most towns host handicraft markets every week,where real handmade works of art are exhibited. Aritual not to be missed is a walk through the stalls
at Calas Fonts, Fornells or the Ciutadella Port; idyllicsceneries next to the sea where you can feel a specialatmosphere.
Menorca is the second largest of theBalearic Islands and can sometimes be
over-shadowed by big sister Mallorca, yet it’ssheer beauty and the simple harmony of theisland is second to none. Visitors will bepleasantly surprised.
Choice HolidaysSaint Guilhem le Desert ©Bernard Liegeois
Small fishing boat, Collioure
©Paul Palau/CRT
MenorcaThe town centres and main tourist centres are packed with
exclusive shops where you can purchase the latest models ofclothing and footwear. Shoe manufacturing in Menorca is stillvery important, as it has been in the past.
Search for your own paradise near the sea at the island'sexquisite restaurants and taste the freshest productswithdrawn from the Mediterranean. There is no other momentbetter than this to enjoy the calm roll of the sea on a terracewhile trying to discover the ingredients of the Caldereta deLangosta (lobster stew): the island’s best held secret. TheMenorcan cooking is a rich traditional expression which haspassed on from parents to children, a wise combination ofingredients offered by the island's fertile soil and recipes thathave adapted to modern proposals without losing a speck ofits taste.
Menorca hides many secrets. It is said that the stronggusts of tramontana wind soak the grazing fields withsea salt. This is why the cattle are so fond of it and
explains why the cheese has that special bouquet. The originalcheese of Menorca isone of the mostappreciated in theworld.
Menorca is alsoopen to entertainment.Enjoy magical nights at
concerts atunbelievable sceneriessuch as a stone-quarry. Or feel thebeat within animpressive caverebuilt into a disco,hanging over abreathtaking cliff onthe coast, where thetrendiest DJ’s meetor dance untilsunrise at any ofthe terraces alongthe ports of Maóor Ciutadella.
If you preferpeace and quiet,you can also enjoyan authentic Menorcannight at one of the fishermen caves at Cala Corb,listening to traditional sailor's songs accompanied by thecaptain's guitar who is willing to let anyone play it and sharehis artistic knowledge.
Visit Menorca and delight your senses!
Useful infoAverage AnnualTemperature 18.4°C(guide only)
Currency Eurowww.xe.com (currency converter)
Official LanguagesCatalan and Castilian SpanishFurther infowww.illesbalears.eswww.visitmenorca.comGetting thereEasyJet www.easyjet.com
Canal du Midi, Le Somail©Paul Palau/CRT
Carcassonne view ©R. Nourry/CRT
P l e a s e q u o t e C V A w h e n r e p l y i n g t o a d s8 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2008
Men
orca