Menorca

• Destinations
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• Spain - Balearic islands: Menorca

Menorca (from Latin: InsulaMinor, later Minorica "minor island") is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain. It takes its name from being smaller than the nearby island of Majorca.

• Public holidays

  National an Regional Holidays

  • January 6th: Epiphany
  • Holy Thursday and Holy Friday (date varies but its usually in April)
  • August 15th: Assumption of theVirgin Mary
  • May 1st: Labour Day
  • August 1st: Ascension of the Virgin
  • October 12th: National holiday
  • November 1st: Day of all Saints
  • December 8th: Immaculate Conception
  • December 25th: Christmas

  Local Holidays

  • January 17th: San Antonio Abad (at Alaior)
  • June 25th: San Juan (at Ciutadella)
  • July 25th: San Jaime (at Es Castell)
  • September 8th: Virgen de Gracia (at Mahón)

• Top things to do

  • Mahon, capital of the island, with its breathtaking natural harbor.
  • Binibeca, a fishing village south of Mahon with whitewashed houses and narrow streets.
  • Cova d’en Xoroi, spectacular by day, magical at the afternoon and surprising at night, it’s among the most visited places in Menorca.
  • Monte Toro, is highest spot in Menorca with 358 meters high. From the top you can see the entire island and even if the weather permits, you can get to see Mallorca.
  • Ciutadella de Menorca, old capital of the island, its historic buildings have a unique charm. The views from the tower of Sant Nicolau are breathtaking.
  • Fornells, is a small fishing village in the north of Menorca, its gorgeous port is a must see and at its restaurants you can enjoy the famous “Caledereta de Langosta” (Lobster Stew).
  • La Mola fortress, built between 1848 and 1875 to defend Minorca from the British threat, the fortress of La Mola is one of the best examples of nineteenth century military architecture.
  • Lithica, used for over 200 years and closed in 1994, Lithica quarries offer a unique artificial landscape.
  • S’Albufera des Grau, over 5,000 acres of land, home hundreds of plant and animal species, the Albufera des Grau Nature Park is the most important of Menorca.
  • Favarix Lighthouse, thanks to its amazing lunar landscape, Favàritx Lighthouse is the most famous of the many lighthouses that are distributed across Menorca.

• Getting there

  Remember that Menorca is mostly a beach destination, so you should pack light if you are coming during the summertime. You should always have sun protection available and if you are planning to go the beach for more than 2 hours, an umbrella is a must have item. The currency in Spain is the Euro. When changing money, you should always use official money exchange offices or banks.

  If you are travelling from a country outside the European Union you must declare any cash of over 10,000 euros or more (or the equivalent in other currencies) to HM Revenue & Customs.

  When buying goods in Spain with credit or debit cards, all al customers, regardless of nationality, must show ID. You may be able to use a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport, but you may be required to show your passport.

  If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. As a general rule, if you require hospital treatment in Spain you are more likely to receive appropriate care in a public healthcare facility (although in some tourist areas there may be no public healthcare facility nearby). Your insurance or medical assistance company will be able to provide further details.

• Did you know...?

  In 1993 UNESCO declared the island of Menorca Biosphere Reserve. This declaration has been conferred on 411 places on the planet where there exists an important natural and cultural heritage and where society has accepted an economic development compatible with the conservation of nature. A reserve of the Biosphere is an agreement of man with his natural surroundings.

  UNESCO considered Minorca worthy of this declaration for the diversity of its Mediterranean landscape and the species of animals and plants found exclusively on The Island, some of which are in danger of extinction. Also valued is the traditional rural countryside present over a large part of the island and highly appreciated for the beauty of the scenery. The existence of an important archaeological and ethnological heritage was another important factor.

  The declaration of Biosphere Reserve compels us to take measures to prevent our heritage changing or deteriorating. Our aim is to find ways of developing which allow us to profit from the island's natural habitat while at the same time protecting it.

• Trips, Tours & Activities

  Boat trip:

  Pick-up at the hotel at the scheduled hour and transfer to the port of Ciutadella. After embarkation we will sail down the west and along the south coast of the island, visiting various unspoilt beaches, such as Son Saura, Cala Turqueta and cala Macarella, where we will stop for lunch (paella and sangria/soft drink). Free time to enjoy the sun, sea and beaches.

  Jeep safari:

  Pick-up by bus at the hotel at the scheduled hour and transfer to Es Plans where the groups for every jeep will be made (max. 8 people per jeep). We will take spectacular routes along rural lanes and rough tracks and through charming villages. Free time for swimming, exploring by foot, visiting points of interest, lunch (in Binimel-la) or just relax.

  Mahon and Surroundings:

  Boat tour around the beautiful harbour and visit to Mahon with free time for shopping. We will have free time for lunch and/or swimming at Punta Prima. The visit continues to the picturesque fishermen´s village of Binibeca.

  And finally a visit of the spectacular natural cave “ Cova d´en Xoroi “ which has been converted into a bar/discotheque (entrance and drink included).

  Ciutadella Half Day:

  Son Martorellet: show with magnificent Minorcan horses and free time to visit the ranch and take pictures. Ciutadella: visit of the manorial historic centre of the former capital of Menorca and free time for shopping. A photo stop at the tower of San Nicolau with panoramic view of the sea front and the harbour mouth will be made.

• Accommodation

  Globales Almirante Farragut:

  Located on a cliff in Cala´n Forcat very close to Ciutadella with impressive views of the Bay. Its facilities and the friendly, personalized and familiar treatment of its personnel makes it the ideal hotel for your family holidays or holidays with your partner in Menorca. Furthermore, this hotel offers a complete buffet service in the dining room, spacious lounges, bars, climate controlled conference halls, two swimming pools with salt water, children's mini-club, 4 paddle tennis courts, etc.

  Sol Milanos Pingüinos:

  It is the only hotel located right on Son Bou beach, the longest beach in Menorca, some 2.5 km. in length. It is the ideal place for young families as the beach slopes gently into the sea. Son Bou is an Area of Natural Interest (ANEI) with the largest wetland on the island (located in the interior) after Albufera des Grau and it has an important area of dunes, as well as rich flora and fauna. The hotel provides a spacious activities area measuring 2,000 m2, right next to the beach, where the children can play safely outdoors while their parents relax.

  Sol Gavilanes:

  It is the only hotel in Cala Galdana located right on the beach. Cala Galdana is a fine sandy cove located on the south coast of Menorca and is one of the island's most beautiful coves. The main floor, lobby, reception, terrace bar, lounge and Algendar bar have all been completely renovated in 2011, enjoying even more unique and exclusive views over the coast and sea. The hotel offers exclusive views of the coastline. From its restaurants and terraces, as well as from the rooms on the front of the hotel, you can admire a magnificent view of crystal clear waters and the sand below.

  Club hotel Aguamarina:

  Located in the lovely surroundings of the bay of Arenal de’n Castell, only a few meters from a beautiful beach of white sand and crystal clear waters. It’s surrounded by typical Menorcan landscape, with marvellous views of the Mediterranean Sea, modern facilities, high quality, friendly service and many leisure and entertainment options both for adults and children. You can relax taking a refreshing bath in any of the four swimming-pools whilst you enjoy the pleasant view of the bay, take a walk around the 35.000 m2 of delightful gardens that go down to the beach or enjoy our various shows and activities for the whole family.

• Transfers

  Private transfer can be booked during the whole year and shuttle transfers are offered from June to September.

  The clients will receive information about pick up time for departure transfers 1 day before they leave.

• Meetings and events

  Menorca can offer many and good activities for smaller groups such as wine, cheese or gin tasting, sailing etc. So if you want to make a cultural, sport and gastronomical experience with your company, Menorca is the ideal place. But it’s important to bear in mind that it’s only suitable for smaller groups up to 25-30 persons.

• What we recommended

  In the center of Mahon you can find a variety of shops and many of them offer typical products of Menorca. At Mascaró you can find the famous Pretty Ballerina or you can taste the famous “horchata” and homemade ice cream at the Turronero, one of the most traditional stores in Menorca. The local theatre of Mahon is the proud of the city. Its unique beauty and high qualities performances are worth seeing.

  If you are searching for a great culinary experience, you have to visit the port of Mahón and try the variety of fresh fish at restaurants like La Minerva where you can eat on its unique terrace placed right above the Mediterranean Sea, or you can have exquisite Japanese and Chinese food at “Way”. In Fornells, a small fishing town, you can enjoy the famous “Lobster Stew” with fantastic view of the small port of Fornells.

• Special events

  During the holiday season the towns come alive with fiestas. The Spanish passion for horses is brought to life with celebrations of music, costumes and jubilation, a spectacle that you should not miss on your Menorca holidays.

  Every year Menorca becomes a country of colour and celebration during the national public holidays in Menorca and the summer fiesta season. The annual cycle of Menorca holidays and fiestas begins with the Festival of Sant Joan towards the end of June, in the town of Ciutadella. This festival weekend is the largest of the island’s celebrations with towns around the countryside hosting their own regional versions throughout the Menorcan holiday season.

  On June the 23rd, the locals and visitors pour out from their Menorca villas in their thousands for days of dance and procession in the Ciutadella streets under strings of lights and paper bunting. The Spanish passion for horses is brought to life in a series of horse trials and parades, leading up to tests of riding skill. Usually, the riders wear the classic Spanish riding uniform: immaculate white trousers and shirt, with a riding jacket and boots.