Menorca
Biosphere Reserve in the heart of the Mediterranean
Why visit Menorca
Explore the widely varying landscape. Plunge into the water. Share our customs and traditions. Taste our cuisine. Discover a whole new range of experiences in this very special spot in the heart of the Mediterranean, and share your impressions.
Explore the widely varying landscape. Plunge into the water. Share our customs and traditions. Taste our cuisine. Discover a whole new range of experiences in this very special spot in the heart of the Mediterranean, and share your impressions.
Read further to find out all about green holiday in Menorca.
Beaches and landscapes. Mediterranean character.
Punta Nati, Balearic Islands.
Culture and Local Life
The talayotic culture developed in Menorca and Majorca, in the late second century B.C. They were built with cyclopean masonry: very large stones were used, with no mortar. The talayotic heritage of Menorca is of great cultural value, enabling us to understand the social and economic structure of the culture, how territorial dominance was organised, and the type of rituals and defence systems used.
There are over 1500 talayotic monuments dotted about all over Menorca. This archaeological treasure is so important that it aims to be declared a World Heritage Site, not only for the sheer quantity (over 2 monuments per square kilometre), but for their high standard of conservation.
Sustainability
The distinction of Biosphere Reserve, awarded by UNESCO on 8th October 1993, was not just for the amazing scenery, rich natural heritage and historical treasures. It was also for preserving it all. A reward for making sustainable growth possible. Here in Menorca we have managed to overcome the difficulty of being both a tourist spot and a Biosphere Reserve, harmonizing socio-economic development with the preservation of the environment.
Getting there
There are several ferry companies that link mainland Spain and Menorca. Acciona-Trasmediterránea, which operates ferries from Barcelona (Spain) to Menorca as well as Valencia. A journey from Barcelona (Spain) takes around 9hrs, from Valencia (Spain) it takes around 14hrs and from Palma (Majorca) it takes around 5hrs. Another option is Baleària, which operates ferries to Menorca from Alcudia (Majorca) and Barcelona (Spain). They operate super fast ferries and normal ferries. Journeys from Majorca can range from 1hr by super fast ferry to 3.45hrs by normal ferry. Journeys from Barcelona can range from 4hrs by super fast ferry to 8.30hrs by normal ferry.
Getting around
The most famous way to experience Menorca is by car, the road network is great easy to manouver. Another option is to go around by bus, it is cheap and reliable; it stops at all the main resorts.
You can also discover the island on the horseback. Go horse-riding and trek into the countryside, through fields and along the top of cliffs. There are a lot of choices to wander around during your green holiday in Menorca.
Nature and Wildlife
Menorca is undeniably well known for its coves and beaches. The sea all around the island is beautifully clear, so anywhere you go you will be able to enjoy the sand and sea.
To the south, the beaches are white and sandy, with pine groves, and the sea is turquoise blue. Some are totally unspoiled like the beautiful coves Macarella and Macarelleta, Turqueta, Binidalí, Binigaus and Cala Mitjana. On the northern side, the coastline is carved by the prevailing northern Tramontana wind. The sand on the beaches is slightly coarser and darker in colour. The vegetation isn’t as exuberant as on the southern side, but still very striking, with impressive rock formations of dark slate and red clay.
Good places to stay
We recommend these places because they are committed to responsible tourism, checked and certified by independent auditors and ecolabel programs such as Travelife or EarthCheck.
Travel Tips from our Editor
Take up a water sport
The seas surrounding Menorca are tranquil: this is the Mediterranean after all, and therefore a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The climate is mild and the water is at a pleasant temperature. There is quite a variety of different places to choose from to take up your choice of water sport, as the geology of the island is diverse. You might like to go scuba diving: exploring crystal clear seas and the underwater meadows of Neptune grass (the little known reason for the cleanliness of the waters round the island). Imagine yourself riding the waves in a kayak, paddling on turquoise seas round deserted islets and quiet little coves, discovering white sandy beaches and hidden caves.
Gastronomic experience
Cookery in Menorca is steeped in history, and at the same time some of it is quite avant-garde. From savoury tarts made with locally grown vegetables to the Mahón-Menorca cheese with the recognised protected designation of origin (D.O.), and local cured sausages (sobrasada, cuixot and carn-i-xulla). Menorca is also well known for its mayonnaise sauce, but other dishes are worth mentioning: oliaigo (the Menorcan tomato soup), caldereta (fish stew), locally caught fish and shellfish dishes, wild game dishes, oft-awarded local honey, sea salt, olive oil, and a long list of desserts and biscuits.
Buy products "made in Menorca"
The flair of local craftspeople is appreciable in the number of farmers markets and craft fairs held in the towns and villages of the island during the summer evenings. The renowned Ferreries Craft Fair is held every year at the end of September. Of all the products “made in Menorca”, the most popular are undoubtedly the “avarca” sandals. They started off being used just in rural areas, and then eventually became very popular summer footwear, recognised internationally. A word of advice: make sure they have the label “Avarca de Menorca”, which indicates where they were made, and guarantees the quality and authenticity.
Sustainability Recognitions
Menorca was selected to both the 2020 and 2021 Top 100 Destination Sustainability Stories.
What does it mean?
- They have shown at least 60% compliance with the Green Destinations Core Criteria.
- They have submitted a story that was selected to the list for its innovative, effective and / or transferable good management practice.
Menorca Good Practice Story
Menorca submitted a Good Practice Story. It was about changing the tourism industry step by step, with implementing more sustainable measures. Read the full story here.
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