Though larger than its bombastic Balearic Island sibling Ibiza, Menorca is more tranquil and a pleasant break if you want to see the sun without being in a nightclub when it comes up. But as well as the chance to take it really easy, this second largest Balearic Island presents the opportunity to appreciate nature, to explore and to adventure.
Getting to the island itself is straightforward as flights to Menorca are readily available from Spain or the UK. Once you’ve landed, there’s an inexpensive bus service on the island, if you prefer not to hire a car. The tourist season runs from April to October.
Seizing the adventure
Menorca has avenues aplenty for snorkeling. One of the best places, especially for kids, is Cala Morell, five miles north of Ciutadella. The rocky seabed provides abundant hiding places for some of the most colorful fish you’ll find. Another nice place to connect with underwater Menorca is Cala Blanca, where you’ll see octopuses. Avoid snorkeling at night, however: the barracuda come out to hunt!
Of course, Menorca has terrific kayaking spots, such as Illa d’en Colom, an unspoilt island and part of Menorca’s Parc de s’Albufera des Grau natural park. The sands are gloriously golden and the waters aren’t turbulent, so you can also take a refreshing dip in the sea. There’s hardly anyone around to disturb you.
The gully at Trebaluger is an interesting place to navigate by kayak. Accessible to kayaks for roughly one kilometer, the waters are peaceful and if you’re lucky, you may spot one of the tortoises or kingfishers that are sharing their home with you. Look up to the sky and an eagle may be flying overhead.
Exploration — by wheel or hoof!
On an island like this, cycling is a hit. Menorca has few steep inclines, so you can ride around the island comfortably along the country lanes, taking in the whitewashed houses and windmills of the east and the once-formidable forts and castles of the west.
Animal lovers can see the island from horseback on one of Menorca’s indigenous breed of black horses, known as Menorquin horses. Horse riding companies run excursions of sections of the island or, if you have more time on your hands, you can tour the whole island on the Camí de Cavalls (horse’s path).
Relaxing with nature
S’albufera des Grau Nature Park is home to wetlands, wild olive groves and a range of wildlife. Amphibian and reptilian life includes the Balearic wall lizard, native to both Menorca and Mallorca; the European tree frog; and the ladder snake. Meanwhile, the osprey and the red kite are just a few species of birds you’ll find winging their way around the park.
For natural relaxation and bliss, the white sands of Cala Es Talaier beach, in the south west of Menorca, are just the ticket. Nestled in a cove lined with pine trees, this beach is less frequently visited than some of the nearby beaches, making it a delightful escape.
Menorca is perfect for getting the most out of life. Whether you’re admiring the colors of the fish on a snorkeling trip, taking in nature reserve greenery or listening to the waves lap gently against the sands, you can’t fail to enjoy this Balearic Island. Indulge yourself and experience the beauty.
Photo by aitorgavi via Flickr
Paul Pitt is a seasoned travel writer with a real love for Europe, especially Spain and Portugal. He is currently backpacking around the world.
Seizing the adventure
Menorca has avenues aplenty for snorkeling. One of the best places, especially for kids, is Cala Morell, five miles north of Ciutadella. The rocky seabed provides abundant hiding places for some of the most colorful fish you’ll find. Another nice place to connect with underwater Menorca is Cala Blanca, where you’ll see octopuses. Avoid snorkeling at night, however: the barracuda come out to hunt!
Of course, Menorca has terrific kayaking spots, such as Illa d’en Colom, an unspoilt island and part of Menorca’s Parc de s’Albufera des Grau natural park. The sands are gloriously golden and the waters aren’t turbulent, so you can also take a refreshing dip in the sea. There’s hardly anyone around to disturb you.
The gully at Trebaluger is an interesting place to navigate by kayak. Accessible to kayaks for roughly one kilometer, the waters are peaceful and if you’re lucky, you may spot one of the tortoises or kingfishers that are sharing their home with you. Look up to the sky and an eagle may be flying overhead.
Exploration — by wheel or hoof!
On an island like this, cycling is a hit. Menorca has few steep inclines, so you can ride around the island comfortably along the country lanes, taking in the whitewashed houses and windmills of the east and the once-formidable forts and castles of the west.
Animal lovers can see the island from horseback on one of Menorca’s indigenous breed of black horses, known as Menorquin horses. Horse riding companies run excursions of sections of the island or, if you have more time on your hands, you can tour the whole island on the Camí de Cavalls (horse’s path).
Relaxing with nature
S’albufera des Grau Nature Park is home to wetlands, wild olive groves and a range of wildlife. Amphibian and reptilian life includes the Balearic wall lizard, native to both Menorca and Mallorca; the European tree frog; and the ladder snake. Meanwhile, the osprey and the red kite are just a few species of birds you’ll find winging their way around the park.
For natural relaxation and bliss, the white sands of Cala Es Talaier beach, in the south west of Menorca, are just the ticket. Nestled in a cove lined with pine trees, this beach is less frequently visited than some of the nearby beaches, making it a delightful escape.
Menorca is perfect for getting the most out of life. Whether you’re admiring the colors of the fish on a snorkeling trip, taking in nature reserve greenery or listening to the waves lap gently against the sands, you can’t fail to enjoy this Balearic Island. Indulge yourself and experience the beauty.
Photo by aitorgavi via Flickr
Paul Pitt is a seasoned travel writer with a real love for Europe, especially Spain and Portugal. He is currently backpacking around the world.
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