About Menorca

Menorca is a paradise for anyone interested in creative activity holidays. The island has a highly individual and distinct character of its own.

Happily, Menorca escaped the race to cover Mediterranean Spain with concrete and high rise buildings. Much of its rural charm still remains – postage stamp-sized fields bounded by white stone walls; meadows burgeoning with wild flowers – and people who really do enjoy welcoming visitors.

Rare wild flowers
Menorca’s coastline still retains many gloriously unspoilt beaches, coves and inlets. Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and is home to some of Europe’s rarest wild flowers.

It is not uncommon to find deserted beaches of fine white sand. Inland, there are numerous deep gorges, or barrancs – a magnet for botanists, photographers and artists.

With some 120 beaches and coves it is easy to find somewhere to escape the crowds – not that Menorca ever gets too crowded.

Facts about Menorca
Menorca’s population is about 90,000
Highest point of the island is Monte Toro, 1174 feet
Menorca is approx 30 miles long east to west
Nelson did visit Menorca when he was Admiral of the British Mediterranean Fleet
Lady Hamilton never stayed in Menorca with Nelson

Climate
Menorca’s climate is typically Mediterranean and warm most of the year, although winter months can be quite damp and rainy – this accounts for Menorca’s lush flora and abundant wildlife.

Average annual temperature approx 60-63F
Average mid summer temperatures: High 82F Low 70F

Check the weather and forecast in Mahon right now

History
Menorca is said to have the greatest number of prehistoric sites anywhere in Western Europe. Talayotic villages dating back over 3000 years are to be found at several sites on the island. At Cap de Cavalleria, on the north coast near Fornells, there are the archeological remains of the first Roman settlements.

More recent history can be seen in the architecture in and around the island’s capital Mahon, the old town of Ciutadella and the formidable fortifications of La Mola

The traditional Spanish way of life is still highly valued in Menorca. However, the strategic geographical location of the island has meant that Menorca has attracted many different cultures.

By 121 BC the island was under Roman domination. After the Roman era, there were many changes: the Vandals occupied the island in 5th century. Then the Moors arrived and Menorca was declared an independent Islamic state. Alfonso III re-conquered the island in 17th January 1287 and this date has become Menorca’s National Day.

Menorca remained part of the Kingdom of Mallorca until 1344. During the 16th century the island was destroyed by The Turks. In 1708 Menorca became a British possession, and the capital was declared as Mahon, instead of Ciutadella. A naval base was built in the town’s magnificent harbour. The British ruled for around 100 years, not counting a few interruptions by the French and Spanish.

Find out how to get to Menorca

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