Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic islands, situated off the coast of Spain, between France and the Northern coast of Africa. Menorca is a tranquil unspoilt place with 120 sandy beaches, sheltered coves and clear blue sea. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, the island has maintained its traditional Mediterranean character and lifestyle. The pace of life is leisurely and visitors come for peace and quiet, fantastic beaches, wonderful scenery and a welcoming family atmosphere.
Menorca provides the ideal destination for a relaxing beach or walking holiday. The rugged coastline gives way to beautiful beaches and secluded sandy bays which give the traveller the feeling of having discovered them for the very first time. To the north of the island the fishing village of Fornells is a centre for windsurfing and watersports, and there are opportunities to explore the rich archaeological heritage of the islands on foot or by bike, or to discover the stunning caves and cliffs of the coastline by boat.
Due to its relaxed atmosphere and low key nightlife, Menorca attracts families with young children and couples of all ages. A typical holiday in Menorca combines lazing on the beach during the day, with great food and laid back evenings. For the more energetic visitor there are many opportunities for sailing, fishing, diving and golf as well as a range of watersports.
Menorca enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The summer season runs from may to October with temperatures in the range 24C to 29C. Menorca is a popular winter destination with many visitors taking advantage of the pleasant mild weather.
Menorca is an island of rolling green hills and pine filled woods; of rocky coastlines with sandy beaches and sheltered coves. It is a small island but has more beaches than Majorca and Ibiza put together. The capital Mahon and the old capital Ciutadella are both easily accessible from all of the resorts on the island and offer a taste of the islands history with fine old buildings, narrow streets and bustling markets. Each of the resorts is well served with bars and restaurants and many offer kids clubs and safe childrens play areas. The south coast boasts glorious sandy beaches and is therefore most popular with families. The west is characterisied by its dramatic rocky coastline with secluded coves where the water is shallow and warm. The north of the island is where the best fishing and watersports can be found.
The island of Menorca is Spanish, but has been occupied in turn by the Turks, the British and the French and their influence remains in the architecture, the customs and the cuisine. The language of Menorca is Catalan which can be described as a very ancient form of Spanish, with traces of French, although it sounds like neither. Fiestas are an important part of Menorcan life and run throughout the summer in the local towns. The most famous event is Ciutadella's fiesta in honour of Sant Joan (St John) on 23rd and 24th June. Horses form the focal point of this very lively event - expect to see jousting, racing and spectators attempting to touch the horses heart for luck as they rear up.
The most lively place for nightlife is Mahon, but the emphasis here is on bars and tavernas where you are encouraged to sit and soak up the atmosphere in this relaxed and picturesque city. All of the resorts offer a range of restaurants and bars, but the mood is distinctly low key.
The best shopping on the island is to be found in Mahon and Ciutadella where shoes and leather goods are excellent value. Here you will find fantastic cake shops, boutiques, leather and pottery. Many of the shops have sales in August/September. It is useful to remember that siesta is taken on the island between 1.30pm and 5pm when many of the shops will be shut.
All of the resorts have their own range of restaurants and bars and offer a variety of cuisine from around the world. Local specialities are freshly caught fish, especially Caldereta de Langosta, a delicious Lobster stew. Try Bocadillos during the day – fresh crusty filled bread rolls, or fresh bread eaten with sobrasado. Experience the French influence on the islands cuisine with delicious flans and pastries. The local drink is gin, however this is not like British gin and is traditionally drunk neat, with herbes (a locally made liquer) or with lemon squash to make a pomade.
The local people welcome tourists and are friendly and helpful. Menorca is a Catholic country and shoulders and legs should be covered when visiting churches or holy places.
Menorca is a great place to visit all year round, with temperatures that are never too cold, even in winter. Due to the fact that Menorca is a hugely popular tourist destination, the best time to find a cheap Menorca holiday is outside the peak season, which runs between May and October. Early May is a good time to visit with the temperature hotting up, but the resorts not quite so busy, resulting in cheaper prices for you!
There are plenty of things to see and do in Menorca, with the main attraction undoubtedly being the 120 unspoilt sandy beaches that scatter the coastline. It’s a perfect place to visit if you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday under the sun.
The island is also very family oriented and is a perfect place to take small children with many resorts providing kids club features in one way or another. The night life is very tranquil too and although there are a few lively places such as in Mahon, it's a relaxing place to chat and have a drink while soaking up the atmosphere in the various tavernas.
Shops also provide excellent value for money, as do the many restaurants which provide many different kinds of seafood delicacies freshly caught from all around the island.
If it's a cheap Menorca holiday you’re looking for, the best time is definitely just outside of the peak season, although you may also be able to find a great last minute deal in the summer if you keep checking ULookUBook.
