Information on Menorca
Minorca is one of the most untouched islands in the Mediterranean, even though it is a highly popular holiday location. The native population of the island keep a control on the development of resorts to retain the unspoilt rural and woodland areas. With a thriving industry the island is not dependant on tourism, much as the other Balearic Islands are and this helps to maintain the natural beauty. The island is only nine miles wide and thirty-two miles long, with enchanting stretches of silver sanded beaches and curving bays. The island also boasts a colourful history dating from the prehistoric era to the attempts at colonisation from British, Spanish and French invaders. The cultural activities are just as varied, with a colourful blend of native and European influences.
One of the historical gems in Minorca is the Naveta dels Tudons, which is one of the many navetas on the island and is regarded as the 'cathedral of prehistoric monuments'. It is one of the most famous sights in Minorca and is located on the road from Mahon, just outside the Ciutadella. Navetas are thought to be funeral structures, although their heritage is cloaked in legend and mysteries. The structural shape is similar to an upturned bow of a boat and it stands two storeys high. Another historical treasure on the island is the Torre d'en Gaumes, located on the south side of Minorca. It is the largest prehistoric village in the Balearics, featuring three talaiots, a taula stone temple, pillared naves and a burial chamber and the village is nestled between the Son Bou beach and Alaior village.
The island of Minorca has a variety of beaches, from quaint fishing villages offering idyllic holidays relaxing by the tranquil shores to popular resorts with golden sands and lively bays. Fornells is beautiful village on the northern coastline, with a bay that is perfect for water sports and windsurfing. One of the popular resorts is Cala Galdana, which is colourful and lively with a variety of activity and for untouched shores and a relaxing escape to paradise Son Bou is a long, unspoilt, stretch of white sands, set in beautiful countryside and surrounded by historical relics.
