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Minorca
Make the most of your time in Minorca, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.
The Mediterranean island of Minorca is known for being the calmest and most subdued of Spain’s Balearic Islands. It is less touristy than its neighbours Majorca and Ibiza with much of its land protected from developers and it is even thought to be one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful islands. Having said that, it is still a popular tourist destination and features numerous beaches, hotels, restaurants and attractions. The word Minorca means ‘minor island’ due to its comparative size with Majorca.
Minorca sports an ideal mild Mediterranean climate, while fittingly its cuisine centres on Mediterranean dishes, including meat from the island, fresh fish, shell fish and lobster. Jam and honey are favourites as is the cheese Formatage de Mao, while legend has it that mayonnaise was first concocted on this little island. Stemming from the times of British rule, gin is a popular drink among Menorcans, and when mixed with bitter lemon makes a beverage called Pomada. Additionally, an International Opera week is held annually in the island’s capital city Mahon. Jazz music is also popular.
The island’s northern areas tend to be more rugged and uneven with red and dark beaches. In the south the story is rather different with flat areas, cliffs and coves to complement the sandy beaches. In fact, Minorca has an abundance of beaches; in total it has more than Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera put together. In all, the island has 217 kilometres of coast, while its width is 15 kilometres and its length around 50 kilometres. Its highest point is El Toro, a peak of around 350 metres. Demographically it has approximately 60,000 inhabitants boosted each year by the half million or so visitors who come seeking sun, sand and quiet.
Minorca is certainly less dependent on tourism than its neighbouring Balearic Islands; it has other industries including leatherwork, dairy farming and gin manufacturing. It also has much in the way of history, architecture, music and art, and so perhaps its culture is more valued than the party and drinking atmosphere of other Balearic Islands.