Highest Point - Monte Toro -1,000 ft.
Length -35 miles
Average Width -9 miles
Distance to Barcelona -140 miles
Distance to Mallorca - 25 miles
Population -72,000
Industries -Cheese, Costume jewellery, Footwear, Tourism, Leather goods, Gin

Menorca, known by the locals as "isla de azul y verde" (Island of Blue & Green) and has over 100 beaches and numerous coves or "Calas" as they are called in Spanish. In fact there are more beaches on the island than the rest of the Balearics put together.

With over a 200 kilometer coastline, which varies from rugged cliffs to breathtaking coves and beautiful sandy beaches all surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and clear blue sunny skies.

The island is only 47 km long and between 10 and 19 km wide.  As a result, the entire island is really all coastline.  The sea is a constant factor and an important part of daily life in Menorca, and its numerous coves and natural harbours are ideal for the practice of all kinds of water sports. Menorca presents a fairly level landscape, its highest point being Mount 'Torro', on the top of which stands the shrine of the island's patron saint.  The views from here are quite breathtaking and on a clear day, you can see the water all the way around the island as if looking from a plane or a map of the island.
Menorca has a population of 72,000, and is a bright and radiant island bathed by the magnificent Mediterranean sun, which reflects the dazzling whiteness of the white-washed houses.  The lush green countryside, the blue sea and sky, and the white of the buildings are the three main colours that go to form the island of Menorca.

A visit to the island is like arriving at a promised land, where everything is nice and simple.
The shortest distance from the Spanish mainland by sea is via Barcelona, it is a 9 hour ferry crossing or 45 minutes by air, Palma in Majorca is around a 5 hour ferry crossing or only 25 minutes by air with regular daily flights throughout the season.  There are also some rapid ferry options depending on weather conditions, for instance Menorca to Barcelona in just 3.5 hours.
Most major, regional UK airports fly direct scheduled routes to Menorca along with numerous charter flights operated by First Choice, Thompson, Thomas Cook, etc. Another option of flying into Menorca is to fly to Palma and then get a transit flight to Menorca which run many times a day, every day.
 

THE MAIN TOWNS
Mahon, or "Mao" has been the capital of Menorca since the British moved it from Ciutadella in 1721. The reason being, the harbour at 5 km long and over 1 km at its widest point, and 15 to 30m deep, it is one of the largest, deepest natural harbour's in the world, this coupled with its location in the Mediterranean, has made it a strategic stronghold for many nations throughout history.  The port Itself is relaxing by day and buzzing by night.  The bars and restaurants along the portside come alive at night it is easy to spend many hours 'down in the port', watching the ships, admiring the views, enjoying the hospitality of the restaurants, or just sat taking in the atmosphere and culture.
Mahon town has plenty to offer, most of the shopping is along pedestrian streets with wonderful cake shops, swish boutiques, leather, pottery and fresh fish and food in the markets.  With Narrow streets to explore, pleasant shady squares with welcoming pavement cafe's and shopping, that range's from the twice weekly market to expensive designer boutiques, Mahon is a must on every visit to Menorca.

Es Castell, situated a short distance from Mahon is the town of 'Es Castell', the most easterly town in Spain and first to get the morning sun! The town is steeped in military history, which can still be seen today in its architecture, the most obvious is the central square, which was the main parade ground.  Now it is a play park for children and has in the centre, a very friendly bar where you can sit sipping on one of the local specialties.  Es Castell has plenty to offer its visitors, with shopping, restaurants and some nightlife. There are market days twice a week, and the Fiesta de San Jaume, at the end of July.  Most of the bars and restaurants are situated around the two coves, 'Calas Fons'. and 'Calas Corb'. Calas Fons is the main place to head for, it has something to suit all pockets and all tastes.

Fornells, a lovely fishing village with lots of Mediterranean atmosphere, beautiful waterfront restaurants and bars with some shops.  A favourite of the King of Spain where he chooses to indulge in some fabulous local fresh lobster soup known as ‘caldareta’.

Ciutadella, on the west side of the island, is an historic town that has held up well to the pressure of tourism in the twentieth century.  It was originally named by the Carthaginians who called it Jamma, and was the original capital of Menorca until the British came along and moved it to Mahon in the eighteen century.  But Ciutadella still remains the religious capital of Menorca.  The harbour, a narrow inlet is one of the smallest ports in the Mediterranean.
Here, sitting in good company at one of the harbour side cafe's, you can experience what Menorca is all about, relaxed and bathed in sunshine, watching the boats bob up and down and the people strolling by, all the worries of the world vanish.
 

Punta Prima
A large beach of fine white sand, very rocky at the eastern end. It can be dangerous with strong currents when the wind blows from a certain. Situated in a small but growing resort with a good selection of accommodation, with ample bars and shops, easy parking right on the beach, sun beds, water sports etc.

Binibeca
Small sandy cove in the resort of Binibeca. With Binibeca Vell to the west & Cala Torret to the east with a selection of bars and restaurants in each. Binibeca is all self catering villas and apartments, not a hotel in sight. Beach bar (renowned the world over) sun beds, water sports, easy parking.

Cales Coves
Has a small coarse beach reached by a short walk down a steep sided, limestone gorge. There are many caves high up in the walls of the gorge, making the exploration of this area very exciting for children and there dads as well.

Cala en Porter
All the facilities of an established holiday resort, quite large and lively by Menorcan standards beach bars and easy parking. The beach is reached from the resort by steps, lots of steps, although there is a regular shuttle from the center, to the beach. Good beach with everything one needs, beach bars sun beds water sports, etc.

Son Bou
The longest beach on Menorca. A good choice of accommodation, although some are a good walk or drive from the beach. Bars and restaurants in the nearby commercial centre. Three modern beach bars with telephones connected by a wooden path. A red cross hut with lifeguards, sun beds, wind surfing, water slides and plenty of space for relaxing and beach games.

Santo Tomas
At the western end of Son Bou.  A long narrow strip of soft white sand backed by hills. A very quiet resort with beach bars, water sports and parking facilities.
 

Cala Trebaluger
Typical of the Menorca coastline.  An absolutely amazing beach, and one seen on many Menorcan postcards.

 

Cala Mitjana
Situated down a small rocky track off the road from Ferreries to Galdana, on the left hand side just before Cala Galdana but at the end, lies a idyllic south facing cove, bounded by wooded cliffs. Easy to park, but no facilities, bring a picnic.

Cala Galdana
Known as the "Queen of the calas" it is a beautiful pine clad bay. Wide open-mouth bay, but sheltered from any winds, all facilities including hotels, villas, bars, restaurants and water sports.
 

Son Saura
Follow a sign posted minor road from the southern ring road at Ciutadella. There are many gates to open, but the track is unmistakable and leads to a beautiful sheltered bay, with gently shelving pure white sand. No bar, No restaurants, No people or facilities, except parking.

Son Xoriguer
Two smallish beaches of white sand. Small resort with a hotel and a nice center around a marina, easy access, ample parking, beach bars and restaurants. Water sports are a specialty.
 

Son Parc
Medium size resort with small commercial center, featuring a large white sandy beach. It's ideal for children, as it's very shallow for the first 20-30 meters. Good parking near the beach, beach bar and water sports of all kinds.

Arenal d'en Castell
With two large hotels and lots of villas and apartments, the beach is an almost perfect circular cove, with fine sand that gently slopes into the water. This is a good family resort with beach bars, restaurants and all types of water sports available.

Cala Mesquida
A lovely unspoiled cove with plenty of parking on the sand, behind the beach. This beach is popular with the locals on a weekend but is less busy throughout the week.  This is probably the closest beach to Mahon by road, its about a 7 minute drive.

Cala Macarella
An extremely picturesque pine-fringed cove. Approachable by car from the outer ring-road at Ciutadella, or by foot from Cala Galdana . Beach bar and sun beds, etc, for hire.  Taking a five min walk around the cliff to Macarelleta is well worth it.  Don't take anything with you then swim back.

Cala Macarelleta
Part of the picturesque pine fringed cove above.


 

Cala Blanca
Small picturesque resort beaches with all the facilities you need, like sun beds, pedalos and a choice of beach bars serving hot and cold food and drinks.
 

Agaiarens
Classified as an area of special interest. Beautiful unspoiled beach with dunes. Walks with panoramic views and picnic areas. Also a land train will take visitors down to the beach. Toilets and car parking provided. An outdoor Museum is 2 km away towards the lighthouse, where there are also toilets and a small bar.

Cala Pregonda
Access is by a 20 min walk from Binimella This beach is outstandingly beautiful. A sandy beach surrounded by unusual rock formations, pines and tamarisk. No facilities. Its a popular Menorca postcard image.

Cala Turqueta
Well worth a visit. No facilities. Take a boat.  Again, this is one of the usual postcard images of Menorca.  A stunning bay.

The above information is just a sample of the variety and beauty that Menorca has to offer, there are many more stunningly attractive locations to visit, some of which are only possible by boat - so come and explore the "jewel of the Balearic Islands".