Destination Guides

By far the least populated of the 3 main islands that make up the Balearic archipelago, Menorca is a small stepping stone set in the western Mediterranean Sea which divides the continent of Europe from the northern coast of the continent of Africa. Being only 48 by 19 kilometres at it`s widest points, it is a green oasis bathed in the wonderful light, created as the sun’s rays are reflected from the surrounding ultra clear blue waters.

One of the most important geological features of Menorca is the harbour of Mahon, considered to be one of the largest natural harbours in the world, extending three and a half miles inland. Since the middle ages it has attracted seafarers from many ancient civilisations. These include the Romans, the Moors, the Turks and the French and from the early 18th century to the early 19th century, Menorca was a British Dependency. Mahon harbour became a sanctuary for the British Navy, who were responsible for building the Naval Base and the superb fortresses of La Mola and Fort Marlborough. Much still remains of the military constructions erected during this epoch and of the residential and commercial buildings, which demonstrate many distinctive features of English building styles. These are most apparent in Mahon and Es Castell, though all of the invaders have left their individual marks and influences on the architecture, language and food and, as happens, genealogically.

Because it is so unspoilt and unpolluted, and due to the richness of it`s wildlife, in 1998 UNESCO designated it as a WORLD BIOSPHERE. This award has been taken very seriously by both local and national governments and many steps have been taken to ensure that the island maintains and improves the high quality of its clean air, seas and land.

These standards are highly prized by the human population, and plainly by the bird population, given the number and variety of species encountered here both as residents and visitors.