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  • Minorca travel guide

    Minorca


    This island is a tranquil contrast to the more persistent the neighboring island of Majorca. In the north, bobbing fishing boats between rugged rocky shores. The southern coastline is characterized by calm tourist resorts, small beaches and coves embedded in greenery. The deserted beaches is no myth. There are over a hundred beaches to choose from. Beyond the island's capital Mahon and Ciutadella charming are countless hiking trails for those who want an active holiday. In the crackling flower landscape strand lavender, chamomile, marigolds, poppies and beautiful orchids.

    Menorca is no island for partyprissen even if the rules have been relaxed since the 1500s when the law required all citizens in Ciutadella would sleep at midnight. Today, both the bars and nightclubs that stay open after midnight but anyone who wants to get as much of the nightlife as possible should perhaps seek out one of the neighboring islands of Majorca or Ibiza.

    The genuine and unspoiled is Menorca keywords. Something that hopefully will keep itself when the island was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993 by UNESCO, which means that nearly 50 percent of the island is protected from future development.

    In addition to the tranquility of Menorca is characterized by the different influences that still persists after former colonizers. For the most part characterized the island of Spanish culture but still there are clear traces including the British who occupied the island in the 1700s. Mahon Georgian buildings and the island's self-made gin made by British secret recipe are some examples.

    Menorca can be visited year round. During the summer there is a hot and dry Mediterranean climate with August as the warmest month. Winter is often mild and sunny.

    Story
    Just on the other Balearic islands Menorca has been a place of battles and conquests. Arabs, Gypsies, Moors and Catalans have all checked island that shifted between being Christian and Islamic. In the 1300s were Menorca during mallorcanskt and hence Spanish rule, which the island still is today. During the 1700s, however, Menorca was held under the British but was restored in Spain in 1802. Menorca is rich in historical monuments which can be seen at many places on the island.

    The name of the island has been given by the Romans who arrived in the island on the 100s AD. They named the island to "Minorca" which means "less" while Menorca's big brother Mallorca was named after Major word that means "the Great".

    Getting there
    There are several charter airlines that have flights to Menorca. Direct Flights takes four hours from London. There are no scheduled flights direct from Sweden to Menorca, but from several Spanish cities fly different companies Menorca Airport is located 5 km outside Mahon. From Barcelona and Valencia are also ferries year to the island. There are also regular ferries from Mallorca.

    Getting around
    The very best way to get around is by car. The more isolated beaches accessible by a four wheel drive vehicle, motorcycle or on foot. Bus connections are limited to the main road between Mahon and Ciutadella and some of the major tourist orders along the coast. If you want to get around by bike is a mountain bike recommended as the usual routes often go on to become rough paths. Menorca are also numerous hiking trails for those who prefer to discover the island on foot.

    Accommodation
    There is a wide range of accommodation in Menorca, hotels, campsites and apartments in all tastes and price ranges. One advantage is to book in advance if you're traveling between June and September when the hotels are often fully booked. Some hotels close for the winter (roughly from November to April). On www.baleares.com are many tips on accommodation and you can make reservations directly from the website. Spanish Tourist Office in Stockholm also has current information on accommodation in Menorca, tel 08-611 19 92nd

    Beaches
    Menorca's coastline dotted with hundreds of beaches, from rocky beaches and small coves to long sandy beaches. Here are beaches for all requests. In general we can say that the best beaches located on the southern part of the island. At the coast beyond the Cap de Cavalleria is some of the best; Cala Pregonda, Cala en Calderer and Cala del Pilar. If you are traveling with children you may want to check before booking your trip to the resort's beach is child friendly as some of the more barren beaches can be difficult bathed for little ones. The safest is the lagoon-shaped, somewhat sheltered beaches, where the currents are often not as strong as at other beaches.

    Food
    The food at Menorca often consist of fresh seafood delicacies cooked on Spanish way. Unlike other nearby Mediterranean islands where the food is cooked with olive oil cooked specialties here with more butter and cream. Some typical dishes include lobster stew and baked fish with potatoes. Different tapas and paella are also classics from Menorca's menus. Typical of Menorca is also the local cheeses. Another specialty is the mayonnaise whose recipe was once invented in Mahon.

    Attractions
    Ciutadella. Menorca's former capital city is famous for its narrow streets and Moorish architecture. Here lives about a third of Menorca's inhabitants. Below the Plaça d'es Born spreads Ciutadella's picturesque harbor out. Local fishermen unload the day's catch and supplies many of the city's restaurants featuring fresh delights from the sea. In the evening it is full of life when menorcaner and tourists visiting the harbor bars and cafes. The charming Ciutadella is also beautiful palaces and churches that are worth visiting.

    Mahon. Menorca's capital is the world's largest port after Pearl Harbor and also one of the largest natural harbors, it is not excavated. Explore Mahon foot. Take a break at one of the Placa de S'Esplanadas cafes or restaurants and watch the old British-inspired 1700s houses. On the pedestrian street from the square down towards the harbor, most shops for those who are shopping mood. In the city you can also visit the Natural Science Museum Alteneu, the churches of Santa Maria, San Francesc and Església del Carmen. For those who would rather just want to stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere Mahon's harbor promenade full of color and attractions.

    Naveta d'es Tudons. 5 km from Ciutadella at the main road to Mahon is this tomb from the Bronze Age as the oldest preserved building with roof in Europe.

    Binibequer Vell. About 12 km from the capital, this reconstructed Moorish fishing village characterized by narrow streets and white houses.

    Monte Toro. From Menorca's highest point awaits a magnificent view. In clear weather you can from this top see the entire island and if you are lucky even glimpse the neighboring island of Mallorca in the south. Monte Toro is just over three km walk or drive from the charming town of Es Mercadal is located on the central part of the island.

    Shopping
    In Minorca shop with advantage such as jewelry, shoes, leather goods, beauty products, perfumes, clothing and textiles. There are also plenty of local markets where handicrafts, fruit and vegetables are sold.

    Security
    Serious crimes are very rare in Menorca. The atmosphere is welcoming, making Menorca to a good destination for families and travelers who appreciate peace and security on the trip. During peak season, pickpocketing and snatching occur even if it is unusual. But always keep your eye on valuables. Would still an accident contact the local police by dialing the short code 092 or ask for la comisária. In an emergency call 112th
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