Menorca

Menorca (or Minorca) is a resort island just north of Majorca in the Mediterranean sea. It takes it's name from being the smaller island of Majorca. The average temperature that can be expected in Menorca is around 11c in the winter and 25c in mid summer. This island is sometimes referred to as 'The Windy Island'. The islands airport is in the south east, south of Mahón.

There are two official languages, Spanish and Catalan. Inhabitants of the island speak a variety of Catalan which is called Menorquí, and they speak Spanish fluently as a second language.

Most of the beaches in the south of the island are of white sand and are typically surrounded by pine trees on rocky outcrops. Mahón, the city is in the south east and is set in a long inlet which acts as a wonderful harbour. It's buildings were influenced by the British, when the island was part of the British Empire. The harbour is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Compared with neighbouring Majorca, Menorca is a much more quiet and 'refined' sort of place, however that doesn't mean they are no nightclubs and discos, especially in Mahón.

The island of Menorca boasts many family-friendly resorts and almost as many beaches as the neighbouring islands of Mallorca and Ibiza combined. Many are coves rather than long stretches of beach, but they make for a cozy feel and certainly much quieter. Over the years, Menorca has not gone through the radical changes seen in its neighbouring islands. It has successfully avoided becoming a full-blown urbanized and tourist-stricken island.

Son Bou - This resort on the south coast has the longest beach in Menorca. It is ideal for beach activities due to its calm waters and fine sand. It is also a popular place for windsurfing and water slides, and there are bars and hotels nearby.
Els Canutells - The beach boasts golden sand and outstanding swimming. It is in a narrow, charmingly sheltered cove that cuts deep into the south coast of the island.
Punta Prima - This is one of the most glamorous beaches situated at the south tip of the island. It has fine white sand, lovely vistas, and modern amenities.
Santo Tomás - Here, on the south coast, the beach is a long, narrow stretch of soft white sand with hills as backdrop. Ideal for water sports.
Cala Galdana - Cala Galdana is located on the south coast and is popularly known as the 'Queen of the Calas'. The beach is also equipped with modern resort facilities, plus bars, restaurants and water sports.
Son Xoriguer and Cala’n Bosch - These two small beaches have pure white sand and crystal clear waters. Both beaches are slowly gaining in popularity due to the water sports available there. These perfect beaches are situated in south west of the island.
Arenal D’en Castell - This is an almost perfect semi-circular bay with soft sand, great beach bars and restaurants, and hosts all the popular water sports.
Es Grau Beach - This is a big sandy coast to be found fairly close to the capital, Mahon. Plenty of dunes, pines and tamarisk trees, leading to a fresh water lagoon This is the island's National Park.