Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and is very popular with tourists looking for a relaxing holiday in the Mediterranean. Some of the islands visitors have taken advantage of recent tourist developments and bought their own Menorca Villas or Menorca Apartments. The island has something to offer everyone who visits; this is an introduction to Menorca.
As a Mediterranean Island, most are attracted to Menorcas beaches and the year round sunshine. Most of the islands beaches are on the south coast and offer sun beds and shades, water sports, boat trips and sailing as well as being close to a range of bars, restaurants and shopping.
Mahon is the capital of Menorca and has been since 1721, when the British moved it from Ciutadella. The reason for this was that the natural harbour is one of the largest in the world at 5km long and 1km wide (at the widest point) this gave it a unique strategic advantage over smaller or man made harbours. Today it is a popular area with tourists, being relaxing during the day, and during the night it buzzes with vibrant nightlife. Many people prefer to spend their day watching the ships from the port.
The Xoriguer Distillery, located in Mahon Harbour, is known for its famous Xorguer Gin. Tours of the distillery allow visitors to see how the gin is prepared, samples and a shop are also available. The Distillery is a cultural remnant from when the British introduced Gin to the island. The Gin is still distilled the traditional way.
Los Delfines Aquapark in Ciutadella is Menorcas premier Water Park, offering a range of water slides and pools, a children’s pool with its own slides, a Jacuzzi, a play area, Karting, an arcade, a restaurant, a snack bar and gardens for relaxing and soaking up the sun. The aquapark is perfect for both adults and children and is a great place to have some fun in the sun.
Menorca has a selection of museums, each offering visitors a glimpse into the history of Menorca, and menorcas culture. Museu de Menorca has various works of art and archaeological relics dating from the prehistoric era through the Roman, Byzantine Arabic and Talayotic periods. Museo Diocesa de Menorca offers exhibits a range of historic artifacts and Catalonian paintings. its more popular attractions are the precious gold chalices and communion cups. Museu de la Natura de Menorca concentrates on the various natural wonders of Menorca. Museu Municipal de Ciutadella is housed within 17th century fortifications and displays some of the islands most important artifacts from various eras.
Boat Tours are also available in Menorca; among the most popular of these are the glass bottom boat trips. Children in particular enjoy the chance to view the seabed and the wildlife in their natural environment in a way that only a glass bottom boat can.
For sports lovers, there is a wide range of activities to choose from. Sailing is very popular in Menorca and it attracts many of the world’s best sailors to the area, which also hosts many high profile sailing events. Windsurfing schools are also available as the island is excellent for beginners as the conditions are not too much for the inexperienced to handle. Fishing is also available, the water around the island is full of fish and several agents organise sport-fishing outings. Other notable activities include, Horse riding, Diving/Snorkelling, Cycling and Golf.
