Menorca
Menorca (Minorca) is the second-largest of the Balearic islands, and is both smaller and quieter than its neighbour Mallorca. The island of Menorca has many family-friendly holiday resorts and almost as many beaches as both Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
Peaceful holiday resorts line the south coast of Menorca and sleepy fishing villages are dotted along the rockier northern shore. It offers a quiet and relaxing holiday, even during the peak season, with many wonderful attractions awaiting visitors.
Largely protected from development, Menorca is a real haven for nature-lovers. Menorca is a very green island, with pinewoods and many fields for the island's 25,000 grazing cattle. Cycling tracks criss-cross the meadows and scrublands, offering some spectacular views of the island and the seafront. The north coast of Menorca is rocky and rough, whilst in contrast, the south coast is full of secluded coves, with fine, golden sand, sheltered by cliffs.
Mao (Mahon) is the walled capital and is situated at the end of an enormous natural harbour, on the eastern side of Menorca. Apart from Mao, Ciutadella is one of the oldest and largest towns in Menorca and this ancient capital lies at the opposite end of the island. Mao remains a particularly busy port and has many impressive architectural features, whilst Ciutadella is a more graceful town, full of winding streets and old buildings, including several characterful churches.
