Travel in Menorca Spain

Posted: 26-01-2006 | Views: 0 Author: Ispas Marin Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and is smaller and quieter than its main neighbour Mallorca, but bigger than it’s other neighbour Ibiza. It is only 9 miles (15km) wide and 32 miles (52km) long and located just 34 km / 21 miles from Mallorca, the island has many family-friendly resorts and almost as many beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined. Peaceful holiday resorts line the south coast of the island and sleepy fishing villages are dotted along its rocky north shore.

Menorca has escaped much of the effect of package holidays and the island's small towns and villages offer a fairly quiet and relaxed holiday, even during the peak season, with many wonderful attractions. There are plenty of tourism and tourist information offices situated in the towns of Menorca and these provide up-to-date information about Menorca tourist attractions, museums, events, Menorca festivals, Menorca travel, Menorca sightseeing and general Menorca tourism and tourist information.

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 islands 25,000 grazing cattle. Cycling tracks meander vigorously across 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 of Menorca is full of sandy coves, with fine, golden sand, sheltered by cliffs. Menorca is littered with prehistoric remains, giving much evidence of a bygone sophisticated culture. Little is known of those weather beaten stone monuments, but it is thought they are linked to those of Sardinia and date around the second millennium BC Talayotic period.

The oldest and largest towns in Menorca are Mahon on it’s eastern side, the walled capital of the island, which is at the end of an enormous natural harbour and Ciutadella, Menorca’s ancient and co (western) end of the island. Mahon is a particularly busy port and has many impressive acrchitectural features whilst Ciutadella is a more graceful town, full of winding streets and characteristic old buildings, reminiscent of the Moorish and Spanish influence, including several churches.

The town does not offer much in terms of sightseeing, but it has excellent eateries, shops and a very relaxed ambience for wandering around. Mahon itself is a sedate and conservative town, consisting of classical Georgian houses from its British past (Admiral Nelson once lived at the Golden Farm Mansion) For sightseeing, a trip to the famous Xoriguer Gin distillery is well worth a visit.

Menorca is the greenest and least developed of the Balearic Islands. It has a slightly gentler feel than neighbouring Mallorca and is the perfect holiday destination for couples and families: everything is easy, peaceful and close by. The best part of Menorca is its abundance of beautiful beaches – it has more beaches than the rest of the Balearics put together. The coastline ranges from pristine coves to long, sandy beaches separated by rocky headlands.

Inland, Menorca remains essentially rural with restful scenery of rolling fields and wooded ravines Fiercely protective of its natural beauty and fully aware of the potentially damaging consequences of selling out to mass tourism, Menorca has clearly demarcated most of its holiday areas.

Resort villages are dotted around the coast and characteristically amount to just a small selection of hotels and self-catering apartments, with enough quality shops, bars and restaurants to provide fully for visitors. As such the resorts are safe, modern and sympathetically designed to complement the surroundings. A proud island, Menorca is clean and uncluttered, with an excellent climate – qualities that promote a sense of space and well being for everyone.

Menorca is not expensive and a daily budget of around $35 is enough for a good time. However splashing out and experiencing everything can be done within a daily budget of $80. The museum of Menorca is easily the biggest building on the island and the best museum.

It holds a wide array or prehistoric artefacts from 4000BC and Talayotic times. Another well-known sight is the Naveta Dels Tudons, also known as the cathedral of prehistoric monuments. It is shaped like an upturned boat and is one of several Navetas on the island. Navetas were old funeral structures and are surrounded in mystery and legend.

Travel by Taxis
Taxis in Menorca are a useful way to travel around the towns and visit nearby sights and attractions. The taxi meters starts at a basic fare, but additional charges are usually made for luggage, night time driving and travel on public holidays in Menorca.

Driving Tips
Citizens of EU member countries require a national driving licence to drive cars in Spain

Citizens from non-EU member countries need an International Driving Permit, as well as their national driving licence. You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Spain and have a valid driving licence and car insurance.

It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts and children under 14 years old are not allowed to travel in front seats. In Spain, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Give way to traffic coming from the right at junctions and roundabouts
Beware of what appear to be shortcuts on maps - these often turn out to be unpaved roads or mountain passes.

Unless indicated, other major routes are 56 miles per hour / 90 km per hour and slower speed limits of 30 miles per hour / 50 km per hour are enforced in urban areas
It is an offence not to carry some form of identification, such as passport or driving licence

Travel by Car Hire/Rental
Driving in the centre of busy towns and popular resorts is best avoided if possible, as many of the streets and narrow, with one-way traffic. Cars parked alongside the pavements can also making driving conditions difficult. However, a car in Menorca provides a useful way to travel around the island and a current map of Menorca's roads is essential. There are many winding roads around the island that offer some truly spectacular views.

For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Menorca Spain.

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