The island of Menorca, with its 701.84 Km² surface, is the Balearic archipelago's northernmost island. Set in spectacular surroundings and located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, its temperatures are pleasant all year round. This, coupled with a population of about 70,000 inhabitants, makes it into an appealing tourist destination for those who seek tranquillity, sun and magnificent beaches. Its prehistoric monuments are unique in the Mediterranean and the fact that it found itself under British rule for the largest part of the 18th century has left its mark in the customs and character of its people.  The original lattice and guillotine windows combine with the light from the whitewashed walls which date back to that era. The imposing mansions with their red façades, like the famous “Golden Farm” for instance, stand out against the blues of the sky and seaside.

Menorca was declared Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO in 1993 due to its sustained development and respect for the environment. The main population nuclei on the island are Maó (which is the administrative capital) located in the eastern part, and Ciutadella (the former capital) which is in the western part. Thanks to its deeply rooted fishing tradition, there are several fishing villages to be found on the island, like for Fornells and Binibeca, as well as other villages inland such as Ferreries, Alayor and Mercadal.

Menorca is located at a latitude of about 40° North and a longitude of about 4° East. In terms of its surface area, it is the second largest island in the Balearic archipelago and both the northern- and westernmost, its typography is gentle in the south (known as “Migjorn”), and somewhat sharper in the north (“Tramontane)”. Menorca has a maximum span of 45 Km (between Maó and Ciutadella) with 290 Km of coastline, most of which remains unspoilt and natural.

Owing to its ideal geographical positioning, Menorca has been highly prized all through its history. It has been inhabited by many people, including the Carthaginians, Romans, Normans, Byzantines, amongst others.  In 903, it was conquered by the Muslims, then reclaimed by the kingdom of Mallorca in 1287. It subsequently belonged to the British (1708), who settled in the eastern part of Maó, then to the French (1756) who occupied the westernmost part of Ciutadella. Lastly, in the early 19th century it was returned to the Spanish crown.

The coast and coves are without a doubt amongst Menorca’s most attractive features, offering lovers of the sea and sailing some natural landscapes and crystal clear waters. There are two parts to be differentiated in Menorca’s coastal geography:

The Tramontane coast is characterised by a strong Northern wind which is predominant on the island. The coast is sharp, with abounding cliffs. It is scantily developed and there are stunning coves to be found between its numerous nooks and crannies, such as Cala Morell, Cala Pregonda, Es Grao, Fornells and Cala Mesquida.

Menorca’s Migjorn coast is more heavily developed than the north. It is gentle in typography and stands at a low altitude, with an abundance of sandy areas, white sand coves and crystal clear waters. Especially worthy of mention are the coves of Macarella, Cala Galdana, Cala'n Bosch, Son Bou and Cala'n Porter.