Minorca: Pearl of the Balearics

This long stay in Minorca allowed me to discover a fantastic island from every point of view, both seaside and cultural. The island is in fact rich in open-air archaeological remains dating back to the Talaiotic era. Of great interest to archaeology enthusiasts.

PLACES TO VISIT

BINIBEQUER: an ancient fishing village about ten minutes by car from the capital Mahon. Nothing short of stunning, it is characterized by tiny houses overlooking the small harbour. Completely painted white and with very narrow alleyways.

MAHON: the island's capital. Famous is the cathedral of St. Mary, which contains the most imposing organ in the world. Its natural harbour is very interesting, considered the largest natural harbour in the world after Pearl Harbour. A sea excursion to visit the port of Mahon is a must. Ten minutes by car from the capital you can visit the "Fortaleza de la Mola", an imposing and rather ancient fortress dating back to the era of Isabella II of Castile. Beautiful.

ES GRAU: a nature park where birdwatching lovers can admire countless species of birds. Minorca has also been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Within the Reserve (a very large area) you can admire the splendid area around the Favaritx lighthouse. A lunar landscape that gives you goosebumps.

SON BOU: located in the southern part of the island, about 20 km from Mahon, it is a heavily touristy area where you find the only real beaches on the island. Well over 4 km of very white, well-kept beaches. For the rest, the island offers a large number of coves, some larger, some smaller.

CALA EN PORTER: very famous not so much for the cove itself as for the presence of the "Cova des Xoroi", a natural cave sheer above the sea in which a nightclub has been built. Beautiful to admire at sunset. It takes your breath away!

CIUTADELLA: it is the second urban centre on the island and its former capital. About 60 km from Mahon, its historic centre is very beautiful.

CALA MITJANA: a stunning and unmissable inlet provided with very white, very fine sand, about 23 km from Ciutadella.

CALE VERGINI (macarella, cala en turqueta, macarelleta, son saura, es talaier): nothing short of stunning, these are unspoilt and completely isolated beaches. Dirt and narrow roads to reach them. Drive carefully. The road signs are clear and precise.

CALA PREGONDA: located on the northern coast of the island, it offers transparent sea combined with a beach of coarse golden sand. A marvellous, unspoilt corner of nature. To reach the beach you have to walk along some rocky paths for about 20 minutes from where you leave the car.

CAP DE CAVALLERIA: it is a promontory located in the northernmost part of the island. In this area the coast is very jagged with cliffs sheer above the sea and the beaches are made of reddish sand. Beautiful is the lighthouse of the same name.

FORNELLS: the picturesque little village of Fornells is located north of Es Mercadal and its harbour measures about five kilometres. Today, in this small fishing village, tourism has become the main economic resource. During the visit you should not miss the tour of the harbour and a stop at the 'Illa de ses Sargantanes' (Island of the Lizards), famous for a species found only locally.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: there are numerous sites on the island. Among the most characteristic: Talatì de Dalt, Trepucò, Naveta des Tudons, Torre den Gaumes, Son Catlar.

Renting a car is essential, as is having at least two weeks of holiday available.