Menorca Tourist Information
The enchanting island of Menorca (also known as Minorca) is the second
largest of the Spanish group of Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean
Sea. Its name originates from the Latin for "minor" and it takes this name as it
is smaller than the neighbouring island of Mallorca.
With a population in the region of 88,000 at the last count, the highest point
of the island is 1174 feet above sea level at Monte Toro. From west to east you
can expect to cover no more than 50 kilometres, and even less from the top of
the island to the bottom.
The way of life on Menorca remains traditional. The tranquillity has not been
whisked away with the arrival of tourism and its great charm and character make
it an ideal place to take a peaceful and relaxing holiday allowing you to get
away from it all.
As far as history goes the strategic geographical location of the island has
always been a centre point for many different cultures. Menorca is well known
for the large collection of megalithic stone monuments and these show evidence,
or at least support the story, of prehistoric human activity having taken place
here.
By 121 BC the island came under the control of the Romans and by 13 BC it became
part of the imperial province of Tarraconensis. Following on from the Roman era
several fluctuations were experienced, for example, vandals occupied the island
in 5th century. In 903, when the Moors arrived, it was controlled by the
Caliphate of Cordoba until the Christian forces took over the neighbouring
island of Mallorca and at this time Menorca was declared an independent Islamic
state. Alfonso III re-conquered the island on 17th January, 1287 and this date
is now known as Menorca's National Day.
This is how things stayed as part of the Kingdom of Mallorca until 1344 and
during the 16th century the island was totally destroyed by Turkish naval
attack. During the war of the Spanish Succession in 1708 the island became a
British possession, and the capital was declared as Mahon, instead of Ciutadella.
A superb naval base was built in the towns harbour and the British rule lasted
for around 100 years with a few interventions by the Spanish and the French
during this period. A cosmopolitan culture was adopted by the free port of Mahon
due to the continuous arrival of foreigners and extreme poverty was experienced
during this time. Nowadays, however, it is a popular holiday resort with Roman,
Muslim and British influence clearly showing in the architecture.
For those people interested in holidaying in Menorca, you will find it has a
typically Mediterranean climate and is warm most of the year round. With average
annual temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees and a summer high of in the region of
anywhere between 23 and 26 degrees, the rainfall is mainly in the autumn months
so taking a spring or summer holiday you are likely to experience super weather
conditions.
With a great selection of places to eat, drink and enjoy yourselves, and many
attractions to take in for a day out and about, Menorca has something for
everyone. So if you are a sun worshipper you will be more than happy with the
216 square kilometres of coastline, or if sightseeing or shopping is your thing,
you will not be disappointed when you visit Menorca.
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