Welcome to Menorca, a serene haven nestled in the heart of the Balearic Islands. Known for its untouched natural beauty, colors, and laid-back atmosphere, Menorca offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From its pristine beaches and crystalline waters to its lush landscapes and charming villages, this island paradise invites you to explore its wonders at your own pace.
Menorca is situated off the East coast of Spain, forming part of the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its proximity to popular tourist destinations like Ibiza and Mallorca, Menorca maintains a distinct identity and remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. Accessible by ferry from the mainland and via its own airport, Menorca offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Spain.
It’s no wonder then, that Menorca was declared a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. This unspoiled island, which is located off the East coast of Spain, forms part of the Balearic archipelago but gets much less attention than its lively sisters. This is a blessing in disguise for those looking for an authentic, old-world feel, as Menorca’s coastline has been left virtually untouched by the high-rises that pepper the coasts of Ibiza and Mallorca.
Inland, there is an abundance of farmland divided into pretty patchwork by dry stone walls. These farms produce a huge variety of produce, such as Mahon cheese, olive oil, apples, and wine.
The enduring presence of agriculture – and the good living it produces – has imbued Menorca with a laid-back, unpretentious atmosphere that is quietly attracting a new set of admirers. From bohemian, creative types to enterprising young tech entrepreneurs, many of these new buyers are enticed by the unspoiled landscape, not to mention the abundance of romantic, shabby-chic fincas begging for restoration which can be snapped up for a steal. Throw in the fact that you’re a short one-hour flight from Barcelona and it’s not hard to see why those in the know are choosing to buy here.
The Island’s bohemian credentials are further boosted by the fact that it has been discreetly encouraging sustainable tourism, with walking and cycling routes across the island granting access to areas not reachable by car.
Take a trip to Menorca in the summer months and the first thing you will be struck by are the colors – the intense light saturation is a stunning and wondrous sight to behold. The waters, which shade from deep azure into luminescent pale turquoise, spill into powder-like, fine white sands; its blue skies are the first to greet the sun in Spain each day, and its sunsets are arguably some of the finest in the world. Gaze past the bleached rocky cliffs and onto green and fertile land.
Dust off your walking shoes and head along the Cami de Cavalls, a restored medieval bridle path which circles the island along 125 miles of beautiful coast. This route will lead you to some hidden gems along the coastline, including otherwise inaccessible beaches.
All that walking is likely to build up an appetite, so head to the island’s capital, Mahon, where there is an abundance of excellent restaurants. This small but lively port city has a golden glow about it, with the Mediterranean sun reflecting its radiance off a mixture of buildings in shades of canary yellow, deep terracotta, crème anglaise, and oatmeal.
A quick stroll around its pristine streets reveals an array of independent boutiques, fresh food markets, and charming cafes, a perfect introduction to the sweet, laid-back way of life here.