Menorca is, arguably, the most beautiful of the Balearic Islands. It is known for being a relaxed and tranquil destination offering a handful of family-friendly holiday resorts. Menorca takes its name from the Latin word for 'minor', due to the fact that it's smaller than the neighbouring island of Mallorca. Despite measuring just 32 miles (52km) long and 9 miles (15km) wide, Menorca has many fine beaches and secluded coves along its unspoilt and picturesque coastline.

The Menorcan countryside is mostly green and is characterised by distinctive stone walls which divide the fields. The northern half of Menorca is generally more rugged than the southern half. There are many Bronze Age sites scattered throughout the island. Navetes or tailaiots - stone monuments resembling an upturned boat - are particularly common.

Menorca's two main towns, Ciuldadela in the west, and the capital Mahon in the east, are situated at opposite ends of the island. Both are full of historic buildings and pretty squares. The Placa des Born in Ciuldadela, bordered by impressive 19th century mansions, is regarded as one of Spain's finest squares. Other important sights in the town include the 14th century cathedral and the excellent municipal museum which houses a notable collection of prehistoric artefacts.

The island's capital, Mahon (also written as Mao), is arranged along a cliff top overlooking a large natural harbour. Due to its strategic location the town was fought over many times. The British captured Menorca during the War of the Spanish Succession in the early 18th century, and a strong British influence can be seen in the town's Georgian architecture. One of the Mahon's best-loved attractions is the church of Santa Maria, notable for its huge 19th century organ which has around 3,000 pipes. The little island of Illa d'en Colom, situated in Mahon bay, has some lovely beaches, but is accessible only by boat.

Menorca's longest beach - a 2-mile (3km) stretch of gently sloping white sand - is situated in the southern resort of Son Bou. A short distance along the coast from Son Bou is the spectacular beach of Cala en Porter, protected on either side by two large cliffs. Other resorts on the island's southern coast include Calan Bosch and Cala Galdana, while S'Algar and Cala'n Forcat are situated on the east and west coasts respectively. The scenic and peaceful resort of Arenal d'en Castell, with its beautiful horseshoe bay, is situated on Menorca's northern coastline. Close to Arenal is the nature reserve of Albufera d'es Grau and the island's highest peak, the 358-metre Monte Toro.

There are plenty of outdoor activities available in Menorca, with scuba diving especially popular. The island has a 14-hole golf course, situated at Son Parc, and a water park near Calan Bosch. Menorca is not known for its nightlife, although Mahon has several late night bars around its harbour.

Menorca has one airport situated about 3 miles (5km) southwest of Mahon. Transportes Menorca operates the island’s bus network, and there are regular services between the major towns and resorts.

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For more advice and tourist information about Menorca please see Menorca