A discreet pearl of bewitching beauty, the most little-known island of the Balearic archipelago, anchored in the western Mediterranean, abounds in protected natural treasures that earned it the status of biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993. The island that the Phoenicians called"the island of fire" in honor of the god Baal has never tarnished its pretty silhouette miraculously preserved from the impact of mass tourism. Its dry stone walls, its sumptuous beaches, sometimes white, sometimes reddish, its wild coves wrapped in green pine forests, its mysterious prehistoric remains and its caves that pierce the cliffs are to be discovered according to the seasons, between a translucent sea and a deeply rural land, under the mildness of the western Mediterranean climate. Full of diversity, the island has a steep coastline in the north with jagged coasts and red sandy beaches swept by the Tramontana. In the south, the island has paradisiacal shores of white or golden sand, sometimes more touristy, limestone canyons and plains covered with wild olive trees. It is in the heart of these grandiose panoramas that one can practice a whole range of activities throughout the year: diving in the north in the marine reserve, horseback riding along the emblematic "Camí de Cavalls", hiking off the beaten track, from archaeological remains to pastoral landscapes, paragliding over the island, sailing to its coves that are only offered by the sea... Active tourism takes on its full meaning in Menorca when it comes to discovering a nature that is as fascinating as it is preserved.
An unspoiled emerald paradise
A traditional Balearic boat, the llaüt is the emblem of a tradition of fishermen still firmly rooted in Menorca, as in the whole archipelago. With or without a skipper, renting a boat from one of the many qualified agencies on the island - which stand out for the quality of their services - is therefore the best option for discovering Menorca's Edenic shores, with their incredibly crystal-clear emerald sea. It is also the only way to reach some confidential coves that can only be reached by water. In the active tourism agencies located all around Menorca, you can also rent a sailboat, a catamaran, a kayak, a sea scooter or a surf paddle board and glide along the Mediterranean coastline between two swims with a mask and snorkel to discover the island's marine flora and fauna, whether you prefer a solitary excursion or guided tours led by licensed professionals. For even more sensations, discovering Menorca from the air - by plane or paraglider - offers a completely different viewpoint, dizzying, on the bays and the indented coasts wet by the bluish eddies.
Exceptional seabed
In the north of the island, from Cap Gros to the bay of Fornells, extends one of the best preserved marine reserves of the Mediterranean, created in 1999 to protect the richness of the Minorcan coastline and integrated into the natural park of S'Albufera d'es Grau. If the lagoons of the park are the habitat of many species of birds to be observed all year round, the most western of the Balearic Islands has for many years been praised for its exceptional seabed and its pure waters covered with meadows of Posidonia oceanica, an aquatic plant with ecological virtues that guarantees the marine biodiversity of the island. Rocky coasts, submerged caves, wrecks... Menorca, which is full of natural nuggets, is an ideal place for first dives as well as dives for experienced divers. The diving centers and their highly qualified instructors have made the island's reputation. For those who don't like tanks, you can also dive with a mask and snorkel to discover the marine fauna lurking in this aquatic paradise.
The beaten path of the historical "Camí de Cavalls
Along the paths of the "Camí de Cavalls" or "horse path" in Catalan - which runs along the entire Menorcan coastline for almost 185 kilometers - you will find rocky plains, wild coves, picturesque forests and megalithic remains left here and there by the mysterious Talayotic culture. Armed with good walking shoes, a mountain bike or on horseback, you will walk along the paths of this ancient military road that once linked the defensive towers built along the coast during the 18th century to fight against pirate incursions. The route, divided into 20 stages, offers varying degrees of difficulty for both novices and experienced hikers, as well as a myriad of landscapes that sum up the beauty and diversity of the island. Along the "Camí de Cavalls" you can discover many of the more than 1,500 archaeological remains on the island, including the Talayotic village of Torre d'en Galmés, one of the most important on the island, which bear silent witness to the existence of an ancient people who inhabited Menorca in the first millennium BC. Numerous trails leading from this major axis open up to the pastoral landscapes of the interior, dotted with rural accommodations offering visitors the chance to stay in the heart of authentic panoramas bathed in Menorcan enchantment.
Discover now our must-see places in Menorca!
For more information: The Menorca Activa association brings together professionals and companies of active tourism present on the island and with complete services, from guided excursions to equipment rental, through personalized tours, but also a large offer of accommodation ranging from agritourism to small rural hotels. Consult their website.
