By far the least populated of the 3 main islands that make up the Balearic archipelago, Menorca is a small stepping stone set in the western Mediterranean Sea which divides the continent of Europe from the northern coast of the continent of Africa. Being only 48 by 19 kilometres at it`s widest points, it is a green oasis bathed in the wonderful light, created as the sun’s rays are reflected from the surrounding ultra clear blue waters.
One of the most important geological features of Menorca is the harbour of Mahon, considered to be one of the largest natural harbours in the world, extending three and a half miles inland. Since the middle ages it has attracted seafarers from many ancient civilisations. These include the Romans, the Moors, the Turks and the French and from the early 18th century to the early 19th century, Menorca was a British Dependency. Mahon harbour became a sanctuary for the British Navy, who were responsible for building the Naval Base and the superb fortresses of La Mola and Fort Marlborough. Much still remains of the military constructions erected during this epoch and of the residential and commercial buildings, which demonstrate many distinctive features of English building styles. These are most apparent in Mahon and Es Castell, though all of the invaders have left their individual marks and influences on the architecture, language and food and, as happens, genealogically.
An important and long lasting contribution to the economy of Menorca was made by the British when they brought the first dairy cattle to the island. The present day, descendants of these first Friesian cattle are the backbone of an industry which produces superb dairy products. Particularly prized are the artisan cheeses which are now exported to all parts of the world. The tranquil presence of the many thousands of black and white cows is a much loved part of the landscape.
From Monte Toro, the islands highest point at 358 metres, one can view the whole of Menorca and looking around it is easy to be bowled over by the wonderful roll of the terrain, with hillsides clad with the evergreen, scented Pines or Mediterranean Oaks and the groves of ancient Olive trees set among fields bordered by seemingly ageless dry stone walls.
Menorca is also famous for its Megalithic stone monuments including taulas, talaiots and navetes which litter the island and have given it the title of the largest outdoor museum in Europe. These structures are attributed to the presence here of an organised, prehistoric culture, dating back some 4000 years.
Very little of the land is taken up by the small towns, white washed villages and coastal resorts so around 97% of the 200 kilometres of coastline is untouched. The local authorities and the Menorcans themselves are very proud of the unspoiled aspects of the island and strive to ensure that new developments are strictly controlled and the existing ones conserved and maintained. The majority of the terrain is farmland, forest and natural areas including long stretches of rocky coastline, large coastal cliffs and some 120 beaches. At the back of several of these beaches, salt marsh wetlands, reed beds, and lakes, known as albuferas have formed as part of the natural geography of the island. All of these differing landscapes, at different times of the year, support a great diversity of avian life.
Because it is so unspoilt and unpolluted, and due to the richness of it`s wildlife, in 1998 UNESCO designated it as a WORLD BIOSPHERE. This award has been taken very seriously by both local and national governments and many steps have been taken to ensure that the island maintains and improves the high quality of its clean air, seas and land.
These standards are highly prized by the human population, and plainly by the bird population, given the number and variety of species encountered here both as residents and visitors.
