Minorca

Minorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands, located to the northeast of Mallorca and is the least overrun and most tranquil of the Balearics. Due to its unspoilt beauty, it allows the more adventerous the opportunity to discover new charms and experiences. Despite its smaller size among other Spanish islands, the number of beaches that Menorca has equals the number of beaches that can be found in Mallorca and Ibiza combined. The possibility of having a beautiful beach largely to yourself in the summer, combined with alfresco dining and peaceful holiday resorts, makes Minorca a highly desirable place to visit.

Lingering British influence is seen in the Minorcans' taste for gin, which during local festes honoring towns' patron saints is mixed with bitter lemon to make a Pomada. Also famous is Formatge de Maó, a cheese typical of the island.

Regular flights are available directly to Mahon from mainland Spain and the sister islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. Regular scheduled services are available with Monarch from Birmingham, Manchester, London Luton and London Gatwick. Easyjet and British Airways also operate flights from some major and regional UK airports. Minorca's airport is served by buses to Mao (Euro$1.50, 15 min) every half hour from around 6AM to 10PM and then hourly to midnight. The bus stops at the bus station, the Estacio Maritima and a couple of other intermediate points. Regular ferries from both mainland Spain and Majorca are also available.

Taxis are the most popular form of transport and there are many car rental companies to choose from. There are numerous agents and companies specialising in car hire in Minorca - both at the airport and in resorts - although it may be prudent to organise it from home before you arrive to avoid disappointment during peak periods. Most of the Western beach towns are served by buses leaving from the main Plaza in Ciutadella. Other buses leave from Ferreries, Alaior and the largest bus stop on the island is that one in Mao, it serves Sant Lluis and then all of the beach towns in the East. Son Bou is reached from Alaior. The main bus route which serves Mao, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Ferreries and Ciutadella runs along the centre of the island. Most buses leave hourly and are very inexpensive, at around €4 to €5 to travel between Ciutadella and Mao.