Twenty miles east of Mallorca, lies the most easterly island of the Islas Balearics, Minorca. The Island is 26 miles long and 11 miles wide. It is not so mountainous as Ibiza or Majorca and was the first of the Balearics to be separated as an island. The coastline is broken by innumerable calas which offer many attractive anchorages.
Puerto de Mahon (Maó) lies on the east coast. It was an important naval base for many years and has inherited the influences, habits and behaviours of the various forces in occupation. Including the British who were there for much of the 18th century.
The island population is currently 75,000, of whom more than a third live in Mahon or Ciudadela. Menorca has many attractions to offer those who prefer to avoid the major centres of mass tourism.
The harbour of Mahon offers a stunning approach, steeped in history. Lord Nelson spent some time here whilst in command of the Mediterranean Fleet in 1799. You will navigate past a succession of small islands, Isla Pinto, Isla del Rey, Isla Cuarentena and Isla del Lazareto, all lying within the large natural harbour.
