Minorca was declared Reservation of the Biosphere by the U.N.E.S.C.O. in 1993, a distinction that recognizes the harmony shared by the Minorcan inhabitants and the natural surroundings through out years.
Minorca is a magnificent island, not for its extension, but for its great variety of Mediterranean landscapes where exclusive species of the island cohabit (plants and endemic animals). The country landscapes are scaled to man's size, the purity of the natural environment, to which the natives have learnt to adapt with harmony, has been preserved. This compromise with its surroundings has taken its inhabitants not only to preserve it, but also enhance its beauty with typical constructions blending in with the environment. And so it has been maintained, through out years; a pure state of beauty: a landscape without artificial colourings or preserving; an authentic reservation of beauty where we can let ourselves go among surprising sensations offered by the Albufera Natural Park ( a paradise for migrating birds, fish and reptiles), five natural reservations, a marine reserve and nineteen A.N.E.I. areas (Natural Areas with Species of Interest).
Everything flows naturally in Minorca; at an easy rhythm which has spread over the island's inhabitants, continuously exposed to so much beauty. A surprising landscape which grinds into the visitor's eyesight by means of unexpected visual appearances. Without time to assimilate the beauty of the last beach, there appears another one instantly reminding us that the island holds an uncountable number of beaches. There are beaches for all tastes, from long soft sandy ones to hidden coves where one can bathe in crystal waters. The southern coast is lined with white sands surrounded by pine tree woods and waters, in the majority of areas, with a breathtaking turquoise tone. The north is wilder and sharper due to its erosion provoked by the tramontana wind over the rocks, giving way to idyllic beaches and virgin coves, as by nature's fancy. The presence of the posidonia, an endemic Mediterranean seaweed, along the Minorcan coast is the best sign indicating the good health of the beaches.
The sea bottoms are a rich natural environment with a wide variety of sea species and mineral composition showing an unforgettable spectre of colours. The ultimate expression of the mentioned richness is concentrated at the Marine Reserve in the northern area, where its spectacular depths hold a unique natural space.
But, Minorca is not only beaches. Its natural variety is extremely wide. So, the island offers the chance of encountering a representation of nearly all the Mediterranean habitats; a natural treasure with gorges, starting from the insides of the island and winding its way towards the southern coast. These ravines are an authentic natural event, holding a variety of flora with 220 species which cohabit with the remainings of mares stone quarries and prehistoric constructions. Marine species of special interest are those found in the more than ten underwater caves which aren't found anywhere else. As well as these underwater caves, Minorca bears over fifty inland caves to explore.
Ponds, salt marshes and lagoons are scattered all over the island. The most important humid areas are the Albufera Natural Park at Es Grau (an authentic gem of nature where up to 8000 samples out of 100 species have been counted), Addaia, Son Saura and Son Bou. Another eight dune systems are associated to these humid areas:La Albufera de Es Grau, Son Saura, Tirant, Cavallería, Pregonda, Cala Pilar and LA Vall in the North; and Son Bou in the South.
The high degree of preservation of the coastline offers the chance to admire the natural environment in its purest state. The landscape's unique characteristics enable the outspread of endemic species. The inland landscape is not less surprising thanks to the colourful vegetation offered. Even along the roads one can observe the thistles, orchidaceous and chrysanthemums contrasting with the black and white cows; a colour spectre which achieves an incomparable chromatic beauty.
Minorca was declared a natural biosphere by U.N.E.S.C.O. in 1993, a distinction awarded to the islanders for their strong passion in preserving the islands natural facets, culture, fauna, wildlife and promoting a controlled and sustainable industrial and urban development.
Travelling around the island, makes you appreciate that Minorca is truly a magnificent island, a jewel in the Mediterranean. It is not a large island, about the same size as the Isle of Wright, yet within its boundaries it has an immense variety of scenery and a vast catalogue of unique species (plants and endemic animals). The friendly locals have maintained the islands natural patrimony and fought against any attempts to change the landscape. Rural development or buildings are rigorously controlled and the materials used have to harmonise with the surrounds; supporting a landscape without artificial colourings or preservatives.
The Albufera Natural Park in Es Grau is perhaps the queen of all parks and here you can observe migrating birds, fish and reptiles. However, the island has five natural parks, a vast marine reserve and nineteen A.N.E.I. (Natural Areas with Species of Interest) registered areas.
Everything flows naturally and with an easy rhythm in Minorca; the complicity of life eases a stress free holiday – Your biggest choice of the day is perhaps your decision over which beach to visit. The island has over 120 beaches; all with their own speciality.-There are beaches for all tastes, from the long soft sandy ones to the hidden smugglers coves or the wild rocky beaches. The southern coast is lined with white fine sands surrounded by pine tree woods with crystal turquoise coloured waters. The north is wilder and sharper due to its erosion provoked by the Tramontana wind, these wind sculptured cliffs give way to idyllic beaches and virgin coves with deep waters. The presence of the posidonia, an endemic Mediterranean seaweed, along the coastline is the best sign to indicate the good health of the beaches, although slightly scorned by the beach user who is not aware of it usefulness.
The islands sea beds offer a rich environment for a large variety of sea life and mineral composition, offering a great spectre of colour for the diver. The islands protected Marine Reserve is located in the north. Sailing around the island you will view more than ten unique underwater caves with their own marine life.
But, Minorca is not only beaches. The grand variety of landscape and about 300 days of sunshine a year, allows one to discover the delights of walking. Strolling through the islands gorges can open up a new world; these gorges commence from the centre of the island and cut their way through to the south, towards Cala Galdana or Santo Tomas. They are majestic ravines with up to 220 species of fauna which co-habit with the remains of past used sand stone quarries and prehistoric constructions. For the professional group the island has over fifty inland caves still to explore.
Travelling around the island or even by studying your detailed island map, its possible to view the abundance of ponds, salt marshes and lagoons in Minorca - The most important humid area is the Albufera Natural Park at Es Grau, although the areas at Addaia, Son Saura and Son Bou can be appreciated.
The island will never let you down as no area during any season is free from beauty, for even when driving along the rural lanes you can enjoy spotting thistles, orchidaceous and chrysanthemums, patches of wild asparagus, berries, lounging black and white coloured Frisian cattle, glossy coated black stallions, grazing sheep and a world of bird life. This rural feast is a heaven for artists, photographers and bird and fauna watchers.
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