Explore Menorca, the Biosphere Reserve of the Balearics 

Menorca, the second largest of the Balearic Islands, promises untamed beauty, natural beaches and a diverse landscape. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993 for its commitment to preserving land and marine ecosystems, it remains authentic through responsible tourism and conservation efforts. Its understated charm and rich cultural heritage make Menorca a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.  

Lying at the heart of the Biosphere Reserve is Albufera des Grau, the vast national park and wetlands with a peaceful lagoon. Flanked by craggy cliffs, the area includes more than 12,000 acres of lush forest, marshes and dunes whose habitats contain considerable biodiversity. With a wealth of fauna and flora, the park is home to more than 200 birds including ospreys and harriers, and countless endemic species and plant varieties. In addition, coastal islets offer shelter to protected Posidonia oceanica prairies and Mediterranean Sea tortoises. 

For a bijou island, Menorca is spoilt for its natural beaches and secluded coves which lure with white sands and balmy, turquoise waters. Thanks to strict conservation laws, its coastline remains largely undeveloped, and the island’s 100 or more beaches remain peaceful, preserving their inherent beauty. Away from the fray, tranquil calas are often framed by fragrant pine forests and dunes where wildlife can thrive, making them ideal for undisturbed sunbathing, swimming or snorkelling. And who could resist those mesmerising sunset views? A veritable dream. 

The ancient path, Camí de Cavalls, meaning ‘Way of the horses’ in Catalan, dates back to Medieval times when it was created by King Jaume II as a defence against coastal attacks by pirates. Approximately 185km long, the atmospheric 20-stage route encircles the island, meandering through rugged ravines, valleys and wetlands and pristine beaches and coves. The route can be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback, and is the perfect way to promote responsible tourism while preserving Menorca’s rich biodiversity. 

There are nearly 11,600 Talayotic megalithic constructions scattered across the island. Many of the huge stone remains hark back to the Bronze Age and include talayots, stone towers, navetas, collective tombs, and taulas, shrines. Given the abundance of prehistoric sites in a relatively small, inhabited territory, Menorca was awarded UNESCO World Heritage in 2023.  Visitors can easily tour sites by road with two of the best-known being Naveta d’Es Tudons, the ancient funerary monument, and Torre d’en Galmés, one of the largest Talayotic settlements.