C overing 702 square kilometers with 216 kilometres of coastline and despite being a fairly flat island with no great mountains, Menorca has many natural treasures and a variety of landscapes which include lagoons, marshes, small springs and smooth hills. The natural variety of the island is extremely wide and a real treasure with deep gorges starting from the insides of the island and winding their way towards the southern coast. These ravines are authentic, holding a variety of flora with 220 species, which cohabit, with the remains 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, Menorca bears over fifty inland caves to explore. Menorca is extremely cultural and it’s passion is particularly expressed with the Sant Joan festivities, where the Menorcan horse breed becomes the one and only protagonist, as well as the variety of handicraft created by the most skilled hands of the island or the expressiveness of its atavistic folk jigs. Menorca has always been the birthplace of different artistic personalities. The continuous exposure to such beauty of the island has inspired writers, painters and sculptors, as well as musicians; a unique muse for its best symphonies. Local festivities are celebrated during the summer throughout the different towns and such events are the best proof of the traditional Menorcan customs. The starting point of these festivities, and considered the most popular, are held in Ciutadella between the 23rd and 24th of June. Menorcan craftsmanship, includes an authentic and variable form of modeling beauty. Some examples of this diverse craftsmanship are master woodworkers of farming tools, fashion jewellers, pottery, blacksmiths, cheese makers and boat makers of llauts (menorcan vessels). M enorca offers the most natural way of experiencing sport – the island is lined across with countless country paths to discover. These can be enjoyed by walking along established routes or by bike, taking advantage of its flatness or experiencing an exciting feeling of freedom on horseback along the coastline. The "Cami de Cavalls" (a path originally created to take by horseback which surrounds the island) is recommended in order to capture the charm of the Menorcan coastline as it follows the island's entire outline. The sea breeze helps to create the best atmosphere to fight back the heat and enjoy the fresh air and all excursions allow for some common stops – the many coves and beaches where to recover and refresh in the privileged waters. The Camí d'en Kane, made during the British dominion, is an appropriate route for two wheelers, which offers the opportunity to get together with the essence of the old rural scenery. Known as the Island of wind, Menorca is great for sailing and windsurfing. A number of companies rent out different kinds of vessels or offer excursions to any of the beautiful beaches where you can enjoy a wonderful dip in the Mediterranean or a dive into its depths. If you practise scuba-diving in Menorca you will fall in love with its transparent waters. Its sea bottoms are an enchanting forest of unique plants and marine species, caves, light effects and shipwrecks. Diving in the Protected Area at the north of the island is a real underwater adventure where lobsters and basses can be seen as they move about freely. After so many thrills, you can relax with a game of golf with the advantage being the climate, which allows for play at any time of the year. By being located close to the sea and surrounded by nature, golf can be played within an incomparably quiet scenery. M ost towns host handicraft markets every week, where real handmade works of art are exhibited. A ritual not to be missed is a walk through the stalls at Calas Fonts, Fornells or the Ciutadella Port; idyllic sceneries next to the sea where you can feel a special atmosphere. Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and can sometimes be over-shadowed by big sister Mallorca, yet it’s sheer beauty and the simple harmony of the island is second to none. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised. Choice Holidays Saint Guilhem le Désert ©Bernard Liegeois Small fishing boat, Collioure ©Paul Palau/CRT