The capital of Menorca is Maó, originally situated on the east of the island; it has been the capital of Menorca , since the British changed it from Ciutadella in 1721. The reason for this is the harbour - 5km long, over 1km at its widest point, and 15-30m deep. It is the largest natural harbour in the world, after Pearl Harbour .

At the opposite end is the island’s second town Ciutadella - dignified, aristocratic, ancient, and deliciously Mediterranean. It is an historic show piece which has failed to be ruined by the twentieth century.

Most people will enter Ciutadella for the first time by road and will encounter the magnificent statue, on the roundabout at the entrance to the city. It is a magnificent rearing stallion and symbolises the famous Ciutadella fiesta - Fiesta de San Juan . Celebrated at the end of June , a ceremony rich in tradition, it is the first fiesta of the summer and from then through to September one is held in each town on the island.

Menorca ’s naturally rocky coast line provides the island with more beaches than Mallorca ! With well over a hundred of them, ranging from tiny coves to large stretches of sand, there are beaches to suit almost everyone. Whilst the larger beaches are all accessible by road the smaller un-spoilt coves are either a walk away or better still, visited by boat.

Rocky, untamed and covered with pine trees, the north coast of Menorca remains relatively undeveloped. Over the years a small stretch from Fornells to Addaia has succumbed to man, but fortunately for the most part this has not detracted from the natural beauty of the area.

Fornells is a small fishing village on the western side of an enormous bay. Almost landlocked, the bay gives the appearance of a large lake, and is ideal for windsurfing and sailing. Fornells has also in recent time become the smart place to eat, following patronage by King Juan Carlos , and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.  

The island is also known as an open air archaeological museum from a preserved roman mosaic floor near the airport to the strange and to  prehistoric caves and the mysterious prehistoric stone ‘Taulas’ which can be found all across the island. These “T” shaped monuments set in a roughly horseshoe-shaped stone precinct are found only in Menorca and have always defied rational explanation. Many theories have been put forward, but no-one has really answered the question of how or why they were constructed.  

The island's highest point is Monte Toro, situated just outside the town of Es Mercadal . It is a pleasant walk of about 3.4km to the summit, however many people choose to visit by car or even coach, and there is plenty of parking at the top. Originally it was the site of an Augustinian Monastery, part of which, still survives in the renaissance style church. However it is now occupied by nuns, who look after the church, and run a cafe and gift shop. Fabulous views abound, and on a clear day it is even possible to see Mallorca . So, don’t forget your camera!

For more information on Menorca with  information on all the towns, beaches and restaurants why not visit Menorca 2003 - the Ultimate Guide