Rural Tourism
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.
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.
Everything flows naturally and with an easy rhythm in Minorca; the complicity of life eases a stress free holiday.
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.
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.
In Menorca there are a lot of «llocs» (farms) that are open to the public. The visitors can watch how the farmers make the Menorca -Mahón Cheese, taste and buy it.
Some of these farms have been converted into Rural Hotels. These establishments offer a nice bedrooms, exquisite service and also a natural enviroment.
