Hotels Menorca
Geography of Menorca
    
Situated in the heart of the eastern Mediterranean, Menorca is the easternmost
Balearic island and, with an area of 701 square kilometres, the second largest.
Menorca has a length of approximately 50kms and a width of a maximum of 17kms.
Geologically, the island is divided into two symmetrical but very different
halves. The north has an uneven and rugged coastline with sparse vegetation
and numerous islets, along with reddish and dark sandy beaches. The south is
made up of calcareous rock, and is flat with smooth cliffs, gullies sculpted
by water and coves of white sand surrounded by pines. The highest elevation
on the island is Monte Toro at 357m.
The island is well known for its mild temperatures, and its climate is typically
Mediterranean. The average annual temperature is between 16C and 17C. In summer,
the average is 24C and in winter, 11C. The climate can be classified as mild,
and the cool north wind, known as the tramuntana, characterizes the Menorcan
landscape.
The landscape is relatively flat and open to winds; as a result, each wind
has been named by the Menorcans depending on which direction it comes from.
Tramuntana is the strong north wind and comes often to Menorca throughout the
year, usually staying for several days. It often gusts up to 100kms per hour,
evidence of which can be seen from the trees on the north coast, which grow
bent towards the south.
As you explore Menorca, one of the most common sights you will see are the
dry-stone walls. These are boundaries to plots of land, also known as tanques.
The construction of these walls is an art in itself; it consists of selecting
and carefully placing the right size stones, without the use of cement or any
binding materials, to form a strong standing wall. Some of these walls have
stood for centuries. It is said that if all the walls of Menorca were placed
in a straight line they would measure 15,000kms.
Monte Toro, standing 357m high, is the highest mountain on the island; its
summit affords a fantastic view over the undulating land below.
Selection of hotels in this region:
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full list of hotels and online booking
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