Menorca’s Ecological Treasures | Spain
Although it has been very popular with travellers and tourists for many years, not many people who visit Menorca realise that the whole island is designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The declaration, made in 1993, acknowledges the unique cultural and economic climate which has been developed on the island that means all growth of industry and the landscape are done with protection of the natural surroundings as the primary concern.
As a result of the UNESCO biosphere designation, the Menorcan authorities are even more careful to ensure that its environment and the plants and animals it supports are protected and preserved for years to come. This gives rise to some unique and interesting ways in which tourism on the island is handled and some unique experiences for visitors to Menorca.
Tranquil beaches and quiet villages
One of the benefits of Menorca’s restrictions on development is the peace and tranquillity that you’ll find on the island. Rather than the blaring night clubs and raucous bars of many of the other Spanish coastal tourist resorts, Menorca has miles of unspoilt coast and many villages with quiet cobbled streets that are never troubled by traffic.
Cala Galdana, Menorca, Spain by Matth i
If you enjoy time on the beach, there’s plenty to attract you to the island and its stunning stretches of sand.
Flora and fauna
Aside from the beaches, there are plenty of attractions for naturalists in Menorca. Birdwatchers will be kept very busy with a range of rare and unusual birds including Raptors, Egyptian Vultures and Booted Eagles seen soaring in the skies above the island. Late April is thought to be the best time for birders to visit, with the island acting as a key staging point for birds migrating across the Mediterranean.
Minorcan countryside, Spain by Francisco Valverde
The islands heaths and wetlands are protected and monitored by park rangers at the Albufera des Grau Natural Park. The park has an environmental museum that opens to the public, offering a fascinating commentary on the work of the park to protect indigenous species of plants and the birds of prey that nest in the area.
The park has several well-marked paths that allow visitors to explore this unique wildlife habitat and gives the opportunity to see some of the plants and creatures native to the area.
Culture and craft
Menorca’s UNESCO recognition extends beyond the ecological and environmental to the culture of the island. With a unique language – Menorquin – which is part Spanish, part Catalan the islanders have something that is completely different to anywhere else in the Mediterranean. In addition to the language and culture, including the strong heritage of horsemanship and agrarian living, Menorca has a host of prehistoric sites indicating a culture dating back to the Bronze Age and maybe even earlier.
One way in which the Menorcans have maintained their culture is through the handicrafts that are still practiced across the island. In particular, handmade leather shoes are made in tiny workshops by craftsmen and women whose skills have been handed down from generation to generation. The Albarca shoes, which are particular to the area, can be found in little shops and boutiques across the island.
Islanders are also skilled jewellers and metal smiths, and artisan jewellers are attracted to the island for the Eurobijoux trade fair in Mahon in September. At the leading edge of the trends, jewellery and accessories seen at the fair are likely to be seen replicated across the world in the following seasons.
Conclusion
This delicate cultural and environmental climate deserves respect and those who will do so receive a warm welcome on the island. With plenty of villas available, you can take advantage of the peace and quiet to get a complete break from the rat race. If you want to stay at a beautiful Menorca villa during your stay visit this link.
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