Explore the Natural Beauty of Menorca | Spain

Claire — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:29:26 +0000

Menorca is one of the most naturally beautiful places in Europe. It may be associated with the sun-holiday culture, but it is also one of the least spoiled areas of the Mediterranean. The island has been classified as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for almost 20 years and is celebrated for amazing scenery that stretches from its dramatic coastline to its breathtaking central peak.

Binigaus, Menorca by Boladevidre

The Port of Mahon

The capital, Mahon or Mao, is situated at the world’s second-largest harbour. The historic town is a scenic gem, with the sapphire-blue sea providing the ideal backdrop for a remarkable collection of buildings.

If you fancy a trip out of town, visit the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, a huge park around three miles from Mahon, which is renowned for its range of flora and fauna. A haven for everything from turtles to olive trees, it is ideal for those seeking a change from the usual sun holiday experience.

Binigaus Valley

Another site of immense and varied beauty, Binigaus Valley is best known for Cova des Coloms, one of the island’s biggest cave complexes. Nearby is an idyllic beach, which is perfect for swimming.

Algendar Gorge

Stretching over four miles, this vast limestone gorge is one of the most impressive natural features on the island. A surprising variety of flowers and wildlife thrives in the limestone fissures, and the area is also home to a range of rare birds and reptiles. Keep an eye out for the kites and kestrels that prey on the lizards and turtles that dart from the cracks in limestone. Algendar Gorge is certainly one of the most impressive areas in the whole of Menorca.

Beaches

As a sun-holiday paradise, Menorca has all the beaches you could ever want. If you’re looking for sand and sea, Menorca doesn’t tend to be as crowded as the other Balearic Islands.

One of the island’s favourite spots for swimming and sun bathing, Son Bou is a beautiful, long beach with fine sands. Resorts and villas nearby tend to be highly popular among families. In comparison, Punta Prima is more adult-orientated, offering a range of water sports facilities, bars, and restaurants. With some of the strongest currents on the island, it is not suitable for children who want to swim.

Diving

The island is one of the most impressive places in the Mediterranean for scuba diving and offers over 15 schools for would-be divers. If you don’t have PADI certification, this could be the perfect opportunity to get it and see some amazing sea life in the process.

Menorca is one of the most naturally beautiful places in the entire Mediterranean, and, although it is famous as a sun holiday destination, it is relatively unspoiled. It represents the ideal mix of amenities and pristine beauty, something few other places can offer.

So, why not enjoy yourself and see the sites with car hire in Menorca. The island is deceptively large, so car hire means you can see the area’s natural beauty quickly and easily.

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Lake Fertö / Neusiedler See – Europe’s largest salt-water lake

Claire — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:31:38 +0000

Lake Fertö which is located partially in Hungary (25% of area) and partially in Austria (75% of area), where it is called Neusiedler See, is the largest saltwater lake in the entire Europe. There are several different streams which feed into this lake, and it does not have a natural means of drainage, though it is drained by the Hansag channel. This area is home to many different types of birds, due to the thick reed-beds as well as marshy areas throughout the land.

Lake Fertö / Neusiedler See, Hungary / Austria by Mr. Tonreg

This lake is the third largest in all of Central-Europe, located far to the west of all other great continental lakes in the Eurasia region. The overall size of Lake Fertö tends to change quite often, mostly because of the strong winds and shallow level of the water. Some of the different types of birds which populate this area include the Common Spoonbill, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Greylag Goose, and many more. Some of the rarer birds which can be found in the Lake Fertö area include the White-Tailed Eagle, the Hen Harrier, and the Red-Breasted Goose.

Located in the North West region of Hungary, it initially opened in the same year as the Austrian Neusiedler See National Park. Both of these parks are attached to Lake Fertö and Lake Neusiedler. There are many who continue to regard Lake Fertö as one of the most significant natural bodies of water in all of Europe. The Austrian side of this lake covers 240 km², while the Hungarian side covers 75 km².

Skating on Neusiedler See in winter, Austria by Mr. Tonreg

Surrounding Lake Fertö are various towns and villages, including Illmitz, Podersdork am See, Weiden, and many more. There has been a history of human settlement in this area going all the way back to the Neolithic period. This lake is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic places to visit in the entire Hungary-Austria area.

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