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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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alquiler de Coches

Sand and Sea

Albufeira features over 25 of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe.  The gorgeous sands and sea are set against a backdrop of beautiful, dramatic cliffs.  In addition to sunbathing and swimming, there is parasailing, kayaking, plenty of jet ski and boat rentals, boat tours to go out and enjoy the scenery and maybe even watch dolphins play, and several wonderful diving schools.  If you fancy, you can even book a trip on the “pirate ship” Leaozhino and enjoy a sailing experience like no other.

Cycling and Hiking

With challenging courses and trails, Albufeira is a great place for cyclists and hikers alike.  Nowhere else on Earth will you find trails like these combine with such beautiful scenery as your backdrop.  Enjoy mountain biking through the rocky terrain of the cliffs surrounding Albufeira, or take one of the guided bike tours throughout the old town for a unique sightseeing experience.

Golfing

Albufeira features six world class golf courses to choose from, making it an excellent destination for a golf getaway.  Perfect your shot with the blue sea and old town villages as your backdrop.  If you are a less experienced golfer, lessons are offered by skilled and friendly pros.

Nightlife and Dining

Whether you are a young adult or just young at heart, Albufeira has an active and vibrant night life.  The strip is the main party street in Albufeira.  Lined with a multitude of bars, dance clubs, and restaurants, it is where you should seek out if you are looking for a lively and entertaining night out on the town.  It can actually be quite economical if you are looking to have drinks on a budget, as the proximity of one bar to the other allows you to bounce from happy hour to happy hour.

Whether on the strip or in Old Town, the dining in Albufeira is both delicious and affordable.  Don’t make the mistake of shying away from the street grills.  You will them to have delicious chicken and absolutely fabulous fresh fish.  If that just isn’t your cup of tea, there are a multitude of restaurants featuring everything from Chinese to Indian food, as well as some higher scale steak houses and some “posh” dining experiences as well.

Historic Sightseeing

Visit the winding cobblestone streets of Old Town and admire the Arabic style buildings and friendly people of the original town center, which still retains the essence of the village it has always been.  Visit museums, galleries, and castles as well.    One of Albufeira’s landmarks is the castle wall, the remains of one of the towers of the castle that crumbled to dust in the 1755 earthquake.  Another beautiful landmark to behold is the famous Clock Tower of Albufeira.  Adorned with an iron crown, the tower was built in the 19th century and rings out the hours dutifully.  It’s a must see for sightseers.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Albufeira regardless of your age and interests.  I strongly encourage you to give it a visit the next time you go on holiday.

Albufeira is an amazing holiday destination and what better place to stay than in Albufeira apartments?  Visit the Owner’s Direct website and take a look at some of the best the region has to offer.

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