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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Sunrise over Formentor, Mallorca, Spain by Tobias Lindman

Climate in Majorca

One of the great things about Majorca is the climate.  It is typically Mediterranean, with very dry and hot summers.  Temperatures are almost always in the high twenties during the summer and the winters are very mild.  Furthermore, because of the sea, there are few extremes in temperatures and the sea breeze is very pleasant, taking the sting of the very hot days.  Best of all, rainfall is incredibly rare in Majorca, with rain generally only falling from late October to early February.  The climate is but one of the many reasons why Majorca has the nickname of the “Island of Tranquillity”.  It is hard to imagine that an island that has a real party reputation could be classed as tranquil, but it is actually true because it has a mountain scenery that is nothing short of magical, hidden little cove beaches and the most stunning old villages and towns.

North East Majorca

The north east of the island is full of the most amazing cliffs, as well as offering visitors the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range.  The mountains are dotted with sleepy, ancient little towns and villages.  The homes are truly tiny and have gorgeous green shuttered windows.  The walls are stone and ancient and wild flowers cascade all over them.  It will feel as if you are Alice in Wonderland and everything around you is really small.  If you venture to the foot of the mountains where they meet the sea, you can spend some time in one of the little local villages and watch the boats sail in.

Palma de Mallorca, Spain by SBA73

South East Majorca

The south east of the island is just as beautiful and enchanting as the north, but this part is full of pastures and almond groves.  There are some beautiful little farmers’ villages, where it feels as if time stood still.  Don’t be surprised to see some people sleeping outside of their home if you have arrived there during siesta time.  There is also a beautiful marina where the jet set seems to gather in expensive luxury yachts.

Culture and Arts in Majorca

Besides sun, sea, sand and – as you now know – beautiful scenery and villages, Majorca is also a great place to soak in some culture and arts.  There are many monasteries and sanctuaries dotted across the island, many of which have long been abandoned.  Some offer accommodation for travellers, so you may even choose to spend the night.  One beautiful monastery is the Carthusian monastery.  This is found in Valldemossa and you will be able to view some works of art by some of the world’s most famous painters.  Francis Bacon, Picasso and Henry Moore are but some of the names you may find here.  Even Palma, the capital and touristic hotspot of Majorca, offers plenty of off the beaten track adventures, with gorgeous little hidden streets in which you will find traditional tapas bars and little craft stores.

Clearly, if you are able to find a cheap Jet2.com flights to Majorca, you should go for it.

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A view looking along Glen Rosa, Arran / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by uplandaccess

And as much as it might be thought ‘Scotland in miniature’ is an exaggeration or simply marketing hype, the truth is there isn’t much of Scotland you can’t experience when you’re on Arran.

Arran’s Landscape

Starting with the island’s landscape, Arran is a particularly mountainous isle, not only producing some of the country’s best postcard photographs, but offering a fantastic array of walks for experienced and amateur walkers alike.

From leisurely walks to climbing challenges, try setting off from the village of Blackwaterfoot on the west coast and heading north towards Lochranza. It’s a beautiful walk, benefited tremendously by simply looking left – you’ll have an unrivalled view of the stunning Kintyre for the entire journey.

If walking isn’t your thing, what about a relaxing stroll through one of the islands many beautiful villages?

Home to no more than a couple of hundred people each, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be blown away by one of two things – the sheer tranquillity of sitting outside, drink in hand, watching the world go by on an island that seems to be completely removed from any type of hustle and bustle or the simple friendliness of the people who are so proud of their island and love to share its intricacies and delights with everyone.

And if you’re looking for something a little more cultural or historic, how about Brodick Castle, a castle that’s still standing strong after 500 years?

Brodick Castle, Arran / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Magnus Hagdorn

Anyone for Whisky?

Or Arran Distillery, perhaps, if you’re partial to a wee dram? Although having only been established for just over 15 years, Arran Distillery produces some of the country’s finest single malt whisky and is the only distillery in the whole of Scotland that is allowed to use the famed Scottish poet, Robert Burns, on its labelling.

It’s also worthwhile keeping in mind that on top of the island’s ability to provide beautiful walks with stunning scenery, quaint villages to enjoy a relaxing time in and a range of popular attractions, there are also a number of golf courses on the island, courses that have arguably some of Europe’s most favourable backdrops.

The Isle of Arran is one of those destinations that people very often skim over when deciding on where to visit Scotland, as they can feel visiting a more well-known place will be more beneficial to the time they have.

But with so much to see and do and on an island that can at times seem like it’s completely your own, where else in Scotland would you need to go?

Matthew Bettoli writes for Cottages and Castles, who can provide comfortable Arran holiday cottages for your next Scottish holiday.

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