Minorca

Minorca, or Menorca in Catalan and Minorca in Spanish, is the easternmost of the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean. It belongs to Spain and lies off the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The island covers about 700 square kilometers; its capital is Mahón (Maó), the main port, while Ciutadella de Menorca is its historic city.

Geography and landscape: Minorca is a long, low-lying island of limestone with numerous coves, beaches, and bays. Its highest point is Monte Toro, at 358 meters. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm, often windy summers influenced by the tramontane and other regional winds.

History and archaeology: Prehistoric remains include talayots, navetas, and taula temples, with Naveta d'Es Tudons among the best known. The island saw Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman contact. In the 18th century it was briefly controlled by Britain, with fortifications such as Fort Marlborough and La Mola; it returned to Spain in 1802.

Culture and economy: Catalan is the local language (Menorquí), with Spanish widely spoken. The island has a distinctive culinary tradition, including Queso de Mahón-Menorca and seafood dishes such as caldereta de langosta. The economy is dominated by tourism, complemented by agriculture and services.

Conservation and sights: In 1993 Menorca was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and protects areas such as the Albufera des Grau and coastal habitats. The Great Harbour of Mahón is one of the world's largest natural harbours, and visitors come for beaches, cliffs, and prehistoric remains.