Menorca is one of the beautiful Spanish Balearic Islands, off the eastern coast of Spain in the Mediterranean. As the smaller, quieter sister to Majorca, it is an ideal place to head abroad to soak up the sun. On Menorca, villas are situated around the island and will not only give you exceptional access to the cities, towns and miles of stunning beaches, they also make it easy to experience the wildlife of the island itself.
Despite being smaller than the neighbouring islands, this little gem has more accessible beaches than Majorca and Ibiza combined, and the whole island is a European Biological Reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with over 75% of the land marked as “protected”. While you are on Menorca, villas allow you the freedom to choose where to go and what to see. If you are an animal lover, be sure to explore the history of the Mallorquín horse and visit the Albufera de Es Grau area.
The Mallorquín horse
Also known as the Caballo Menorquín, the Mallorquín horse is a breed that is indigenous (officially recognised as an indigenous breed in 1989) to the island of Menorca. Villas on the island are often closer than you may think to a local breeder or farm that you can visit. The Mallorquín is a breed of black horse that has been listed by the Patronato para las Razas Autóctonas de Mallorca since the mid-1980s, and is now considered an endangered species, due to their dwindling numbers. There are less than 200 listed as living outside the Balearic Islands.
The Mallorquín horse is related to the now-extinct Catalan horse and can only be black in colour, though a few white markings are permitted. It stands at a height of at least 15.1 hands (each hand is measured in 4 inches) and is, on average, 15.3 hands with a medium build. They are generally even-tempered and have bright, expressive eyes. If you visit the island during the summer festivals – such as the Sant Joan de Ciutadella festival – you can witness the horses playing an integral part, walking along the streets on their hind legs and taking part in the games. In fact, they are so important they have become the symbol of the festivals themselves.
Albufera de Es Grau
After you have enjoyed the festivals and seen the magnificent Mallorquín horses prance their way through the streets, getting back to the peaceful countryside is easy in Menorca. Villas provide a perfect escape from the “jaleo”, or commotion, of the cites. You can find an abundance of peace and quiet in the coastal wetland area of Albufera de Es Grau, which is a two kilometre oval-shaped lagoon. Located just north of the capital city of Mahon, the park encompasses 5,000 hectares and includes five small islands.
Each of these areas contain wetlands, coastal areas, farmlands and pastures, cliffs, dunes, coastal communities, and beaches. While here, you will have the opportunity to see Holm Oak and wild olive trees, along with the Menorcan birds of prey which call this area home. Large Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagles, Red Kites and Buzzards are just a few of the species that can be seen in the skies near the wetlands. Taking shelter in the woodlands, you can spot Hoopoes, Bee Eaters, and Blue Rock Thrushes as well. For something different, try renting a kayak and paddling out into the beautiful waters of the inlets.