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MINORCA
THE LAST
PARADISE |
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Minorca has a
land area of 702 square kilometres and a coastline of 216 kilometres. The
maximum distance between two points is 47 kilometres, that is, between
Ciutadella and Ma? The coast of Sant Llu?, at the eastern end of the island,
is the first spot in Spain where the sun rises. |
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The
island's climate is typically Mediterranean and is well known for its
mild temperatures. The average annual temperature is between 16? and
17? centigrade. In summer , the average is 24?C and in winter, 11?C.
The climate can be classified as "mild" and the cool north wind, known
as the tramuntana, characterizes the Minorcan landscape.
The average annual rainfall varies from one place to another on the
island and is between 450 mm. in the south eastern region and 650 mm.
in the interior and the north eastern end. The rainfall distribution
throughout the months of the year is also very irregular. Thus, as in a
normal rainfall pattern, the maximum seasonal rainfall is in autumn and
very little falls in the summer period.
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Minorca has been, since prehistoric times to more recent
times, a staging point of different cultures owing to its strategic
location in the heart of the western Mediterranean. Its location has
attracted, since the dawn of civilization, different peoples who have
coveted the island as a stopover port and a shelter. |
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Minorca offers unbeatable opportunities to combine sport
with the enjoyment of nature.
Lovers of the sea have a wide range of activities open
to them, from swimming in any of the coves on the island to specific
activities such as windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing , fishing, lateen
sailing or scuba diving. There are also boat trips around the island and
trips to the main points of interest on the coast. Urbanizations offer
various services: diving centres (from beginners to advanced), windsurfing
centres (Fornells is the best known) as well as the possibility of enjoying
other water sports and activities. Other marinas are located in harbours
around the island, such as Ma? Addaia, Fornells, Ciutadella or Cala'n Bosch
as well as in other smaller locations. |
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Horse-riding is available in any of the numerous
racecourses and riding centres on the island, especially in Ma? Ferreries
and Ciutadella. Pony-trekking across rural tracks and roads is an
interesting way of enjoying riding whilst observing nature. Horse-lovers
can also enjoy harness races at the Ma?and Ciutadella racecourses.
Cycling is possible on a large number of rural minor
roads. There are guided tours, programmed excursions or freestyle routes.
There are also specific hiking and trekking routes that allow one to enjoy
nature and the island's landscape or bird-watching and observing natural
habitats. |
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For camping
enthusiasts there is a campsite at Son Bou and another situated on the road
to Cala Galdana, called S'Atalaia. Camping in nature areas of special
interest is prohibited.
Sports centres, public swimming pools, tennis courts and
other facilities offer a wide range of sporting activities in all the
municipalities of the island and in the majority of the urbanizations. Also,
cricket can be played in Sant Llu?!
Radio controlled model aircraft is another interesting
option. Light aircraft rental, if one is in possession of the appropriate
licence, is available or flight trips to enjoy the island from the sky. The
latter is available for groups of up to six people. All the above are
available at the Aeroclub, located between Ma?and Sant Llu?. |
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The coast, as
well as the interior, offers possibilities for potholing, thanks to the
large number of caves that exist in the cliffs and in the gullies.
For golf enthusiasts, Minorca has one nine hole golf course in the
urbanization of Son Parc on the northern coast.
To the above activities and possibilities in Minorca , one must point
out hiking, that continues to attract more people because Minorca is an
ideal location. Indeed, at present, a law is being passed regarding the "Cam?
de Cavalls", a walkway that goes all around the coastline of the island.
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