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The scenic Island of Menorca
By Mark on July 31, 2008
Menorca or Minorca is the second largest Island in the Balearic Islands, situated north-east of Majorca and the furthest Island eastwards from mainland Spain. The Menorca has a population of 88,434 (as of 2006). The island is known for its large collection of megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taules, and talaiots, which speak of a very early prehistoric human activity. The end of the Punic wars saw an increase in piracy in the western Mediterranean. The Roman occupation of Hispania were often under threat from pirates based in Minorca and Majorca. In reaction to this the Romans fought back to prevent the pirates from stealing from them. By 121 BC both islands were fully under Roman control, and later became recognised as the Balearic islands around 13 BC.
This is a picture taken from Google Earth of the three main Balearic Islands just off the east coast of mainland Spain.
This is a large scale picture of the Island of Menorca, Minorca) taken from Google Earth.
In 1231, after Christian forces reconquered Majorca, Minorca became an independent Islamic state, although it had connections to King James I of Aragon. An Aragonese invasion, led by Alfonso III came on January 17, 1287, now celebrated as Minorca’s national day. Until 1344 the island Menorca belonged to the kingdom of Majorca, also an Aragonese vassal state, which was itself annexed to Aragon, and subsequently to the unified kingdom of Spain. During the 16th century, Turkish naval attacks destroyed Maó, and the then capital, Ciutadella. Between 1708 and 1802 Menorca was under British rule Oswell as French and Spanish rule. In October 1993, Minorca was designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. In July 2005, the island’s application to become the 25th member of the International Island Games Association was approved.
This is a picture taken of a part of Mahon port in Menorca from panoramio.
This is a picture taken from panoramio of the town Ciutadella in the north of the island.
Menorca is a well respected island for holiday maker’s who enjoy visiting for her scenic views, history, beaches, food and drink as well as many other attractions. Comparing Menorca two Majorca and Ibiza it is a more quieter island, but still has plenty of entertainment to keep the whole family amused. With plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs, shops, watersports, island trips etc. Menorca is a lovely place to holiday, very relaxing with a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. The capital city of Menorca is Mao in Catalan or otherwise known as Mahon.
This is a picture taken of the beach from Cala en Porter in the south of Menorca.
- Learn about Menorca on wikipedia:
- Find Menorca on Google Maps:
- Learn about Mahon capital city on wikipedia:
- Find Mahon on Google Maps:
- Learn about UNESCO on wikipedia:
- Learn about International Island Games Association:
- Learn about Ciutadella on wikipedia:
- Learn about Cala en Porter on wikipedia:
- Find Ciutadella on Google Maps:
- Find Cala en Porter on Google Maps:
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