Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Balearic Islands / Menorca
 |  | Fact File : Menorca |
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| | | Menorca | | Did you know?
Menorca (also known as Minorca) was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993 to preserve its important environmental areas and the unique collection of archaeological sites.
Language
Catalan is the Balearics' language but Spanish is also spoken.
Visas
UK citizens do not need a visa to visit Spain, just a valid passport.
Getting there
There are direct flights from 13 UK airports to Menorca's airport, 7km south-west of Mahon (popularly known as Mao).
Flying time from London
2 hours 15 minutes
Getting around
No buses run from the airport so you need to take a taxi. However six buses per day run between Mahon and Ciutadella with connections to the major south coastal resorts. Hire cars are an option, as are scooters and mountain bikes to get around. Ferries from Ciutadella are great for Balearic island hopping.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Rough prices for the following: bottle of beer 70p, a film for your camera £2.50, meal for two with wine £9, a litre of petrol 50p, taxi from the airport £5.50.
Weather
In summer temperatures average 68F(21C)-84F(29C), and in winter they drop to 43F(6C)-58F(15C) when the island is buffeted by chilling tramuntana winds. It is said Menorca is kept cool by sea breezes which makes the island the coolest of the Balearics. May-June and September are best to avoid the crowds and higher prices.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
00 34 971
Voltage
220V or sometimes 125V, so check before you plug anything in (sockets should be labelled). Plugs are 2-pronged so you'll need an adaptor if you are bring electrical equipment from the UK.
Opening hours
Clubs and bars never seem to close, local shops open 9am-1pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm, although bigger shops and general stores often stay open over lunch.
Health - Before you go
The UK has a reciprocal health agreement with Spain as part of the EU. To use this you need to get an EHIC form (from post offices). You do not need any vaccinations to enter Spain and none are recommended. If you do not get an EHIC form make sure you get adequate travel insurance.
Health - When you are there
If you do need to see a doctor using the EHIC form the doctor/hospital must be part of Spain's Health Service or you will have to pay.
Warnings
Beware of the usual pickpockets and bag-snatchers that you find in any tourist area.
Emergency
Police national emergency no: 091. British embassy - Calle de Fernando el Santo 16, 28010 Madrid. Tel: 0034 91 700 8200. British Vice-Consulate - SA Casa Nova, Cami de Biniatao 30, 07720 Es Castell, Minorca. Tel 0034 971 36 33 73.
Customs
Early rising and late lunching, followed by late dining and late sleeping are the local customs - in keeping with the rest of Spain. In Mahon you'll find many people drink gin. This is because there's a big distillery there rather than an acquired attachment to the quintessentially English G&T courtesy of all us UK tourists.
Pets
Pets can travel to Minorca under the Pet Travel Scheme but this takes some time to set up the necessary documentation - ask your vet for details.
Tipping
Service charge is included in restaurants, so tipping is a personal choice: 5% is plenty, or odd change in cafes and bars.
Tourist office
Spanish National Tourist Office, 22-23 Manchester Square, London W1M 5AP. Tel: 020 7486 8077. Brochure line: 09063 640630 (60p per minute).
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