Natural heritage

In 1993 Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco. A badge that recognizes the achievement of the island in achieving a balance between the conservation of the environment, cultural heritage and economic development. This declaration has preserved the great diversity of species, the rich landscape, as well as the quality of the rural landscape and the historical heritage.

It is amazing the variety of natural habitats that we find on such a small island. Species of flora and fauna unique to the island.

Holm oak forests abound in wet areas, as well as different plants and shrubs. While, in the driest areas, the olive and garballó stand out. Near the coast and on the limestone peaks we find typical vegetation of thorny "coixinets" and endemic species adapted to extreme conditions. The vegetation of albuferas and salt flats depends on the degree of moisture and salinity of the water, although the "cañís" and the "jonqueres" predominate.

The geological characteristics of Menorca are very interesting. The island is divided into two totally different parts, separated following the route of the road from Maó to Ciutadella. The Tramuntana region to the north is characterized by the oldest materials on the island: Paleozoic, Tyrannical, Jurassic and Cretaceous lands, with some quaternary materials. It is the most rugged part, with many ins and outings, and combines small hills or small plains. On the contrary, in the Migjorn region to the south, we mainly find the miocene sea and other rocks such as clusters. It is a practically flat platform, crossed by numerous ravines that give rise to the coves and beaches.

The heterogeneity of the landscape favors the development of a wide variety of plant and animal species, giving a unique identity to Menorca.

The Natural Park of S'Albufera de Es Grau is the most important wetland area of Menorca and has a great environmental richness. It is the core of the biosphere reserve and encompasses the Albufera de Es Grau, Colom Island and Cape Favaritx. The more than 5,000 hectares it occupies concentrate a large number of endemisms and remarkable species of flora and fauna. The Natural Park is a representation of the island's diverse natural habitats that are home to great biodiversity. We find wetlands, temporary ponds, countryside, dune systems, olive forests, sea fanerogam meadows and islets.

The Albufera de Es Grau is a lagoon of 72.5 hectares of surface and up to 3 meters deep, with a small natural canal (La Gola) that links it with the sea. It is home to populations of aquatic plants and is the stop of a large number of birds during their migrations. It can be visited on three very different itineraries that have bird watching points, plants and endemic species.

It is a real wonder that will allow you to know and appreciate the great ecological value of Menorca.

Also in the Natural Park, we find the Salinas de Addaia and Mongofra, a wet area of salobre water. Dating back to the 19th century, these two salt flats are separated by a narrow strip of land and are currently deprecated. Mongofra's are privately owned, but those of Addaia can be visited and are an area of great interest for bird watching.

Another outstanding wetland is the Prat de Son Bou. With about 80 hectares, this coastal marsh is separated from the sea by an arm of sand that forms Son Bou beach and Talis beach. And the Prat de Lloriac, also of about 80 hectares, located north of Es Mercadal, is formed by several more or less temporary ponds, the last stretch of the Es Mercadal torrent and other flood zones. Both marshes are the natural habitat of many species. In the Prat de Son Bou, the carrizo, the major snhyde and the swordsman stand out. Sea reeds and tarajes are common in both one and the other and, as far as waterfowl are concerned, hundreds of specimens pass through these areas throughout the year.

The number of temporary ponds in Menorca is extensive. Due to seasonal climate differences, wet and dry periods alternate, resulting in unique species that have had to adapt to these conditions. One of the most destancated is Sa Bassa Verda, which owes the name to the color of its water.

Menorca has a lot of dune systems. These accumulations of sand are located in the dry part of the beach and form an ecosystem that houses a very characteristic flora and fauna that has adapted to the sand. We found dunes on both northern beaches and southern beaches, and their state of conservation is different due to sedimentary processes and human pressure of each.

Calmly explore these opposite areas, contemplate the landscapes, observe the species and be implore the magic of these corners. You will discover the immense natural value of Menorca.