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Location
Located on the north-east side of the island 10mins from Mahon, this nature reserve is a must see if you have decided to get a Menorca car hire, or even if you have a Rent a scooter in Menorca, as it’s a great place to visit.
Declared a Nature Reserve
Albufera des Grau was declared a nature reserve in 1995 and the boundary of the park was extended in 2003. The park is an excellent example of a diverse number of Menorca’s natural habitats: Marshlands, wild olive trees, temporary ponds, sand dunes, Sea phanerogram prairies and coastal islets. These habitats hold significant biodiversity and are home to a number of endemic and important species like the Fisher eagle or the Balearic lizard.
The Lagoon
Es Grau’s reserve has a Lagoon that sits on 70 hectares and has one of the islands most peculiar ecosystems. In some places the lagoon reaches a depth of 3 metres and is a habitat for water plants such as the Rupia Cirrhosis or Potamogeton Pectinatus, which together with a number of fish, turns the lagoon into a great stop-over and home for many water birds, like the common coot or Fisher eagle.
The Coast
The coast, in particular its islets, are a paradise for certain endemic species thanks to its harsh winds, droughts, salt, etc. Plants like the Spiny thickets, known locally as Socarrells and animals like the Balearic lizard, live here free of any competitors, as it is the only place in the world where you can find this lizard.
Seabed
Underneath the water, the seabeds are covered with Posidonia Oceanica and Cymodocea, both acting as refuge and feeding spot for fish, as well as filtering the sea to produce the stunning blue clear waters and also playing a big role as a sand factory for the beaches.
How to get there
If you have found yourself cheap car hire in Menorca or Scooter rental in Menorca, then these are the 2 best options to get there. Don’t worry about parking, as there is plenty of parking near the reserve. Another option is taking a bus from the bus station in the centre of Mahon.
One of Menorca's favorite views amongst the locals and tourists, is from “Monte Toro” which is the highest point of the island, rising to a height of 358 meters. On a clear day you can see the whole island and the Mediterranean Sea surrounding the coastline.
getting there
There are many ways to get to the top of the hill including walking, cycling, bus excursions, taxi, or you can also find a cheap car hire Menorca for a couple of days rental
The Sanctuary
The Medieval Sanctuary and convent has references that appear in records from the year 1291 and was rebuilt in the 17th century (1670), on an old Gothic church. The temple is based on one floor with 3 side chapels and is crowned by a small dome over the transept. Off one side, is a reproduction of the cave, where as legend has it, a statue of the Virgin Mary appeared when a bull charged into some rocks. This statue is currently the Patron Saint of Menorca and has gained considerable devotion
The mountain is also home to the Sanctuary of the Verge del Toro. It is inhabited by a religious community of Franciscan nuns of the Misericordias and also offers a service for days of reflection and gathering of the different Minorcan associations. This refuge also offers the necessary commodities such as beds, kitchen etc. which will allow you to meditate in calm and peace.
Location
Monte Toro is located approximately 3km east from the central town of Es Mercadal which is in the center of the island. It can be seen from all different places throughout the island and is instantly recognizable due to the fact it is Menorca's only prominent summit.
When you reach the summit you will find there is a restaurant, which offers a great menu of the day, there is also a bar where you can have a drink and take in the stunning views.
The beautiful old capital of Ciutadella, located on the west coast of the island, can also be reached if you rent a 125cc in Menorca from mahon airport.
Ciutadella was founded by the Carthaginians and became the seat of a bishop in the 4th century. Prior to this, it was governed by the Moors for several centuries, until it was recaptured during the reconquest, by men serving King Alfonso III of Aragon and became part of the Crown of Aragon. It was also an important trading center during the middle ages.
On the 9th of July 1558, the Turks powerful Armada, with 140 ships and 15000 soldiers, put the town under an eight day siege, entering and decimating the town. All of the 3099 survivors were taken to be sold as slaves in the slave markets of Istanbul.
Traveling to Ciutadella
As the island is only 25km by 50km, you can easily rent a scooter in Menorca to visit the old Capital which will take you under 45 mins to get there, depending on where you rent a bike from in Menorca. If you are renting one from our scooter rental in Cala'n Porter (Binicars), you can easily get there in 40 mins.
Places to stop off on the way
Scooter rental in Menorca is a fantastic way to travel as you can stop off at different places on the way, without having to worry about wasting time trying to find a parking space. On your way to Ciutadella, we suggest you visit, Alaior, Monte Toro, Fornells, Santo Tomàs and Cala Galdana.
Refueling Tip
There are many petrol stations in Menorca, however there aren't any in the tourist resorts, so if you are staying at one of the resorts and happen to rent a 125cc or a car, always make sure you have enough fuel to get you to and from the resort.
If you are into scuba diving, this is a “must do” activity when visiting Menorca. There are many scuba diving centers on the island, however we highly recommend S'Algar Diving, who have over 30 years experience, with a fully trained team. If you have never been diving before, you can learn by taking one of their PADI courses. They also have snorkeling excursions if this is your preference.
Location
S'Algar Diving center is situated on the southeast coast of Menorca in S'Algar. This means most of their diving excursions are inside the marine reserve of Isla del Aire, which is a spectacular place to dive or snorkel.
Equipment
S'Algar Diving center offers all the necessary equipment for you to hire, meaning you won't have to worry about packing your diving gear, which will make planning for your holiday a lot easier.
How to get there
If you aren't staying nearby, the best way to get to the center is by renting a fully comp car hire Menorca, for example with Binicars. We are a family run rent a car Menorca, located in the tourist resort of Cala'n Porter on the south coast. We offer a rent a bike Menorca service and rent a car Menorca, both from our main office in Cala'n Porter and from the airport. If you rent a car Mahon airport or rent a scooter from the airport, we meet you personally and escort you to your vehicle which we park in the airport car park, so that you don't have to queue for hours in an industrial estate car rental office!
Snorkeling on your own
If you wish to venture out on your own, Menorca has clear waters making it an ideal place to snorkel pretty much everywhere. You can find reasonable priced gear at decathlon in Mahon and if you are on your own or with your partner, the best way to get around the island is with a rent a scooter Menorca.
Our 10 favorite snorkeling spots
Cala'n Porter
Calas Coves
Binibeca
Punta Prima
It is Grau
Arenal D'en Castell
Cala Pregonda
Cala Pillar
Macarella
Macarelleta
They are one of the most representative icons of the island. The 7 lighthouses of Menorca were built to guide vessels through the night as faithful companions and guardians of the sea. They have also inspired artists, musicians and poets. The best way to visit them is by renting a car or scooter hire Menorca. Are you ready to join us on this incredible journey to all the Menorcan lighthouses?
Favàritx Lighthouse
As you ride your rent a bike Menorca to Faváritx you will notice it’s deserted, lunar like surroundings, which will make you feel you are on another planet. Erected on black slate rocks, the most famous lighthouse was built in 1917. The road that leads up to Cap de Favàritx also allows you to discover the ‘Cos des Síndic ‘, which is of great ecological importance. The water you will see is brought by rainfalls and storms. It is also a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset.
Lighthouse of Mahón – Sant Carles
This lighthouse opened in 1852 and it was built inside military installations, where the remains of the castle of Sant Felipe are located. The Lighthouse of Sant Carles can be considered the oldest in Menorca. The views to “Fort Marlborough” or the Fortress of Isabel II are a must-see if you are close by and in a fully comp car hire Menorca.
Isla del Aire Lighthouse
Before the construction of the Moscarter lighthouse in Ibiza 1977, El Aire was the highest lighthouse of the Balearic Islands, which has 165 spiral stairs. Situated just off the southeast coast of Menorca, Lizard island (as the locals call it), is the natural habitat of the black lizard, a reptile that has become one of the main characteristics of this island and can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. To get to this island you can’t travel by car hire Menorca or bike rental Menorca. The only way to visit the island is by boat hire from Mahon. The lighthouse can also be seen from the nearby beach of Punta Prima.
Lighthouse of Cavalleria
The northernmost lighthouse of Menorca was inaugurated in 1857 to reduce the more than 700 ship accidents, which happened on its shores since the fourteenth century. The lighthouse is located more than 90 meters above sea level, surrounded by spectacular cliffs and is an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset and panoramic views of the north coast.
There is also an Indiana Jones-like cave to the left of the lighthouse which is a must see, but don’t forget to pack a torchlight if your mobile doesn’t come with one.
We suggest to rent a car in Menorca for this trip as it’s a bit out of the way for a bike hire Menorca.
Lighthouse of Sa Farola
Also known as the Ciutadella Lighthouse, it is only a 20-minute walk under pine trees away from the city harbour. It was inaugurated in 1863 and because it was built so close to the water, they decided 10 years later, to construct a wall to stop it from being flooded by the waves on stormy days. You can get the best views of the Castle Sant Nicolau, as well as stunning sunsets looking towards the neighbouring island of Mallorca.
Lighthouse of Artrutx
We continue our journey with Binicars rent a car Menorca to the western lighthouse of Artrutx, having the oldest lantern of them all and located at 7 kilometers from Ciutadella. Built in 1851. Eight years later, black and white stripes were added to the tower, making it the only one of the Balearics with this particular feature..
With the Capdepera lighthouse, in Mallorca, these two lighthouses mark the two ends which separate the islands. It is definitely one of the most spectacular places, not only to enjoy wonderful sunsets, but also to spend a special time in its restaurant.
Punta Nati Lighthouse
A decade after its launch into action on the north coast, the Punta Nati continues to have the same luminous appearance as back in 1913, showing 3 + 1 white flashes every 20 seconds. It was built due to the French government pressures to avoid accidents and shipwrecks.
The terrain surrounding the lighthouse is full of dangerous cliffs and on the road leading up to it, the landscape is full and rugged (typical of this area of the island known as the ‘dry Menorca’), where you can spot some very rare old century constructions which serve as shelter for the animals in winter.
Don’t forget if you are visiting Menorca you can rent a car at Mahon airport or many companies also deliver rent a scooter Menorca straight to the airport.