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Kayaking in Menorca over recent years has become very popular and you can find kayak tours all over the island. One of the best ways to get to all of these unforgettable tours is by car hire from mahon airport when you arrive.
Kayaking is a great way to explore the beautiful coastline of Menorca and reach all of the virgin Calas (Coves/beaches) it has to offer, not forgetting the amazing caves on the way.
One of the favorite kayak tours among the locals and tourists, starts from Cala'n Porter, which is located on the south coast of the island. The trip takes you past the famous Cova D'en Xoroi night club, into the cave known by the locals as the blue lagoon and onto Calas Coves, which once was home to cave men. The tour takes around 3 hours and you can also have a dip in the sea once you arrive at Calas Coves.
There are 4 Kayak businesses to choose from in Cala'n Porter. We prefer kayak routes Menorca www.rutaskayakmenorca.com , which is run by brother's Gabriel and Jordi, who have grown up on the white sands of Cala'n Porter bay and know every secret the coastline has to offer.
If you do decide to book a car hire from Menorca airport or from the resort where you are staying to visit all the Kayak tours on offer, make sure the car has fully comprehensive insurance with no excess and no hidden costs to pay on arrival. The price you are quoted from the local companies like Binicars, is the final price you will pay with no surprises.
Binibeca Vell is a small unique fishing village designed by the architect Antonio Sintes in the late 60s early 70s to recreate a traditional Menorcan fishing harbour located between the Cala of Binissafúller and Caló Fondo.
When visiting Menorca it’s a must see if you have decided to rent a car in Menorca or a rent a scooter in Menorca.
Built to the smallest of detail, it is made up of 165 small houses which faithfully represent the essence of a typical Mediterranean coastal village, sharing many similarities with the typical reference of the Greek Islands.
When walking through it’s fabulous labyrinth streets which flow into the peaceful Mediterranean Sea, it holds a relaxed and calming environment, almost keeping a mystical evocative silence.
From the shore you can see the Escull de sa barca and the Illot de Binisafúller, low and rugged cliffs, barely covered by vegetation and a pretty section of the Menorcan coastline. The deep water with a rocky seabed, sand and Posidonia are ideal for diving.
To reach Binibeca Vell, if you have managed to find a cheap car hire in Menorca, follow the signs from San Lluís towards S’Ullastrar and from here you will follow the signs to Binibeca Vell. Once you arrive in Binibeca you can park your car and follow the footpath to the fishing village. The white houses will surprise you.
Enjoy!
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.