The island of Menorca, forming part of the Balearic Archipelago, has a total area of 689km2. It is situated squarely in the West Mediterranean and lies 27 miles off the north-east coast of Mallorca and 140 miles from Catalonia. Its geography is made up of gently rolling hills. Monte Toro, in the centre of the island is its highest point of elevation. On its peak is a shrine to the Virgen de Monte Toro, the island´s patroness.
This is an ancient land, brimming with tradition and lore, where down through the centuries the most diverse and brilliant civilizations have left their mark. At the dawn of humanity the primitive Talayots flourished here. These are thought to be stone towers of worship, so numerous throughout the island that they have made Menorca a veritable outdoor archeological museum.
In times of recorded history, Menorca has felt the presence of Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines and Moors. The latter were expelled from the island in 1287 by Alphonse III of Aragon.
After the island´s recapture by Christendom it suffered numerous and bitter attacks by Turkish and Berber pirates. Throughout the 18th century there were continued battles between the English, French and Spanish. The island was finally returned in 1802 by the Treaty of Amiens.
At present, Menorca, a true Mediterranean gem, receives numerous tourists anxious to enjoy its excellent climate and its incomparable beaches and coves. Some of these boast superb residential complexes and others, to the contrary, are intimate and solitary. They stretch along nearly 200 kms. of coastline.