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Spain: Minorca (Menorca)

Overview

Minorca, located 40km (25mi) north-east of Majorca, is 48km (30mi) long and 15km (9mi) wide, with a coastline of 189km (117mi). The island covers an area of 669km2 (258mi2) and has a population of around 83,000. The main towns include the capital Mahon (Mahón in Castillian Spanish/Maó in Menorquín), an attractive town with a fine harbour, and Ciudadela (Ciutadella), the ancient former capital. There are a number of relatively new resorts on the south and east coasts at Binibeca, Cala’n Porter, El Grao, Santo Tomas, Son Bou and Villa Carlos, while popular north coast developments include Cala Morell and Fornells. The main inland towns include Alayor, Ferrerias and Mercadal. Minorca is noted for its rugged coastline, rolling green landscape and sandy beaches, although the general topography is bleak and monotonous. The island has over 120 beaches, most in secluded coves, regarded by many as the best in the Balearics. It has a slow, relaxing pace of life and isn’t the place for those who want to rave all night long.

Old houses in Mahon and Ciudadela have an abundance of character and are much prized by foreign buyers. The island’s traditional Mediterranean island architecture has an English influence (it was ruled on and off by the British in the 18th century), which can be seen in the Georgian architecture, houses without balconies, sash windows, door knockers and latches. Not surprisingly, Minorca is popular with the British, who have traditionally been the main foreign homebuyers, although in recent years it has become popular with Germans. With the exception of a few eyesores, it’s largely unspoilt and there are few high-rise buildings, with low-level, Moorish-style architecture predominating. The less exposed south coast is primarily given over to purpose-built holiday homes and isn’t best suited for permanent residents.

Property on the island is expensive, although generally cheaper than property on Majorca and Ibiza, and there’s a reasonable choice of resale property. Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start at €160,000 and at €400,000 for a small villa. As on the other islands, new construction on Minorca is subject to strict regulations. Minorca has a fine summer climate, but is very windy from October to April when the cold Tramontana wind often blows. There’s an international airport in Mahon, although flights are greatly reduced in winter and you may have to travel via the mainland airports of Barcelona or Valencia. Minorca has ferry connections with Palma, Barcelona and Valencia.

© Survival Books Limited 2005

“Buying a Home in Spain 2006” 5th Edition, David Hampshire.

Reproduced with the permission of Survival Books Limited.

Further information on this topic can be found in “Buying a Home in Spain 2006” 5th edition, by David Hampshire.

For extensive, annually updated information about buying a property in Spain, you can purchase this book at www.survivalbooks.net

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