Menorca

Overview
Despite its popularity as a holiday Mecca, the Balearic islandof Minorca remains one of the loveliest, most unspoilt islands inthe Mediterranean. The local population support the control ofresort development and the woodlands and fields of its hilly ruralinterior remain largely untouched. This is the result of a thrivinglocal industry that is less dependent on tourism for its survivalthan the other islands are.Minorca is only nine miles (15km) wide and about 32 miles (52km)long, and boasts stretches of varied beaches, from silver-sandedgently curving bays to rocky inlets. Aside from beaches and resortsthe island also has plenty of interest for history buffs andculture vultures, with several attractions to experience, includinga world famous pipe organ and several mysterious prehistoricarchaeological sites related to the second millennium BC Talayotculture.The more recent history of the island is a saga of British,French and Spanish attempts at control and colonisation, each ofwhich have left their influence on the local culture andarchitecture.

Money
Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is dividedinto 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change andmajor hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cardsand travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels,restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally thecheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).

Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Climate
Minorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters andhot summers. Experiencing 315 days of sunshine a year, July andAugust are by far the hottest months with temperatures reachingover 86°F (30°C). Winter is mild and often sunny with thehighest rainfall occurring during these months. The north windknown as the tramontana, blows regularly, bringing with itchangeable weather.