Platja d'en Tortuga is situated at 17 kilometres from Maó, located between the cape with the same name and s'Arenal de Morella. It belongs to the Àrea Natural d'Especial Interès de s'Albufera es Grau (70 hectares in area, and an average depth of 1,5 metres, very rich landscape with many species of flora and fauna, so that the Unesco declared Menorca Reserve of the Biosphere in 1993. This virgin beach has sand and gravel, it is the result of a very open sea inlet, which is also the origin of Platja de Capifort. It is surrounded by the sides of the hills that reach the sea. These rocks are quite high and are covered by the vegetation that is typical for the system of dunes located at the rear of this beach. The marine and underwater conditions for anchoring boats are not good because the north and east coasts of Menorca are very unsafe. This is why the navigator who wants to reach this area should keep an eye on the weather forecast and the meteorological news. A change in the weather conditions can be very dangerous along this steep, abrupt coast with high cliffs. The accessibility by car is easy following the signs and the deviations until the proximity of Cap ('cape') de Favàritx. The private car can be left on a free parking area in the surroundings. From there you have to walk on a track along the coast and pass some coves until you reach this beautiful beach. It is a 45 minutes walk. Main technical data Type of access: Type of access: For pedestrians - For vehicles - For boats Access for disabled people: No
Almost no beach, very small and lots of tourists. waves in the sea
Car park and parking on the road with a walk down to the beach on good footpath Lovely sandy beach with an old defence tunnel and room to explore We couldn’t go in the water today due to jelly fish but water looked lovely and safe Board walk to another stony beach and lots of walking paths to explore Slushy ice cream van sold amazing home made slushy Toilets on beach and life guards
Very nice place.
Its strategic situation at the mouth of the Port of Mahon made it a key point in the island's defence system. The Fortress of Isabel II, built between 1850 and 1875 on one of the most beautiful sites on the island of Menorca, is one of the finest examples of late nineteenth-century military architecture. Its strategic situation at the mouth of the Port of Mahon made it a key point in the island's defence system. Nowadays, the fortress, which is also known as La Mola, represents an invaluable historical-military legacy set in a natural enclave of the first order. The fortress was built in response to unrelenting pressure from the British, who threatened to return to the island and use it as a naval base in their skirmishes with the French to gain control of the Mediterranean. Mediterranean waters were not calm after the Napoleonic Wars concluded in 1815 and the intersection of French and British sea-lanes had caused tensions to mount. The fortress was outdated even before the construction work was finished. Instead of old-fashioned muzzle-loading guns, powerful breech-loading artillery was being designed with bored barrels to stabilise projectiles and improve accuracy. This meant that the island's entire defence system had to be reconceived and so a series of coastal artillery batteries were erected outside the walled fortification which defended the island's coasts from a distance. With their powerful projectiles, they were capable of warding off any kind of invading vessel. The periodic complementary activities organised inside the fortress include astronomical observations, photograph contests, exhibitions and antique markets. Guided tours Audioguides are available for those who wish to tour the fortress and get to know its salient features on their own. Recommendations ◦ We recommend the use of comfortable clothing and footwear on your tour of La Mola. ◦ For safety reasons you are not permitted to leave the estabished route, or enter buildings in a poor state of repair. ◦ Please would you fully respect the historical and natural Heritage preserved within La Mola peninsula. ◦ Children, minors, or those persons who do not have sufficient legal autonomy, should be watched at all times by a responsible adult. Admission Fees : Adult Admission: 8.00€ Admission 10% discount: ◦ Students. ◦ Young persons card. ◦ Numerous Family ◦ Water Taxi Clients. ◦ Clients from collaborating entities. Admission 20% discount: ◦ Groups of 20 adults or more. ◦ Special campaingns with collaborating entities. Special Admission: ◦ Senior Admission: 5.50€ ◦ Youngsters from 12 to 16: 5.50€ ◦ Menorca residents. Reduced admision: ◦ 6 to 12s: 4.00€ Free Admission: ◦ Under 6 s.
Nice small beach with rocks. long stairs are going down.
remote origins have left an important archaeological heritage in the area, in the form of megaliths such as the "taulas" (megalith), the Talaiot and the navetas. This beautiful port city's historic quarter, called Es Born, is surrounded by medieval streets filled with palaces, churches and fortresses. Not far, visitors will discover excellent Minorcan coves and beaches, as well as remote fishing towns. To all this you must add the delicious traditional cuisine from Minorca, based on seafood and fish. There are indications to the existence of primitive human settlements on the location of the present city of Ciutadella, as well as in the rest of Minorca, dating back to 2000 B.C. For instance, the abundance of archaeological sites that are still preserved, such as the Taulas (megaliths in the shape of a "T"), the Talaiot (a sort of tower) and the Navetas (a funeral construction in the shape of an up-side-down vessel). These remains make of Minorca a true open-air museum.The Roman colony of Lamo (the present Ciutadella) would become relevant in 73-74 A.D., when Emperor Vespasian gave the city the status of municipality. In the High Middle Ages, Ciutadella was the political and administrative centre of the islands, a title that it would maintain through the centuries of Arab rule. From the 13th century on, Minorca came under Christian rule, after being conquered by King Alfonso III. The city preserved its condition of capital until the British, who ruled the island in the 18th century, decided to transfer it to Mahón. Despite this fact, Ciutadella has continued to be the see of the Minorcan Bishopric. The city Ciutadella is a city to explore by foot, discovering its charming medieval streets. Es Born, the old parade ground of the medieval city, is located in the middle of the historic quarter. An obelisk dominates the square, traditional stage to a number of festivities and social events that take place in the city. Among the most significant buildings that face this square, the City Hall stands out, built on top of the old Arab citadel. The present city hall dates back to the 19th century and still preserves some remains of its primitive construction. It is also possible to visit, during certain periods of the year, some of the rooms of the nearby Palace of Salort. Next to it is the Palace of Vivó, one of the most emblematic in the city, with its peculiar Neoclassic red façade, ornamented with traditional island motives. The cathedral, also around the centre, was commissioned in the 14th century by King Alfonso III, to be built on top of the High Mosque that existed in Ciutadella during the Arab rule. From the old mosque, only the minaret is preserved, though turned into a belltower. This monumental Catalan-Gothic temple has one nave and six chapels, including the remarkable Chapel of Animas, from the 18th century. The importance of the city as a religious centre lead to the existence of many other religious buildings of great value, such as the convent of Santa Clara and the Cloister of the church of Socors, part of the old Augustinian Monastery. Across from the cathedral is the Neoclassic façade of the Palace of Olives, another ancestral home. The interior of the building has some frescoes depicting animals and a Roman figurine that was found in the archaeological site of Pujol Antic, in Minorca. No less beautiful is the façade of the Palace of the Count of Saura, whose last remodelling dates back to the 17th century. A beautiful panoramic view of the port, which is located in a cove at the foot of the city, can be seen from the "mirador" (viewing point), behind the City Hall. The Bastió de Sa Font, in the centre of Ciutadella, is one of the five bastions that was part of the old walls that surrounded the city, which were built in the 16th century. The precinct is the present site of the Municipal Museum. In addition, the Castell de Sant Nicolau houses an exhibition about the Minorcan Biosphere Reserve. Culture, cuisine and the outskirts The sea provides some of the main ingredients of Balearic cuisine. The lobster casserole is perhaps one of the most prestigious Minorcan dishes, without forgetting, of course, the famous mayonnaise, made with egg, olive oil and garlic. Other island recipes include sèpia al forn (baked cuttlefish), rice dishes made with fish, or tumbet (a baked dish made with potatoes, fried peppers, aubergine and tomato sauce). For dessert, nothing better than a traditional ensaimada (a kind of spiral-shaped bun, covered with powdered sugar), or a cheese with the label Designation of Origin - Mahón. Majorcan gin is one of the most traditional drinks in the island, flavoured with Juniper cones. The most important event in the holiday calendar of Ciutadella is the celebration of the festivity of San Juan, on the 23rd and 24th of June. During those days, horsemen ride their horses around the city centre, among great popular excitement. In terms of the archaeological patrimony in the area, the Naveta des Tudons, a funeral megalith from the pre-Talaiotic period (14th century B.C.) must be mentioned. The beaches are one of the main tourist attractions in the island. Near Ciutadella, the coves of Mitjana, Trabalúger and Galdana are the most visited coastal destinations in Minorca. Other towns are also very interesting to visit, such as Ferreríes. In it, the church of Sant Bartolomeu (1870) is worthy of mention, in addition to its beautiful coves, such as the Calderer and Pilar. In the nearby hill of Santa Águeda lays the Arab castle of Sent Agayz. Es Mercadal, located at the foot of Mount Toro, the highest peak in the island, is known for its excellent cuisine and crafts, especially handmade shoes. Also in this municipality is Fornells, a small fishing port in the northern coast, built around the castle of San Antonio (16th century). The eastern coast of Minorca holds the principal damp area in the island, where you will find the Nature Reserves of S’Albufera des Grau, I’lla d’en Colomi and Cap de Favàritx. The park centre has a shallow lagoon, which is a perfect marine-bird observatory. The unusual natural environment of Minorca, in addition to its cultural life and sustainable socio-economic development, allowed the 1993 declaration of the island as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
absolutely stunning place! we go here every year, love it!!!!
martim6If a route must for anyone visiting a port city, it is the boardwalk. And Mao , how could it be otherwise, known for having a course of this type. Over three miles long, the promenade is dotted mahonés connections with the city coast Rochina, Piques Ses coast, Costa d'en Reynés-houses and buildings of great cultural interest, as Xoringuer Gin Distillery. At night it becomes the ultimate entertainment venue in the city.
Hard strong wind
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