subject: Menorca - The Hidden Island Discovered [print this page] The Spanish Balearic island of Menorca is traditionally seen as the quietest of Spain's holiday islands, and is often seen as the ideal destination for families with children, and for those who like a bit of peace and quiet.
But Menorca is a beautiful island, and although many sightseeing companies give excellent guided tours, showing Menorca's history and places of beauty, there's a lot of places that a bus cannot access and isn't seen by holidaymakers.
But that's all about to change...
For the first time Menorca is to have guided tours on mountain bikes, led by members of the recognised Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme. Neighbouring Balearic Islands already have plenty of cycle trails and companies offering biking tours, and this initiative is a welcome addition to Menorca's holiday attractions for visitors.
Exploring Menorca's countryside and coastline with someone who knows the island and is professionally qualified will allow holidaymakers to see far more than tourists normally can, and to discover parts of Menorca that would never be seen normally.
The company plans to offer Menorca holidaymakers three choices for all day tours of the island - a 65km tour of the left hand side of Menorca, a 62km tour of the middle of the island, and a 68 km tour of the right hand side of the island.
Sound too much? For those who are perhaps not in the best of health and fancy something a little less arduous the good news is that the bike company have put together no less than five alternatives so the island's bike experience can still be enjoyed, with all five tours starting from the capital of Menorca, Mahon.
A typical example of one of the tours from Mahon starts with a leisurely ride to the harbourside, and then along the northern edge of the port to reach the impressive stone fortifications of La Mola.
The trip continues on to Es Castell town, through walled country lanes to Noria Riera, Binisaida and Cala San Esteban.
Mahon itself has quite a few good hotels and plenty of excellent restaurants, clubs and bars.
Taking a bike tour is just one of the many activities available for holidaymakers on the island, and could prove to be popular.
Other outdoor activities including horse riding and golf. Son Parc is a large resort featuring an eighteen hole golf course. Son Parc is home to the only golf course on the island with a practice range and instructors for new golfers.
Menorca might be known as a quiet island, but for those who want activity while on holiday, the island can offer plenty for 2010.
