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Menorca, Ibiza & Formentera
MENORCA: The second-largest island in the group lies some 40km (25 miles) northeast of Mallorca. The capital, Mahón, has many buildings dating from the period of British occupation (1713-83) and is best explored on foot. The attractions include the Town Hall (Casa Consistorial), the Church of Santa Maria and the Church of San Francisco. Trips are available around the harbour. A good highway links Mahón with the older town of Ciudadela (the former capital) on the opposite side of the island. It has a Cathedral, partly dating from the 14th century, and also boasts several elegant palacios and medieval churches.
Despite the lack of coastal roads, it is possible to explore most points of interest from these two centres, both of which have good beaches within easy reach. Across the island, visitors will encounter prehistoric stone formations from the Talayot civilisation of the second millennium BC. The most important site is Talatí de Dalt. Menorca has conserved its stock-farming and leather-working traditions, making its economy less dependent on revenue earned through tourism. Dairy farming centres on Alaior where the local cheeses are on sale in the market.
IBIZA: The third-largest island in the group has never been more popular, thanks largely to its frenetic nightlife. The clubs specialising in house music are concentrated in Ibiza Town and San Antonio. Ibiza is much quieter during the October to May period when it retains some of its traditional atmosphere. There are good sandy beaches south of the capital at Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. Away from the coast, the island is densely wooded. Ibiza Town has a medieval fortress and the Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is well worth exploring. Southwest of the town centre is the Punic cemetery Puig des Molins. The two other major tourist centres are the coastal towns of San Antonio Abad and Santa Eulalia del Río.
FORMENTERA: Separated from Ibiza by a 4km (2 mile) channel (hourly boat services operate during the summer), the main settlement is the large village of San Francisco Javier. Like the other islands in the group, Formentera has no shortage of pinewoods and sandy beaches, and the pace of life is generally more relaxed than on Ibiza.
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