MenorcaES
Menorca, the third largest island in the Balearic Islands, stands out for its modest character and respectful treatment of its landscape and heritage. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca carefully guards its natural balance; tourism and construction remain small-scale and carefully regulated.
In just under an hour, you can cross the island from east to west via a single central road that connects the current capital, Mahón, with the former capital, Ciutadella. These two cities are the cultural anchors of the island: Mahón, with its natural harbour and innovative art initiatives, and Ciutadella, where a dense network of streets and sunny squares bring its rich history to life.
The coast of Menorca has two faces. In the north, a rugged, red landscape with jagged cliffs and capes dominates, while the south is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise bays, such as Macarella and Macarelleta. The 200-kilometre coastline is spanned by the historic Camí de Cavalls bridle path, which winds its way around the island as a continuous route and today invites visitors to explore at a leisurely pace.
Architecturally, Menorca is above all an island of stone. For centuries, the local marès limestone has formed the material backbone of the island’s building culture. Today, that heritage is taking on a new dimension in projects that blend landscape, material and art. The impressive Líthica quarry complex shows how man and nature have carved out a sculptural landscape together, while homes such as Ca’n Terra literally reinterpret stone as habitable material.
This connection with place and material is also palpable in the contemporary art scene. On the islet of Illa del Rei, Hauser & Wirth Menorca houses a series of pavilions and gardens where art and architecture reinforce each other, while Fundació Numa offers a more contemplative experience of art with its intimate exhibition spaces.
Menorca is thus an island where silence and stone, art and architecture, past and future merge in a single breath. It is a place where matter takes on meaning.