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Menorca 4 – 11 October 2023

A relaxed wildlife holiday on this quiet Mediterranean island.

Menorca provides the perfect setting to see birds and flowers typical of the Mediterranean. A small island, a little over 30 miles long and 13 miles wide, its quiet, unhurried atmosphere complements a relaxing wildlife holiday.

All parts of the island can be reached easily and quickly so most of the holiday can be spent in the field enjoying an array of wildlife, set within a landscape rich in archaeological sites, with excellent access to the whole of its diverse coastline along the recently established coastal path. It all has a charm rarely equalled elsewhere in Europe today.

As with any autumn holiday to the Mediterranean, some things are not guaranteed: bird migration is dependent upon the weather at the time, and the quality of the ‘second spring’ of autumn flowering depends upon the rainfall over the previous weeks.

But some things are guaranteed: a leisurely holiday in wonderful surroundings and a good chance of warm sunshine to round off your summer!

Calescoves (also known as Cales Coves), and hummingbird hawkmoth on lantana.

Birds

While small, the island holds a great variety of habitats. The rugged coasts are spectacular and off-islands provide nest sites for the scarce Audouin's gull. Views of the surrounding sea may reveal Cory's or Mediterranean shearwaters. Lagoons and fresh water lakes hold a variety of waders, plus egrets, herons and even the occasional flamingo.

Sardinian warblers skulk in bushes; Thekla and short-toed larks show themselves from drystone walls; stone-curlews stalk around rocky fields; ravens and tawny pipits are often seen.

There are often birds of prey overhead. Menorca holds concentrations of booted eagles, Egyptian vultures and red kites, the kites happily increasing after a period of decline.

The island provides a stepping stone for birds migrating across the Mediterranean – so anything can turn up. In autumn, depending on the weather, this could include thrushes, chats, flycatchers and finches. The last few bee-eaters may still be around, and hoopoes are semi-resident.

Merendera Merendera filifolia and autumn narcissus Narcissus serotinus.

Flowers

Pastures, coastal rocks and sand dunes are home to a range of wild flowers, including several which are unique to the Balearics. Most are spring-flowering but, depending on when the autumn rains fall, we should see some marvellous displays of autumn bulbs, including merendera, autumn squill, sea squill and the tiny daffodil Narcissus serotinus. October is the peak time for blooming of the tree heath Erica multiflora.

Chrisomelid beetle; swallowtail on bougainvillea; spurge hawkmoth caterpillar; scarlet darter dragonfly, also known as broad scarlet.

Invertebrates and other wildlife

A great feature of early autumn is a selection of often spectacular insects: mantises, crickets, Egyptian and migratory locusts, wondrous beetles and moths. Butterflies include swallowtail and two-tailed pasha.

Other wildlife includes green toads, stripeless tree frogs and terrapins.

Mole cricket and praying mantis

History

The island's varied history shows well in architecture and archaeology. Strange stone monoliths, known locally as Torres, date from around 1000 BC. Of later origin are traditional stone huts called Talaiots. Access to these monuments is easy and they are often good places to see wildlife.

The small cities of Ciutadella and Mahón are both fascinating. A mix of architectural design reflects the result of dominance by Romans, Moslems and British.

Left: Torre d'en Gaumes. Right: Naveta d'es Tudons.

Holiday details

Matxani Gran, our holiday base, is a Menorcan farmhouse near Mahón delightfully converted for private guests or small groups. It has a swimming pool and terrace, all set in 10 acres of countryside complete with hoopoes, Thekla larks and Hermann's tortoises.

Price: £1650 per person in twin room for a full week (Wednesday to Wednesday).

En suite facilities.

Single room supplement (four): £200

Flights: scheduled easyJet flights, Gatwick to Menorca (Mahón)
4 Oct: EZY6493 depart London Gatwick 07:55 arrive Menorca Mahón 11:15.
11 Oct: EZY6494 depart Menorca 11:55 arrive Gatwick 13:20.

[Previously we mentioned that we saw Ryanair flights from Stansted to Menorca in October 2022. However there are none for October 2023, so that idea has gone.]

Deposit: £400

Maximum number: 14, with two leaders

strawberry tree fruits
The stone walls that divide Menorcan fields are a distinctive landscape feature.
Middle: sea squill Urginea maritima, an autumn-flowering species.
Right: fruits of the strawberry tree, Arbutus unedo.

Leaders

Chris Gibson took early retirement from Natural England where he was based in north Essex. He is an author of several wildlife books and has led many holidays for Honeyguide. He is an outstanding all rounder, from birds through flowers to moths, and recognised as a ‘naturalist of distinction’ by the British Naturalists’ Association.

Co-leader / driver TBA if we have enough bookings.

Photos on these Menorca pages by Chris Gibson, unless otherwise stated.

Conservation project

The Grup Balear d'Ornitologia i Defensa de la Naturalesa (GOB – the Balearic Ornithological Group) is an active local organisation working to protect the Balearic Islands from overdevelopment.

A current project is 'Agronatural Farms' in Menorca - wildlife-friendly farming - and we are supporting this project. You can read more about this on GOB's English website here or on a PDF here.

Menorca Biosphere Reserve

Since 1993, Menorca has been a Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO. This recognises the island's "... diversity characteristic of nearly all Mediterranean island ecosystems." The UNESCO citation lists a range of natural features, including gullies, nesting sites for birds of prey and aquatic birds, caves, wetlands, woods of oak & olive and the mosaic of landscapes. More information from UNESCO here.

GOB received a distinction from the Government (Ministry of Ecological Transition) for its contribution to the economic and social sustainability of the Reserve of the Biosphere of Menorca. More information here (January 2022).

Menorca map