Latest news with #UnescoBiosphere
BBC News
17-07-2025
- BBC News
Island 'wildlife haven' in St John's spruced up by volunteers
Work to restore a community "wildlife haven" has been undertaken by a group of Yn Ellan Ain, in St John's, was created in 2018 to celebrate the island's Unesco Biosphere beauty spot, which was installed as a 12-month temporary feature and was due to be dismantled in early 2019, was kept due to its widespread popularity and work to maintain and reinvigorate it has taken place in the last Prescott who designed the space said: "I think when you have a vibrant public space, it creates community as well." The garden has a circular feature in the middle, which Ms Prescott said took inspiration from Tynwald Hill and comprises eight flower beds, representing the island's coastal and land habitats, with a Three Legs of Man sculpture serving as the focal government-owned plot, which had formerly been the site of a pub, has since been maintained by the prison and probation services, who have also been involved in restoration by members of the community who noticed that the space was looking neglected, work began to raise funds to spruce up the garden. Community volunteers secured funding from various local organisations to restore the flower beds, replace signage and animal silhouettes representing the various species across the Prescott said: "I love seeing people be there and enjoy it."I think this is what our landscape should be, drawing communities together and having lots of different ways that people enjoy and use spaces."Volunteer Helen Robinson said it had been a "lovely community space" when it was first installed and it seemed "a shame that it had gone down hill in the way that it had"."It's wildlife haven and somewhere people can visit on what would otherwise be a derelict piece of land," she said."I think it is important to maintain those kinds of spaces." Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Telegraph
The 10 best beaches in Menorca
As a Unesco Biosphere Reserve with 134 miles (216km) of virtually unspoilt natural coastline, Menorca is a virtual paradise. The north lures with a craggy landscape of untamed coppery beaches, high cliffs, rocky coves, dunes and aromatic pines. Meanwhile, the south is defined by limestone cliffs, lush evergreen forests and idyllic coves with crystalline waters and white sand. Still, paradise comes at a cost, with even remote beaches now on the radar of summer visitors. Intrepid sunseekers should arrive early at popular haunts and head to wild beaches that require a long schlep, to avoid the crowds. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Menorca. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants things to do, nightlife and how to spend a weekend in Menorca. Find a beach by area: Ciutadella Mahón Sant Lluís Ferreries Es Mercadal Alaior Ciutadella Cala Macarella Arguably the most picturesque cove in Menorca, Macarella is flanked by romantic pine-clad cliffs and offers vivid, turquoise waters and inviting soft, powdery white sand. Ideal for snorkelling, the sea is so bewitchingly clear that boats appear to hover above glass. Nearby forestland offers a welcome refuge from the heat. Insider tip: Walk across to pretty, bijou Cala Macarelleta but bring supplies. How to get there: By bus from Ciutadella or water taxi. A car park is available out of season. Cala en Turqueta Turqueta is a beautiful virgin beach framed by Mediterranean shrubland and fragrant pine trees, with dramatic cliffs on either side, and rugged terrain. During the sizzling summer months, the warm, translucent water is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and water sports. Insider tip: Toilets are available but no other facilities so bring your own provisions. How to get there: The car park is a 10-minute walk away but fills quickly. Alternatively take a hassle-free bus from Ciutadella. Back to index Mahón Sa Mesquida With sapphire waters and an abundance of golden sand, this wide bay proves a hit with visitors, despite its lack of facilities. Surrounded by Mediterranean flora and native tamarisk trees, the beach is overlooked by a British-built 18th-century defence tower, and backed by gentle hills and dunes. Insider tip: Time permitting, take the charming coastal bridle path to Es Grau, a two-hour hike each way. How to get there: By bus from Mahón. A car park is near the beach. Playa d'en Tortuga This half-moon shaped beach set in the heart of nature among small hillocks, offers solitude away from the fray. Part of the S'Albufera des Grau Biosphere Reserve, it is backed by dunes and mature vegetation. There are no facilities but for the reclusive, the velvety sands and pure, clear waters will prove enough of a magnet. Insider tip: Hike to nearby serene Cala Presili. How to get there: Park at Favàritx lighthouse, a 40-minute walk away. Back to index Sant Lluís Es Caló Blanc This petite, perfectly formed cove cuts through a gnarled rock face, offering azure, squeaky-clean waters and a sliver of sand. As it consists largely of rocky ledges from which swimmers jump into the sea, it's not ideal for families with young children. Arrive early due to its popularity. Insider tip: Bring water shoes as there are rocks on the seabed. How to get there: Drive or take the bus to Binisafua where limited parking is available. It's a five-minute stroll to the beach. Back to index Ferreries Cala Galdana Set in verdant countryside, this family-friendly beach resort includes a small marina and jetty. Surrounded by cliffs dotted with holiday homes and wild shrubland, the broad sandy beach with azure waters offers safe swimming, excellent facilities and water sports. A pine forest provides plenty of shade. Insider tip: Visit family-friendly Tobogán seafood restaurant and hire kayaks for sea cave exploring. How to get there: By car or bus from Ciutadella or Mahon. There's a car park close by. Cala Mitjana A wide sandy bay backed by steep cliffs, Mitjana has many fans drawn by the pristine, shallow waters and silky sands. The natural beauty of the coastline where many peregrine falcons shelter is an added attraction. As this peaceful enclave has no facilities, visitors should bring their own refreshments. Insider tip: Walk or swim to the quiet cove of Cala Mitjaneta. Cala Pilar This quiet, remote northern beach offers golden-red sand, clear waters for snorkelling and dreamy vistas out to sea. It is surrounded by lofty, rugged cliffs, an extensive dune system and rich red clay terrain. There's a shady forest by the track with picnic table. Insider tip: There's a freshwater spring close to the beach but bring essential supplies. How to get there: Drive north from Ciutadella or Ferreries to Parking Cala Pilar. The 40-minute stroll to the beach passes magnificent forestland. Back to index Es Mercadal Cala Pregonda This attractive, peaceful horse-shoe bay is characterised by ochre sands and glassy, teal-hued waters, ideal for snorkelling. One of the quietest northern beaches, it is backed by dunes and dense vegetation with rugged cliffs to the west. Far from the madding crowd, it offers no facilities and is reached on foot via a pleasant, meandering coastal path. Insider tip: Bring snorkel, refreshments and sunscreen. Back to index Alaior Son Bou The longest beach in Menorca at 1.5 miles (2.4 km), Son Bou has enough space for all, even during the summertime. Offering fine white sand, crystal-clear waters and good facilities, it is ideal for families. The large dune system and marsh zone, the second largest on the island, are worth exploring. Insider tip: Try Es Corb Marí on the beachfront for tapas and cocktails. How to get there: Take a bus or drive from Mahón. There's a large free car park by the entrance. Back to index How we choose Every beach in this curated list has been expertly chosen by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of areas and styles, from popular city beaches to lesser known corners – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Anna Nicholas is Telegraph Travel's Majorca expert. A resident of Majorca for 23 years, she is a frequent visitor to Menorca. The Hauser & Wirth gallery on Isla del Rey is a favourite haunt where she loves to browse the latest exhibits.
