REMOVALS TO AND FROM MENORCA

Menorcans speak with a very similar Catalan dialect to the rest of the Balearic Islands but it has developed a unique identity of its very own. Nowhere is this more evident than in its distinctive landscape. From the bustling ancient city of Ciutadella in the west to the Anglo-Spanish styled capital of Maó-Mahón in the east, Menorca’s rich and vibrant culture oozes with charm and beauty. With over 200 km of rugged coastline, Menorca can also boast some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean. Inland Menorca is equally picturesque; its rustic beauty is characterized by undulating hills, verdant farmland and whitewashed villages.

Although the price of property has steadily increased over the past few years, prices remain between 15% to 20% cheaper than in neighbouring Mallorca. The majority of British expats buying property in Menorca are looking for second homes and tend to not spend all of their year on the island. The seasonality of Menorca, and the rest of the Balearic’s, does affect flights and business but it also helps to maintain Menorca’s peaceful charm. Expats moving to Menorca can expect to take advantage of the islands beauty and culture all year round.

Flights from most major European cities are regular and can be relatively cheap if booked well in advance. Flight time from London to Menorca airport is a little over two hours and a further 10-minute drive to the island’s capital of Maó-Mahón. Like most of the Mediterranean islands, Menorca is seasonal so flights, prices and general activity varies with the summer and winter seasons. Spain’s official airline database has reported a gradual year-on-year increase in visitor numbers to Menorca Airport of about 10%. This, when compared with Mallorca’s annual tourist traffic, is small change and indicative of a healthy yet controlled tourist industry.

Expats moving to Menorca – and Spain in general – need to acquire an NIE (Numero de Identificacion Extranjero) in order to set their new lives up. The NIE is needed to open a bank account, buy a car, set up a phone line and complete other administrative necessities. For more information on moving to Menorca and other advice for expats living there, please visit the UK government website.