Minorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Experiencing 315 days of sunshine a year, July and August are by far the hottest months with temperatures reaching over 86°F (30°C). Winter is mild and often sunny with the highest rainfall occurring during these months. The north wind known as the tramontana, blows regularly, bringing with it changeable weather.

Small as it may be, Minorca has a reliable and safe public transport system. Buses run from the Placa de s'Esplanada in Mahon regularly throughout the town and between other towns such as Fornells, Es Mercadal, Alaior, Ferreries, Ciutadella and Cala en Porter. Taxis can also be hailed from the Placa de s'Esplanada in Mahon. Rental car agencies can be found throughout the towns and at the airport.

The quiet and unspoilt island of Minorca offers wonderful activities for children and families to enjoy while on holiday. Pack the bucket and spade and head off to one of Minorca's fabulous beaches, such as the soft sanded Binibequer, the mile-long Son Bou, or the picturesque Cala Galdana and Cala En Porter. But don't forget the sunscreen and hats! Head up to the north coast to enjoy more secluded beaches, or stop in at the Cap de Cavalleria lighthouse to admire the view. In Mahon take the kids for stroll along the waterfront, admire the boats, grab an ice-cream and take a ride on a glass-bottom boat. Children with a bit more energy will love the Aquarock Water Park in Cala en Bosc and the Los Delfines Water Park near Ciutadella. On days when the when outdoor activities for children are not an option, finding an indoor playground is not easy, but most of the hotels provide children's clubs or indoor playground facilities to keep the little ones entertained on colder days.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely understood in areas frequented by tourists. Catalan, Galician and Basque are spoken in the relevant areas.

Spain's official currency is the Euro (EUR). One Euro is divided into 100 cents. Money can be exchanged at bureaux de change and major hotels, but banks give the best rates. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are widespread and are generally the cheapest and most convenient method of obtaining money.

Unlike its Balearic neighbor, Ibiza, Minorca doesn't offer wild parties, hectic nightlife and clubs where party people can dance the night away. The nightlife in Minorca is laid back and centred round hotels, quiet bars, restaurants and the occasional club. In the capital of Mahon there are a few live music bars, pubs, and tavernas where soaking up the views and atmosphere while sipping on a cocktail is the overall mood. Resort towns such as Cala En Porter offer younger visitors themed bars, but most of them close before midnight. Known for its live bands and cocktails, Akalarre Bar on the waterfront in Mahon is a popular haunt, while the Caves of Xoroi in Cala En Porter is a must for drinks or to enjoy the cave disco and breathtaking views.

Most of the towns, and particularly the resorts, in Minorca are full of the usual gift shops selling tourist tat, but in Mahon exciting shopping opportunities abound. Head towards the centre of town where the cobblestoned streets are lined with boutiques, clothing shops, jewellers, ice-cream parlours and shoe stores. The tourist areas are also loaded with shops. Great souvenirs to bring home from Minorca include traditional leather sandals called Albarques, leather goods, jewellery and the Minorcan gin, Xoriguer. Mahon has a wonderful market every Sunday where anything from clothing to fresh food and produce can be bought. Most shops open between 9am and 9pm, but close between 2pm and 5pm for siesta. Tourist shops are usually open during siesta hours.

Minorca offers a few historic sightseeing opportunities, but most noteworthy places worth visiting are the exquisite, unspoilt beaches with soft, white sand and crystalline waters, or the fantastic old villages, which in themselves are attractions. In Mahon, explore the waterfront, take a tour of the 3.5 mile-long (5.6km) natural harbour on a glass-bottom boat, visit the Xoriguer Gin Distillery and admire the beautiful architecture. Head out to Fornells on the north coast for the day to enjoy a lazy lunch and spot of shopping in this sleepy fishing village, and organise a scuba dive in the marine reserve while you're there. The north offers stunning remote beaches such as Cavalleria, Son Parc and Cala Tirant, or visit the lighthouse at Cap de Cavalleria. Head to the 13th Century town of Ferreries for lunch or the west coast port town of Ciutadella where fantastic restaurants abound. Check out the oldest roofed building in Spain at Naveta dels Tudons on the way to Cuitadella, or visit Minorca's highest point of Monte Toro in Es Mercadal.

Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT +1 in summer).