With snow blanketing the country in recent weeks and the doom and gloom prevailing at home, many of us are looking to holidays abroad for something invigorating and refreshing. Most people think of somewhere warm and sandy, longing for a tan and a good book on the beach, but holidays like that can feel stilted and predictable. We take a look at Menorcan holidays, which offer a superb beach experience, but also have something special in spring and all year round. The great variety of flora and fauna on the island make it stand out from more run of the mill beach holidays. Menorca's great diversity can be seen throughout the island, and we count down the top five natural sites that you can explore while there...

5. The Countryside around Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana and the surrounding Cala's are situated in lush, verdant countryside that evokes the kind of rural idyll similar to traditional English farmland. Rolling fields melt into picturesque woodland in some of the most beautiful scenery in Menorca. Holidays in this region allow you to blend together the natural beauty of the region with the great beaches on the coast.

4. S'Albufera des Grau

S'Albufera des Grau is a nature reserve on the east coast of Menorca. In October 1993, Menorca was designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, and S'Albufera des Grau is one of the best places on a Menorcan holiday to view this diversity. Hundreds of species of birds, lizards, trees, flowers and grasses carpet the area with a vibrant and beautiful landscape - a great site to visit on a nature holiday in Menorca.

3. The Centre for the Recovery of Wild Animals

An animal sanctuary close to Ciutadella, the Centre for the Recovery of Wild Animals rescues, aids and nurtures animals from the Island that have been injured. They offer people on holidays in Menorca the ability to see recovering animals and learn more about them. A great attraction for families, the centre also runs educational games and events for children about conservation and the environment.

2. Cales Coves

Cales Coves have over 100 caves for you to explore on your holiday in Menorca. Some of the caves are natural, others man made or a mix of the two, but all are breathtaking and surrounded by plants, animals and sea life. There is no set tour, so you can actually explore for yourself the majesty of these caves.

1. Diving on the Es Caragol Reef

Diving anywhere while on holiday in Menorca is sure to uncover rich plumes of undersea plant life and exotic fish of all descriptions, but for some of the best diving try the Es Caragol Reef. The reef is only 1 kilometre from the shore, and accessible to novice and experienced divers alike. It showcases some of the most amazing natural sights that Menorcan holidays have to offer, as well as being a great dive. The reef has also been a shipping hazard for centuries, and clings to many of the barnacle-covered hulks of ships to this day, teaming with fish who use them as a new habitat.

Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a choice of hand picked Menorca villas, resorts and retreats in prime locations for all your Menorca holiday http://www.bartleholidays.co.uk/ needs.