Geography

SAN LUIS

Geography of San Luis

San Luis is a municipality with an area of 37 square kilometers. It borders Mahón and Es Castell to the north, Mahón to the west, and the sea to the east and south. It is located on a plain in the southeast area of the island, about 50 meters above sea level. It sits in the geological region called "es Migjorn", where Miocene rocks or "marés" abound, a stone traditionally used in the construction of buildings before the introduction of other building materials. The emergence of tourism in Menorca, starting in the 20th century, led to a profound social and economic transformation, both at the island and local level. The agricultural use of the land has given rise to a highly humanized landscape. For this reason, stone walls and constructions used in the agricultural exploitation of the estates abound, such as threshing floors, wells, cisterns, stables, etc. The economic growth of the 18th century caused great agricultural pressure, with the creation of new cultivation zones and increased tree felling, which caused the regression of green areas. One of the most interesting landscape aspects is the presence of abundant cliffs that originate remarkable environmental diversity due to the erosive action of rains, tectonic movements, and changes in sea level. Some examples are the ravines of Rafalet, Biniparratx, Binissafúller, and Alcaufar, the latter two having been converted into cultivation areas until a few years ago. The coastline presents numerous geographical features: coves, beaches, capes, and small islands. With its 1,400 square meters of area, the Isla del Aire stands out, located in front of Punta Prima and populated by an interesting endemic species of black lizard. In 1860, a lighthouse was built on its easternmost part.