Menorca
Menorca
Peaceful and Beautiful
Menorca is the third most popular island in the Balearics, being smaller than Majorca and certainly quieter than Ibiza, but tourists who venture here still find themselves enjoying a peaceful and relaxing time.
Less developed than its big sister Majorca and noisy little brother Ibiza, Menorca offers miles of beautiful, undeveloped coastline and has a greater number of gorgeous beaches than Majorca and Ibiza put together. Because of its smaller resorts and competitively-priced hotels, Menorca makes an excellent holiday destination for young families who don’t want the hectic nightlife of Ibiza or the activity-based complexes of Majorca.
Menorca is also an excellent destination for those who enjoy hiking, as the Camí de Cavalls (‘the path of horses’), a 140 mile complete trail around the island’s unspoilt coastline, was completed in 2011, based on pathways that are over 400 years old. Many companies offer guided walks and even complete holidays based around selected stretches of this ancient path.
Menorca has two main towns, Maó (or Mahón) and Ciutadella. Both are very attractive, one at each end of the island and connected by the island’s main road, the ME1.
There are three main rural towns, Alaior, Es Mercadal and Ferreries, all worth an exploration, as are the many resorts and coastal villages. The ME1 splits the island in two, with areas built on red sandstone to the north, and limestone to the south. You can fully appreciate this change in landscapes from Monte Toro, the highest point on the island at 1,175 ft.
Places to make your holiday home can be found all around the coast. The largest resort is Arenal d’en Castell, which has several hotels around a bay. The beaches are longer in the south, where you’ll find purpose-built resorts in Cala Porter, San Tomàs and Cala Bosch. Cala Galdana has the most pleasant setting, backed by cliffs.
Menorca has one main airport, close to Maó, but you can also travel there by ferry from mainland France or Spain. Temperatures are typical of the Balearics, being warm in winter and hot in summer.
If ancient history is your thing then Menorca has plenty of fascinating sites to keep you interested. Talatí del Dalt is a settlement over two thousands years old, and is less than three miles from Maó. Built by the Talayotic people, their culture survived for nearly 1,500 years until the Romans arrived on the island in 123BC. A must-see is Lithica, east of Ciutadella. This centuries-old quarry has been landscaped to include sculptures, gardens and labyrinths.
The island fell under British rule during the 18th century for three periods and the influences remain evident all over Menorca. In Maó you can visit mansions built in the style favoured by English architects at the time, as well as a gin distillery, built by the first governor from Britain. You can even see black and white Fresian cows roaming fields all over the island.
Menorca is the ideal destination for holidays makers in search of that perfect blend of tradition and tranquillity. It is relaxing and fascinating, soothing and interesting and of course, hot!