Visitors flock in their droves every year to the wonderful Island of Majorca, just one of the Balearic Islands of Spain.
But sitting pretty just next door is a real beauty, and a visit to Menorca will leave you in no doubt that this island is anything but minor in it´s array of attractions, not least the rich amount of prehistoric remains.
Literally hundreds of Bronze Age villages and remains are to be discovered on this island of sunshine – let´s look at who lived in a place like this!
A green and pleasant land
A countryside with cattle roaming the lush green fields, open spaces of largely unspoilt farmland and a stunning coastline is Menorca best described.
This little island is the farthest of the Balearics from the mainland of Spain, and it´s quite different in lots of ways. Whether you choose to come in Springtime for the flowers, or to while away lazy summer days it won´t disappoint.
Why not visit in 2012 for the January fiesta of Sant Antoni Abat on the 17th? That´s the one where all of the animals are blessed each year on the same day on Mallorca and Menorca- parades of elegant Spanish horses form the colourful processions.
blue water and secret coves...
Hold the Mayo!
The capital of Menorca - Maó – lends it´s name to the salad dressing we all use, mayonnaise, taken from the Spanish translation of Mahon. It´s an elegant town from the bobbing boats in the harbour – just the place for a plate of freshly caught fish – to the serene streets and shuttered houses all of the woodwork painted in the traditional Menorcan colour of dark green.
For Menorcan art follow the route to the high town and you´ll find the Colleccío Hernández Mora which is stuffed with local art and antiquities – afterwards have a browse around the permanent fruit and vegetable market which is closeby in the cloisters of the Esglesía del Carme…choose fresh colourful produce for your lunch, and cook it in one of these lovely Menorcan holiday rentals….
For more museum pieces head down to the Museo de Menorca. You´ll find it on Calle Doctor Guardia in Maó ( Tlf: 0034 971350955) and inside a wealth of artefacts retelling the history of the Talayotic culture of Menorca.
There´s also a history of the Franciscan convent in which the museum is located and a good selection of 20th century art, so something for everyone.
Opening hours are as follows:
From Tuesday to Saturday
From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
From 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Public holidays and Sundays
From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Closed: Mondays
Where´s it all from?
Menorca might as well be one big open air museum judging by the amount of finds there. What makes it more interesting is the fact that sites from the Talayotics – 2000BC – can be found all over the island. Literally hundreds – actually said to be more than 1500 – sites of remains of Bronze age settlements are there for discovery and almost all of them are open to the public.
The different structures that you can expect to spot are:
Navetas – looking like upside down boats and burial chambers in the past.
Taulas – A T shaped formation of 2 rocks possibly used as alters.
Talaiots – circular stone buildings that would have been dwellings in the past.
A Taula on Menorca - bring a picnic!
Most of these are found in rural settings and are free to visit, so why not pack a picnic and head out for the day, see what you can find – a fun history lesson for the kids!
We can´t promise you a Talaiot but comfortable beds and modern facilites await in these Ciutadella holiday homes available to rent for your holiday!
The Hippy Trail
Travel to the Cales Coves to see the Neolithic caves hollowed out of the rock face. Previously inhabited by cavemen and these days you might spot a hairy bloke or two, as New Age travellers have taken over the site and transformed the caves into their homes and a community enjoying an alternative lifestyle. Lots of modern sculpture now decorates the front of the caves which these days have front doors – I guess it´s a form of recycling!
Fornells - for the Yachty jet set!
Getting about
When you´re done digging the past you might like to explore the other places on the island, Ciutadella offers you the chance to discover impressive architecture and graceful squares, as well as the Església Catedral de Menorca.
Es Mercadal is host to the highest mountain – El Toro – at 1150ft. Ferreries is a pretty little village with white painted houses and don´t miss the bay at Santa Galdana with it´s sandy beach and picture perfect location. For the best beaches try Cala del Pilar or Cala Pregonda sometimes difficult to reach but worth the clamber for the views and the unspoilt coves. You can even go Kayaking if you´re feeling a little more energetic! Read all about a Kayak adventure holiday here!
Fornells which is about 10 km north of Es Mercadal is the place to be if you like messing about on the water – every summer sees the jet set on their yachts and coming ashore in their designer gear to order the famous local dish of Caldereta de Llagosta or Lobster Casserole. Forget St Tropez – so last year!
A plate of Lobster, Menorcan style!
Personally a plate of simple grilled fish a la plancha is good enough for me – a little salt and a squeeze of lemon under the balmy Menorcan sunshine…perfect.
For more information and the oportunity to watch a superb video on Menorca click here and enjoy a complete travel guide. There really is something for everyone on this little island!
Flickr credits go to: Lou Rouge/MontanNito/ boo_licious
