Menorca travel guide
The second largest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca (Minorca) is one-fifth the area of Mallorca, and receives a much smaller number of visitors. It is a lovely, green, undulating island dotted with coastal towns and resorts as well as many scenic beaches and coves.
Menorca is much quieter than its larger neighbour, more low-key both in its man-made attractions and its landscape. It is an appealing little island, with many devotees, and has the distinction of being designated a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. It also has an abundance of prehistoric structures: the communal ossuaries called navetes and the defensive towers called talayots, of which around 200 have survived and taulas (tables, or T-shaped structures). The island, in common with the rest
of the Balearics, later underwent centuries of conquest and reconquest before being influenced by British occupation in the 18th century. This is most clearly seen in and around Maó. Nowhere else in Spain are sash windows a feature of the architecture. And Menorcan Xoriguer gin, introduced by the English, has a distinctive taste and is popular throughout Spain.
Places to visit in Menorca
Maó
The capital and deep-water harbour of Maó was occupied by the British for a large part of the 18th century. The little city clusters on the cliffs above the port, and buildings in the older quarter of town have a distinctly Georgian appearance. A boat trip around the harbour makes a fun excursion.
Ciudadela
Ciudadela (Ciutadella), on the west coast, also has a fine harbour, but is more akin to Andalucia than old England. Ses Voltes, the street leading to the Gothic cathedral that was begun in the 14th century, is all archways and completely Moorish. Visit the city museum in the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) for its rather curious exhibits on the history of the island.
Cala Santa Galdana, Cova d'en Xoroi and Fornells
Menorca’s best beach and resort is Cala Santa Galdana, a beautiful horseshoe-shaped cove developed in a restrained fashion. Further along the coast, on the way to Maó, is the Cova d’en Xoroi. These caves in the tall cliffs have been made into an innovative bar with fantastic views, and should not be missed. Fornells, on the north coast, is another relaxed resort which also remains an active fishing port.
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