The Beautiful Menorca, Between Coves And Crystal Clear Waters
In the Balearic Islands, between coves and crystal clear waters, is the beautiful Menorca, the easternmost of the Mediterranean archipelago. Its name is due to the smaller size in relation to Mallorca and its capital is Mahón. Without a doubt, an ideal place to spend your next summer vacation. Will you accompany us to tour it?
Brief history of the beautiful Menorca
According to the archaeological remains found on the island, the first inhabitants lived in the Bronze Age and came from Sardinia and the Iberian Peninsula. The culture in Menorca developed in a similar way as in Mallorca.
One of the main attractions of the island are the megalithic monuments of the Talayotic culture. The talayots are a kind of stone dwelling used for surveillance, the navetas are funerary constructions and the taulas are made up of two stones that form a “T”.
Later the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Carthaginians and the Romans arrived. At that time, Menorca was already an important strategic port. It was later conquered by the Muslims, who stayed there for four centuries. The Arab influence can still be seen even after the defeat by Jaime I and Alfonso II.
After that, it became part of the Kingdom of Mallorca and then that of Spain. The 18th century was quite a revolution for Menorca because it came to be in the hands of the English and the French.
What to see and what to do in the beautiful Menorca
When we think of the Balearic Islands, the beaches, coves and crystal clear waters automatically come to mind. However, in Menorca there is much to enjoy :
1. Citadel
With a characteristic stately air, you will walk through historic streets around the castle of San Nicolás. Your walk should include the port area, where you will enjoy a natural summer phenomenon called “sa rissaga”: the sea oscillates up and down until it “overflows”.
It also houses a beautiful 13th-century Gothic-style cathedral. And you should not miss the Plaza del Borne (with an obelisk in honor of the defense of the Turkish attack of 1558), the Plaza de la Esplanada (where mass events are held) and the Municipal Museum (in a 16th century building).
2. Mahón
The capital of Menorca has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. Without a doubt, you have to walk through this area at any time of the day.
In addition, we recommend that you visit the fortress, the Museum (in an old convent) and the Town Hall (with its characteristic clock). Also worth visiting are the Bastion of Sant Roc (which contains the remains of the main gate of the wall) and the Church of Santa María (with an organ with more than 3000 pipes).
3. Fornells
It is a picturesque fishing village in the north of the island located in a 3-kilometer-long bay. In Fornells the most famous is its typical dish, the lobster stew. The quintessential tourist visit is a tower built by the English, from it you get incredible views of the entire coast.
4. Binibeca
Another small fishing village, located 8 kilometers south of Mahón. It was built in 1972 and, despite its young age, it is one of the most visited in Menorca. The whitewashed houses in Bibineca’s narrow streets look like something out of a postcard. A short distance from the town center there are fine sandy beaches and a pine forest.
5. Cova d’en Xoroi
It is one of the most visited places on the island at any time of the day. This cave is located on a cliff in the south of Menorca and has different terraces from where you can enjoy amazing views. The sunsets here are magical and the fun atmosphere draws the attention of tourists (there is a bar and a disco).
More places to visit in beautiful Menorca? Of course: Mount Toro (358 meters high), La Mola fortress (built in 1848), Marlborough fort, S’Hostal quarries, s’Albufera des Grau (the most important natural park) and the Faváritx lighthouse.
