Menorca
Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands although, at just under 35 miles long and a maximum 12 miles wide, it is barely a quarter of the size of Mallorca and far less developed. The year round population is about 81,000. The Menorquines speak their own local version of Catalan in addition to Spanish. Traditionally its main industries have been agriculture: dairy, producing some famous local cheeses; leather, particularly shoes and sandals; and handmade jewellery. Tourism, which began in earnest in the late 1960s, has now overtaken all these as the main employer.
UNESCO declared the island a special Reserve of the Biosphere in 1993 and, as a result, although there are clusters of tourist development on various parts of the coast, there are still dozens of totally unspoilt beaches lapped by transparent, often turquoise water. Much of the interior with its low rolling hills, pine woods, wild olive trees and ubiquitous dry stone walls provides idyllic scenery for walkers and birdwatchers to enjoy at leisure.
Beautiful sandy beaches...
The island’s strategic position in the middle of the Western Mediterranean means that it has been settled for thousands of years and has experienced numerous invasions including the English and the French. For archaeologists and historians this means rich pickings. There are some 1,600 pre-historic archaeological sites scattered around the island, mostly Taulas or Talayots, which are largely undated but thought to date back to between 2,000 and 1,000 BC.
At the Eastern end of the island the capital Mahón (Maó in Menorquín) boasts the longest, deepest and safest natural harbour in the Western Mediterranean. The many quayside bars and restaurants provide the perfect place to admire beautiful yachts at anchor and watch the comings and goings of the maritime traffic. The city itself has many carefully restored old buildings and a wide range of shops in its old narrow streets. At the opposite end of the island the former capital Ciudadela (Ciutatella), with a more modest harbour, is an enchanting city with stunning buildings and beautiful shady alleyways.
Both Mahón and Ciudadela have an abundance of restaurants to suit every budget as well as some lively bars and a few nightclubs. Some of the best restaurants are within 4 or 5 kms of Binissafuller. But generally speaking Menorca is known as a family destination and does not enjoy (or suffer from) the exuberant nightlife provided by the hotspots of Ibiza and the most commercial parts of Mallorca. More original and traditional entertainment is provided in the summer months by the special weekend fiestas known as Jaleos put on in turn by each of the cities and towns around the island. The Ciudadela Jaleo which takes place in June is perhaps the best known and wildest party of the year and sees the finest horsemen on the island ride their black thoroughbreds through the streets and even into people’s front rooms!
Taula in Torralba / Horse show (jaleo) in Maóbeaches (Photos by: Jesús de Gregorio ( http://jdegre.net))
If you have never been to Menorca you have a treat in store. If you’ve already visited you won’t need any convincing: Menorca is the unspoilt jewel of the Western Mediterranean.