Menorca - Minorca

Minorca is an island in the archipelago of Balearics.

To know

The bay of Mahón, the capital of the island, is the second largest natural harbor in the world (the only largest is Pearl Harbor). The whole island is a European Biological Reserve, which means, for example, that the construction of large hotels is kept to a minimum in most tourist destinations. It is a relatively quiet and familiar island, but there are also some great clubs if you know where to go, but be prepared for some "long" commutes to reach them, most resorts only have late bars.

The island was declared by theUNESCO biosphere reserve.

This is the ideal island for families with small children, or for those looking for a quieter holiday to discover the old villages and the beautiful beaches that surround Minorca.

Geographical notes

It is the second largest island of the Balearic Islands archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea east of Majorca-

The highest point of the island is Monte Toro, which from its 357 m high allows you to dominate the island in its entire extension with your eyes.

When to go

Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and temperate winters

Background

During the eighteenth century, Menorca was a cause of contention between the powers British, French is Spanish. And with good reason, the port of Mahón, the best natural port in the Mediterranean, and one of the best in the world, could fully protect, behind its frightening forts, the largest fleet of the time. Utrecht, signed in 1713, marked the beginning of the first British presence on the island, at least until 1755. Richard Kane, the first British governor. he is still much loved for his important support to the agriculture of the island, he introduced the cultivation of apples, promoted the breeding of livestock, and built roads and water reserves that are still in use today. in Menorca, from 1763 to 1781 and from 1798 to 1808. The British left behind them much more than just embankments and fortifications. Things of the most varied nature and which contributed to the development of Mahón, which enthusiastically accepted the trade opportunities that presented itself and the abolition of the Inquisition, the sauce that is traditionally used on a large number of dishes (called "grevi" from the "gravy" of English origin), traditional woodworking and ship design and construction techniques, and lastly the most famous drink of English origin: gin. "Golden Farm", a summer residence overlooking the bay of Mahón, is one of the symbols of the British domination of the island, as are the sash windows and bay windows that can be seen in the buildings of the old quarter of the capital.

With the Treaty of Amiens, stipulated in 1802 between Great Britain and Napoleonic France, Menorca was definitively assigned to Spain.

Spoken languages

The locals speak a particular form of called Catalan "Menorquin" (Minorcan), a sort of dialect not easily understood even by native Spanish speakers. However, many also speak a English of an acceptable standard, especially in the more touristic areas.

Territories and tourist destinations

• The island is divided into eight administrative divisions - Mahón, Es Castell, Sant Lluis, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn, Ferreries and Ciutadella.
• Mahón is the capital, known for its bars, restaurants and its port.

The main tourist area is located along the south coast of the island and includes the villages of Santo Tomas, Son Bou, Cala en Porter, Binibeca, Punta Prima and S'Algar.

Don't miss the old quarter of Ciutadella de Menorca. The ancient Arab citadel, the narrow stone streets between noble palaces, the natural harbor with excellent bars and restaurants.

Urban centers

Other destinations

The beaches on the south coast are easier to access than their northern counterparts and have an added privilege: they are sheltered from the winds.

How to get

By plane

Menorca is easily accessible by plane, with scheduled flights, fromItaly making a stopover in Barcelona, during the summer season, however, many charter flights come into operation that reach the airport of Mahón (MAH) directly from the main Italian airports. Mahón airport is located about 4.5 km from the city center.

There is also a regular ferry service from both Spain that gives Majorca.

How to get around

Taxis are the most popular means of transport if you don't want to rent a car - however there are plenty of rental companies to choose from - the buses are not very regular and most of the young locals travel by scooter.

By public transport

The transport company is Transportes Menorca.

The main route serves Mahón, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Ferreries and Ciutadella and runs along the center of the island. Most buses run once an hour and are cheap, from € 4 to € 5 to go from Ciutadella to Mahón.

Most of the beaches on the west side are served by buses leaving from the Plaza in Ciutadella. Other buses leave from Ferreries, Alaior and the main stop on the island is Mahón, which serves Sant Lluis and all the beaches on the east side. Son Bou can be reached from Alaior.

By taxi

Taxis are a convenient means of transport if you don't have too many trips planned. However in the high season there can be a long wait before finding one.

By car

There are several agencies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, both at the airport and in the resorts - it is advisable to book before arrival to avoid long waits. Moving by car is the best option together with scooters to reach every part of the island

In July and August it is easy for the car parks of the most popular beaches to be full. In these cases, when the access to the beaches is only a narrow alley this is closed to avoid traffic jams.

Parking lots

Try to park safely, in any case the key is common sense. It is best not to park in places where you can cause obstruction or danger to other road users, even though many Minorchines do. In fact it seems to be a prerequisite for obtaining a driving license.

In the city, the parking areas are identified by the blue lines, the ticket must be taken from one of the nearby machines and you can obtain parking permits for 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2, and don't forget to display the ticket inside the machine. Do not park in front of garages, openings or driveways, most have a VADO PERMANENTE, GUAL PEMANENT sign in front of them.

In front of the houses there may be curbs of the sidewalks painted in white and red or in yellow to indicate where parking is not allowed

There are also parking spaces available for the disabled, usually foreign plates can also be accepted but not always, it depends on who checks, if in doubt, and if there is a policeman nearby ask first.

A vehicle parked in contravention may be removed, usually a yellow sticker with the car's number plate attached to the curb where the car was parked will show you where you can retrieve the vehicle.

Information on car rental and insurance

Most road signs are standard across Europe, traffic laws, parking restrictions and driving in general will therefore be very similar to what you are used to, obviously a little common sense will allow you to enjoy a pleasant holiday without unpleasant setbacks.

Some advices

When renting a car you must always bring your rental documents, your driving license and an identity document or a photocopy of it with you.If you extend the rental period make sure you extend the rental agreement at the same time, otherwise you will not be The drivers must be at least 25 years old and have been in possession of a driving license for at least 3 years. Be careful when you park the car, when you sign the rental contract you also pay for the fines that the vehicle has taken during the period in which Seat belts are MANDATORY both in front and in the rear seats, children up to 12 must sit in the back, the number of seat belts highlights the number of passengers you are authorized to carry, you are not insured for a The insurance covers all damage except damage to the wheels or inside the passenger compartment (e.g. cigarette burns, etc.), as well as n Damage caused by driver negligence is not covered.When renting a car always ask what the insurance does not cover, you have a right to know, and you can also ask to be able to read the insurance contract of the company.

In case of emergency

In case you run into a breakdown, run out of petrol, or have an accident, the safety triangle must be placed 50 meters away in front of and behind the car, and the yellow or orange safety vest must be worn when exiting the car. car. Both the triangles and the vest can be found in the glove compartment or trunk of the car.In case of an accident write down the license plate of the other car and the name / address of the drivers, if they are Spanish ask for their identity card (DNI ). Check the name of their insurance company and if they refuse you can call them Civil Guard. Should you be injured, do not move the vehicle and the injured and call immediately Civil Guard and an ambulance at number 061

• Maó Guardia Civil, Ctra. San Luis s / n, ☎ 34 971 36 1100. 
• Ciutadella Guardia Civil, Pza. del Born s / n, ☎ 34 971 38 1095. 

If there are no injuries and both sides agree, there is no need to call the police. Always take the name / address of any witnesses. The Spanish equivalent of the Italian should be in the glove compartment friendly finding, a form that must be completed and signed by both parties involved who must also keep a copy each. Notify your insurance company within 2 hours of any kind of accident. If the car is rented, your company is the rental agency.

By motorbike

The advantage of motorcycles / scooters is that you will have no problem parking. In high season the access roads to some beaches are closed because the parking lots are full, but this is not a problem if you are traveling by motorbike / scooter.

What see

• Visit the Monte Toro (the highest point on the island, near Es Mercadal) to enjoy a fantastic view of the island.
• The fishing village of Fornells.
• Cala Galdana, a very picturesque place, go up to the top of the cliff for a jaw-dropping view of the area and the sea.

Archaeological sites

Prehistoric remains can be seen in all Balearic Islands, but for the most part they are located in Menorca, they can often be seen from the road, perhaps in the middle of a field, surrounded by grazing animals when their presence has been forgotten. They are remains of the Talaiot culture of the late Bronze Age, the talaiot are large stone constructions with a conical shape whose purpose is still the subject of debate, although it seems now established that whatever function they had, they were not watchtowers.

Other structures that can be seen are the "navetas", constructions the size of a small house and in the shape of an overturned boat, which may have been inhabited, but which were more likely tombs, and the "taulas" huge structures formed by two blocks. of T-shaped stone

The best sites are: the "village" in Trepucò, on the edge of the city of Mahón, on the road to the airport, or the "Navetas d'es Tudons" near Ciutadella

Beaches

The beaches they are generally wonderful - with a lot of "sandy" space. Some resorts have smaller beaches (such as Cala Galdana is Cala en Porter) but here for example we can find a Son Bou about 3 kilometers of beautiful sand.

Pristine beaches on both the North and South coasts are ideal destinations or a leisurely stop for lunch. In the north: Cavalleria, Binimel-la, Pregonda and Cala Pilar; in the South: Binigaus Escorxada, Trebaluger, Mitjana and Macarella. Having to choose the best ones seem to be Cala Pilar in the North and Macarella in the South

Other

• Casa Museo del Pintor Torrent a Ciutadella de Menorca

Events and parties

In July and August the Baroque and Renaissance concerts take place in the church of Fornells.

The most famous fiesta of Menorca is the Fiesta de San Joan in Ciutadella on June 23 and 24. Horses bred in Menorca are the protagonists of the festival and the whole city is an explosion of colors and movement, an entire site would be needed to be able to describe the festival in its details and in its ceremonies, it seems sufficient to say that the ceremonies and the rituals of the festival take place in the ancient streets of Ciutadella in the most exciting and stunning way possible.The role played by the local horses and riders is one of the unique elements of Menorca, the horses raised on the island are made to "dance" to the notes of the Minorcan jota, the most famous is the "San Joan" jota. All this takes place in the town square. Obviously all the villages of Menorca, on the occasion of San Joan, have similar horse festivals, and each of them has something special and that characterizes them in a unique way.

What to do

Teenagers may find most places too quiet in the evening - but on the way to the caves you will find a club that is second to none, this is the Cova d'en Xoroi located at Cala en Porter in the south of the island

Since Menorca has so much to offer, an "active" and outdoor holiday is recommended for tourists. The kind of activities you will find below will allow you to understand the very special character of Menorca, an island full of surprises and with a strong identity, and not a recent "tourist invention".

Windsurfing

The first recommendation is to learn windsurfing and sailing at Fornells, one of the best spots in the whole Mediterranean.

Scuba diving

There are plenty of dive sites in Menorca, all with clear water and many of them with beautiful seabeds, wrecks or caves. To learn or to dive with experts in Menorca try Ulmo Scubadiving, in Addaia. They are very professional, with friendly staff and will give you personal attention.

Trekking

Albufera de es Grau. The Natural Park stretches up to Favaritx, from where you can appreciate the splendid view, the best of the east coast.You can have a good view of the north coast of the island from the top of Monte Toro and, closer to the sea, from Arenal d 'en castell, near Fornells, just east of Son Saura.

Culture

Don't miss the archaeological sites of talaiotes, taules is navetas. They are all worth a visit and are a feature of Menorca. The best can be: Torre d'en Gaumés, the village of Son Catlar, Sa Torreta de Tramontana, Cova dels Coloms and the Caves in Cala Morell

Cultural Excursions

Here are some recommended itineraries to combine trekking and visits to archaeological sites:

• Cova dels Coloms - Sant Agustì Vell - Torrent de Binigaus - Platja de Binigaus.
• Taula den Salord - Torre d'en Gaumés - The paleo-Christian church in Son Bou - Son Bou beach.
• Son Catlar - South Son Saoura beach

Shopping

How to have fun

Night clubs

Breweries

• Grahame Pearce, C / Sant Llorenç, nº 65, 07720 Sant Climent. Grahame Pearce - Sant Climent Lager produced in Sant Climent (Mahón) since 2011. 
• Illa. Balearic Island Ale. Produced in Ciutadella since 2010. 
• Sa Bona Beer, Plaza Llibertat 24 (Ciutadella de Menorca). More than 70 beers available including Sa Bona Beer of own production. 

Cafe

Nightlife in Menorca is quieter than in Majorca or Ibiza. Go to the seafront where most of the bars are located.

• Maritim Café, Moll de Llevant. Bar and terrace near the Casino Maritim in Mahón. At night it is a Lounge Bar where you can have cocktails, long drinks and dance. 
• Dinky Bar, Paseo Maritimo (S'Algar). Mon-Sun until 2am. Nice place at S'Algar Resort. 
• Plaza Domingo, Cala N Forcat. Good Value. Group of bars run by friendly people, with a choice of style American, Irish, Mexican is African, children's area and games room. A place for everyone, families, couples and groups. 

Where to eat

The food on the island is very good; meat, fish, fruit and vegetables are all local and of good quality.

• Obviously a must try is the lobster a Fornells which represents the pinnacle of Minorcan cuisine.
• Menorquina ice cream, which takes its name from the island is renowned all over the world even if today it is actually produced in Barcelona. Excellent desserts can be enjoyed in most restaurants, but chocolate lovers, once tasted, will eat nothing but the Trufito!
• Mahón cheese, or Queso de Mahón-Menorca. Menorca is famous for its cheese production.
• mayonnaise, according to some sources it comes from the city of Mahón.

Typical dishes

• Lobster, or caldereta de langosta (i.e. lobster soup) whose raw material is generally fished on the northern coasts around Fornells.
• Albergínies al forn (in Catalan) or berenjenas al horno (in Spanish). Stuffed aubergines (there are variations with eggplant tomatoes)
• Oliaigu. Typical soup.
• Sípia amb fesols. Cuttlefish with peas.

Sausages

• Sobrassada. Sweeter and less spicy than that of Mallorca.
• Carn-i-xulla or carn-i-xúa.
• Camot or cuixot
• Butifarró blanc (butifarró White)
• Butifarró negre (butifarró black)

Desserts

• Pastissets
• Amargos
• Crespells is crespellets
• Coca bamba

Gin

In Menorca there were and still are many junipers and in the ports there was the British fleet. The union created Ginet an alder liqueur from the Spanish and Mediterranean tradition and with notable differences from English gin.

The main difference is that Minorchino ginet is distilled from grapes, typical of the Mediterranean, and is not based on cereals. The juniper comes from the continent but continues to be distilled in copper stills and then stored in oak barrels aged in gin so as not to let it take on the color of the wood.

Gin is found throughout Menorca, drunk straight or mixed. Pomada is made by adding bitter lemon. It is the drink that is normally drunk during the many parties on the island.

Wine

Wine production on the island is ancient but has declined over the last century. New wineries have recently been opened.

Average prices

• Es Pla (Pg Marìtim de Gumersind Riera), ☎ 34 971 376 655. Regular destination of King Juan Carlos when he wants to eat fish specialties. 
• Windmill Restaurant (Moli d'es Raco a Es Mercadal. On the main road that connects Mahón with Ciutadella de Menorca), ☎ 34 971 375 392. Great food and beautiful location. 
• S'Eixerit (TO Es Mercadal). Local food at reasonable prices. 
• Still (TO Fornells. Located on the harbor). Good fish and seafood specialties and probably the best Paella on the island. 
• Es Cranc (TO Fornells). Probably the best fish and seafood restaurant on the island, try the 'Caldereta' fish or seafood soup. 
• La Ribera (In Santo Tomas, located near the town center between the Santo Tomas and Lord Nelson hotels). The best in the locality. 
• Ca n'Olga (TO Es Mercadal). A very popular restaurant. 
• Ca na Pilar (In Es Migjorn Gran). Together with S'Engolidor they are the best restaurants in the area. 
• S'Engolidor (In Es Migjorn Gran). Together with Ca na Pilar are the best restaurants in the place. 

Where stay

Average prices

• Posada Orsi, Carrer de la Infanta, ☎ 32 971 364 751. 
• Hostal-Residencia La Isla, Carrer de Santa Catalina, ☎ 34 971 64 92. 
• Mirador des Port hotel, Carrer de Dalt Vilanova, ☎ 34 971 360 016. 
• CasaPas, Son Parc, ☎ 34 971151960. Check in: any, check-out: any. 'CasaPas' 2 bedroom apartment close to the island's golf club. 
• Es Mercadal hotel, Carrer Nou 49 (Es Mercadal), ☎ 34 971 15 44 39. 
• Hostal Jeni, Mirada del Toro, 81 (Es Mercadal). 
• San Luis hotels, Arcada Comercial Hotel San Luis (S'Algar), ☎ 34 971 150 750. Check in: 14PM, check-out: 12PM. Hotel in S'Algar Resort with 228 rooms, 3 swimming pools, Lobby Bar, 2 restaurants, conference room and entertainment. 
• Son Bou Gardens, Son Bou, ☎ 34 971371575. Check in: any, check-out: any. Son Bou Gardens, apartments just minutes from the nudist beach. 
• View Picas Apartmentos, Cala N Forcat. Check in: Varies, check-out: Varies. Family run hotel in Cala N Forcat in the west of the island, 5 minutes by car from Ciutadella, 30 minutes on foot. Large pool, friendly staff. Supermarket and night clubs nearby 
• ^{[link not working]}Playa Calan Porter, Calle Llebeig 12, ☎ 44 1442818017. 

High prices

It is not the cheapest option but you can find some very nice villas which can be ideal for large families. Some villas are also located in spectacular locations.

Safety

There are two different police forces in Menorca, here are some of the differences:

The Civil Guard has the green uniform. They are usually found on roundabouts, main roads, side streets, intersections and anywhere else you wouldn't expect to find them. They can subject you to ethyl tests if they suspect that you have been drinking, give you a fine if you do not wear seat belts or pass with a solid line. They are always in pairs and travel by bike or in Guardia Civil vehicles and usually do not operate in the city unless called for an accident. In the summer, the number of agents increases in proportion to the increase in tourists who visit the island in the high season, most of them coming from the big cities of mainland Spain for 1, 2 or 3 months.

The National Police has a blue uniform. Check cities, parking tickets and traffic flow. They also check construction work and building permits. Usually you will not have to deal with the National Police except in the case of parking fines or traffic fines.

How to keep in touch

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Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Minorca
• Commons contains images or other files on Minorca