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Menorca Mini Guide
So, What can Menorca Offer me?
Menorca is the second largest island in the Balearics and part of Spain. The capital is
Mahon and the airport is located there. It is a very popular summer destination for Europeans and is well known for its sandy beaches and quiet fishing villages. The island also attracts nature lovers as there is an abundance of pine woods and wild flower meadows that attract butterflies and birdlife in spring.
What can I do on the Island?
There is lots to do there, you can explore the island by hire car or take a scooter to access some of the narrowest streets. Look out for the orange buses that will take you to the main towns in Menorca. Take a boat trip from Mahon Harbour and see the unusual Arabic style fishing boats. If you get thirsty, head to the Xoriquer Distillery and sample the local gin or try the island’s favourite tipple ‘pomado’ a mix of gin and bitter lemon. Placa Alfons III in Menorca’s old town has plenty of restaurants and cafes for you to try and find out more by visiting the old windmill there, it is now a tourist information centre. For peace and quiet, take a picnic to Es Freginal Park and then stroll around the exhibits on display.
How do I get to Menorca?
There are lots of flights into Mahon during the summer season, mostly from the
UK and
Germany. Menorca is easily accessible from mainland Spain by flight or ferry.
Where can I go and Shop?
For the best bargains, go to one of the many local markets or bazaars and start haggling! You can get a good price for your pottery and leather goods, especially during ‘sale’ time in August and September. For an unusual gift, buy a piece of local jewellery. Take your time and browse all the best fresh produce the island has to offer.
What can I eat There?
At breakfast time, visit a café and eat as the Menorcans do – have a hot chocolate and ‘ensaimada’ (similar to a croissant). If you are near to Fornells Harbour, you must have ‘Caldereta de Llagosta’ a delicious lobster stew. Anytime of day, try ‘sobrasada’ or ‘camot’, spicy sausages sometimes flavoured with fennel or paprika that are served with bread. As part of the island's tourism plan, a renewed focus on the island's produce and gastronomy is being introduced so you should find more examples of traditional fare amongst the steak and chips restaurants. Cheese making is a growing trade - two to try are the ‘Mercadal’ and ‘Formatge de Mao’. Rumour has it that mayonnaise got its name from the introduction of the sauce from France to Mahon in the 1700’s.
The Best Fiesta to see?
Festes de Sant Joan is the biggest festival in Menorca, held in the town of Ciutadella and lasting three days. It starts with a man carrying a sheep on his shoulders who walks through the town streets, followed by bonfires in the evening. On the second day the local black horses are the star of the show, they are decorated and then parade through the town. On the final day, there is jousting and fireworks to look forward to.
- Negotiations are underway with cruise lines to make Menorca a stop on Western Mediterranean cruises. If you're taking a cruise that incorporates a visit to Menorca, we can offer one day car hire for you to see more of the island during your stay.
- If you are interested in horses and horsemanship, be in Alaior in the second week of August for the Festa de San Lorenc where, as part of the festivities, there are several displays of riding in the streets of the town, much of it involving great skill from horse and rider.