Menorca is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the Balearic Islands belonging to Spain. The name in Spanish means Minor Island and is the counterpart of Majorca, which in Spanish means Major Island. Menorca is a quiet get away destination that is ideal for those that enjoy horseback riding, bicycling and walking, as well as, spending time at the beach.
1.) Ciutadella
Ciutadella is located at the western end of the island and is the prime port for services and imports coming into Menorca. There is extensive water works expansion just outside of the Ciutadella to create a deep water port that will serve cruise ships in the future. Right now, cruise ships dock at the eastern end of Menorca that connects to mainland Spain.
Ciutadella bates back to a time BC, as is evidenced by the number of Neolithic monuments located nearby. The city, which is Spanish for Citadel, is located on both sides of a ravine that narrows to form a harbor. The natural harbor is home to luxury yachts and the remains of the towns fishing industry.
The town center is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and buildings constructed with granite and sandstone. The philosophy of the maze like streets was to confuse any invaders trying to take over the city. They would lose time and momentum, giving the residents the necessary time to flee the city or set up their defense. The Main Square of the Town is called Plaza de’s Born, surrounded by historical buildings and street level cafes.
2.) Megalithic Monuments
Menorca is an open air museum with a large collection of megalithic monuments. The standing stones and ancient settlements of the Talaiotic culture are evidence of a sophisticated society that was well organized. There are two forms of the megalithic monuments from the Taula. One is two massive stones in the form of a table and the other is a burial chamber made of stone blocks that resemble the hull of an upturned ship. There are more than 2,000 monuments on Menorca though to date back to 2,500 BC.
3.) Fiesta de Saint Joan in Ciutadella
Menorca hosts many festivals that take place between June and September. The best known festival is the Fiesta de Saint Joan in Ciutadella on June 23rd. The narrow streets are packed with visitors as they watch the equestrians on black horses demonstrate their equestrian skills. The festival is marked by its traditional bonfire, fireworks, music, singing, dancing and food.
4.) Xoriguer Distillery
In the 18th century gin was a popular drink and the Menorcan's seized the opportunity to produce their own version of gin to sell to the soldiers and sailors who visited the island. Menorcan gin uses grapes as the spirit rather than grain like many other gin products. The distillery is on the harbor front in a very attractive nouveau art building. Glimpses of the inside of the building can be caught while walking outside around the building.
The distillery is open to the public for the opportunity to taste test their products. There is a large room with glasses and bottles of gin. The visitor is invited to help themselves to the gin and sample as many types and flavors of gin as desired. Menorcan gin with bitter lemon and ice is the ideal drink on a hot day. The visitor should be warned that Menorcan gin is deceptively alcoholic.
5.) Cales Coves
Visiting the Cales Coves is a great way for visitors to explore what the island has to offer. The Coves were once chambers where the island’s deceased are buried. Folklore tells the tales of buried treasure in many caves dug into the cliffs and the burial chambers. No one is sure if any treasure still exists or if it is long gone, but it does provide some excitement while exploring the area. Tours are guided nor are their maps available.
Leslie writes about the Camino in Spain on his blog and runs a forum for those considering a pligrimage in Spain.
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