We’re going to Menorca! Yes, Menorca. No, not Mallorca. Menorca. Or is it Minorca? Maybe that’s the Majorca I keep hearing about? Ok, let us untangle this mess.
Is Menorca the same as Mallorca?
Though they may sound similar enough, these are two different places. Both are islands, and both are a part of the Balearic Islands archipelago, an autonomous region in Spain located in the Mediterranean Sea (ergo same places as Ibiza, for instance). Menorca, also referred to as Minorca, now established as a part of the Balearic Islands, was in large part declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993. As such, you won’t find massive hotel complexes or hordes of tourists here, which is perhaps why people are less familiar with Menorca. Resultably, it’s also cheaper than Mallorca, an island also referred to as Majorca.
How to get to Menorca?
You can take a plane to the island or find a ferry in Barcelona or from the neighbouring Mallorca which will take you to Menorca, or, more precisely, to Ciutadella.
What is the weather like in Menorca?
The climate in Menorca is Mediterranean. Its highest temperatures are found from May to October, at around 26 Celsius average in June. Menorca is the outermost island of the Balearic Islands, so it’s also quite windy here.
Does Menorca have good beaches?
The north coast is covered with reddish pebbles, with the inland side covered in heather.
In the south, however, you can find beaches full of fine white sand and picturesque coves. Many of Menorca’s beaches are also covered behind wonderful pine forests. The most famous beaches on Menorca are: Son Bou (Menorca’s longest beach, about 1.5miles), Cala Pilar, Cala Turqueta and Playa De Cavalleria.
What to see in Menorca?
Mysterious megalithic constructions are scattered all over the island. The most famous are at Naveta des Tudons, Talatí de Dalt and Trepucó.
It’s also worth visiting Menorca’s El Toro, its highest point at 358 metres above sea level. There’s a monastery on top with a statue of Christ with his arms outstretched. The statue was erected to honour those who died fighting in the Spain vs Morocco conflict. You also get a stunning panoramic view from here.
The capital city of Maó or Mahón is the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean and has been a strategically important site for centuries. There are numerous monuments in town, such as the Church of St Mary and the Church of Carmen, and the rather interesting Menorca Museum.
Fans of history should take a look at the 19th century fortress of Isabella II located on the La Mola peninsula. The stone fort served as a military base.
Ciutadella is also a beautiful tranquil town, Menorca’s former capital until the 18th century. You can take a stroll along its lazy winding streets here, pop in for some delicious seafood and enjoy a pomada, a cocktail made of local gin with fresh lemonade.
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