Menorca

Since time immemorial, This island has been a stronghold for many different cultures. It’s not difficult to understand why as this was the key to the routes of the western Mediterranean and the position of the island governed routes to and from Africa.

On the eastern part of the island is the Port de Maó, which still conserves many examples of those often-turbulent times. Next to the waters edge is the zone known as Baixamar, an area that today it known for its excellent restaurants and terraces. The whole area is a network of narrow streets whose construction was heavily influenced by its Arabic rulers who remained here for over 500 years.

The island was used frequently by the British during the Napoleonic wars and after and, to the north of the Port de Maó, on the high ground that overlooks the town, is located the farmhouse of Sant Antoni, known as the ‘Golden Farm’ and which, legend has it, was where Nelson spent a romantic night with Lady Hamilton before they were officially an item.

More information: http://www.aboutmenorca.com/

Routes and Places worth a Visit

Maó, capital of Menorca. The capital of Menora is a town with an eclectic mixture of architectural styles that range from Nordic to Mediterranean. British rule here left a significant influence with the construction of typically English buildings windows that reflect the style of living further to the north.

This is an open city with a cosmopolitan outlook that preseves interesting monuments and a ancient port area, known as the Pont de Sant Roc.

Torralba d’en Salord is one of the many ancient archaeological sites that dot the whole of the Balearic Island chain. Located near Alaior this sit is notable for the monumental nature of its structure. The construction was built around 1,000 years B.C. and its inhabitants were only displaced with the arrival of the Romans.

Cap de Favàritx, on the northern coast of Menorca is a finger of land that points out to sea. The area is notable for its desolate lonliness, a feature that makes it almost unforgettable.

Important Fiestas

Ciutadella holds a procession in memorial of the re-conquest of the city. Held on or around the 17th of January, the procession is known as the ‘Processó dels Tres Tocs’. On the 23 and 24th June the town holds the notable horse trials and games. A pageantry of colour and alegría

Maó, on 29th June, holds the fiesta of St. Pere, a festival with a seafaring flavour held in the port area of the city.