Menorca Island
Did you know?
Mayonnaise
Mahón allegedly claims to be the true birth place of mayonnaise (salsa mahonesa consists of oil, eggs, salt and vinegar or lemon juice.)
Mahon Gin
Probably the first gin every made in the Mediterranean. Gin Xoriguer and would you like to know where and how it is made?
Mahon (Mao)
Menorca Airport (MAH) is located 4.5km outside Mahon. There are two passenger terminals with local bus or bus-transfer services available along with a taxi service and car rental offices.
Mahon is the islands capital (since the 18th century) the port is a great attraction and one of the finest in the Mediterranean. When walking from the port take any of several streets leading up to the upper part and the centre of Mahon.
Popular visits in and nearby Mahon
At the Town you will find the clock brought there by the English governor Richard Kane
Iglesia de Santa María with its 19th century organ with 4keyboards and 3,120 pipes.
Museo de Menorca located in an old convent, displays objects from the prehistoric period.
La Mola Fortress at the inlet of the port.
Marlborough Fort, in Es Castell is on the outskirts of Mahon
Ciutadella
One way to travel to Ciutadella, Menorca is by ferry, Trasmed ferries and Balearia ferries from Valencia (approx. 15hours crossing) and Barcelona (approx. 9hours crossing) each way from the Spanish mainland and from Mallorca, with Menorca lines (Alcudia to Ciutadella, from 1.5hours crossing).
The port is one of the most atmospheric places in Menorca, so why not pamper yourself in one of its many waterfront restaurants. I also recommend walking through the narrow streets of the historic centre of Ciutadella.
Popular to visit in and nearby Ciutadella
Menorca Cathedral (Gothic) built between the 13th and 14th centuries on top of an old mosque.
Castillo de San Nicolás was built at the end of the 18th century to defend the Ciutadella’s port.
Plaza del Borne around the square is the Gothic style townhall.
Plaza de la Esplanada next to Plaza del Borne, a place chosen to hold mass events.
Sant Joan 24 June
The day of St John the Baptist
The horse plays a major and important part in Menorca fiestas and festivals and none better than in Ciutadella 24th June, Spectacular event where the streets and squares are the stage for elegantly dressed riders who manage their horses through various manoeuvr’s.
Ancient Menorca
The early settlement by the “Talayotic” people, who lived between 2000 - 1000 BC.
Different stone structures from this period are scattered around the island.
More to read Talayotic Heritage
Picture Navetas d’es Tudons
Location: less than 1,5km outside Ciutadella, well signposted, car parking area, easy walk on flat ground and a short distance
Menorca's Coastline
is a mixtures of fantastic beaches, “hidden” coves, cliff areas and popular resorts.
The northern part of the island is more windy then the southern part, however the benefit from the wind has shaped the coast with stunning rock formations with a spectacular landscape of unique character.
Here are a few:
Pregonda, Cala Presili, Cala Morell, Sa Mesquida, Arenal d’es Castell, Cala en Forcat, Cala en Blanes and Platja d’en Tortuga.
Sheltered from the northern winds, beaches on the south coast become warm natural pools, with calm shallow waters that you’ll never want to leave. Below pictures features 3 south coast beaches like Cala Galdana, Binibequer Nou (main beach to Binibeca Well) and Punta Prima.
Here are a few more:
Son Bou, Sant Tomas, Macarelleta, Cala en Turqueta, Cala Escorxada, Cala Blanca, Cala en Porter, Cala en Bosch, Macarella, Binidali and Benisafuller.
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Cala Galdana Resort
Arriving into the resort, the road sweeps down to the sea level, giving glimpses of the brilliant blue bay through the pine trees. Limestone cliffs, light coloured sandy beach and the blue sea, this is Cala Galdana.
Varied accommodation is available with villas, apartments and hotels.
A family friendly resort.
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Binibeca Vell
The “traditional fishing village” development by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Sintes was built early 1970’s. Narrow lanes, small squares and whitewashed buildings. bars, restaurant and some shops located around a lively square.
The main beach has soft, light sand gently shelving, ideal for children, along the coastal road, less than 1.4km of Binibeca Vell
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Es Grau
Village is on the coast nearly 10km outside Mahon, right by the Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau. The sandy horseshoe shaped bay is large. A small and charming fishing village with whitewashed houses, colourful plants, and a few bars and restaurants on the water’s edge.
(Northern part of the Island)
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Punta Prima
is located in the south east corner of Menorca. This is a small well laid out family friendly resort. There are bars and restaurants, with many overlooking the beach and supermarkets, also general tourist shops.
Punta Prima’s main asset is the attractive wide sandy beach. As it is south east facing, there will be sun shining from early in the morning until late evening.