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The lesser known of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is slowly waking up from its long slumber to rival its sister islands of Mallorca and Ibiza.
Menorca (sometimes spelled Minorca) has always been blessed with abundant outdoor activities and picturesque beaches scented with thick pine trees. Now with an increasing number of understated luxury hotels -- as opposed to over-the-top opulent kind -- and a burgeoning sophisticated food scene, this gem of the Balearic Islands is becoming a top holiday destination.
1. Heaven for nature lovers
Menorca is all about nature. It was declared a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 1993 and, as a result, the island was able to protect its impressive variety of flora and fauna and prevent the overdevelopment of the coast with eyesore-inducing hotels.
It also boasts a rich archaeological heritage, including prehistoric megalithic constructions and Roman archaeological sites. The slabs of huge stones, which you find mainly along the southern to southwestern part of the island, date back to between 2,000 and 1,000 BC. Torre d’en Galmes in Alaior is one of the best examples of Talayotic architecture featuring talayots (circular or square shaped stone buildings) and taula (”table” in Catalan. It consists of a slab of stone mounted on two vertical stone pieces).
Menorca has seven lighthouses but if you have to visit just one, go to Cap de Cavalleria on the northernmost part of the island. This oldest lighthouse in Menorca was first lit in 1857. Over 700 shipwrecks occurred in the Northern Tramuntana region between the 14th and 19th centuries but with the erection of this lighthouse the safety level improved significantly. The surrounding area is rocky and serene. You see the impossibly blue sky meet the turquoise water and spot “manzanilla” (chamomile) growing everywhere. Park the car outside the lighthouse and walk around the area to explore natural caves and small secluded beaches that you can often have all to yourself without other tourists.
The Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau, on the Eastern part of the island near Mahon is the most important park in Menorca. It’s a wildlife haven and particularly important for wetland birds. It’s a resting spot for birds migrating between Europe and North Africa.
2. Pristine beaches
For those who think the summer holidays are all about dipping in the salty ocean and lying about on a sandy beach, Menorca is the answer. It has more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined and many of them are virgin beaches, with no facilities. Even during the high-season of July and August you can always find perfectly pristine and isolated spots. The water on the southern coast is shallow and easy for children.
If you’re drawn to small, pristine beaches with breathtaking surroundings (but no facilities) some of the best are on the southern coast at Cala Mitjana, Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella. Cala Macarelleta right next to the latter is equally stunning, if not more so, and is frequented by nudists. But regardless the location, being topless is a norm at any Menorcan beach.
For those who prefer a resort-type beach with some facilities and restaurants nearby, try Platja de Sant Tomas, Sant Adeodat and Biniguas. They are next to each other and you can easily walk from one beach to another.
The northern coast is abundant in virgin beaches but the waves are stronger than on the southern beaches. Cala d’Algaiarens, just east of Cala Morell, is one of the locals' favorites. Cala Pregonda and Platja de Cavalleria have dramatic coastlines lined with pine trees and are about a 25-minute walk from the parking lot.
3. First-class culinary experiences
Food has always been interesting in Menorca with sobresada (spicy pork paste), ensaimada (spiral pastry, a specialty in the Balearic islands), succulent meat (from the locally reared cows), Mahon cheese and the famous "caldereta de llagosta" (lobster stew, which the former King of Spain, Juan Carlos, supposedly gets at his favorite restaurant when he sails into Fornells, a port on the north of the island).
But especially in the recent years, Menorca’s food has been changing significantly and its standards keep rising. At Torralbenc, the luxury hotel in Alaior, Michelin-starred chef Paco Morales is at the helm putting together an exquisite menu. It also boasts an impressive wine selection in the cellar. (For a more detailed review of the restaurant read my previous article.)
Felip Llufriu, who recently opened Mon Restaurant, earned a Michelin star while working at Roca Moo in Barcelona’s Omm Hotel. In case you haven’t heard of this hottest address in Barcelona, Roca Moo is by the famous Roca brothers who own the best restaurant in the world, El Celler de Can Roca. After 13 years of working for Joan Roca, Llufriu returned to his native town of Ciutadella in Menorca and takes Mediterranean cuisine to another level. Despite the sophisticated atmosphere, it’s perfectly enjoyable with children at lunchtime.
Other must-try restaurants are Cas Consol for its refined menu and the best view over the Ciutadella harbor at sunset. Go to Moli des Comte if you want the best steak you’ll ever taste. Cas Ferrer de sa Font is the first organic restaurant in Menorca and serves authentic and elegant Menorcan cuisine.
In Fornells, a picturesque fishing village in the northern coast, Sa Llagosta, is a must-try place where you will taste sophisticated traditional Menorcan cuisine.
4. Avarca sandals
These Menorcan sandals have become a fashion statement. The Spanish royal family is often photographed in them on their summer vacation.
You will find the best quality and design at the Es Castell stores in Ciutadella, Mahon and Fornells. Apart from the basic models, the fancier versions are made in suede, faux crocodile patterned leather or with embroidery. However fancy they get, most of the sandals are below €50. A trip to Menorca is not complete without Avarcas for the entire family in your suitcase.
5. Pedra Viva Summer Festival
The Pedra Viva Summer Festival is one of the best kept secrets in Menorca. This summer festival was started four years ago by director Joan Taltavull Carretero as a short and spontaneous project for sharing arts and culture with the public. Set in the most spectacular and unusual setting at the limestone quarries called Pedreres de s’Hostal , the festival puts together all kinds of artistic performances that range from music concerts to dance performances to plays.
More details about the festival can be found here.
