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Menorca Introduction
Just off the coast of mainland Spain, situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Menorca (or Minorca as it is sometimes called) is the second largest Balearic Island. It is an island that is not just a sun, sea and sand holiday as it is packed with history, architecture and more.
Depending on where you go you will find a stark contrast between the northern coasts, which are more rocky and rugged, with traditional fishing villages which are still working villages today but with pine clad forests and panoramic views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. To the southern coasts, you will find it is flatter, drier, with sandy beaches and wonderful calm seas. To see the entire island and do it justice, it would be worth hiring a car to enable you to get about and see something of the island, and there is a lot to see.
The season on Menorca is quite long, starting from the beginning of May through to the end of October. The climate is still inviting and is perhaps slightly better at either end of the summer season, it won't be too hot or too cold for you to explore and enjoy what Menorca has to offer.
Mahon, the capital since 1721 has some magnificent architecture and history, including Tayayotic, Medieval and Roman. Walking around the narrow streets, looking at the different kinds of architectural buildings will leave you in awe. It is particularly worth mentioning the public library building, a place which draws visitors each year because it is housed in an 18th century mansion. Another historical building is the Arch de San Roque which was once part of a wall that surrounded the City, and today it is just the Arch that remains. There is the Town Hall and the Church of Santa Maria and if you visit the church don't forget to look at the fantastic organ which has over 3000 pipes.
There is a natural harbour at Mahon which is possibly the deepest, natural port in the world.
The medieval town of Ciudadela should be on your must see list. The buildings are a mixture of Roman, Medieval and Gothic, but surprisingly the modern architecture seems to fit in and doesn't look out of place. Take a walk around the port, by day the port is busy but at night the views of the harbour, with its reflections from the buildings alongside it are spell binding.
Menorca is very proud of its cuisine and fine dining, lobster and a variety of other fish are caught daily and served that same evening, with a glass of fine wine. You will find the Menorcan's very welcoming and if you are invited to join their party at one of the village fiestas you will be made to feel like one of the family. Throughout the year each village celebrates their own fiesta, this usually involves music, eating and drinking. Sometimes fireworks are set off, and the evening comes to a glorious end.
This delightful island is more a peaceful and relaxing place to go, unlike its neighbours Ibiza and Majorca. Menorca has something to suit the young, families and the more mature people.
Location
One of the good things about Menorca is that the holiday season is between the beginning of May to the end of October, which means that you can take a holiday there for a longer period of time.
Menorca is situated in the west of the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the Balearic Islands in Spain. The main economy of the island is Tourism, although still somewhat lacking behind the other Balearic's for this, with lobster fishing falling close behind.
Mahon is today's capital of Menorca, a city which attracts tourists in droves to visit its sites, its architecture and history. There are 8 municipalities on Menorca, all of which have their own attraction for holiday makers.
Menorca is abundant with some wonderful beaches, comprising soft, white sand together with calm warm seas. Throughout the season the temperature of the sea remains fairly constant and in July it boasts 11 hours of sunshine each day. Rainfall is little, but still the island retains its greenery.
Menorca could not be described as noisy or boisterous, it still retains its traditional feel and for that reason it is extremely popular with families and young couples, looking for a retreat and complete get-away. There are still authentic fishing villages, particularly to the northern side of the island.
So, Menorca is not all about sun, sea and beaches - you will find a good mixture of scenery, history, shopping, fine dining and crafts too. Something for everyone.
Menorca Weather
As Mediterranean climates go, it would be hard to beat Menorca's mild weather. The summer temperature can reach as high as 30º or even more in the height of summer.
The summer season generally starts from the beginning of May and lasts until the end of October which means that it is possible to visit Menorca at slightly off peak times, whereby you can benefit from holiday bargains.
The sea temperatures are generally a warm 26º in the summer making splashing about in the sea, swimming or paddling a pleasant experience, at least you won't get out of the sea and shiver.
The winter temperature can be mild and often the days are quite sunny, although the humidity combined with the strong winds that blow through the Island often make it feel colder.
The most rain is seen between October, November and December as you would expect although temperatures can still reach as high as 18º even in November.
In June, July and August, Menorca can see a staggering 10 or 11 hours of sunshine so you can still dine outside, and watch the sun slowly setting with all the ambiance of an idyllic holiday resort.
Menorca Beaches
A holiday to Menorca would not be complete without visiting one or more of its diverse beaches.
There are a good selection of beaches, some peaceful and quiet with calm seas and some more popular, where a lot of locals as well as tourists head for.
The beaches around the southern coastline are the most popular. The waters are shallow and the beach gently shelves making it ideal for children.
The beaches around the northern coastline are more rugged and rocky headlands lead them to be quite panoramic, with coastal views and beautiful scenery.
Menorca Car Hire
By far the best way to explore Menorca is to hire a car. You may find you have everything you need at your resort and won't feel like venturing much further, but for some you will appreciate the complete Menorca if you have a car to get you around. For a more reasonable package you would do better to go a local agent rather than one of the international agents.
Car hire is easy. There are agencies available at most of the bigger resorts, you will need your driving licence and a valid passport when you take the agreement.
You will be able to visit many of the finest restaurants which are located just outside the main resorts. You will also be able to visit a greater choice of beaches, some of which are a little off the beaten track, but once you get there will be well worth the visit.
There are some attractions you can visit, such as Mount Toro, the highest mountain on Menorca where the views will be spectacular. If the day is clear, Majorca can be visible. You can also visit the ancient ruins which are dotted about in abundance all around Menorca.
Driving is pretty straight forward and all Menorca roads use internationally recognised road signs.
Transfers from Mahon airport
Arriving at a foreign airport can often be a strenuous affair and with most customers traveling independently these days having a pre-booked airport transfer is an essential part of your holiday package. Local taxis at the airport can sometimes be limited or with long queues, by booking a pre-booked you can not only make a fantastic saving on your transfer but also avoid all the stress of queues and haggling with taxi drivers. Book your airport transfer service here now >>
Airport Shuttle Bus Service from Mahon airport
In most of our gateway airports you can pre-book an Airport Shuttle Service. This is a pre-booked only service that operates between the relevant airport and holiday resort. In normal times you can expect to wait up to 30 minutes for your shuttle bus to arrive however as this is a pre-negotiated service and only available to participating travel companies then expect to pay far less to get from the airport to your destination accommodation
Shopping in Menorca
Around the Island you will find little supermarkets which can supply you with your day to day commodities, generally they are a little bit more expensive than the bigger supermarkets at the main resorts. At least without a car you will still be able to buy things that you might need if you are self catering.
Menorca, like many Mediterranean countries produce arts, crafts, ceramics, embroidery, lace, leather, shoes, silverware and jewellery.
There are weekly markets in many of the resorts selling a variety of vegetables, fruit, fresh meat and fish and typical Menorcan produce like pottery, ceramics and leather.
Mahon cheese is renowned in Menorca, the people of Menorca are very proud of their cheese which they produce with great care. You will find the cheese being sold everywhere around the island.
If you are buying tobacco, perfume and alcohol you should remember that the Balearic Islands are duty free so these things are much cheaper here, than even at the airport. However, when returning to the UK you will have to declare your items as you will be treated as a passenger from outside of the EEC.
Eating Out in Menorca
One of the delights on many menus in Menorca is Lobster Stew. The local fisherman usually make their catch early in the day, you can watch while they haul the catch in and then you can be sure that you will be eating fresh fish that very night.
The Menorcan's take great delight in their eating. It forms the basis of their culture, something that you might experience if you attend one of their fiestas during the year. They usually eat a good meal at lunch time, and then take their time over their evening meal which starts late but takes hours to complete.
Other delights you can enjoy on Menorca is cheese, named after the capital city Mahon, carefully produced and manufactured.
Mayonnaise is also said to have been invented on Menorca, probably something that the French would take to task but it is said to be named after Mao.
You must try the delightful olive oil bread, either with the local cheese or in an open sandwich. A sausage which derives from neighbouring Majorca is sobrasada is often a complement to a sandwich.
Look out for a Sopa Mallorquinas, a delicious stew dish made with vegetables, olives, and garlic and usually served with bread. Sometimes a variation of this can be with pork.
A good option to try is a menu del diawhich is basically a plate of the day meal, a real bargain with 3 courses and usually with a drink, this is exceptional good value.
There are some good Spanish wines to try, particularly Cava - a sparkling wine. Sangria, as always on a Spanish Island, is ever popular. If you are taking a drink in a bar, these may be accompanied with tapas, which you may find as wholesome and hearty as a main meal itself. We mustn't forget to mention about Spanish Sherry, usually from Jerez, a pure delight as an aperitif or even with your meal.
It is more economical to stick to Spanish produced spirits rather than buying the imported ones.
Menorca Nightlife
Menorca is not the place to go if you are looking to party, party and more party! What nightlife there is can be very quiet and hardly what you would call buzzing. In general you go to Menorca to have a family, quiet holiday with lots of relaxation.
However, there are a few clubs and discos to be found, namely the Esfera Disco, Port Ciudadela - where there are 3 bars including an upstairs open air terrace, for you to enjoy the ambiance and the stars. There are also more bars in Ciudadela where you can dance or just enjoy a drink.
In the centre of Mahon you will find plenty of entertainment in the way of bars, some play live Music, and a couple of discos where you can dance and party if you wish.
There is some nightlife centred around the ports of Mahon and Ciudadela by way of late bars.
Nightlife on Menorca is ideal for families or couples alike, where you can expect and find, plenty to do by day, but where at night you can relax and just soak up the local ambiance.
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