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It is not difficult to surrender to the charms of Menorca as soon as you set foot on this Balearic island. This place is a paradise for many reasons: dreamy beaches and coves, magical sunsets, sports activities in the middle of nature, cute little villages and delicious cuisine.
Without a doubt, an ideal holiday destination in the Mediterranean to visit throughout the year. Discover all the things to see in Menorca!
Menorca Beaches
Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve thanks to its well-preserved landscapes and idyllic beaches. It is a unique place to get lost and enjoy nature in its purest form. Indeed, one of the main attractions of the island are its coves and beaches.
In the lists of the best beaches in Menorca, Cala Turqueta always appears which, as its name suggests, has turquoise waters, its sand is fine and is hidden in a pine forest. The contrast between the green of the tops of the pines and the bright blue of the sea is striking, making the perfect beach postcard.
Another of the best coves in Menorca that is located very close to Cala Turqueta is Cala Macarelleta, very popular among the nudist community and with a similar aspect to the previous one. But if you are traveling as a family, Cala Galdana will be the most recommended. In addition to being one of the best beaches in Menorca, it has services such as sun loungers, beach bars, shops, bathrooms or facilities for nautical activities.
We cannot forget Cala Morell, one of the most impressive to see in Menorca. Its uniqueness is that it is surrounded by rock cliffs on which platforms have been built so that visitors can sunbathe. It is worth visiting because the landscape is spectacular and its waters are clean and crystal clear. In addition, in its surroundings there is a necropolis of the Talayotic culture.
Talayotic culture
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Speaking of the Talayotic culture, it is one of the most interesting things to see in Menorca and that few people know about. Its name comes from talayots, watchtowers that have become the most popular construction of this historical period.
It turns out that the island has many remains of this culture of prehistoric societies that originated in Mallorca and Menorca in the second millennium BC. It is practically an open-air museum.
Some of the most important sites that we can visit on the island are the Naveta des Tudons, the Cala Morell Necropolis, the Torre d'en Galmés or the Torralba d'en Salord, among others.
The Citadel
A walk through the streets of Menorca is the best way to soak up its rich history. We are facing the second most important urban nucleus on the island with more than 27.000 inhabitants. Some of the emblematic places to visit in the Citadel of Menorca are:
- Menorca Cathedral: built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries on the remains of a mosque, it is the most important Gothic building.
- Castillo de San Nicolás: it was built at the end of the XNUMXth century to defend the city's port.
- The Port of Ciudadela: an emblematic place of Menorca, beautiful. You have to pamper yourself and go to one of its many restaurants.
- Municipal Museum of Ciudadela: XNUMXth century building that exhibits a large collection of prehistoric objects.
- Plaza del Borne: its obelisk commemorates the heroic defense of Ciudadela against the Turkish attack in 1558. It was erected in 1875.
- Plaza de la Esplanada: next to Plaza del Borne, it is the place chosen to celebrate mass events.
Mahon
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Mahón is the capital of Menorca and as the capital that it is, it deserves a visit at least. In addition to discovering its most important historical buildings such as the Town Hall, the Church of Santa María, the Bastion of Sant Roc, the Museum of Menorca or the Church of Sant Francesc, it is its great port that takes center stage.
The port of Mahón is considered one of the best natural ports in the world, which is why it has always been desired by foreign navies throughout history. It is also a place highly desired by party-goers since it is the main nightlife area of Menorca full of bars, restaurants and terraces.
Gastronomy
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Eating a lobster stew is one of the essential dishes to taste in Menorca. It is prepared in many establishments and, although years ago it was considered a fisherman's dish, today it is a highly demanded and appreciated dish. Sobrasada, stuffed aubergine, mayonnaise, Mahón cheese and ensaimada are also very typical of the island.
Nothing better than putting a finishing touch to this meal than with a rich Menorcan pomade. It is obtained by mixing a part of gin produced in Mahón with two of lemonade. It is mainly consumed in summer during the city's patron saint festivities, although any time of the year is good to enjoy this drink invented by Magí Camps from Mahon in 1967 and whose name comes from the whitish appearance of this medicine.