History
The Balearic island of Menorca has been the subject of many battles for control over the years and the influences of many civilisations still remain today. Menorca was conquered in 123 BC by the Roman Empire and the occupation lasted until the 5th century. The Moors soon took control of the island and would remain in power until 1287, when Alfonso III liberated the island. The island later became part of the Kingdom of Mallorca under Jaime II. However, after Jaime III took to the throne, control of the island passed to Pedro el Ceremonioso and a period of in-fighting and turmoil began. Many of the island’s inhabitants left to escape the problems and the island’s economy suffered.
The British gained control of Menorca in 1708 during the war of Spanish Succession and made Mahon the capital, transferring all government functions and offices from Ciutadella. The British Navy also located a fleet of ships in Mahon’s harbour. The 18th century saw numerous battles and conflicts over the island where control of the island transferred back and forth between the British and the French. Authority over the island was permanently restored to Spain with the signing of the Treaty of Amiens.
The Spanish Civil War split the Balearic Islands as Majorca and Ibiza supported the nationalists and Menorca sided with the Republicans. There was never any fighting on Menorcan soil but the Italian Air Force did bomb the island several times. Menorcan soldiers attempted an invasion of Majorca along with Republican forces but endured severe loss of life. Peace between the islands was restored in 1939 with the help of the British Navy.
Population
Menorca gets its name from ‘menor’ which means smaller. The Romans gave the island the name as it was smaller than Majorca. The island consists of 8 towns of which the largest is Mahon. The permanent population of the island is around 80,000 but that can increase four-fold during the peak holiday season. The official language of Menorcans is Catalan although there are some strange adaptations of English words that are reminders of British rule.
Places to Visit
Menorca Harbours – The long and stunning coastline of Mahon is full of beautiful scenery and many of the locals suggest standing in the water to get the best photographs. There are also regular harbour tours that include information on the harbours’ past.
Es Freginal Park – Located right in the middle of Mahon, this green park includes picnic areas and flower exhibits. The park is also home to many concerts and musicians perform on the stage all through the year. There is an annual Jazz Festival in the park that attracts thousands of enthusiasts.
Xoriguer Distillery – Constructed in the 18th century, the distillery is located at the Moll de Ponet dockside. There are huge copper stills within the distillery that are used in the production of gin. There is the opportunity to taste the produce and purchase from the distillery store.
Placa Alfons III – Situated near Avda de la Constitucio, the plaza is full of cafes and restaurants as well as an old windmill which is now the town’s tourist information centre.
Ciutadella Cathedral – Like so many churches built in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries in Spain, this cathedral was erected on the site of a former Mosque. The building is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture and its intricate stone carvings of mythical creatures are incredible.
Santa Clara Church – Located in the town of Ciutadella, the church was started in 1287. During the wars and conflicts since, the church has suffered damage which has led to several restorations and the rebuilding of sections of the church. The building is home to a wooden carving, depicting the ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ and is still home to the island’s nuns.
Sant Antoni Church – Located in Carre de Vassollo, this 17th century church suffered extensive damage during the Spanish Civil War. The church was rebuilt over several years and is a very popular place of worship amongst local Menorcans.
Cuisine
As with so many areas in Spain, the long cultural and spiritual traditions of the area have all had a major influence on the cuisine. Locally caught, fresh seafood can be eaten all over the island; however, there are also some excellent dairy products available in Menorca, reflecting the introduction of Friesian cattle in the 18th century by the British. Spanish rule has brought all of the country’s favourite cuisines to the island although there are still many dishes that are specific to Menorca.
Mullet, sole, mussels and sea bass are all found in abundance on the island which are caught locally and are amongst the freshest seafood anywhere in the world. However, possibly Menorca’s most famous dish is caldereta de llagosta which is a local stew that used to be cooked by Menorcan fishermen on their boats. King Juan Carlos travels from Majorca to Fornells just to enjoy the island’s favourite dish!
Cheese has been produced on the island since the days of British rule although it wasn’t until 1985 that the Mahon Cheese was branded as such. Produced all over Menorca, the cheese is hugely popular throughout Spain and can be recognised by its yellow rind and square shape. There are actually several types of Mahon cheese, some of which are matured for as long as two years! The island is also known for its sweet tooth and the almond macaroons, locally referred to as carquinyols, are a local favourite. Ensaimada is a popular breakfast pastry, made with sugar and lard.
Accommodation
There are the usual hotels, apartments and villas across the island which makes finding suitable accommodation extremely easy. Hotels range from the most basic right through to five-star luxury. Many of the island’s hotel complexes now offer all-inclusive packages which include all meals and unlimited consumption of locally produced drinks. There are also a number of campsites on the island for the more adventurous.
Arenal den Castell is becoming popular for those who want to enjoy seclusion from the touristic thoroughfare. There are only a handful of hotels and apartments in the town and a beautiful and quiet horseshoe bay to enjoy. Cala en Porter is a bit more lively and offers a range of water-sports. Mahon is by far the most popular location with a huge range of bars, restaurants and lively night-clubs.
Weather
Menorca enjoys a classically Mediterranean climate with mild winters and very warm summers with little rainfall. The summer months of July and August offer 11 hours of sunshine every day and little prospect of any significant rain. Although the winter can be pleasantly mild, the majority of the island’s rain falls during these months. This transforms the island’s landscape from that of a dessert to one of luscious greenery. The average temperature in July and August is 30C but it can get significantly hotter than that on specific days. Winter temperatures average at around 12C but temperatures nearer 20C are not unheard of. Spring enjoys temperatures of around 20C along with the famous tramontana. This is a northerly wind that has a significant cooling effect, particularly in March.
Transport
The main buses on the island can’t be missed as they are painted bright red. Regular services run between Mahon and Ciutadella as well as all the other significant locations on the island. There is the option to pay the driver for individual journeys or purchase prepaid travel cards. Taxis can be found relatively easily in the main resorts of Menorca and all should operate a meter. There may be some unscrupulous drivers operating against the island’s regulations so asking the hotel or restaurant to order a cab by phone might be the best option. It is important to remember, however, that Spanish cab drivers start their meter when they get the call and not when the passenger enters the car. The resorts of Menorca are relatively small so getting around them by foot is usually feasible.
