Mahon
Most visitors head straight for the string of restaurants and
cafes lining the harbour of Mahon, Minorca's capital town. The town
itself is sedate and conservative, featuring classic Georgian
townhouses (bearing testimony to the British occupation of bygone
days) and tall apartment blocks. Mahon does have some worthwhile
attractions for those interested in making more of their holiday
than dashing off to the beach. The mansion house of Golden Farm
overlooks the harbour, and was once occupied by Admiral Lord
Nelson. Also on the sightseeing list is the Xoriguer Gin
Distillery, where famed Minorcan gin is produced in an age-old
process. The celebrated organ (with more than 3,000 pipes) in the
church of Esglesia de Santa Maria la Major is also a draw for some
visitors. The Swiss-made organ was brought to Mahon during the
Napoleonic wars and is used during an annual music festival held in
July and August. The historic centre of Mahon has been steadily
renovated in recent years, and the old part of town is picturesque.
The city has one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, and
the waterfront is a worthy tourist hub with lots to see and do.
Mahon
Claire Allison
Ciutadella de Menorca
Minorca's former capital city, the compact port of
Ciutadella de Menorca is west of the modern capital and linked to
it by the main island road. Usually just called Ciutadella, it's
very different in character to Mahon, sporting a distinct Moorish
and Spanish influence in its Gothic and Baroque grand mansions and
palaces. It is an ancient town, reputedly founded by the
Carthaginians by the 4th century. During its long history,
Ciutadella changed hands multiple times, once having all 3,000 or
so surviving residents taken as slaves by invading Turks in 1558
after a siege of the city. Ciutadella remains the island's
religious centre and is still the home of the bishop. The Cathedral
of Menorca, located in the old quarter, was built in 1287 on the
site of an even older mosque, while the town hall is another
gorgeous building. Although the city boasts few specific
sightseeing attractions, it does offer excellent restaurants,
interesting shops, and arcades as well as a relaxed ambience that
is just perfect for wandering around. There are also some coves
nearby inviting exploration.
Ciutadella
Prichardson
Naveta des Tudons
Regarded as the cathedral of prehistoric monuments,
the Naveta des Tudons is the best-known archaeological site on
Minorca. One of numerous navetas on the island, it is situated just
outside Ciutadella on the road from Mahon and stands two stories
high, shaped like the upturned bow of a ship. It is accepted that
navetas were funereal structures, but they remain surrounded by
mystery and legends. The Naveta des Tudons is Minorca's most
remarkable megalithic chamber tomb as it is the largest and the
best preserved. The structure was used as a collective ossuary
between 1200 and 750 BC, and held the remains of more than 100
skeletons. The interior is not accessible to the public but it is
still well worth visiting the site. Another important ancient site
on the island is the Torre d'en Gaumes, the largest prehistoric
village in the Balearic Islands, which is on the south side of
Minorca between the village of Alaior and the Son Bou beach. The
village features three talaiots (stone towers) surrounded by a
defensive wall, pillared naves, and a taula (a T-shaped stone
temple structure). There is also a dolmenic burial chamber at the
site.
Naveta dels Tudons
Zen Trowel
Minorca Beaches
Minorca is blessed with a beautiful coastline and
offers visitors a variety of beaches and resorts. Fornells, an
attractive fishing village on the north coast, is on a spectacular
bay ideal for windsurfing and watersports. Close by is the beach
Cala Tirant. Cala Galdana is one of the most popular beaches, set
in a horseshoe bay, and complete with all desired amenities; while
Santo Tomas, with its stretch of golden sand, is a small resort
favoured by families and honeymoon couples. Son Bou is one of the
longest beaches on the island, with a few shops, bars, restaurants,
and a club. Binebeca and Binisafua were Minorca's first resort
centres, but are now mainly residential areas filled with villas
fronting numerous sandy bays. There are some interesting caves and
rugged little coves between Mahon and picturesque Calan Porter,
making the area fun for nature walks and snorkelling along the
rocky shore. Those looking for something a little less
commercialised may enjoy Cala Mitjana, south of Ferreries. It's a
small, idyllic cove surrounded by pine forests, offering no
facilities but beautifully situated and usually not crowded.
Binibequer Bay
Claire Allison
Fornells
Also known as Fournella, Fornells is a sleepy resort and fishing
town. It's located in the north of Minorca, which is known for its
unspoilt and very often deserted beaches. Originally founded to
serve the 16th-century castle as a defence against the Barbary
pirates, all that remains of the military is the watchtower perched
upon a hill which visitors can stroll to and climb for gorgeous
views over the town and harbour. Fornells' quaint waterfront area,
lined with shops and restaurants, bustles during the summer months,
but remains quiet the rest of the year. The town is only home to
about 1,000 permanent residents and although it is popular with
tourists it has retained its charm and authentic character.
Travellers can enjoy water sports here, especially windsurfing, and
scuba divers can enjoy an excursion to the marine park off the
north shores and marvel at the magnificent aquatic life. It is also
possible to charter boats from the harbour. Fornells is small
enough to explore on foot, but if you want a lovely sandy beach it
is best to make the short drive (10 minutes) to Son Parc.
Fornells
Claire Allison
Ferreries
Surrounded by rolling green hills, the 13th-century
town of Ferreries lies nestled in the centre of Minorca next to the
island's second highest mountain. Travellers are attracted to the
area by the Castell de Santa Agueda, the ruin of a Moorish castle
built atop an ancient Roman stronghold. It exists as the last site
of resistance for Arab inhabitants when the island was conquered by
King Alfonso III of Aragon. The ruined fortress is accessed via an
ancient Roman road and there is a chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha
next to the castle. Ferreries itself is a sleepy little place, with
a character typical of the island. With orange tiled roofs and
narrow streets, this little town may not be an obvious attraction.
However, a farmer's market is held in the town every Tuesday and
Friday, attracting locals from all over Minorca. It's a great place
to buy local produce as the region is particularly celebrated for
its cheeses. Ferreries is only a short, 30-minute drive from the
airport and is a good starting point for walking tours of the
island.
Ferreries
Claire Allison
Calan Porter
Also known as Cala'n Porter and Cala En Porter, Calan Porter is
one of the largest coastal developments along the central south
coast of Minorca. Calan Porter is a picturesque cove with a
beautiful beach, with tourists flocking to its shores throughout
the summer. Famed for its Cova d'en Xoroi, Calan Porter is located
on the edge of sheer cliffs, boasting spectacular views over the
Mediterranean and creating the perfect vantage point for watching
the mind-blowing sunsets. Calan Porter was one of the earliest
developed beach resorts on the island and is less than 20
minutes-drive from the airport. By Minorcan standards this resort
is lively, but visitors should not expect to find pumping clubs and
bars like on Baleariac Islands Mallorca or Ibiza. Having said that,
the bar and nightclub called Cova de en Xoroi - usually simply
called 'The Caves' - is a dreamy drinking and socialising venue,
which tunnels through the steep cliffs above the cove and offers
incredible views. There is a selection of other restaurants, bars,
and shops clumped together in the centre of town, near the road
down to the beach. There is a good range of accommodation to suit
all budgets.
Cala \'n Porter
Claire Allison
Minorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild
winters and hot, dry summers. Experiencing about 315 days of
sunshine a year, Minorca has a gorgeous climate for holidaymakers.
July and August are by far the hottest months with temperatures
reaching over 86°F (30°C). Winter, between December and February,
is mild and often sunny.
The wettest months are October, November, and
December. The north wind known as the
blows regularly in Minorca, bringing with it
changeable weather. The island's climate can be rather
unpredictable but the summer season, between June and September is
consistently dry and hot.
The peak summer months, between June and August, are
the most popular time to visit Minorca, but many argue that the
best time to visit the island is spring, in April and May, when the
wild flowers and blossoms ensure the landscapes are at their best
and the weather is pleasantly warm. It is also less crowded and the
prices tend to be lower (except over Easter). Many restaurants and
some hotels close over the winter months when the island empties
out.
Menorca Airport
Location: The airport is located 3 miles (about 4.5km) southwest of
Mahon.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday
in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in
October).
Getting to the city:
A bus runs every half-hour to Mahón's bus station for a fare of
about €3. The bus station is the hub of services across the
island.
Car Rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Hiper
Rent-a-Car and Solmar.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis available outside the arrivals area.
Fascilities:
Facilities include ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants and
cafés, Internet access, and a pharmacy.
Parking
There is one car park for up to 195 vehicles. Parking at Menorca
Airport is free for the first 30 minutes.
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Unlike its Balearic neighbor, Ibiza, Minorca doesn't
offer wild parties, hectic nightlife, and nightclubs where party
people can dance the night away. The nightlife in Minorca is laid
back and centred round hotels, quiet bars, restaurants and the
occasional nightclub.
In the capital, Mahon, there are a few live music
bars, pubs, and tavernas where soaking up the views and atmosphere
while sipping on a cocktail is rewarding, but even here the party
scene is chilled and relaxed.
Resort towns, such as Cala En Porter, offer visitors
themed bars, but most of them close before midnight. Known for its
live bands and cocktails, Akalarre Bar on the waterfront in Mahon
is a popular haunt, while the Caves of Xoroi in Cala En Porter is a
must for drinks or to enjoy the cave disco and breathtaking
views.
Minorca is ideal for holidaymakers wanting to combine
a beach holiday with excursions to picturesque historic towns and
outings into the charming rural interior. Minorca is the least
likely to impress young party animals. The island is well-equipped
with venues for the enjoyment of cocktails, local live music, and
the occasional dance floor, but it is not considered a great
nightlife destination.
Minorca offers a few historic sightseeing opportunities, but the
most noteworthy places worth visiting are the exquisite, unspoilt
beaches with soft, white sand and crystalline waters, and the
fantastic old villages, which are attractions in themselves.
In Mahon, explore the waterfront, take a tour of the 3.5
mile-long (5.6km) natural harbour on a glass-bottom boat, visit the
Xoriguer Gin Distillery and admire the beautiful architecture. Head
out to Fornells on the north coast for the day to enjoy a lazy
lunch and spot of shopping in this sleepy fishing village, and
organise a scuba dive in the marine reserve while you're there.
Other places of interest include Arenal D'en Castell, a
peaceful, pretty beach resort on the north coast, with a lovely
beach in a protected bay; Calan Porter (also called Cala'n Porter),
one of the most popular and picturesque towns on Minorca, set in a
rugged cove; the 13th-century town of Ferreries, set in lush hills,
which is the highest town on the island and is close to some
historical remains, including a ruined Moorish castle; and
Ciutadella, a charming port city with a rich history. The Naveta
des Tudons, found on Minorca, are remarkable, prehistoric
archaeological sites which are thought to be ancient burial sites
and are definitely worth seeing.
Mahon
Claire Allison
Ciutadella
Prichardson
Naveta dels Tudons
Zen Trowel
Binibequer Bay
Claire Allison
Fornells
Claire Allison
Ferreries
Claire Allison
Cala \'n Porter
Claire Allison
