Menorca
It was named Minorca by the Romans meaning the "Little One" compared to Majorca the "Large One." The first evidence of occupation on Menorca dates from around 2100 BC and the earliest structures are believed to be, the navetas, (looking like an upturned boat) and are approximately 3500 years old. Between 3000 & 3500 years ago, fortified towers were built by bronze age people, and more than 200 of their strange towers stand to this day.
Menorca is just 25 miles long and 17 miles wide, with a few mostly laid back beach resorts and around 120 beaches, thats more than the rest of the Balearic islands (Mallorca and Ibiza) together, coves, bays, and harbours around the rocky coastline. There are several excellent prehistoric sites and places of historic interest, including grand Menorcan country farmhouses.
In the 18th century, Minorca once again began to be involved in the ups and downs of Europe and, as a result of the war of succession for the Spanish throne, it passed into English hands in 1713. For one hundred years the island would be under English rule, with short periods of French and Spanish domination. The English reinforced defences by building more towers on the coast, such as those that can be seen in the port of Maó, Fornells and Fort Malborough in cala San Esteban.
The 19th and 20th centuries were as cosmopolitan as the previous ones, firstly because of the continuous arrival of foreign armies in the port of Maó that was initially a free port. Dating from the 19th century are Lazareto and the Isabel II fort in la Mola, both in the port of Maó.
Mahon has been the capital of Menorca, since the British changed it from Ciutadella in 1721. The reason was the harbour; at 5 km long, over 1 km at its widest point, and 15-30 m deep, it is the second largest natural harbours in the world, this coupled with its location in the Mediterranean has made it a strategic stronghold for many nations throughout history. The city of Mahon was named after General Magon (Hannibal´s brother) a Carthaginian invader. read more
The port itself is relaxed by day and buzzing by night. The bars and restaurants along the quayside come alive at night and it is easy to spend many hours down on the port, watching the ships, admiring the view, enjoying the hospitality of the restaurants, or just sat taking in the atmosphere, or having fun and dancing in the may bars and pubs.
There are several important sights and attractions located around the vast harbour of Mao and one of the best ways to see and photograph them is from the water. The harbour tours takes around an hour and tickets are available from the nearby Xoriguer Gin Distillery. There are several British-built buildings the overlook Menorca harbour and these include the old customs house and Golden Farm, where Admiral Nelson once stayed.
The island of Minorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, thanks to the great variety of habitats that it comprises. Ravines, caves, wetlands, isles, dune systems and beaches are the habitat of numerous species, some of which are endemic.
This declaration has been conferred only on 411 places on the planet where there exists an important natural and cultural heritage and where society has accepted an economic development compatible with the conservation of nature. A reserve of the Biosphere is an agreement of man with his natural surroundings.
Menorcan horses are renowned as one of the finest breeds in the world. Tall, slender and entirely black in colouring, they are vigorously trained and disciplined to an exacting standard. According to local tradition, the horses were considered vital to the security of the vulnerable island in the 14th century - riders were stationed along the coastline, ready to report as soon as they saw an enemy sail. They were bred for speed and agility to cover the rocky ground of the island at pace, and this process has continued over the years to produce some truly magnificent animals.
Today, they are most famous for the spectacle they provide at the various fiestas of Menorca, where they lead parades doing their signature trick - standing and walking on their hind legs. These fiestas are the best time to see the horses at work on a holiday in Menorca, through various horse shows at held throughout the island every week
There are plenty of paths and tracks on the island, and with a predominantly flat landscape Menorca is a delight to explore on horse back. The most famous and rewarding trail to follow is the 'Cami de Cavalls', 'The Path of Horses' that rings the entire circumference of the island. This is the path that was originally used by the horseback guards of Menorca to patrol the island, and gives you access to some of the most stunning coastal scenery the island has to offer. Or head into the rolling hills and vibrant countryside of the interior for a very different horse riding experience - you'll find plenty of routes to choose from on your holiday in Menorca.
There are many things that Menorca offers to its holidaymakers, catering for families, couples and young and teens alike, its the perfect island to combine a lovely relaxing holiday during daytime, chilling by the beach, or by the pool, eating in lovely restaurants, having a quiet drink with friends, practicing sports, walking, horse riding, playing golf, water sports, water parks, zoo, horse riding, scuba diving, trekking, etc... and then when the sun sets, the main towns and the holiday resorts get buzzing with activity, around the many bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs, again catering for everyone, from karaoke bars, to hawaiian cocktail bars, to pubs, to theme bars, to Tribute Bands, and many late night bars and clubs where you can dance the night away listening to the best actual music, dj´s, events etc... Contrarie to what you might read around, most of the nightlife starts at about midnight, and goes on until early hours of the morning. Its just a fantastic atmosphere.