Menorca

The name of the island originates from the ancient Roman period. The meaning is "minor island", to distinguish this island from the neighbouring, larger island called Mallorca . Due to high air humidity, the vegetation on the island is abundant so Menorca is often called the "Green Island". .

History

The history of the Menorca dates back to the 3rd century B.C. The first inhabitants were probably colonisers from southern France. In the 2nd century B. C. the locality was inhabited by hunters and pickers, which is demonstrated by characteristic buildings. Sometime around 1400 B.C., in the talayotic period, megalithic monuments of stone were created. In 123 B.C. the island was seized by Quintus Cecillius Metellus, Roman Emperor, who named this island. The Roman rule ended in 427 and Menorca became a part of the North African Empire. It was exposed to various influences by many different nations and cultures = Vandals, Arabs, Catalans, Turks, English, French and Spaniards, which resulted in a mosaic of various cultures on Menorca. Their presence can be found in architecture, place names, gastronomy and life-style of local people.

UNESCO

In 1993, the island was added in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a unique biospheric preserve. Due to the rich history, Menorca is the richest archaeological site in the Mediterranean area. You can come across the oldest buildings, called talayots. They were first built around 1500 B. C. and nearly all of them have been preserved quite well, for example, the Torralba d´en Salord. This construction is 2 m high and both stones weight 25 tonnes. Just next to it you can find ruins of a dilapidated talayot. There are some more of them, called Torellonet Vell, Torre d´en Gaumes, Talatí d´en Dalt, Trepucó, Torelló, Curnia, etc.

Monte Toro

Another interesting locality on Menorca island is the tallest mountain, called Monte Toro . It is consecrated to the saint patron of the island. The top of this mountain offers marvellous views of the whole island. If the weather is good, you can see even Mallorca. On the top, there is a guard tower built in the 17th century that is still used for military purposes. In addition, there is a little church (1650) with a Baroque altar and valuable statuette of Virgin Mary.

Fornells

Another interesting sight is the port of Fornells. In fact, it is a charming little village, situated in the north part of Menorca. In summer, Fornells is frequently visited by surfers, sailors and also gourmets, who are attracted by fish specialties e.g. crayfish soup.

Mahon

The port of Mahón is a beautiful fish boat port and the capital. You can see there a truly unique factory called Xoriguer which produces gin (very popular indeed) . At the Plaza de Constitució, a little square, you will come across the most interesting church in the town Mahon , consecrated saint patron of the town - Virgin Mary, Iglesia de Santa Maria. The interior of the church is decorated with unique organ (3 200 pipes, 30 pedals, 3 keyboards and 51 registers. Every noon an organ concert takes place in this church. Another beautiful place to see is Santa Águeda Castle, built on the top of the mountain which is 264 m high. The ruins of the castle are the remnants of the Moor culture.

Menorca beeches

Menorca offers beautiful, clean beaches with quality background, for example, the beach named Son Bou, which is one of the longest ones. Anyway, there are less frequently visited beaches that will let you enjoy an unusual experience.

Transport

Menorca is best accessible by boat or by plane. The main international airport (Aeroport de Menorca) is situated at the capital city Mahon , together with the biggest port in the island.

Other information

Menorca offers a variety of of quality accommodation facilities and abundant and intensive night light. At present, the population of Menorca is approximately 85 thousand.