Menorca – Menorca
The Menorca (Menorca) with the capital Mahon (Maon) is the second in size island of the Balearic Islands. It is somewhat quieter island from tourism side, compared with neighboring Mallorca and Ibiza. It has some pristine beaches, many caves, gorges, wetlands, rare fauna and flora, olive and orange groves.
The UNESCO in 1993 proclaimed Protected Biosphere. It is an island where the north wind, tramuntana influences quite well is the northernmost of the Balearic. The climate is wet and the temperature, because boron, It is lower than the rest of the Balearic Islands. The island is a favorite destination of British mainly because of the invasion and the British occupation of the island for a century. The 1802 Menorca returned to Spanish sovereignty. The island's international airport is 6 km from Mahon.
ancient civilization
Menorca has an ancient past that remind us of the scattered monuments. Are the huge stones or rocks located in the hinterland of the island in odd shapes and constructions. Their formation is three periods, Period Pre - Talagiot (2000 B.C. – 1300 B.C.) Period Talagiot or Bronze (1300 B.C. – 800 B.C.) and Season After - Talagiot or Iron Age (800 B.C. - 100p.Ch.). Each era had its own shapes or structures called Navetas, Talayots and Taulas.
The Navetas is big rocks upturned, They look as if planted in the earth, probably were some graves. The ancient settlement called Rafal Rubi and you will see an area 7 km from Mahon.
The Talayots are also some large stones with strange shapes that are found in every village of the island. Perhaps the top of these formations to observe the sea. Near Mahon(3 km) There is the ancient settlement Talayots called Talati de Dalt. South of Ciutadella area will see the largest ancient settlement Son Caltar (60 acres) and east of the area found the graves Naveta des Tudons. South of Alaior settlement seeing ancient Talayots, Torre 's Gaumés.
The Taulas are also large stone slabs that are balanced with precision, although their weight, forming the letter T. Perhaps they served as altars for sacrifices to their gods. It is remarkable how they managed to transport such blocks one over the other and balance between them. The settlement Torralba d'en Salord Talayots includes a Taulas and only see in Menorca.
SETTLEMENTS – SIGHTS
H Mahon is the second largest natural harbor in the world with a length 5 km, width 1 km and a depth 15-30 m. It became the capital of Menorca 1721 as an ideal spot for the British fleet, whereas before it was Ciutadella city. The city has many architectural influences from Britain. The capital is on the east coast of the island and although it has its own beach is a popular tourist destination. Along the waterfront and the historic center you will find most coffee, restaurants and shops for shopping. The central square is Placa de s' Esplanada (Esplanade square) with fountain, benches, cafes.
city attraction is the church Santa Maria la Mayor (1287) where inside you can see a large musical instrument (1810) with 4 keyboards and 3.000 tubing.
Outside the convent Claustre del Carme (1750-1808), in the city center in an open-air bazaar, the Mercat Claustre del Carne where you will find fruit, clothes, shoes, jewelry, ceramics, small items etc.. Every year the festival Gracia Festival Alamy (6-8 September) out racing on city streets in celebration of Mare de d'eu de Gracia, who is patron of the city.
If you live in Mahon, the nearest beach is Es Grau (10 km) and will primarily meet locals.
The island produces its own jeans, liqueurs and other beverages in the still Xoriguer (Moll de Ponent Street 93, tel. 971362197) where you can try them all for free before you buy anything.
The city Ciutadella is a beautiful, standard, Spanish port town, the first capital of the island before the British invasion. The central square is Placa d 'es Born, with many cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. For more shopping cross the pedestrian Ses Voltes street or in port, around the old walls and you will also find many restaurants and bars. The city conducted the Fiesta de Sant Joan (23-25 June), with processions, horses, songs, dances and food at the feast of the patron of the city, Saint John.
The city Ferreries Located at the highest point of the island and is known for its shoe manufacturing and furniture. It is worth visiting to shop at flea market Friday Night Market held every evening from June - August. Also at Mercat de Ferreries you can buy fresh fruits, local cheeses, honey, shoes, clothes, souvenirs etc.. In celebration of the city's patron Sant Bartomeu will see another Fiesta Horse (23-25 August).
H Alaior It is a medieval city, built the 1304 on the ancient hill Ihalor from which it got its name. The historic center has winding streets and if you're lucky you might come across a rider on a horse. Located in the center of the island, about half an hour from the airport. The Fiesta Horse here is made at the Sant Llorens celebration (12-13 August).
H area Es Mercadal, Located at the foot of the tallest mountain Monte Toro (354 m). The city is large enough, typical Spanish. From here you climb up the mountain with spectacular views where the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Toro, patroness of the island. the city's patron saint is Sant Marti and the Fiesta is the Horse 15-16 July.
The area Migjorn located near the Es Mercadal, and the village is a rural place where you go to eat typical Spanish dishes, before you reach the beach Calla Galdana. the city's patron saint that is the Sant Cristofol and the festival with horses is in 29-30 July.
OR Fornells It is a stunning coastal town with a small harbor full of fishing boats. Famous for its restaurants serving fresh seafood, as the local dish with lobster Caldereta de Langosta. One such restaurant is Es Pla in which lunch and the King of Spain. It has many shops along the waterfront shopping and entertainment. Every year on 16 July is the feast of the patron saint of fishermen Mare de de'u del Carme.
The city Es Castell located in SE coast of the island and is 15 minutes from Mahon. It is a beautiful architectural city, with a picturesque harbor, relaxed atmosphere, small cafes and souvenir shops. The nearest beach is 20 minute walk, The Cala Padera and will primarily meet locals. Here the annual festival with horses made at the feast of Sant Jaume (24-28 August).
beaches
The main road that crosses the island, The C-721 passes through most beaches best be found mainly in the southern part of the island.
Near Ciutadella city, SW is the beach White Calla white sand, blue water and rocks for diving. Family and you can rent umbrellas and canoes. There is a café-restaurant on the beach, rooms and hotels. Because it is very near Ciutadella can be reached by local bus.
Even farther south, 3 km from Ciutadella and next to meet Calla Blanca beach resort Santadria. The Calla Santadria is in a secluded bay, It has white sand, umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bar, hotels.
Just below the town Ciutadella, 10 km SW, It is the largest tourist resort. Is the area with the beach Cala en Bosc or Cala en Bosch or Playa d’ es Born or Cap d’ Artrutx. However you see it written on the same beautiful area. He has an artificial marina, on the back side of the beach, between villas and hotels. The beach is sandy, organised, with water sports center, brown, bar, restaurants, and many shops for your purchases.
The adjacent beach is called Son Xoriguer, similar to Cala en Bosc but here are concentrated most hotels.
In Fornells area is the nearest beach Cala Tirant, long sandy beach, family, organised, with maritime activities. In the bay of Fornells there 4 virgin bays for swimming 3 but islands accessible only by boat.
OR santa Galdana or Calla Galdana where is it 10 minutes by car from the city Ferreries SW, perhaps the most beautiful beach in Menorca. Located in a large protected bay that forms a semicircle has white sand and turquoise waters that recall the Caribbean beach. it is organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, rent equipment for water sports, beach bar, hotels, restaurants, shops etc..
Next there are three small beaches this beach Middle cove, or Macarella and the Macarelleta. It is quieter as accessed from the coastal path Cami de Cavalls or boat.
To Cami Horse a path 186 km where you can walk a part of or rent horses and to walk.
For more alternative tourism is the Camping S’ Atalaia, the road from Ferreries to Santa Galdana. Access can be done by local bus that will leave you out of the camping (tel. +34971374323, +34971373095).
ACCESS TO Menorca
To go to Menorca will go either by air through Barcelona or by ferry from Mallorca.
GREEK CONSULATE IN PALMA DE MALLORCA
Sr. Luis Morell Calle Bonaire Massanet 4, 4º 1st 07012 Mallorca
Tel.: (0034) 971 616111
EMBASSY OF SPAIN IN GREECE
Dionysius Areopagite 21, Athena, tel. 210-9213123
www.iberia.com
www.balearia.com, Tel.: 966428600, 902161180
www.trasmediterranea.es, Barcelona, Spain, tel.: +34 902 45 46 45
