THE 10 ESSENTIALS OF MENORCA

1. Ciudadela, the old capital of Menorca

Ciutadella, the old capital of Menorca, is one of the main towns on the island. It treasures a magnificent historical and stately quarter, crowned by the Cathedral of Menorca and the Castle of San Nicolás.

The port of Ciutadella is a color show at night, ideal for walking and dining at one of its restaurants.

Walk its narrow streets and discover the Plaza del Borne, the Plaza de la Esplanada or the Ciutadella Museum. Cuitadella is undoubtedly one of the best options to enjoy beaches and unique Menorcan coves!

2. Mahón, current capital of Menorca

In the east of Menorca is Mahón, the capital of the island, which has one of the best natural harbors in the world, surrounded by impressive Menorcan beaches and coves. In the heart of the Mediterranean, its port has led to the continuous changes of sovereignty of the city and the island throughout history, in the hands of Carthaginians, Muslims, English and Spanish, among others.

In addition to strolling through its port, visiting the Fortress of La Mola or approaching one of the neighboring islands, Mahón invites you to visit the streets and squares of its old town. Here they surprise its bourgeois houses and its historic buildings, such as the church of Santa María, the Town Hall, the Bastion of San Roc, the Museum of Menorca or the Athenaeum.

3. Fishing and rural towns

Do not know what to do in Menorca? It is worth visiting the island and enjoying its fishing and rural villages, where the traditions of yesteryear are preserved and less crowded corners are discovered. Llucmaçanes is in the middle of the field and stands out for its patron festivities, held in August.

Es Castell still maintains its English influence in its guillotine windows or in the red color of some of its facades.
Fornells is one of the typical fishing villages of Menorca, with its alleyways of Mediterranean flavor and whitewashed houses.
Here the port is a fundamental part of your day to day and is an ideal place to eat good fish and seafood. Other centers of interest are Alaior, origin of the famous ice cream La Menorquina; Es Mercadal, at the foot of Mount Toro; or the white village of Sant Lluís, founded by the French.

4. Archaeological heritage

Another of the great cultural attractions of Menorca is its archaeological heritage. In fact, it has the highest concentration of the entire Mediterranean in prehistoric monuments. The numerous vestiges of Talayotic populations transport us to the Bronze Age and its megalithic constructions.

Of particular interest are the Naveta des Tudons, the most important funerary monument in Menorca and the entire Balearic archipelago; the town of Torre d'en Galmés, the largest on the island; or the town of Trepucó.

5. The holidays and the protagonism of the horse

Culture of Menorca, what to do? The horse has a very prominent role in Menorcan culture, so it is not surprising that it is the protagonist of his parties. They are typical "jaleos", in which people help to lift the horses, mounted by their riders, on two legs.

The most popular festivals are those of San Juan de Ciudadela, in the month of June, which are also the oldest on the island, going back to the 14th century. Also noteworthy are those of the Mare de Déu de Gràcia in Mahón, in September, or San Antonio de Fornells, in July.

6. Natural Park of the Albufera des Graus

Menorca is declared a Biosphere Reserve and is characterized by its landscape diversity. One of the most outstanding natural spaces is the Natural Park of Albufera des Graus, composed of wetlands, forests, dunes, agricultural and livestock land, cliffs, beaches and marine areas. A paradise for nature lovers, where hundreds of animal and plant species live together, and where you also have to visit the Faro de Favàritx.

7. El Camí de Cavalls

A great idea to get to know the natural environment of Menorca is to take a horseback route along the Camí de Cavalls (GR-223), an old path that completely circles the island, with a length of around 210 km. It can also be enjoyed on foot, passing through beautiful beaches, inland areas of pasture, cultivation and forest, as well as urban sections such as Mahón and Ciudadela.

8. Beaches and coves with crystal clear waters

Menorca, traditionally coveted by different cultures due to its strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, can currently boast of being a quiet and well-preserved island, where economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental care and the protection of its heritage cultural.

The good weather and crystal clear waters of Menorca make it irresistible to sunbathe, bathe or practice water sports on its beaches and coves. There are so many and varied that each traveler will find his favorite. Cala Turqueta, Cala Macarella, Cala Galdana, Cala Pregonda or Cala Mitjana are famous. Also of interest are the nudist cove of Macarelleta, the Cala en Porter surrounded by cliffs, the hidden Es Talaier or the busy Calan Bosch.

9. Menorca Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Menorca is very varied. It has ingredients and dishes from the towns that make up the island, but it has also taken on Catalan, British, French and Arab influences. Its sailor and peasant character is reflected in the fish and seafood, as well as in the vegetables and garden vegetables. In this sense, highlights the lobster stew or stuffed aubergines.

You also have to try the authentic mayonnaise, it has its origins in Menorca, Mahón cheese, sobrasada, butifarra, Oliaigua (soup), snails or rice from the land. For dessert there is plenty to choose from, carquinyols, pastissets, coca, pudding, ensaimadas ... And to drink, Gin Xoriguer gin, Menorca wine, Malvasia or Menorca liqueurs, such as rose liquor. Nothing like enjoying a good white wine with Mahon cheese on any beach or cove of Menorca.

10. Rusticae Hotels in Menorca

To rest from this fantastic getaway, Rusticae has an offer for all tastes, see our accommodation section in Menorca and choose yours. To the south of the island we have the Hotel Rusticae Alcaufar Vell, surrounded by quiet beaches and coves of crystal clear water. Also in our Club of selection is the Hotel Rusticae Agroturismo Finca Atalis, 75 hectares in front of the sea from the homonymous beach also known as Talis. And if you go as a group, you can choose the fantastic houses of full rent Ses Cuarterades or Finca Llucalari Nou, any option is valid to enjoy this beautiful island.