Welcome to Minorca, the second biggest Balearic Island. Minorca has almost as many beaches as Majorca and Ibiza put together, and has been able to preserve a lot of its peace and quiet due to its far distance to the mainland. Doing a round trip by car is the perfect way to get to know the island and its tranquil lifestyle. Traveling around on public transport can be a little gruesome and cause you to miss out on a lot of small, charming places which aren’t served by the local bus network.
The main island road connects Maó in the south-east with Ciutadella in the west. Numerous smaller roads come off it and lead into the northern and southern part of the island
Minorca’s landscape is characterized by pine tree canyons and countless secluded bays with turquoise water and sandy beaches, flowing into rugged cliffs and farm lands.
The biggest and oldest towns are Maó and Ciutadella, both featuring a great number of historical buildings. Maó is the capital and has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. Glass bottom boats take you on harbor tours and let you witness the fascinating underwater world.
Maó is worth spending a few days in, as the town has a wonderful atmosphere and great culture and art scene revolving around the Teatre Principal, built in 1829 as the first opera house in all of Spain. Today it stages concerts, music festivals and even movie nights.
The neoclassicist church of Santa Maria is situated opposite the old town hall, built in 1613. Lots of small cafes on the square pose the perfect opportunity to take a break, sipping coffee in the shade and enjoying the architecture.
While in Maó do not forget to explore those parts of town outside the center. The baroque chapel of Sant Francesc is a perfect example of Spanish sacral architecture of its time, and the Museo de Menorca just around the corner displays regional art as well as archeological findings.
Just south of Maó, close to Trepucó you will find the Taulas, a prehistoric assembly of enormous stone tables. Megalithic buildings are to be found all over the island and particularly in the south, dating from the Talyotic time between 2000 and 1000 B.C.
Just 3 miles south of Maó is the picturesque valley of Sant Lluis, which, if time allows it, you should spend an afternoon in. The village will give you an authentic impression of Minorcan country life, and should you wish to learn more about it, you can do so in the agricultural museum.
Going north you should make a pit stop in Fronells, an idyllic fishing village frequented by the yacht of King Juan Carlos of Spain. This is where local restaurants serve the best calderata de llagosta, the famous langoustine stew typical for the island.
Before checking out the northern part of the island turn west and go to Ciutadella, the former capital of Minorca. The town has a great number of beautiful chapels and cathedrals as well as charming squares where locals enjoy their after work drinks in the shade. The great atmosphere and exquisite food have charmed numerous visitors into staying a few days, and should you wish to do the same you won’t have any problems finding accommodation for any budget.
If what you came to the Balearics for is a lazy vacation on the beach with maximum relaxation factor you will want to hit the eastern or south-eastern part of Minorca where you will find countless small bathing bays and beaches ranging from quiet to party.
