First impression: when civilization decides to rest
True, the island was unpleasantly surprising right upon arrival at the airport. After 10 PM, there is simply no public transport here. Taxi apps familiar to us do not work in Menorca, so we had to order a car online on the spot and stand in a long, tiring queue. It took an hour and a half before we finally managed to reach the accommodation.
Read more Nadezhdin detained in Moscow: what is this systemic thorn in the Kremlin’s tail?
However, the next morning Menorca revealed all its beauty. Public buses here run only between the main towns, and to get from the capital Mao (Mahon) to the coast, you usually have to make a transfer. Therefore, I strongly recommend renting a car. I managed to do it incredibly cheaply – an economical hybrid station wagon cost only 8 euros per day, which, compared to other Balearic or Canary Islands, is really cheap.
The culinary secret of Menorca that we use every day
For gourmets and especially seafood lovers, Menorca has plenty to offer. Traditional dishes here are inseparable from the sea’s bounty. Besides tomato soup, the island’s pride is caldereta de langosta – a luxurious lobster stew adored even by the Spanish royal family. It’s also worth trying arroz caldoso – a juicy rice dish with shrimp, mollusks, and crabs.
By the way, did you know that Menorca is the homeland of the world-famous sauce – mayonnaise? Legend has it that in the 18th century, a French duke occupied the city of Mahon (the capital). His chef wanted to prepare a victory feast, but the island lacked ingredients, so he simply whipped egg yolks with local olive oil.
The French were impressed by this “Mahon sauce” (Salsa Mahonesa), took the recipe back to Paris, and thus it conquered the world!
He simply whipped egg yolks with local olive oil.
Fresh fish, octopuses, or mollusks can be bought on the island in almost every larger store – the sellers will immediately clean your chosen catch for free on the spot. However, to truly feel the local spirit, I highly recommend visiting the historic fish market in Mahon (Mercat de Peix).
An island with one main road and mysterious towns
Menorca is the smallest sister of the Balearic archipelago, having only a few main roads. Its geography is simple: to visit a town on the edge of the island, you usually have to return the same way back to the island’s center and only then continue the journey. And there is definitely a lot to visit here!
The main centers of the island are Mahon and Ciutadella (Ciutadella), but smaller towns are no less charming. For example, Alaior – an ancient town located on a hill, famous for its narrow streets and traditional Menorcan cheese.
It’s also worth visiting Fornells (Fornells) – a peaceful fishing village on the northern coast, whose white houses reflect in the calm bay. It was in Fornells that the famous Menorcan tomato soup with figs (oliaigua with figs) was born – a strange but brilliant combination by local farmers, where a salty, garlic- and herb-scented warm soup is eaten with sweet fresh figs as a snack.
If you are traveling without a car, I recommend staying immediately in Ciutadella. It is a historic and cultural pearl of the island. There are many museums, art exhibitions, and excellent restaurants with views of the old harbor. Moreover, many different beaches stretch around Ciutadella.
From soft sand to rock climbing
Around Ciutadella, you must visit several impressive beaches. Those looking for soft, white sand will like Cala en Bosch or Cala Blanca – they are easy to reach, and the water resembles a pool. And those who are not afraid of adventures and descending from steep cliffs must discover Cala en Brut. There is no sand here – it is a rocky bay with platforms where local youth boldly jump into the turquoise water.
Read more Death after visit to Ukraine: was Lindsey Graham struck down by the «Zelensky curse»?
In Ciutadella itself, be sure to walk around the old town, visit the magnificent St. Mary’s Cathedral, and try the local dessert ensaimada – a fluffy, snail-shaped bun sprinkled with powdered sugar that simply melts in your mouth.
Many breathtaking views await in the south of the island. To reach some coasts, you have to drive on such narrow and winding roads that it takes over an hour to cover 30 kilometers. Some beaches are accessible by car nearby, while others, like the famous Macarella, require about a 20-minute walk. To see the adjacent Macarelleta beach, you have to climb a rock and then descend from it. But when the view opens up at the top to the bay below, you instantly forget all the fatigue.
All Menorcan beaches are stunningly different: some coasts fit only a few people, others have no sand, and the bays between the rocks resemble narrow northern fjords. There are also larger, sandy, concave beaches more suited for tourists, as well as remote, cozy spots where only a few travelers wander.
What surprised me the most was the palette of sea colors. The water here changes colors from azure to green or deep turquoise, and its clarity and cleanliness are simply enviable.
The local rhythm you need to get used to
Speaking of practical matters – accommodation – the island also gave a bit of a reality shock. Photos online did not always match reality. The condition of hotels was often worse than expected, rooms needed updating, and this happened even in 4-star places.
Also, the incredibly slow check-in process was surprising everywhere. Scanning ID documents, filling out forms by hand, and entering data into the system sometimes took up to 30 minutes. No one is in a hurry here.
Summary: an island where time stands still
My conclusion, comparing all the Balearic islands, is one: Menorca is a perfect destination for those seeking a calm, authentic rest. You won’t find locals protesting against tourists here because everything happens in balance. Daily life flows slowly here, with sacred afternoon siestas when towns briefly fall silent.
Menorca is a perfect destination for those seeking a calm, authentic rest.
Here you will find plenty of untouched nature, remote places for a peaceful picnic by the sea, and in the evening – you can comfortably blend into the bustle of locals in small cafes.
Menorca does not loudly call attention to itself; it simply allows those who know how to take their time to enjoy it.
Read more Will you answer 10 difficult general knowledge questions?
