Written on : 26 February 2021 By : Laura Wendy Harders López
Menorca is a beautiful island in Spain. It is also the smallest and the most laidback of the Balearic islands, making it perfect for couples and families who seek a relaxing holiday, whiling away one's hours on a hammock, sipping cocktails and soaking up some Vitamin D.
If you still haven't made your mind up about vacationing on this dreamy island, then read on to find out our reasons for making Menorca your upcoming destination
Menorca is definitely a pure gem of the Balearic archipelago when it comes to beaches. Many of these being off-the-beaten-track and surrounded by lush vegetation and cliffs- these beaches resemble natural swimming pools tucked away as secret coves. You can also find idyllic virgin beaches, which boast magical sunsets, not to mention they are perfect spots for stargazing. Surprise your significant other on a date to one of these paradisical beaches, or enjoy a family picnic on their glowing-white sand.
The best virgin beaches and coves you can visit are Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana, Cala Turqueta, Cala en Porter, Cala Escorzada, Cala Es Talaier, Cala Pilar, Cala Morell, Cala Pregonada, Cala Trebalúguer and Cala Galdana.
Gastronomy
Food in Menorca is heavenly. It is also the quintessential Mediterranean diet, packed with nutritious foods from vegetables, fish, seafood, and meat. The "Menorquín" gastronomy has peasant and sailor roots with a mix of different cultural heritages that left their trail on the island throughout history; this makes it a very varied cuisine. Its most popular and traditional dishes are: lobster caldereta, oliaigua, partridge and cabbage stew, mahón cheese, stuffed Menorquín eggplant, rubiol, and spicy sausages.
Culture
The Menorquín culture characterises a more laid-back style compared to its other neighbouring islands. People are very welcoming and friendly and would get out of their way to help foreigners. The island is also very progressive and very aware of caring for the environment. Many of their beaches are "blue flagged", and people are mindful of the conservation of their natural spaces. They have a robust law system that promotes care for nature reserves and even prohibits constructing tall buildings.
Another Menorquín cultural characteristic is that they "work to live" and don't "live to work". Locals love enjoying life with their loved ones. They will always try to find leisure time for sharing joyful moments with family and friends outside of work.
Outdoor Activities
Menorca is synonymous with outdoor fun. And you surely won't get bored here if you're an adventure lover and thrill seeker.
There's something for all tastes-- from snorkelling and scuba diving to explore magical reefs and sea life to flyboarding or parapenting to fly and kiss the sky. You can also go on long walks and hike through the beautiful lush countryside and its nature reserves.
If you're travelling with your partner, you can also discover the island's secret corners in a very romantic and original way-- riding on horseback together as you contemplate Menorca's magical sun setting over the glistening sea.
For those night-sky lovers, Menorca is perfect for stargazing and astrotourism. There are plenty of great stargazing spots throughout the island. You can also take advantage of an Astro-excursion where you'll be taken to the best places categorised as Astronomical Sites and be able to set up camp and use telescopes to enjoy the spectacle of the millions of stars blazing in the still darkness.
Countryside
Inland Menorca also boasts an array of breathtaking nature reserves and beautiful countryside and valleys for one to explore. Menorca was declared as a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 1993. The island distinguishes itself for the unity with which the Menorquians and their natural ecosystem have coexisted throughout history. It is home to a nature park, five nature reserves, a marine reserve and nineteen Natural Areas of Special Interest. Menorca's pivots and influential areas are the Albufera d'es Grau Nature Park, the Colom island, and the Cape of Favaritx.
Waterfront Restaurants
Menorca is an island, so it's safe to say that you will find plenty of waterfront restaurants that boast magnificent sea views. Imagine sharing precious moments with a glass of wine in hand and relishing delicious seafood with the beautiful turquoise sea as a backdrop-- heaven! These are examples of the best waterfront restaurants for you to live a real gastronomic experience for the soul and senses:
Náutico Binisafua - Passeig de la Mar, 29, 07711 Binissafuller
Es Bruc - Playa San Adeodato Urbanización, 07749 Santo Tomas
Restaurante Cap Roig - Carrer Gran de sa Mesquida, 15, 07701 Sa Mesquida
Restaurante La Minerva - Moll de Llevant, 87, 07701 Maó
Restaurante Sa Llagosta - Carrer de Gabriel Gelabert, 12, 07748 Fornells
Restaurante Trebol - Carrer Moll de Cales Fonts, 43, BAJO, 07720 Es Castell
Ivette Menorca - 07769 Cala Morell
Blue Sky Bar - Carrer de Santa Àgueda, 6, 07720 Es Castell
Cap Roig - Carrer Gran de sa Mesquida, 15, 07701 Sa Mesquida
El Faro - Carrer de ses Cranques, s/n, 07711 Binibequer
Isabella Beach Club - Carrer Tramuntana, s/n, 07748 Platges de Fornells
Es Corb Marí - 07730 Son Bou
Beautiful Villas
Staying in a beautiful villa while vacationing in the paradise island of Menorca is the perfect component for a dream holiday. Whether you're going with your friends, family or as a couple, Menorca boasts some lovely holiday villas with all-encompassing views, swimming pools, extensive gardens and porches for sharing unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
"Charming 3 bedroom villa located in San Jaime Mediteraneo on the heights of Son Bou beach, south coast of Menorca. Nice outdoors, garden, terraces..."