INSIDER GUIDE: MENORCA
November 1, 2008 – 12:00 amMENORCA
LOVE THE BALEARICS BUT FANCY AVOIDING THE MADDING CROWD? THE LESSER-KNOWN MENORCA IS APPEALING TO A GROWING NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS LOOKING TO KICK BACK IN PEACE, SAYS ANISHA PATEL. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM WHITE
Menorca may not draw in all-night ravers like its Balearic sisters, but that’s exactly why its star is shining as an upcoming island destination. You’ll find flashy yachts make it look more Monaco than Margate. Even Formula 1 recently picked Real Aeroclub de Mahon airstrip to test its Ferrari and Mercedes race cars. The buzzing ports of Mahon, the capital in the east, and the western, old town of Ciutadella, compete for younger crowds with trendy bistros, bars and boutiques amid old monuments. History lovers will draw much from this island, which has been claimed by the Romans, Arabs, Turks, French and British over the years. And because few people live on the island, it is blessed with lush, unspoilt natural beauty that extends well beyond its beaches. The UNESCO-protected S’Albufera d’es Grau nature park is a fine example of Menorca untouched.
WHERE TO STAY
Port Mahon hotel overlooking the harbour in the island’s capital, is popular and affordable. Or there are 14 luxury Finesse Villas (through Thomas Cook) snuggled in the hills near Torre Soli on the south coast, with a pool and Jacuzzi. They’re away from the rowdy resorts, but close to Son Bou beach and under 30 minutes from both port towns.
BEACH LOVERS
Menorca’s craggy coves and crystal clear waters won’t disappoint. Most tourists flock to the southern beaches, so it’s worthwhile driving north to the less commercialised ones. You will have to walk or take a boat to the most remote. Cala Pregonda is the best for a deliciously lazy afternoon break.
MUST SEE
Spend a morning discovering Ciutadella’s labyrinth of cobbled alleyways lined with churches and palaces. It’s home to the 14th century gothic Cathedral of Menorca. Out of town, the rugged, coastlines of Cap de Favaritx and Cap de Cavalleria provide a breathtaking alternative sea-view hang-out.
Also, Torre d’en Galmés has prehistoric ruins of Talayotic towns, and peak Monte Toro is the best vantage point over the entire island.
SHOP
While high-end fashion is limited, Menorca’s shoe business is thriving. Look for local label Jaime Mascaró, whose ballet pumps are worn by the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Lindsay Lohan and Lily Allen. Try the factory store at Ferreries (Poligono Industrial, +34 971 373837). For local handicrafts, check out the markets and boutiques of Mahon and the Old Town.
CAFÉ STOP
Mahon and Ciutadella are both dotted with cute cafés, many with alfresco seating in quaint squares – perfect for people watching. Try the chic Mirador Café (Placa Espanya 2, +34 971 352 107, miradorcafe.net), by the fish market in Mahon, or the central Café Es Pou (Place Nova 6, +34 971 480 108) in Ciutadella. Both do tasty, affordable tapas.
BIG NIGHT OUT
Cova d’en Xoroi (Cala En Porter, +34 971 377 236, covadenxoroi.com) is the island’s best night out. Quirkily set in a cliff-side cave, the party gets started after midnight with DJs from Ibiza and Spain. At sunset, €12 (£10) will get you entry, a drink and a stunning view. Over in Mahon, Club Akelarre (Muelle de Poniente 41-43, +34 971 368 520) is best for live music.
GET CULTURAL
Unlike mainland Spain, there’s no bull fighting here. Instead, there are elegant, black Menorcan horses on show. If you miss a patron saint fiesta (when they sometimes race), you can catch spectacular performances on Tuesday and Thursdays at the Son Martorellet show (Ctra Cala Galdana, Ferreries, +34 639 156851).
THE HOT TABLE
The cool kids hang out in Ciutadella. Ses Voltes (Ses Voltes 16, +34 971 381498) is one of the newest restaurants, serving up local fare with a contemporary twist. Down by the marina is Café Balear (Pla de Sant Joan 15, +34 971 380005), which is well worth the wait for a table for its fresh seafood.
LOCAL DINING
Mahon-Menorca cheese (quite like Cheddar) is big business. Try it at Hort Sant Patrici (Cami de Sant Patrici, +34 971 373702), a family farm near Ferreries. Once considered peasant food, caldereta de langosta, lobster stew, is making a resurgence. Try some at S’Ancora (Passeig Maritim 7-8, +34 971 37670) in the fishing village, Fornells. Also try carquinyols, similar to macaroons, and Xoriguer Gin.
WHAT TO KNOW
Public transport has improved with regular buses to the main beaches and towns, but the best way to get off the beaten track is to rent a car. Menorca is only about 45 minutes drive from one end to the other.
MORE INFO
Thomas Cook Publishing has two guidebooks on the island: Traveller, £9.99, and the abridged HotSpots, £4.99 (pictured left). See thomascookpublishing. com for more details.
GETTING THERE
FOR MORE ABOUT THOMAS COOK’S HOLIDAYS, VISIT YOUR LOCAL THOMAS COOK OR GOING PLACES STORE, CALL +44 (0)844 412 5966, VISIT THOMASCOOK.COM OR TUNE IN TO THOMAS COOK TV ON SKY CHANNEL 655
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