Menorca Advertorial 11/3/09 10:53 Page 59
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one of the most extensive and important archaeo-
logical sites of the Mediterranean. A monumental
Everything within reach
legacy in which the Talayotic settlement of Son
● With around 80,000 inhabitants, the
Catlar, the Naveta des Tudons, the prehistoric city
population of Menorca is concentrated in
of Torre den Gaumés and the necropolis of Cales
eight municipalities: Mahón, the adminis-
Coves stand out as particularly interesting. trative capital of the island, Ciutadella,
the ancient capital, Alaior, Ferreries, Es
Extreme beauty
Mercadal, Es Castell, Sant Lluís and Es
Migjorn Gran. Between Mahón in the east
There are infinite ways to get closer to the spirit
and Ciutadella in the west, the two villages
of Menorca. One way is to step into the shoes of
with the largest number of inhabitants
the Menorcans, with a pair of “avarcas” sandals, and the two that are the farthest apart,
traditional footwear of rural origins which is an
there is a distance of only 47km.
authentic icon of the serious, refined local crafts-
● With an area of 702sq km, the unique
manship. Another way is to experience this spirit
nature of Menorca again becomes clear: on
in its most intense form, at the legendary horse
the east of the island beside Mahón, in the
dance “jaleo”, one of the liveliest and most municipality of Es Castell, is the first point
colourful medieval festivals in the Mediterranean.
in Spain where the sun comes up.
From the prestigious Mahón-Menorca cheese
● With a climate characterised by gentle tem-
to the breeding and production of meats and
peratures, the coves and beaches of Menorca
sausages with an exceptional “bouquet” and the
boast crystalline waters that contrast with the
creation of unique spirits such as gin or legendary Pedreres de s’Hostal, which gave the old towns whites and ochres of the delicate sands. The
products of the universal kitchen, such as mayon- of Ciutadella and Mahón their texture and
presence in the depths of the water of the sea-
naise, Menorca’s cuisine fills the senses with a splendour, with the spectacular and magical Cova
weed Posidonia oceanica is the best indicator
of the excellent conservation and balanced
rainbow of historical flavours in which the den Xoroi, a unique pub settled in a natural cave
nature of the whole natural ecosystem.
sublime “oliaigu” vegetable soup provides the that turns into a disco at night, or with the infinite
minimalist counterpoint to the savoury heaviness charm of its solemn lighthouses that watch over ● On Menorca, sport and nature go hand
of the stew. An unending range of flavours culmi- the undulating landscape of “tanques” (fields
in hand. The sea offers a range of options,
nating in delicious pastries with Arab influences. surrounded by low stone walls) and “portells”
from bathing in any of the island’s coves,
to windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, scuba
A destination prized by Phoenicians and (traditional barriers), the most preludes to its
diving or fishing, setting off from one of the
Greeks, the ancient Carthaginian enclaves of majestic country estates, Menorcan architecture
innumerable leisure ports along the coast:
Maghon (Mahón) and Jamma (Ciutadella) sketch is an unmistakable element of the island’s Mahón, Addaia, Fornells, Ciutadella or
out the spiritual and administrative significance identity, in which the tranquil, meandering “dry
Cala’n Bosch. On land, as well as improving
of the island. To the east, cosmopolitan and open, stone” paths thread through scenery that is as
your golf handicap, you can also enjoy the
unique hiking routes, whether on foot, on a
Mahón keeps the memory of its English past alive unique as it is definitive.
cycling tour or on horseback. Horse-riding
with large-scale architecture presided over by the Discover all this, and much more, in the heart
is an activity that is offered in all of the
impregnable fortress of La Mola anchored in one of the Mediterranean, and just two hours from riding centres and clubs on the island,
of the most coveted and majestic natural ports the UK.
which are concentrated particularly in
of the ancient Mediterranean. To the west,
Mahón, Ferreries and Ciutadella. The
island’s equestrian routes are of particular
Ciutadella, the ancestral seat of the dioceses,
interest, specially the Camí de Cavalls
proudly preserves a monumental centre with
(Horses’ Path), a historical route that was
an aristocratic past that has been declared a used during the period of British domina-
National Historical-Artistic Monument,
tion and that followed the whole of the
characterised by the unique charm of the palaces
coast of Menorca, providing a route for
communication between the defence towers
and narrow, labyringthine streets that converge www.menorca.es
that watched over the coast. Several sections
silently on the intense, picturesque port. email: infomenorcaeroport@menorca.es
of this route can be followed today.
Weighing anchor in an isolated cove, exploring Call Center: +34 902 92 90 15
some of the innumerable marine caves in a kayak,
snorkelling off the north coast, having a go at
windsurfing or waterskiing in the bay of Fornells,
perfecting your gold swing with the sea as your
only witness, bicycle tourism, wandering along
rural “dry stone” paths on foot or on horseback,
visiting historical centres, admiring the crafts-
manship, submerging yourself in the nocturnal
hubbub of the romantic ports… Menorca offers
visitors a sea of possibilities, both on land and out
to sea.
Individual and non-transferable
With its innermost elements open to the sky in
the enormous stone quarries of “mares” in Ses
13.03.2009 59
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