Menorca is one of the most famous Mediterranean islands, a famous resort belonging to Spain. The entire island is a UNESCO protected biosphere reserve. This status was assigned to him in the 90s of the XX century. The area of the island is about seven hundred square kilometers. Population - just under one hundred thousand inhabitants.
The most common sights here are megalithic monuments. These are ancient structures built of huge stones. They appeared here in the Bronze Age, or perhaps even earlier. Today one can only guess about their purpose; presumably, it could be cult, economic or defensive (depending on the type of structure).
But the island attracts travelers not only with ancient monuments, but also with beautiful sea beaches and a wonderful climate. It is thanks to them that tourism is so developed on the island. The choice of hotels, apartments and guest houses here is simply huge, so the question of where to stay in Menorca has many answers.
Municipalities of the island of Menorca
The territory of the Mediterranean island is divided into eight municipalities:
- Alayor;
- Villacarlos;
- Ciudadela;
- Mercadal;
- Mahon;
- San Luis;
- Ferrerias;
- Es-Mijorn Gran.
Each of the districts has its own characteristics. And in order to choose a convenient option for accommodation on vacation, it is better to get to know these areas better.
Alayor
The area of this area of the island is one hundred and ten square kilometers. Its population is about nine and a half thousand people.
On the territory of the municipality there is one of the best beaches on the island - Cala en Porter. If you are flying to the island for a beach holiday, then this municipality is just what you need; staying here will make the right choice.
It is best to come here in the second half of summer or early autumn: this is the best time for swimming and sunbathing here. The size of the beach is not too large, it has a gentle slope (towards the sea). A stream flows along the beach. It runs down the sandy slope and flows into the sea. There is a small wetland on the beach.
Cliffs rise above the sandy coast. There is a cave not far from the sea, which is currently used for discos. According to legend, it was once the home of a Moroccan who had only one ear.
Speaking about the peculiarities of the municipality, it is necessary to mention the production of cheese and the manufacture of sandals. If you want to buy some souvenirs, sandals are a good choice: they are of high quality and beauty. And you, most likely, will not be able to take the local cheese with you home: many eat it on the island (as it is very tasty).
There are several historical monuments on the territory of the municipality.
Ciudadela
The capital of the island was once located on the territory of this region. Today the municipality is one of the largest districts in Menorca.
Those who are interested in architectural monuments should stop here. In particular, there is an old castle with an observation deck. While exploring this attraction, pay attention to the beautiful suspension bridge.
The municipality is also famous for its picturesque beaches. Here you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also take wonderful photographs.
Villacarlos
This municipality is one of the smallest on the island. Its area is only eleven and a half square kilometers. The population is about eight thousand people.
The second name of the municipality is Es Castel. It was founded by the British and was once called Georgetown. From those distant times to the present day, in particular, one of the historical sights of the municipality has survived - a building built in the 80s of the XIX century. It can be called typically British; it is not difficult to find it, it differs significantly from the buildings surrounding it, this attraction cannot be confused with other buildings.
Mercadal
The area of the territory of the municipality is about one hundred thirty-seven square kilometers. The population is about five and a half thousand people.
The municipality (or rather, the town of Furnels, which is part of it) is famous for its lobster soups. In general, this area is suitable for fans of gastronomic tourism: they cook deliciously and varied here.
The highest mountain of the island is located in the territory of the municipality. Its height is three hundred and fifty meters. There is an observation deck at the top. It is not at all difficult to climb there: a road leads to the site, the ascent along which will seem to you a pleasant walk. From the top, a delightful view opens up. The whole island is visible from there. There is an old monastery on the mountain, where you can see the statue of the Black Madonna. And not far from the monastery there is a cafe where you can order coffee and ice cream.
In addition, there are magnificent beaches in the territory of the municipality. They say that the king of Spain himself sometimes rests here.
There are islands in this area and historical sights - for example, an old watchtower. We also recommend visiting the lighthouse at Cape Cavalleria and the cave where the chapel is located.
Ferrerias
The area of this area of the island is sixty-six square kilometers. Its population is about four thousand six hundred people.
Saint Bartholomew is considered the patron saint of the municipality. Here you can see various shrines that testify to the veneration of this martyr.
Maon
The municipality includes the capital of the island. The area of this region is one hundred and seventeen square kilometers. The population is twenty-nine thousand people.
The history of the city, which is now the capital, dates back to the mists of time. The name was given to him in honor of the Carthaginian general. The most tragic event in the history of the city was an attack by pirates in the 30s of the 16th century: the locals were turned into slaves, and the city actually ceased to exist. But it was gradually restored. In the 20s of the 18th century, it received the status of the island's capital.
One of the most interesting areas of the capital is the Old Town. He, as it were, crowns the bay, towering over it. In general, the capital is very picturesque, especially if you look at it from the side of the sea. You will see a rocky coast and bright white houses on it.
One of the main attractions of the city is the 13th century temple (rebuilt in the 18th century). In it you can listen to an organ decorated with figurines of angels. It was installed here at the beginning of the 19th century.
There are other ancient temples in the city. The local market is also one of the city's attractions. This is a very colorful place; you can buy here, for example, fresh vegetables and fruits. The city is also famous for its factory, which produces first-class gin. But the main city-forming object of the island's capital is the port.
San Luis
The area of this area of the island is about thirty-five square kilometers, the population is just over seven thousand people.
In this municipality, a very colorful festival takes place every year at the end of summer. Here you can see a procession in national costumes, a virtuoso performance of horse riders, and other impressive shows. If you love bright, fun festivities and go to the island at the end of summer, this municipality is the place to be.
The main local attractions are the temple and the square, which are more than two hundred years old.
Es-Mejorn Gran
The population of this small municipality is only one and a half thousand people. Its area is thirty-two square kilometers. The municipality includes the city of the same name, five kilometers from which there is a large sandy beach. The sea here is always calm (due to the natural breakwater) and very clean.
As for the town, it was founded in the 18th century. A temple of the named century has been preserved on its territory. It was founded at the same time when the city appeared. Most of the houses here are no more than two stories high. The streets of the city are narrow and quiet. Peace always reigns here. If this is what you are looking for when traveling to the island, you will find your dream come true in this municipality. Walking past white low houses, you will forget about the hustle and bustle of megacities with their skyscrapers and frantic pace of life. The landscapes of this town, over which time seems to have no power, will help you imagine what this area looked like several centuries ago. It's hard to believe, but over the past centuries, it seems that little has changed here - at least, this statement concerns the appearance of the city.
By the way, in the early 2000s, one of the oldest inhabitants of the planet died here: he was one hundred and fourteen years old. Perhaps, the healthy climate of the island and the calm, pacifying atmosphere of the municipality helped him to live to such an old age.
There are many megalithic monuments in this area of the island. If you are interested in them, then you should stop here.
