THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND WITH TWO NAMES
Minorca, also called Menorca, is one of the most beautiful islands I've ever visited. It's one of the Balearic islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The name comes from the Latin for "small island" (Insula Minor). Like most places in the Med, the history is so rich and exhaustive that there's almost no point trying to write about it here. There are prehistoric stone monuments similar to Stonehenge there. You can then basically step through all the ancient civilisations that happened in and around the region, and they would have been in Minorca. This includes the ancient Greek Minoans, Romans, Moors, Ottomans, Vandals, Byzantines, Francs (French) and even the British Empire. In present time, it's a part of Spain.
I wasn't actually there for the history, which I didn't even consider it had so much of, rather I went for a laid-back holiday in a popular destination with plenty of sunshine and stunning beaches. Minorca is a very popular destination for Brits in summer. Probably too popular. I expected it to be full of holiday resorts, like you find in some parts of Southern Spain on the mainland. Oh boy, was my mind blown! Minorca is an island of incredible natural beauty. Of course, there are some parts of the island that are dedicated to the crazy parties and resorts, but the quiet side, which was where I stayed, was very peaceful and picturesque.
One of the first things you'll notice about Minorca are the rugged cliffs of the northern coast as you approach from the air. In the south, facing the African continent, the water is turquoise and clear. The island also has plenty of coves and hidden bays and private beaches secluded by natural formations. There is a lush countryside for hiking as well, which was surprising for such a small island. Because of the vast history of the place, there's a lot to see there. From the Talayotic ruins that dot the landscape, to the charming whitewashed villages that cling to the hillsides which are best enjoyed on a boat along the coast.
Then there's the food. I loved Spanish food already but fell in love with the seafood on Minorca. I basically spent half of my time in the capital, Mahón, eating ice-cream (it was very hot), cheese and fish haha. I don't drink, so I wasn't able to sample the famous Minorca gin. I hear it's world class.
Compared to other places in Spain, and the Med generally, Minorca is relatively laid back. Even the part zones are not as chaotic as on the mainland or some of the popular Spanish and Greek islands. It has a similar vibe to the Canary Islands, which I love so much. Mahón is also much more picturesque than other cities in other islands.
I haven't been back there since I visited. I'd love to visit again because I didn't actually get to see some of the stuff I wanted to see since I learnt about them too late, and not prior to going. However I'm a fan of visiting different places so changes are that I may never return to this island. There are thousands of other places yet to explore. ☀️
Peace * Love,
Adé
