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Great Things to Do on Fun Filled Menorca
Posted: Dec 11, 2013
The beautiful Balearic island of Menorca is well known for the entrenched history and excellent activities available. Its beautiful coastline provides plenty of opportunity for those staying in Spanish villas on the island to explore it by car, foot or by bicycle. However there are also many more activities available that may not be so expected.
The Great Outdoors
If you like your views to be taken from a high vantage point, the highest point in Menorca from which to get a panoramic vista of the island is Monte Toro. At 358 metres above sea level, it is a spectacular viewpoint from which to see this stunning island. Es Mercadel is the nearest town and you can get to the summit via a winding road. When you reach the top you will see a sanctuary, run by Franciscan nuns, which has been providing rest for travellers since the 17th century. Famously, its chapel holds a statue of the Black Madonna; another statue, Jesus of the Sacred Heart, is dedicated to the local people who perished in the wars against the Moroccans in the early 20th century. You can get some refreshment on hot days by visiting the café Sa Posada del Toro with its lovely terrace.
If you prefer your form of transport to have four legs, horses play a big part in Menorcan culture and there are several riding clubs on the island. Some will offer those staying in Spanish villas the chance to ride through the Menorcan countryside on horseback and, as most of Menorca is flat and all levels are catered for, it is an experience that can be enjoyed by many. It's always wonderful to get a look at the coastline from a vantage at sea, and kayaking can give you the chance to do just this. You will get a great view of the wonderful coves and natural harbours around the Menorcan coastline, and you may even spot a beautiful secluded beach that is only accessible by boat.
Menorca boasts more beaches than either Ibiza or Majorca, which is why Spanish villas here are so popular. If you would like to explore some of these but without the effort of kayaking, there are the options of boat trips for a day or half day excursion.
If your favourite form of transport has four wheels, why not try a Jeep Safari? This fun activity will take you to some off-the-beaten-track places you may not otherwise have found. You will see some wonderful natural landscapes along the way and perhaps even call in to the 19th Century fortress, La Mola.
Spectator Sports
If you prefer to view the local culture as a spectator you may enjoy the traditional sport of Trotting Races. In these events, the jockey sits in a small cart behind the horse and the object is to get around as fast as possible without the horse breaking into a gallop. In summer, trotting races are held every Saturday evening on a site next to the Aero Club on the main Maó to Sant Lluís Road, and on Sundays at the Hippodrome Torre del Ram near Cala’n Blanes.
Whether you choose to sunbathe, swim, ride a horse or simply watch the world go by, staying in any of the lovely Spanish villas on Menorca will give you plenty of opportunity to engage with this beautiful island.
Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of great Spanish villas for your holidays on Menorca. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.