Discovering the Quaint Charm Of Menorca

The stunning scenery and laidback ambience are what sets Menorca aside from the other islands of the Balearic. The relaxed lifestyle is what makes a holiday so appealing in Menorca. Villas available to rent here are among the most beautiful and desirable in the Mediterranean and there are so many attractions and things to do on this unforgettable island. Here are just a few to start you off.

Ciutadella

One of island's most beautiful (and most visited) towns is Ciutadella. You will be able to explore the aristocratic palaces of the 18th century in the main square, known as Plaça des Born. A 14th century cathedral that is built on a site of a former mosque is just behind this area and, here, you will find narrow and arched passageways and courtyards that lead you to a magnificent area with a unique African influence.

Mahon

Delightful Mahon is home to one of the world’s largest natural harbours. In its heyday it saw the busiest docks and wharves of the Mediterranean, where ships from all over the world unloaded their cargoes. Today, this is the island’s capital, and you can still see traces of British rule here in the Georgian town houses complete with lace curtains. Restaurants and cafes line the harbour and are kept busy with visitors from cruise ships that dock here in Menorca. Villas and homes here are blessed with old English charm.

Megalithic monuments

Another spectacular sight on the island is its open-air museum, with its mystical collection of megalithic monuments - the largest number in the entire Mediterranean region. These standing stones and settlements are of the Talaiotic culture that existed in the Bronze Age in 2000 years BC. It shows a highly organized society and there are more than two thousand megalithic monuments around the island.

Favàritx lighthouse

There are so many places to relax in Menorca. Villas here allow you to lounge around all day by the pool or get out and explore. Consider visiting the small coves around the Favaritx Lighthouse. You can swim and snorkel here and the lighthouse stands imposingly above the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean. The area is also popular with birdwatchers during autumn.

Festivals

Most of the festivals on the island take place between June and September and this is a great time to visit Menorca. Villas book out early in this peak season so be sure to make your reservations well in advance. The most popular festival is called the Fiesta de Sant Joan in Ciutadella, which takes place in June every year. The narrow streets by the harbour are filled with spectators, who come to watch the black horses and their riders displaying their equestrian skills. The International Jazz festival and the opera season are also both crowd pullers and there are some excellent gastronomic festivals, too, where you can sample some amazing food.

Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of great Menorca villas for your holidays. 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.