Menorca Hotels and accomodation
Menorca (or Minorca) is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The archipelago is a major European tourist destination thanks to great natural beauty, fine sunny climate, sandy beaches, and developed infrastructure.
The island is named Menorca because it is remarkably smaller than the nearby Majorca. A number of massive megalithic stone monuments points to very early human habitation. The Romans took Menorca from the pirates in the 2nd century BC and established a base in the ancient city of Mago. After the decline of the Roman empire the island changed hands many times, at various times ruled by Vandals, Byzantium, Arabs, Aragon amd Majorca kings, until it finally became a part of the Spanish kingdom.
Most of the 18th century, however, Menorca was a British possession. Some of the results were the English influence on local architecture with elements including sash windows, and some words in the local dialect. Menorca was taken and retaken several times by French, Spanish and British armies until in 1802 it was finally returned to Spain.
The island didn't suffer much damage during the Spanish civil war, and in the 1950s a touristic boom on the Balearic Islands started.
Menorca was awarded the status of a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1993.
Menorca's biggest towns are the old capital, Ciutadella, and the current capital Port Mahon with its great natural harbour, second deepest in the world. The island's architecture is a mix of colonial and local influences, which are reflected in the look of some of the more historical hotels in Menorca.
Traditional summer fiestas, involving bonfires, horse riding, fireworks, jousting etc. are a very popular attraction. Since the 14th century they take place throughout the summer in various towns and villages around the island honouring the local patron saints.
Menorca hosts an international opera week, organ festival in Port Mahon and some other concerts. Hotels in Menorca are usually willing to assist guests with tickets for such events.
Menorca’s cuisine is typically Mediterranean. It is thought that mayonnaise was brought by the French from Port Mahon in the 18th century. Another local specialty is the famous Formatge de Maó cheese.
British influence on Menorca can be felt in the local popularity of gin. During the fiestas it is mixed with bitter lemon to make the popular cocktail, Pomada.
Some of the attractions on Menorca include
- The taulas, T-shaped stone monuments up to 3.7 metres high built about 3,000 years ago.
- Picturesque ancient Port Mahon, the capital of the island and the former residence of the British governors, with castle and some old quarters
- Ciutadella, the religious centre and the site of fiesta in honour of St. John in June, with a beautiful medieval quarter
- The mountain of El Toro, the tallest on the island, is topped by a church and provides views over much of northern Menorca
- El Castell, founded by the British in 1771 next to the St. Philip's Castle, celebrates its foundation with a festival in June themed on the 18th century
- Fornells is a fishing village in the north of Menorca on a beautiful bay with an ancient watchtower
Hotels in Menorca
Naturally, most of the Menorca hotels are resorts, and many accomodations are luxury - not least thanks to the gorgeous nature that surrounds them. The majority of hotels in Menorca are situated on the coast of the Mediterranean, and many enjoy direct access to beaches. Off-season, the discounts offered to guests can be remarkable.
Some of the more budget hotels in Menorca are located close to the local airport, while the luxury hotels on the island tend to be built in either of the bigger towns, Ciutadella or Port Mahon. The range of services that the local hospitality industry offers is astonishing, and the local people's natural hospitality makes Menorca a wonderful holiday destination.
On go4hotels.com you can book any hotel you like, from discount accomodations in the urban or inland areas through to luxury five-star hotel rooms on the coast of Menorca.