For holidaymakers who are after an abundance of sun, sea and sand, the Balearic Islands are the perfect destination. Not only are they home to some of the most stunning beach views in Europe, but they also enjoy Spain’s historical influences and fresh seafood cuisine.
Menorca is home to white sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, as well as plenty of sites to visit and soak up the culture. If you are planning on spending your valuable time off work in Menorca, here is how to make the most of your time spent there.
Live like a local
Staying in a hotel may seem like a luxury, but in order to really maximise your time spent in Menorca, you may want to stay in a self-catered villa. Finding Luxury Villa Holidays that allow you to stay in luxury but work around your own time frame will enable you to see the island at your own pace; with a lie-in or without.
Shopping at local delis and grocery stores will allow you to buy in and cook with supplies that the locals enjoy. Alternating nights out with home-cooked seafood and local produce will give you an authentic local experience.
It will also give you somewhere comfortable to leave your swimwear when you return home after a day of lazing on the beach and snorkelling and swimming through sea caves.
Eat like a local
As mentioned, while staying in your villa, you should absolutely eat like a local and enjoy the fresh produce you will find in local grocery stores. Buying in fresh meats, cheeses, bread and seafood will give you the continental breakfast of champions.
However, as well as that, it’s a good idea to visit local restaurants. When you go out in the evenings, try and experiment with as many local dishes as you can. If you normally live inland, you may not eat seafood as fresh as this for quite some time.
Just like Spain, Menorca loves its tapas, which you will find served in plenty of restaurants. On top of that, you will also find local island gin, vermouth and gazpacho on many restaurant menus.
Go beyond the beach
Of course, any trip to Menorca should be punctuated by trips to the beach. Menorca is surrounded by glittering coastline, making it the ideal place to unwind on your holiday.
As tempting as sunbathing can be, however, there are other activities that could make your trip one to remember. Enjoying water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking are incredibly popular and will make the most of your time spent in the sea.
Towns where this is particularly popular include Fornells Bay, where you’ll also find sailing and windsurfing schools. If you want to see beneath the water, then scuba-diving is a great option, too. You’ll also find plenty of snorkelling and scuba-diving rental companies. Menorca has underwater caves and shipwrecks to swim through and explore.
Soak up the Architecture
Menorca has had a colourful history when it comes to rulers. It’s been owned by the British, Byzantines and the Moors, all of which have had a direct influence on its architecture.
Ciutadella is the old-town port of Mallorca, and it is home to some of Menorca’s most stunning architecture. It is famed locally for its beauty and is said to be far more appealing thanks to its lack of traffic. It is home to cathedrals to wander through, palaces to visit and picturesque city squares to spend time in or each your lunch.
If you’re after some picture opportunities, then Ciutadella could be the perfect place to make a few visits to.
While you’re in Menorca, you should, of course, visit its main capital, Mahon. Just like the old town of Ciutadella, it is also a historical hub of architecture. It’s said that Mahon (or Maó) is particularly reflective of Britain’s architectural influence.
It is a great place to watch the boats drift in and out of, visit gift shops and enjoy either some fresh gin or lemonade. This port is also abundant with cafes, which make it a particularly relaxing place to base yourself if you find yourself getting overwhelmed by the hot summertime sunshine. Maó offers Mediterranean café culture and seaside beauty at its finest.
While Menorca may be small in size, you needn’t worry about getting your fix of culture and stunning seaside views. If you can’t bear the thought of a holiday spent entirely on the beach, then you will find plenty of cultural sites to visit. The best way to make the most of Menorca is to think, eat and explore like a local.
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