Menorca is usually checked out because the little brother of the Balearic archipelago. However as Anna Blackwell discovered, this small island provides one thing fully distinctive
Photograph: DMTwo
This text first appeared on Lively Traveller 20 Nov 2023
Phrases: Anna Blackwell
Photograph above: DMTwo
Sitting again in my kayak, I allowed the light, rhythmic rise and fall of the ocean swell to clean over me, clearing my thoughts of the busy-ness that had occupied it within the run as much as my journey. Rigorously twisting spherical to look over my shoulder, I noticed a deepening orange glow on the horizon. Dawn was imminent.
My alarm had awoken me at 6am. Quickly after, my two kayaking companions and I had paddled away from the seaside in darkness, head torches illuminating our means. Now, because the sky lightened, I might see the limestone cliffs rising excessive above us, blue waves lapping gently in opposition to their base. Our breakfast of conventional Menorcan meals was fastidiously packed in our information’s kayak, able to be served once we reached Cala Macarelleta, one in all Menorca’s many secluded, picturesque coves.
Photograph: DMTwo
Menorca is among the lesser visited Balearic Islands, typically overshadowed by close by Ibiza and Mallorca. With its 216km of pristine shoreline, turquoise waters and temperate local weather all year long, it will be simple to consider Menorca as simply one other seaside vacation vacation spot, or occasion island like its neighbours. As an alternative, it provides one thing totally different, combining tranquillity conducive to a soothing vacation with an vitality all of its personal, which inspires you to throw your self into the actions on supply.
Photograph: DMTwo
My dawn kayaking tour and seaside breakfast had been an ideal instance of how Menorca balances the thrill and physicality of journey with a way of slowness—a stability captured within the island’s common saying, poc a poc, which means little by little. This equilibrium is greatest demonstrated within the island’s Biosphere Reserve standing, awarded by UNESCO 30 years in the past in recognition of Menorca’s stability between growth and conservation.
Photograph: DMTwo
Within the Noble Footsteps of Knights
The earlier afternoon, I spent a number of superb hours mountaineering alongside a rugged part of the coast, following the Camí de Cavalls, of ”the horse’s path”. This 185km path circumnavigates the entire island, and its title dates again to the 14th Century, when a royal edict required knights in Menorca to patrol the shoreline on horseback, to be able to defend the island.
In the present day, it may be accomplished on foot, or mountain bike, in addition to on horseback. Climbing out of the city Cala Galdana, we rapidly left the hubbub of the resort behind. We meandered from white, sandy seashores to viewpoints perched atop limestone cliffs, relishing the shade of the untamed woodland that covers a lot of the coast. Reaching Trebalúger, we scrambled down from the footpath to drop into the nice and cozy sea and splash the remaining distance to this splendidly remoted seaside.
Menorca has round 80 such seashores starting from 100m to 2.5km lengthy, lots of which might solely be reached on foot. This absence of street entry – and the truth that many are backed by unruly woodland – makes them really feel wild and untouched, and it’s typically a small journey simply reaching them. Their intermittent spacing alongside the coast makes them supreme stop-offs on a day spent mountaineering. There’s absolutely no higher method to expertise the coast in true Menorcan poc a poc type than stretches of mountaineering interspersed with dips in crystal clear water. Better of all, the temperatures are welcoming virtually everytime you go to—remaining within the 20s from spring until autumn.
Photograph: DMTwo
On a stone bench in a small clearing, I paused to catch my breath, inhaling deeply of the salty sea air. The stone cooled my heat pores and skin, the shade solid by a close-by pine tree supplied welcome respite from the new afternoon solar. Simply past the cliff I used to be perched on, a pure limestone bridge jutted out into the blue sea. I might nearly make out the reflection of the water, casting luminous patterns that danced throughout the gently curved underside of the arch.
I felt concurrently invigorated and extremely relaxed. Kayaking, mountaineering, horse using: these are all doubtlessly intense actions, however doing them right here, in Menorca’s gorgeous pure setting, made them really feel restorative fairly than tiring. I felt calm, content material, and someway extra energised than I had been earlier than. I smiled to myself, realising I lastly understood the total which means of poc a poc.
Photograph: DMTwo
5 Actions to Attempt in Menorca
Mountain biking
With its community of quiet rural lanes and tracks that wind by way of the rolling countryside, Menorca is a mountain biker’s paradise. Whether or not you’re a newbie in search of a mild introduction to the game, or an skilled rider trying to go full Purple Bull Rampage, there’s a path to swimsuit you. Camí de Cavalls 360 supplies a collection of route choices, coastal and inland, plus information on guiding and assist.
Mountaineering
There’s an enormous number of mountaineering on the island, from quick loops taking you to epic viewpoints, to the 185km Camí de Cavalls round path, recognised as GR223 within the European community of lengthy distance footpaths. Tackle one of many segments for a taster of this coastal route, or for those who’re feeling bold, decide to finishing your entire path, which dates again to the times when knights would patrol the sides of the island on horseback.
Photograph: DMTwo
Horse-riding
Horses are an integral a part of Menorcan tradition, with the noble black-coated Menorcan horses being a recognised breed. Moreover, jaleos, the place riders convey their horses to rear on their again legs in a type of ‘dance’, are a outstanding characteristic of the patron saint festivities that happen in all of the cities and villages throughout the island. Trekking into the countryside on horseback is a improbable method to expertise the island and is appropriate for freshmen and skilled riders alike.
Kayaking
Heading out in a kayak provides an alternate vantage level from which to see Menorca’s stunning coast. Paddle beneath the imposing cliffs, discover caves and pure archways which can be in any other case inaccessible, and discover your method to among the remotest coves on the island. Spot the variations between the 2 coastlines—from the white expanses of wonderful sand seashores on the south coast to the red-gold cliffs and seashores of the north. Should you’re looking for an actual journey, you may decide up a sea kayak and circumnavigate the entire island.
Photograph: DMTwo
Stand-up paddleboarding
On a peaceful day, the turquoise waters round Menorca may be virtually impossibly clear and are greatest appreciated from the deck of a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Rent one and paddle out to get pleasure from sundown, or guide onto an extended tour for extra of a problem. Among the best issues about SUPping in Menorca is the temperature of the ocean: even for those who fall off, you’ll be pleasantly stunned by how heat the water is.
5 different experiences that offer you a real flavour of Menorca
Take a strolling tour of Ciutadella
The spectacular walled citadel of Ciutadella may be discovered on Menorca’s west coast. Its enchanting outdated quarter, a nationwide historic and creative monument, is stuffed with gold-tinged palaces and porticoes. Stroll alongside the harbour earlier than ascending a large flight of stairs to Plaça des Born, house to a well-known, palm tree-adorned city corridor. Strolling excursions showcase the very best of town, together with visits to artisanal crafters’ workshops.
Photograph: DMTwo
Go to Pedreres de s’Hostal quarry, Lithica
Limestone was extracted from these huge quarries by hand for tons of of years, earlier than mechanised means took over from the mid 1900s till the closure of the quarries in 1994. They’ve now been reworked into a powerful labyrinth of public gardens—a dense, lush haven for crops and herbs. Coming into the mediaeval backyard by way of a tough archway within the limestone wall appears like stepping right into a secret world. On-line reservation is really helpful, lithica.es
Discover the Talayotic archaeological websites
Menorca’s wealthy pre- and historical historical past dates again to 2,300 BC. The title Talayotic Menorca comes from the distinctive tower constructions discovered throughout the island. There are round 1,500 of those fascinating, properly preserved websites, and the towers had been lately included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Checklist. Probably the most in depth settlement is Torre d’en Galmés, whereas the small settlement of Trepucó boasts one of many largest taulas nonetheless standing.
Photograph: DMTwo
Attempt the distinctive meals and wine
Menorca achieved the European Area of Gastronomy Award in 2022. its wealthy culinary heritage it’s simple to see why. Sa Cooperativa del Camp organises excursions and tastings at native producers. You possibly can pattern Mahón-Menorca Denomination of Origin cheese recent from a dairy farm, or watch an illustration of the way to make mayonnaise, undoubtedly Menorca’s most well-known product, and a surprisingly fascinating course of to see ‘dwell’. The island is house to a number of vineyards producing prime quality native wines, together with Binifadet, the place additionally they serve scrumptious meals in a ravishing restaurant.
Go Stargazing
Along with being a Biosphere Reserve, Menorca’s protected pure areas and exceptionally clear skies have additionally earned it Starlight Reserve standing. Polaris Menorca runs guided evening hikes and stargazing workshops for individuals who need to expertise Menorca underneath an evening sky. Preserve an eye fixed out for his or her planispheres (star wheels) that are mounted throughout the island, together with one at Torre d’en Galmés.
Know the way
Our journey
Anna’s journey was supported by Turisme de Menorca who present journey inspiration, data and reserving hyperlinks on their web site.
Getting there
Jet2 function direct flights to Menorca from Birmingham, Manchester and London Stansted in the summertime. EasyJet and British Airways fly there a number of occasions a day from London Gatwick.
The publish Poc a Poc | Exploring Menorca, a Little at a Time appeared first on Mpora.
