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| Menorca Travel Guide for backpackers |
Menorca is the least developed and second largest member of the Balearic Islands. It remains essentially rural, its rolling fields, wooded ravines and humpy hills filling out the interior in between its two main towns of Mao and Ciutadella.
Menorca is littered with prehistoric monuments, weatherworn stone remains that are evidence of a sophisticated culture. Little is known for sure of the island's prehistory, but the monuments are thought to be linked to those of Sardinia and are classified as part of the second-millennium BC Talayot culture. |
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 DAILY BUDGET in MENORCA - Like the other Baleric Islands, Menorca is relatively cheap and a daily budget of around US$35 will be enough to have a great time. If you want to splash out a little and experience everything on offer here, a daily budget of US$80 is recommended. |
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Museu de Menorca - This old monastic building is easily Menorca's biggest and best museum. The museum's first floor holds a wide sample of prehistoric artefacts, beginning with bits and pieces left by the Neolithic pastoralists who settled here about 4000 BC, there's also an extensive range of material from the Talayotic period. Most of the exhibits carry multilingual labels.
Santa Maria - This church, founded in 1287 by Alfonso III to celebrate the island's Reconquest, is a pleasing architectural hybrid and inside a particular highlight is the high altar, whose larger-than-life Baroque excesses shoot up to the roof flanked by spiral columns.
Chapel of Immaculate Conception - Tucked away off the north sde of the nave, this octagonal wonderland of garlanded vines and roses is an exquisite example of the Churrigueresque style. The chapel is attributed to Francesc Herrara, who trained in Rome and worked in both Menorca and Mallorca.
Callas Fonts - Great little harbour near Mahon. Lots of nice little cafes and restaurants. Great atmosphere.
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Pa amb oli - Located at Nou de Julio, this excellent cafe-bar is decorated with a vaguely rustic style and specializes in all things menorquin. The food is filling, delicious, traditional and relatively inexpensive. This cafe is highly recommended.
Mirador Cafe - This little cafe-bar with a terrace offers tasty snacks and great views over the harbour. It is found footsteps from the fish market, at the top of the main stairway leading from the harbour to the town centre. Jazz is the favoured background music.
Cafe Baixamar - Located at Moll de Ponent 17, this attractively decorated little café-bar, with old-fashioned mirrors and soft-hued paintwork, serves tasty traditional Menorcan snacks and tapas. The island cheese and sausage is highly recommended.
Apartamentos Royale Cafe - Just a couple of blocks off the harbor. Inexpensive daily menu with great service at this family run cafe. Many of the locals go here to avoid the tourist spots.
Bar Espanya, Es Castell - Very good lunch menu of the day, (9.50 euros incl. wine & bread, 2007) starters in particular are excellent. Good food, interesting fellow eaters and great staff.
Cafe Diaz, Cuitadella - Found on the industrial estate, makers of the best ensaimadas in menorca. They also make very good filled rolls and sell local produce. Very busy at times and full of local workers.
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Bar Akelarre - Found at Mol de Ponent 41, this is the best and most fashionable bar in town. It occupies an attractively renovated ground-floor vault with stone walls and a miniature garden-cum-terrace at the back, right at the foot of the old city walls. The play jazz and smooth modern sounds, with live acts performing occasionaly.
Cafe Mares - Found down a narrow alley off Placa Conquesta and with great views over the port, this smart cafe-bar, with its slight modern furnishings and pastel-painted walls, is one of the most popular spots amongst the locals.
Latitude 40 - Great staff and atmosphere. Don't be put off by all the boat owners that make this this first calling. Excellent place for a late drink.
Mambo - Fantastic music and the best mojito on the island. Their mixed drinks are the best on the harbor. Great outdoor patio in the summertime.
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