MENORCA ,SEPTEMBER 2024, PATRIMONIO MUNDIAL – 11 DAY HOLIDAY

Over the years, everyone who had visited Menorca that I listened to,had only  praise . 

So it is a little surprising that it took so long for me to actually visit this prize of an island.

And,it is a relatively small island.

The transfer from Mahon airport to our base near Cuitadella,bisected the Island and took less than 50 minutes .

Los Lentiscos apartments was chosen because it was budget level, cheerful and near to the many “ Calas “ which are a feature of Western Menorca.

There are no serious rivers in Menorca but there are many coves along the coast of varying size known as “ Calas “

Initial reactions on arrival : Mahon airport is  carefully landscaped,on a  human, welcoming scale ( contrast to Bham ) and competent Jet2 staff were on hand to direct us to the transfer coach. The drive across the island was calm and we were able to notice the changes in landscape from  the Capital, transversing some hillier areas in the  centre of the island, by –  passing interesting towns like Alaior and Ferreries which Barbara and Hannah had visited on an earlier holiday here.

Very quickly, we came to Aveniguda des Delfines , the main road  into the Urbanisation in which our apartments were located – Les Delifines has a particularly naff sculpture placed on an island  en route.

However, happily,  this wasn’t to typify our visit.

Once ensconced  in our two apartments, a walk was needed after being sedentary for so many hours….inevitably this involved finding a supermarket ( easy ) and stocking up the fridge . Apartments suit us as we can choose to eat out  and shop locally and to cook from time to time.

The apartment had a good sized fridge and freezer section,with a two  ring burner and a microwave – just about the minimum for “ home cooking”.

Being on the ground floor turned out to be a bonus as we could walk out from the patio directly to the pool area, bar and reception in no time at all..

Being off season it was relatively uncrowded and very quiet – like a lot of places, not somewhere you would want to be in peak season – affable staff in reception, at the bar and  importantly the  people who make it all work – 

The room cleaners , bar staff , pool maintenance guys and gardeners – ambience.

The evening concluded with a short walk to the Yuca restaurant ( recommended but expensive) for dinner – the Gazpacho was very tasty, the wine good and the agglomeration of meat,potatoes and aubergine was artful and very satisfying.

I had already sensed that being on  an island, inevitably, prices would be higher than  mainland Spain, but the food was good even if some of the portions were  rather small….This was not to be the benchmark as some  later dining out was to prove remarkable.

Plentiful “ Supermarkets “ – but no  fresh,green vegetables; only salad items and a reasonable selection of fruit.

There were some erotic seeds available though….

Little in the way of natural yogurt, creme fraiche or similar – as I intended to cook on some of the evenings, this was a little frustrating.

Similarly, there was no butchery section as such in any of the various supermarkets visited. – fresh burgers, strips of pork loin and chicken, no fresh fish – it’s enough to make you a vegetarian!

One of the main differences to Spain  was “ Tapas” which we traditionally associate with small portions accompanied by a drink. Here, they are basically a starter to a meal and a good size, too. In one restaurant I ordered “ Patatas Bravas” from the Tapas section and it proved to be more than a big enough portion for three – and very good they were, too.

Even in Cuitadella there was no opportunity to ramble from one bar to another sampling small, delicious items, plentiful as the bars and restaurants are.

CALAS

Menorca, besides its reduced size has more than … 100 coves! say “calas” which is the translation in Spanish and everybody talks about calas here . Due to this insane number of calas, they say that “the best one” doesn’t exist.  The waters in the calas are ALL incredible. They can be blue or turquoise, and have more or less fish. – ideal for children,paddlers and snorkelling.

Despite its popularity it was a calm and quiet spot.

CAMIS not Caminos – “walks” basically – we walked sections of the Cami de Cavalls.

CAMI DE CAVALLS

More than a mere path: the history of the «Camí de Cavalls»

The Camí de Cavalls has a special significance for the local population, and not simply a historical one. The resurgence of the path is the result of hard work on behalf of many people, who believed it should be available as a public right of way, for cultural and social, as well as historical reasons. Years ago Menorca had a beautiful coastal path that went right round the island, crossing remote bays, gullies, woods and fields. It was known as the Camí de Cavalls (Bridle Path), and used by the British soldiers on horseback to guard the coast when they occupied Menorca. This wonderful circuit has been lovingly restored and signposted so that nowadays everyone can enjoy it. It 

It is 185 miles in length and encircles the entire island in 20 stages .

We walked two of the stages. From the apartment to Punta de Nata was the first

Stone plays a starring role along this section, as the path is particularly rocky. It is relatively easy to cover, however, because the profile is quite flat and only varies when passing small gorges dug into the rocks that lead to the sea.

A couple of days later we walked another section of the Cami de Cavalls southwards. Taking the 61 into CIUTADELLA and then the 64 bus to the start of the Cami at Cala Blanca, walking from its attractive beach.

Having completed this section it was bacon and cheese bocadillos for lunch with a Tinto Verano, then the number 65 bus back to CIUTADELLA. Both Camis were about 9 miles .