Why you need to visit Menorca
I’m sorry Menorca. I got you all wrong.
When did I realise my error? Maybe it was when I was looking down into the crystal, peaceful waters of a paradise-like cove we stumbled upon when exploring the North coast. Or maybe it was when, wine glass in hand, I saw an entire vineyard sway in the late afternoon breeze. Or perhaps it was while enjoying a simple square of homemade bread dipped in olive oil, dangling my feet into the ocean from a catamaran.
It doesn’t matter. In all of these moments, I realised my perception of this Spanish island as a tacky holiday resort had been way off. In fact, it’s now one of my favourite European holiday destinations (and it’s only two hours from Southend on EasyJet’s new flight route to Mahon). As you may or may not know I’m now a blogger for The Travel Hack, and my first project was to discover this island for myself. What I found surprised me, to say the least.
Never considered Menorca for your holiday before? Neither had I. But here’s why perhaps you should.
The food is amazing
No soggy chips and stale pizza here. Menorca offers authentic, traditional food to rival anywhere in the Med, and there’s so many gorgeous restaurants lining the seafront. My personal recommendations? Cuttlefish (it’s so fresh, the salt will sting your lips. In a good way.), or battered calamari with just a pinch of pepper and a squeeze of lemon. When you factor in a sip of crisp white wine, you’ll start to wonder why Menorcan cuisine isn’t more celebrated.
The people are passionate
Everyone I met in Menorca had A story to tell, a secret to share, a recipe to divulge. And they had one thing in common; they were all completely in love with Menorca. From our tour guide whose eyes lit up as he taught us about the island’s historical monuments, culture and natural heritage, to the incredible lady mass producing salt with little to no power at La Reserva Concepcio, there was a warmth to everyone we came across during the trip.
It feels undiscovered
Over on The travel Hack, I emphasised
how surprised I was by Menorca’s natural beauty
. It’s not overly developed or commercialised at all, and as a result retains a rare, earthy appeal. A lot of the land is protected and farmers aren’t permitted to farm it – resulting in stunning views of undulating hills and olive trees for miles and miles.
I also loved how the island protects its hidden coves and bays like precious secrets. So many local favourite spots can be found down completely inconspicuous looking roads and dead-ends. (My favourite? Sa Caleta. Just don’t tell them I told you.)
Have you ever been to Menorca? What did you think?
