Menorca
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Having just returned from a quick break to Menorca, I would like to tell the world about it. Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands. Mallorca (the biggest) Ibiza and Formentera being the others. The Islands lie in the Mediterranean, between Spain to the west, France to the north Algiers to the south, and Italy to the east.
Menorca really is Virgin Territory, not only does it feel untouched and unspoilt but it is also one of Richard Branson's (and his mother's) regular hang-outs. It's the old Customs House, locally known as "Little Venice" where Richard goes to relax and unwind, (she has her own villa). Menorca is an island of natural beauty, and for people who like good food, Menorcan cuisine offers many fish dishes including their famous lobster casserole. But let's not forget their special blend of Gin, the best known of which is "Xoriguer", and has been distilled since the 18th Century, when Menorca was actually under British rule! It is made from grape, not grain, as the traditional London gins.
The island has changed hands several times over the past few centuries between the Spanish, British and French. In fact in 1763 Britain swapped the Philippines plus Cuba for Menorca with France! There are many of examples of British rule and references to Lord Nelson, who was rumoured to have smuggled his mistress Lady Hamilton on to the island, a place called "Golden Farm" in 1799, sadly untrue!
The capital is Mahon (the locals call it Maó), and has the second largest natural harbour in the world, the biggest being Pearl Harbour. It is here by the port that you will find the Xoriguer Distillery, where you can get a "Menorcan Breakfast", neat gin, and try all the locally produced liquors, about 12, but I lost count. The glasses are small but you can re-fill them as often as you like.
Menorca has many small beaches and numerous little coves or "Calas". It is said that Menorca has more beaches than the rest of the Balearics put together, and is less developed than neighbouring Mallorca. The island is known locally as "Isla de verde y azul" (green and blue for the non-linguists!), and it's not just because of its boomerang shape that people keep returning!
8-) JC ><>
Menorca really is Virgin Territory, not only does it feel untouched and unspoilt but it is also one of Richard Branson's (and his mother's) regular hang-outs. It's the old Customs House, locally known as "Little Venice" where Richard goes to relax and unwind, (she has her own villa). Menorca is an island of natural beauty, and for people who like good food, Menorcan cuisine offers many fish dishes including their famous lobster casserole. But let's not forget their special blend of Gin, the best known of which is "Xoriguer", and has been distilled since the 18th Century, when Menorca was actually under British rule! It is made from grape, not grain, as the traditional London gins.
The island has changed hands several times over the past few centuries between the Spanish, British and French. In fact in 1763 Britain swapped the Philippines plus Cuba for Menorca with France! There are many of examples of British rule and references to Lord Nelson, who was rumoured to have smuggled his mistress Lady Hamilton on to the island, a place called "Golden Farm" in 1799, sadly untrue!
The capital is Mahon (the locals call it Maó), and has the second largest natural harbour in the world, the biggest being Pearl Harbour. It is here by the port that you will find the Xoriguer Distillery, where you can get a "Menorcan Breakfast", neat gin, and try all the locally produced liquors, about 12, but I lost count. The glasses are small but you can re-fill them as often as you like.
Menorca has many small beaches and numerous little coves or "Calas". It is said that Menorca has more beaches than the rest of the Balearics put together, and is less developed than neighbouring Mallorca. The island is known locally as "Isla de verde y azul" (green and blue for the non-linguists!), and it's not just because of its boomerang shape that people keep returning!
8-) JC ><>
