3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 day weather forecast in Menorca

Menorca

The megalithic stone monuments dotted around Menorca testify the island’s immense and varied history. Influenced by civilisations as far away as Crete, the Tayalotic culture left few traces other than its namesake tayalots (rock mounds) and the taulas (massive stones formed in a t-shape) that stand beside them before it was erased by the Roman conquest in 123 BC. The Vandals of east Germany invaded the island in the 5th century only to be thrown out by the Byzantines. In 903 AD Minorca was annexed to the Caliphate of Cordoba and became Manurqa, remaining Islamic until the Christian invasion of 1287. Most of the island’s Muslim inhabitants were sold into slavery in Barcelona.

Captured by the British navy during the War of the Spanish Succession, Minorca became a British possession in 1708. It remained a battlefield for the whole of the next century, passing between British and French hands before reverting to Spain in 1802. This had longstanding repercussions: after Menorca supported the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War, the only one of the Balearics to do so, the British navy intervened to assist in the peaceful transfer of power and escort some political refugees away from the island safely. This was the only place in Spain to receive such mercy.

Even tourism has not managed to damage Menorca too badly; the few resorts are well away from the towns . This is the least developed of the Balearic islands, essentially rural with rolling fields, wooded ravines and humpy hills filling out the interior in between Mahón and Ciutadella. The climate is mild, never dipping below 10º even in January or climbing over 30º in summer. Most of the rainfall is in winter, so the island is fresh and verdant throughout the year but still gets 325 days a year of sunshine.

Mahón, the capital city, is often bypassed in favour of more romantic spots. Its fine portside setting is well worth a look, however; the streets are an unusual hybrid of Georgian townhouses and severe Spanish apartment blocks. Santa Maria, the main church, has a wonderful Austrian organ, while golden Sant Francesc down the road is a Churrigueresque fantasy. The Museu de Menorca next door is unmissable for its prehistoric artefacts. At the edge of the city you can visit the most famous tayalot site at Talati de Dalt. A cyclopean wall encloses the impressive taula; all around are the remnants of prehistoric buildings.

Cheese lovers will enjoy the factories of Alaior, a bleached white town that is the centre of the dairy industry. Monte Toro nearby is the highest point on Menorca. At the western end of the island is Ciutadella, which was the capital until the British invasion. Much prettier than Mahón, its squares and alleys are ideal for wandering. The highlight is the Cathedral, which manages to combine Gothic impregnability with Baroque kitsch to glorious effect.

In general, traditional Balearic food has been superseded by Catalan cuisine, but Mahón does have a place in gastronomic history as the birthplace of mayonnaise. The island cheese is also excellent and the soft sausage is similar to that made in Mallorca; sea anemone fritters are another local delicacy. Don’t forget to try the spirits: the British brought distilling equipment with them and Menorcan gin is now renowned!