The much anticipated summer solstice is here in Menorca and, as in many other places in the Balearic Islands, the night of Sant Joan, shrouded in fire and magic, is the gateway to the new season and a time of long-awaited fun and relaxation.
The highlight of your summer holiday in Menorca is the Sant Joan festivities in Ciutadella, created around the beauty and majesty of horses and their historical relationship with the island, and which show you a little piece of its traditions. The jaleos are festivals in which the horses are the main actors, celebrated in all the various towns of the island and continuing on throughout the summer until September. At this time, the Fiestas de la Mare de Déu de Gràcia in Maó bring the popular celebrations to a close.
Did you know that Menorca was proclaimed European Region of Gastronomy 2022 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT)? So you have no excuse not to enjoy the local products: such as ‘coca bamba’, ‘crespells’, ‘formatjades’, ‘rubiols’, ‘carquinyols’, ‘carn i xua’, ‘cuixot’ or ‘sobrassada’. Have you tried the most emblematic local recipe yet? The caldereta de langosta (lobster stew), served with country bread, is a real delicacy. And you cannot miss its famous rice dishes either. Of seafaring origin, the island offers you the products of the sea such as scorpion fish, fritanga de ‘peix de roca’, fried fish, maidens, thrushes, serranos, cows and ‘esparalls’. Maó cheese has a designation of origin and is made in the traditional way in the ‘llocs’, which you can visit at some point during your stay on the island. The Mercat des Claustre in Maó, Sa Llotja, in the port or the Mercat des Peix, as well as the Plaça des Peix in Ciutadella, are also good attractions.
Of course, Menorca is synonymous with beaches and torquoise blue waters. Be transported to another planet with the wild, reddish sand on the island’s north coast and experience the contrast of its white sandy beaches in the south. If you are travelling with your family, you have a wide variety to choose from: such as the beach of Es Grau, next to the Albufera, the centre of the Natural Park and core of the Biosphere Reserve. You can also enjoy yourself with your family and friends in Cala Galdana or Cala en Porter.
Menorca also offers you its seven characteristic lighthouses that mark the way for sailors: the Cavalleria Lighthouse, Favaritx or Punta Nati are some of them. Surprise yourself with a panoramic view of the island from its highest point, Monte Toro, 358 metres above sea level, and you will see that you are on one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
More plans to keep boredom at bay
If you have enough time, you can visit the Talayotic settlement of Torre d’en Galmés, the Cova de s’Aigua, the Naveta des Tudons or the Fort of Marlborough, walk along the Camí de Cavalls (GR-223), a 184 km trail around the island that will leave you open-mouthed. You can also visit its craft and food markets and get to know the Mostra d’Artesania de Ferreries, which is held at the end of September. There, you can get your hands on the emblematic typical footwear, the ‘avarca’ “made in Menorca”, which updates the tradition of the island’s rural world. And if you want to delve deeper into the craft trades, visit the Menorca Craft Centre in Es Mercadal.
After so much hustle and bustle, don’t forget to take a break: let yourself be pampered at our Marinda Garden Aparthotel establishment, where we will be waiting for you, with everything prepared for your perfect holiday.
