Menorca is making the most of its strong British heritage to attract visitors who love their history
The Spanish holiday island of Menorca is sometimes overlooked because of its big sister Majorca. But anyone looking for somewhere peaceful to stay with occasional visits to historic sites, who enjoys long coastal walks, good food and a drink with friends, or even house hunting, would be more than happy here.
Travel to Menorca from Yorkshire is a short flight yet far enough away to feel as if you have escaped every day life at home. And the weather is kind.
New developments to attract tourists are regularly being announced as part of an on-going drive to win more tourists. One of them is Menorca’s famed Cam� de Cavalls, a historical route that follows the whole coast of the island. It has been officially reopened following a €1m restoration programme.
The statistics are impressive. The route is 184 kilometres and dates back to the 13th century. At least 79 kilometres of land have been cleared and 96 wooden gates, 130 metres of hand railings and 53 metres of ramps and steps have been installed to make the route visitor-friendly. It’s a route that reveals Menorca’s landscape, history and people as it wanders through remote wildlife areas and estates as well as major tourist attractions.
Tourism officers plan to make the most of more than 5,000 years of the island’s colourful history, its 700 square kilometers of dramatic countryside and 216 kilometers of coastline and golden beaches, to lure more visitors.
Menorca was a stopping-off point and a refuge for thousand-year-old civilisations that left behind a unique cultural and archaeological heritage, with many prehistoric monuments and enclaves. The capital Mahon, which has the world’s second largest natural harbour, likes to keep the memory of its British past alive with different festivals and events, all part of encouraging visitors to explore what is a strong connection.
Colin Guanaria is from Leeds and happily settled in Menorca with his wife Margaret for more than 20 years. He has become totally involved in the community and his business Bonnin Sanso is one of, if not the most successful, estate agents on the island.
He has helped settle many Britons on the island. ‘It is easy to get carried away with the wonderful weather and the friendliness of the people but buying a property here is different to buying a property in England. The language will make a difference of course but there are planning and legal matters that have to be taken into account too. It is very important to get the right advice.’
But it is Colin’s personal experience of the island and its people that many visitors value when it comes to making a decision to spend more time in Menorca. He knows the best places to shop, to eat, to relax as well as where the most desirable residential areas are found. Would he return to Leeds permanently? Unlikely.
Find out more about Menorca at menorca.esContact Colin Guanaria at Bonnin Sanso, Mahon, Menorca+34 971 35 04 05bonninsanso.com
