Spain

Exploring Menorca’s Unique and Fun Coastal Towns

In addition to beautiful beaches, Menorca, Spain has some interesting and scenic towns to explore. During our short visit, we mixed in visits to the island’s towns, historic sites and beaches. The island is small and it only takes about 45 minutes by car to get from one end of the island to the other. Since the island is not large, any of these towns would be a good “home base” during your stay in Menorca. We decided to say in Cala Galdana, more of a resort area for our first time in Menorca which was also a good choice.

Map showing the relative locations of the major towns in Mencorca.

Ciutadella de Menorca

Ciutadella is located on the western end of Menorca and was a busier town than Mahón (discussed below), although that may have been due to the time of day we visited (early evening). Ciutadella is home to the main ferry route connecting Menorca to Mallorca. The town is ancient, dating back to the Carthaginians (~300 BC), and has a long (and at times sad) history, particularly in the 1500’s when the town came under siege by the Turks, who took the survivors and sold them into slavery in Constantinople (Istanbul).

This windmill stands out as a primary landmark as you enter Ciutadella.
Street scenes in Ciutadella. There are some lovely pedestrian arcaded streets and shops and interesting architecture to be admired in Ciutadella.
We enjoyed a great tapas meal in Ciutadella!

Mahón (or Maó)

Mahón is the largest town in Menorca and the island’s capital, located on the eastern edge of the island. It’s also the location of the island’s airport if you fly here. The town is quite pretty, with a lovely setting and harbor. There are some rumors that the word mayonnaise originated here! We found the town to be pretty quiet, with few tourists wandering about. Numerous boat tours are available from Mahón and perhaps most tourists were out for the day.

We had fun wandering the streets along the harbor and admiring the yachts at berth and enjoying some great gelato! Nearby are a number of prehistoric sites that may be visited.

Views of Mahón‘s Harbor.
Street scenes in Mahón.

Binibeca (or Binibeca Vell)

Binibeca is a white town on Menorca’s southeast shore that is relatively new but looks like an old fishing village! It reminded me a bit of the Greek islands. It certainly makes for a postcard view. The town was built in 1968, and is in a great location – close to Mahón and yet it feels somewhat remote. The area near Binibeca is a growing tourist spot, with many small hotels/resorts and homes popping up nearby in the years since the village was built. In addition, there are numerous beaches and coves within a short distance if you want to enjoy the warm clear water.

View of Binebeca and its small harbor.
Views of Binibeca. It would be hard to find a more uniform-looking town anywhere in Europe!
A short walk from Binibeca will take you to some amazing coves and clear water – inviting you to stay and take a dip! We came back on another day and took advantage of these clear, warm waters.

Fornells

Fornells is the only major town on Menorca’s north shore and would make a great home base for visiting Menorca, if you want to enjoy a quieter experience and slower pace. Unlike Binibeca, this is an authentic fishing village and it’s known for its great seafood restaurants.

View of Fornells’ harbor.
Street scenes in Fornells.
Residences and vacation homes near Fornells on Menorca’s north shore – this area had a “California coast” feel.
One doesn’t have to go far from Fornells to find a great beach – Cala Tirant is just a couple kilometers as the crow files from Fornells, or an 8 km (4.5 mile) drive.

Images of Segovia, Spain

Spain is the fourth most-visited country in the world based on volume of international tourists (after France, US and China) and yet many parts of the country seem less “overrun” by tourists, possibly because it’s relatively large country. In future posts, I will share a few of the “hidden” treasures of Spain.

Just 92 km (57 miles) northwest of Madrid is the beautiful town of Segovia, which does receive its fair share of tourists, and it’s easy to see why – going from one end of the old town to another, we get to see a nearly perfectly preserved Roman-era aqueduct, great Gothic cathedral and fairy-tale Alcázar (castle).

The 1st century Roman aqueduct in Segovia. It was still in use until the late 19th century!

The 1st century Roman aqueduct in Segovia. It was still in use until the late 19th century!

A view of the 16th century cathedral in Segovia--the last great Gothic cathedral in Spain. There are beautiful Belgian 17th century tapestries here.

A view of the 16th century cathedral in Segovia–the last great Gothic cathedral in Spain. There are beautiful Belgian 17th century tapestries here.

One of my favorite personal photos ever - taken from the west side of town, the rays of the late afternoon sun on the Segovia cathedral.

One of my favorite personal photos ever – taken from the west side of town, the rays of the late afternoon sun on the Segovia cathedral.

One of the narrow lanes in the old city of Segovia - the Alcazar lies ahead.

One of the narrow lanes in the old city of Segovia – the Alcazar lies ahead.

The great Segovia Alcazar. Rebuilt after a fire in 1862. This image is taken from an old Templar Knights church (Church of Vera Cruz) outisde the city walls.

The great Segovia Alcazar. Rebuilt after a fire in 1862. This image is taken from an old Templar Knights church (Church of Vera Cruz) outside the city walls.

Inside one of the halls in the Alcazar.

Inside one of the halls in the Alcazar.

The Vera Cruz Templar church - from the early 13th century. Well worth a visit itself and for the views of the Alcazar (just behind the church).

The Vera Cruz Templar church – from the early 13th century. Well worth a visit itself and for the views of the Alcazar (just behind the church).

On the way from Madrid, be sure to stop by El Escorial too, about half way between Madrid and Segovia (see my post on El Escorial here).