Minorca

Minorca - The North

Interesting article about the North of Minorca, Balearic Islands.

Places to Visit in Northern Minorca

Minorca (Menorca) - The North - In this article we shall head for the north of the island of Minorca (Menorca), a wild and rocky stretch of coast, much of which cannot be reached by road.

We shall start at the northernmost point of the island, the Cap de Cavalleria, a tall rocky headland, which is in fact the most northerly point of the entire Balearic Islands region. At the top of this narrow, windswept headland it is possible to walk along the cliff top, near to the lighthouse and enjoy some breathtaking views of the Minorcan coastline. Nearby are the remains of an ancient Phoenician settlement called Sanitja, mentioned in the writings of Pliny, the renowned Roman author, it was later established as a port by the Romans and renamed Sanisera, in this area you can visit a relic of the British occupation of Minorca, in the form of a watch tower (Torre de Sanitja) one of 11 built by the British on the island’s most strategic points, this particular tower was built by Captain Robert D’Arcy between 1798 and 1802, it was designed to house a garrison of 18 men.

To the east of the Cap de Cavalleria lies the pretty fishing village of Fornells, renowned for its seafood restaurants, it attracts the rich and famous, its most notable visitor being the King of Spain Juan Carlos, who drops in from time to time to dine in one of the waterfront restaurants. The local speciality is caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew), an expensive but delicious dish, which started off as a Minorca fishermens dish. Fornells was once a major port and at the entrance to the harbour stands an old watch tower, from where you can enjoy stunning views over the harbour. Close to Fornells is Ses Salines, one of the best places on Minorca to learn to sail or windsurf due to its shallow and sheltered nature.

A little further east, the coves of Addaia were the site of the last British landing on Minorca, by Scottish Highland troops in 1798, it is now a harbour and holiday village. There is some modern development in this area especially at Arenal d’en Castell, set on an attractive bay, with a wide sandy beach, there are a number of high-rise hotels, not seen elsewhere on Minorca, this is the liveliest spot in northern Minorca, and tends to attract the younger set. The old fishing village of Macaret also has some development, but less intrusive, it blends in nicely with the traditional Minorcan style.

To the west of Fornells and the Cap de Cavalleria there is a long stretch of coastline, with a number of beautiful unspoilt beaches, some of these are difficult to reach by car but well worth the effort, and include Cala Pregonda, Cala del Pilar and Cala d’Alagiarens. At the small resort of Cala Morell it is possible to visit some fascinating caves which were inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages and were used both as dwellings and burial chambers, the caves have windows and chimneys and central pillars which support the roof.

Further inland and well worth a visit is the town of Ferreries, the highest town on Minorca, it has some interesting places to visit including the Museu de la Natura de Minorca, the 18th century church of Sant Bartomeu and the Plaça d’Espanya, where the Saturday market attracts a multitude of visitors. Ferreries is located at the foot of the S’Enclusa hill, which protects it from the cold Tramuntana wind which sweeps through this region, its name is derived from the Catalan word ferrer (blacksmith), referring to the numerous blacksmiths who made their living in the town, these days the main industries in the town are shoe-making, hand made jewellery and furniture manufacture.

This concludes our article on northern Minorca, an interesting area which is certainly worth visiting if you are travelling to the island.

Minorca Links: Minorca Map - Minorca Weather - Minorca Travel

Minorca Golf: Minorca Golf Son Parc - Spanish Golf Courses

Minorca Hotels: Gavilanes Cala Galdana - Valentin Star Cala n Bosch

Areas of Minorca: Minorca South

Minorca Places: Addaya - Arenal D'En Castell - Binibeca - Cala Galdana - Cala n Blanes - Cala n Bosch - Cala n Forcat - Ciutadella - Es Castell - Los Delfines - Mahon - Punta Prima - S'Algar - Sant Lluis - Son Bou

Minorca - The North

Places to Visit in Northern Minorca

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