Oct 20 – 22, 2014 —
Menorca is the least known of the Balearic Islands and is the one farthest to the east. The center one, Majorca is the largest of the three islands and known as a major sailing destination of both cruisers and superyachts at Palma. The island to the west, Ibiza is the smallest island, known worldwide and the party island of the rich and famous. The three islands, combined, make up one province of Spain. We haven’t seen the other two, but we already like Menorca the best!
Lavender is grown on Menorca and as we sailed in we could smell it in the air. How nice. The harbor is amazingly similar to sailing into Bermuda, with the rocky coastline, the white masonry homes along the waterfront and up the hillsides, shops and restaurants along the harbor, and boats all around. Menorca is less touristy than the other Belearic islands.
Menorca has the highest concentration of prehistoric remains in the entire Mediterranean. As in so many of the harbors in the Med., the first structure seen on approach is a huge fort. Menorca’s location in the western Med. was highly coveted as a strategic military base. That caused it to experience successive invasions and changing of hands through the centuries. Between 1708 and 1802 it changed hands six times. Britain controlled the island for over 100 years; a time of strong growth for Menorca’s economy. There is still a strong British presence on the island from the Georgian architecture in the capital of Mahon to the large number of Brits who live and vacation on the island. Many signs are in both Spanish and English.
A major wind storm was forecast with winds of 45 kts and 30 ft seas. After a night on the hook in a small lagoon we tied up at the town dock in Mahon, the capital of Menorca, and secured the boat with double lines and our large surge springs. We were ready. Fortunately as it arrived we were in a great spot with protection from the high hills on both sides of the harbor.
Mahon, Menorca is built on two different levels – the harbor and the upper town. There are at least 200 steps between the two areas. Each area has its own personality. The upper town is the old town, with narrow streets and historic buildings. The harbor is surrounded by marinas, shops and quaint restaurants.