Magical Menorca in the Balearic Sea is a stunning island off the coast of Spain, known for its miles of sandy beaches, beautiful azure sea and rich, enduring history and culture. It’s no wonder the island is such a popular tourist destination, but deciding where to stay in Menorca might require a bit of thought – simply because there are so many different options to consider! The lovely Alaior makes an excellent choice, particularly for those people looking for a slightly more understated and relaxed holiday experience. Read on to find out what makes this such a terrific place to stay… Culture and Cuisine The region has its own unique gastronomy and is also very well known for the production of its Queso de Menorca cheese. Cova d’en Xoroi club, in the cove of Cala en Porter, is well worth a visit and this popular establishment is renowned as a great place to try out the local cuisine during the day. It’s also a wonderful venue in which to experience some of the Menorcan nightlife – and while you’re there, be sure to try the delicious and very more-ish Xoriguer gin. Idyllic Scenery The town is very close to Son Bou, which is home to the island’s longest beach and is a really delightful place to sunbathe or enjoy a beach picnic overlooking the ocean. A short distance along the coast, Cala en Porter and the Cales Coves are the striking result of years of natural coastal erosion and are certainly photograph-worthy features. Further inland there are several hiking routes that are extremely popular with nature lovers looking to get a taste of the outdoors and take the opportunity to spot some of the abundant Menorcan wildlife. The route that leads from the Ermita de San Llorenç to Binixems is particularly scenic and comes highly recommended by locals. Rich History The town has an ancient history, dating back to the fourteenth century. It was founded by King James II of Mallorca on a Moorish settlement in 1304, as part of the Christian Conquest of the Middle Ages. The rural parish of Santa Eulàlia is a particular highlight for history lovers. Its church is truly impressive, featuring architecture in both the Baroque and the Renaissance styles. The hermitage of Sant Pere Nou is another site that is well worth a visit, offering striking views across the town as well as providing an insight into the influence of Christian culture on the area. Even for those with just a mild interest in learning something more about the island’s past, Alaior is a really wonderful choice in the decision of where to stay in Menorca, due to its abundance of important historical sites. Where to Stay There are a number of excellent villas in the vicinity of Alaior that offer great access to the old town centre, the Menorcan capital of Mahón and the nearby beach resorts of Son Bou and San Jaime. The proximity to Mahón makes it so easy to explore the capital or enjoy some fine dining, with the knowledge that you can leave the hustle and bustle behind when you head home for the evening to the relatively quieter Alaior. When deciding where to stay in Menorca, you certainly won’t go wrong booking a villa in this charming region. Taking into account the fascinating history of the area, the wealth of cultural attractions and the gorgeous natural scenery it is an ideal choice. Author Plate Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine - no secret of the island remains hidden to her. Personally selecting the finest properties for her clients, Brenda is the go-to person for anyone looking for where to stay in Menorca. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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