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Attracting a large number of tourists every year Mercadal is well known for its great speciality restaurants, One of these cosy and rustic restaurants is located inside a windmill, The mill is in fact a symbol to the village, but this is not unusual for many of the villages on the Island of Minorca. Another experience not to be missed a handicraft and food market with stalls galore offering every opportunity to those that are in their Minorca Rental Villas. Minorca or even Menorca is one of the Balearic Islands the smaller of the Islands alongside Majorca which is the Major or larger of Balearic Islands. The Islands are on a major migratory route for many species of birds and have become a popular place for bird watchers. Renown for its collection of megalithic stones from man's prehistory, Minorca has a reputable collection of artefacts the influence of so many Mediterranean cultures, still shows in the building and cuisine of the Island. Because of early piracy during a time when the Romans occupied Hispania, pirates would attack shipping moving between the Iberian Peninsular and the Italian coasts, and would use th eIslands as a refuge. This eventually led to the Romans invading and capturing the Islands, which remained under their control until the fall of the Empire. Followed by the Vandals and then the Moors, eventually Alfonso iii liberated the Island in January of 1287, an anniversary celebrated as National day in Minorca. The British owned the Islands from 1713 although the battle of Minorca in 1756 saw the loss of the Island to the French, albeit for a short period, 2 years later retaken only to be given away in 1802 by 'Treaty of Amiens'. Like every town and city in mainland Spain Minorca enjoys summer festivals, The fiesta de Sant Joan is held annually and lasts three days, the first day when a sheep bearing man wonders the streets. The second day is the day of the black horses, when the horses are ridden through town embellished with ribbons and rosettes, their riders encouraging the animals to rear up on their hind legs to the delight of the locals. The event itself is a forerunner of the final day when competition between riders from different quarters compete in a jousting competition, the ring on a post is the target. The end of the final day sees an evening with firework displays. Monte Toro, at 357 meters, is the highest point on Minorca. On top of the summit stands a small monastery, which had its origins back in the 13th Century, but almost destroyed in 1936. The chapel of Virgin Marie and the legendary bull can still be seen there today. Enjoy the truly spectacular views over the whole island when on your Minorca Rental Villas. Welcome to Travelling2peru.com (Leaders in Peruvian tourism, Machu Picchu and Cusco Tours) International posts, dedicated to all travellers who wish to travel around the world. For more information Visit Peru Packages
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