In fact, the history of this island is what makes it so interesting to outsiders, as it has changed ownership several times over the centuries, inevitably showing the architectural and art influences with each successive change of rulership. Of particular interest to traveling Americans is the fact that Menorca was completely under British control in 1763 thanks to the Treaty of Paris, fell capture to Spanish and French forces during the American Revolutionary War – only to change hands again to the British during the French Revolutionary Wars.

This is of course before Spain acquired the island in 1802 once and for all. This does not suggest however, that Menorca lived peacefully ever after. Political stresses have continued to pull the island back and forth between reigning parties and powers over the years. Aside from this rich history, Menorca is known for bringing us some fun facts and trivia.

For instance, this little section of the world is responsible for sobrassada – a sausage that’s made with paprika. The natives here also brought us gin and Mao cheese among other things like the world-known megalithic stone monuments: navetes, taulas, and talaiots for example. As you can see, Menorca has much to offer the new world traveler or adventurer and it really is to your advantage to experience some of the new and exciting things that the culture of this land has to offer.

In an effort to learn as much as you can during your stay in Menorca, take a crash course in Spanish, the native language of the island. It’s not necessary to become fluent – although that would certainly make things easier for you and the locals that you communicate with. But it’s helpful to learn at least a few phrases that will enable you to get help when needed or to develop a meaningful and educational relationship with the people that you interact with.

You should be comforted in knowing that Spanish is one of the most easiest languages to learn and chances are that you already know a little Spanish if you’re an American. Many words of the English language are derivatives of the Spanish language, so as you learn it, you’ll find that it’s something you can pick up rather quickly.

Of course you could also educate yourself about the island prior to your visit. Learn about Menorca by reading books, learning about its art, literature, and music, its geography, its political history, and more. Viewing photographs will help you associate what you’ve learned from books with the images of the land so that they’ll be easily recognizable once you get there.

At Menorca however, don’t let books dictate how you’ll receive the island. Another way to absorb Menorca’s culture is to just get out and about and interact with people and the events that you find. The two major towns of this island are Ciutadella and Maó. So bring along a camera and really get into the experience so that you can not only enjoy it, but also learn from what the cities of Alaior, Es Castell, Ciutadella, Ferreries, Mahon, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, and Sant Lluís have to offer.

Just be sure that if you’ve arrived to the island with a schedule to follow, you can arrange your list of activities so that they grant you ample time to tour significant landmarks, taste the food, visit its religious buildings, and experience it’s landscape. If time allows, rent a car and adventure out on your own or sign up for a tour. Treat the island as if it were your own homeland and experience it to the fullest.

Being so close to Spain, you can take a short trip to the mainland and witness the las fiestas de San Fermin celebrated every July 7th. This unique festival is known as “the release of the bulls” and precedes the exciting bullfights that this country has become famous for. Or you could take in a quick but intense game of futbol (soccer).

The important thing is that you make an effort to learn a new style of living, that you observe how that style of living works for others as well as how it can work for yourself and others you care about, and that you bring what you’ve learned back home. If all goes well, you should return home with a wider perspective and bigger appreciation of how the world really works.

Travel in Menorca by Taxi

Traveling by taxi in Menorca provides an extremely convenient way to move about and “sight-see.” Like traveling by taxi in the United States, minimum charges accompany metered mileage plus a small additional fee for baggage and evening – night – or holiday drives.

Menorca Driving Advice

European Union citizens (18 years or older) must own a national driving license to drive in Menorca, however non-European Union citizens (18 years or older) also need an International Driving Permit as well. Both types of citizens must have car insurance and identification (license, passport, etc.) by law, is required at all times. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and travelers under the age of 14 must be seated in the back seat of the vehicle. When driving, remember that driving positions are reversed to American drivers. You must yield to on-coming traffic from junctures and traffic circles. Driving speeds are generally restricted to 30 mph (in urban areas) to 56 mph (on major routes).

Special care should be taken to restrict your driving to the main routes outlined on the most recent maps of this area as other routes may not be appropriate for driving (dirt roads, mountain passes, etc.).

Traveling in Menorca by Car / Car Rental

Because Menorca’s city centers are so popular, you are cautioned to avoid driving in these areas – especially since the narrow roads in these places can accommodate traffic traveling in one direction only. In addition, parked automobiles make driving extremely difficult. Traveling by car rental is best accomplished by following a current map of its roads – which offer views that are nothing short of amazing

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Every Car Hire in association with Auto Europe provides discounted car rental with leading rental companies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget and Europcar. For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Menorca.

These days however, Menorca is known for her sun-speckled beaches, incredibly blue waters, native attractions and exotic foods. The small island, which spans a mere 35 miles long and wide, is located in the Mediterranean Sea. Under Spanish control, the island has long been known, and visited, by travelers from around the world who wish to see two thousand year old, giant megalithic stone monuments as well as to absorb its rich pirate history. Pirates no longer use Menorca as a haven from Romans seeking them, but Menorca is just as popular as it always has been due to its beautiful landscapes, sheer cliffs, mysterious caves, sea life and laid-back vacation atmosphere.

However, the island, despite its gentle appearance, has a history rich in battles and military history. The British have long found Menorca to be one of the most popular holiday spots, though few know of its illustrious, if occasionly dubious, military history. Following recent incidents involving the British Royal Navy, the British people, proud of their military history and participation in the defense of freedom, may not be surprised to discover that another incident which involved the Royal Navy persists to this day, the roots of the incident rooted deep in the sands and ruins of British occupation on Menorca.

In 1757, a British sea admiral by the name of John Byng was shot by a firing squad because, according to his British peers, he failed to “do his utmost” to defend St. Phillip Fort against attack by French forces. It did not seem to matter to his peers, snug in their homes in England, that he was undermanned and commanded ships already damaged during previous skirmishes, nor that he probably saved the lives of his crewmen by sparing them battle which would most probably have hastened them to their doom. Byng was court-martialled, labelled a coward and executed on March 14, 1757.

Despite the passage of 250 years, Admiral Byng’s descendants have attempted to gain him a posthumous pardon, who seems to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, a time when sound judgment passed for cowardice during the traumatic Seven Years Wars fought between 1756 and 1763. Byng is buried in Bedfordshire. His epitaph reads, “To the perpetual disgrace of public justice, the honourable John Byng, admiral of the blue, fell a martyr to political persecution on 14th March in the year 1757, when bravery and loyalty were insufficient securities for the life and honour of a naval officer.”

Menorca, a favorite holiday destination, is filled with historical memories and lessons to be learned if we but care to remember and listen to the voices and legacies of those who stepped on her hot, white sands before us. Visiting Menorca provides not only prime holiday favorites; sunshine, glistening ocean waves and warm, luxurious sands, but an opportunity to explore history, up close and personal.

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Information about Menorca Real Estate can be found via propertymenorca.info For a guide to Malta, including details of Malta expedia holidays visit YourMalta.com , and for the Monaco GP visit YourMonaco.com

Even in the south, there are little beaches such as Cala Binibeca, with a small restaurant, and Els Canutells, a small resort close to Cala en Porter. And a 10-minute drive from San Clemente, brings you to Calas Coves where impressive cliffs surround two very small beaches.

When you’ve tired of lazing on the beach, there are many interesting caves to discover. Over 100 Bronze Age caves, complete with paintings and carvings, are cut into the cliff overlooking the sheltered bay. At the eastern end of Son Bou can be found the ruins of an early Christian basilica. Finally, the charming capital Mahon, on the east of the island, has lovely Georgian architecture and second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Pearl Harbour.

Northwards to escape the crowds

While the north of Menorca has some busy resorts, it also has a good share of the island’s uncrowded little beaches, interesting country walks, and a range of water sports including sailing. At Cala Pregonda, a 15-minute drive from Son Parc and Fornells, then a 20-minute walk from the car park, is a remote sandy beach with crystal blue waters. The rocky outcrops offshore provide good snorkelling. Take a picnic, since there are no facilities. The long sandy beach at Cavalleria is also quite isolated, and, again, come with provisions, since there is nowhere to buy food or drinks.

Not far from the lively family beach of Arenal d’en Castell with its rows of sunbeds, bars, restaurants, and organised water sports is Na Macaret, with its small sandy beach. It’s a local favourite and there are some good restaurants at the water’s edge. Just further to the southeast, near the lighthouse at Cap de Favaritx, is the lovely white-sand beach of Cala Presili. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the car park and there are no facilities, so this beach is certainly one of Menorca’s most secluded. Somewhat more developed, but perfect for small children is Es Grau, with its wide bay, sandy beach and shallow water. If you take a boat trip to the nearby Illa d’en Colom, an island in the Mahón Bay, you’ll find a string of beautiful isolated beaches.

When you are ready to book villas in Menorca, Solmar Villas offer a range of high-quality villas, all with their own private pools, which sleep from 1 to 12 people. The villas are located in Cala Galdana, Binibeca, Binibeca Nou, Binibeca Vell, Son Bou, Belin, Cala ‘n Porter, and Satalya, so once you’ve hired a car, you’ll be well within reach of Menorca’s stunning beaches.

Article source: www.Free-Articles-Zone.com
About the Author
Every Car Hire in association with Auto Europe provides discounted car rental with leading rental companies such as Hertz, Alamo, Budget and Europcar. For information on car hire or car rentals visit Every Car Hire at Car Hire Menorca.