Page 112 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

110  THE BALEARIC ISLANDS AREA B Y AREA MENORC A  111

E Centro de Geologia de
Menorca t Western Coast of Menorca
C/ Mallorca 2. Tel 971 374 505.
Open May–Sep: 10am–2pm &
6–8pm Tue–Sun; Mar, Apr, Oct The region between Ciutadella and Cap d’Artutx is
& Nov: 10am–2pm Tue–Sat. excellent for exploring. Whether walking, cycling or
driving, you can enjoy the best of the island, including
r Santa Galdana a nature reserve near Son Xoriguer, the Son Olivaret
megalithic remains and the churches and museums of
5 km (3 miles) south of Ferreries. Ciutadella, the former capital of Menorca. Parts of this
The only way to get to unspoiled region can even be explored on horseback.
Santa Galdana is by car from Cala Morell 5 Sa Caleta
Ferreries or on foot, along the Near the beach, at the
d’Algendar canyon. Situated entrance of Cala Santadria
Turquoise waves lapping on Santa Galdana bay’s sheltered beach on a beautiful bay, the resort’s Cala bay, is a former defence
popularity is growing, and a En Blanes Maó tower, Es Castellar.
e Ferreries Environs number of high-rise hotels
About 6 km (4 miles) north of have popped up. Most of
Tel 971 363 790 (Maó). ( Ferreries are the ruins of Santa the other buildings are villas,
10:30am–1:30pm & 5:30pm–8:30pm
Sat. _ Sant Bartomeu (23–25 Aug). Agueda castle. Not much remains set among the trees. The main
of this Moorish strong hold, but tourist attraction is the beach, 4 Cala Blanca
Ferreries is situated at the foot the view from the top of the with its white sand and This small beach is tucked away Torre-Saura
of the S’Enclusa hill. At 142 m second-highest mountain in turquoise water, sheltered between bungalows, villas and
(466 ft) above sea level, this Menorca justifies the effort of from the wind by high cliffs a cluster of narrow streets.
picturesque little town is the 260-m (853-ft) climb. and a pine forest. Visited mainly by locals, Santandria
the highest settlement in The strategic advantages of It is worth taking a walk it is uncrowded and
Menorca. Its name derives the hill were well-known to the west from here to the has safe swimming.
from the many blacksmiths Romans, who, in the 2nd charming Cala Macarella. 6 Son Oleo
(ferreries) who once worked century, chose it as the The adjacent Cala Macarelleta 3 Son Olivaret On the outskirts of
around here. At the heart site for their first fortress. has a nudist beach. Both The two sets of megalithic Ciutadella is a small
of the village is the Plaça The Moors adapted beaches are well estab- structures – Son Olivaret Nou beach, lying at the end
d’Espanya. Here, at a weekly the site to build lished and can be and Son Olivaret Vell – include of a long narrow bay. It
Saturday market, you can a summer accessed by steps both talayots and taulas. is fairly quiet and used
buy leather goods as well as residence for carved into the rock. mainly by the locals.
produce brought in by local the Menorcan Further west is
farmers, including vegetables, governor and Cala Turqueta, 7 Ciutadella
fruit, cheese and honey. In improved the probably the Take at least one day
Plaça l’Església is the parish surrounding most beautiful to explore the former
church of Sant Bartomeu fortifications. bay on this part capital of Menorca. From
(1705) and the town hall. It The fort was the of the coast. here you can make trips
is also worth stepping into last strong hold to Remains of the Moorish Another beach, north to Cala en Blanes
the Centro de Geologia de surrender during castle of Santa Agueda situated in a or to Cala Morell.
Menorca, to see a selection of the Reconquest. charming cove
the island’s natural wonders. Ferreries is the centre of the east of Santa Galdana, is Cala
leather industry. Along the road Mitjana, which is a lovely spot,
to Maó are several shops selling though it can get busy during
Menorcan footwear. the summer months. 2 Cala en Bosch J
This harbour, situated in a
sheltered bay, has a landing
Gin in Menorca stage for pleasure boats.
One legacy of the 100-year rule of Menorca by the Next to the harbour there
British is the tradition of producing and drinking gin, is a shopping centre.
which was a popular drink with the many British
sailors stationed here. Unlike the rest of Spain, where
wine is the most popular tipple, Menorcans have Tips for Drivers
taken to gin in a big way. A wide selection of gin and
other local liquors can be purchased at the 18th- Length: 16 km (10 miles). 0 km 1 1 Son Xoriguer
century Xoriguer distillery, next to the landing stage Stopping-off points: Stop off 0 miles 1 Son Xoriguer is also the
in Maó (see p100). The gin produced by the Xoriguer for refreshments at one of the starting point for trips
distillery is the most popular brand on the island and restaurants in Cala en Bosch on horseback to the
is sold in canecas – ceramic bottles reminiscent of or Ciutadella. A good place Key neighbouring reserve.
the clay jugs that were once used by British sailors. for swimming is Cala Blanca, The route leads past
halfway along the route. Suggested route two beaches and then
Carrer Fred, close to the main square Gin from the distillery in Maó Other road along the seashore.
in Ferreries
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp150–51 and pp159–61 For keys to symbols see back flap

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