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Window on Menorca |
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PEACE & RELAXATION |
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If peace and relaxation are what you look for in a holiday then Menorca could well be the place for you. |
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Only a two and a quarter hours flight from British shores and you will find yourself transported into place of tranquillity and beauty, which can’t be bad for starters. You will not find anything tacky here to spoil your panorama of the rural countryside of great natural beauty which in 1993 was designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve – defined as ‘a place of important natural and cultural heritage where economic development is compatible with nature conservation’. Scenery wise it relates to some of the best parts of Great Britain but the beaches are something else with long stretches of golden sand, crystal clear turquoise seas offering clean and safe bathing. |
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As you might expect water sports
are high on the activity list which depending on the resort include
waterskiing, boats for hire, dive centres and kayaking. Walking/hiking can
be enjoyed in the mountains, forests, cliffs above the sea, and inlets along
the coasts plus many local fishing villages the list goes on. Bird watching,
photography and painting are other popular pastimes. Two things Menorca is known for is the production of cheese which is an essential ingredient on the Menorcan table and the other product is their famous Menorcan gin from local juniper berries distilled in old copper stills. This island also has a rich history and if this is your forte you will not be disappointed but far too much for me to go into at length. |
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Having mentioned fishing villages
as you would expect there is a superb choice of seafood restaurants on the
island along with seaside bars, cafes and eateries amid quaint streets. My
favourite areas to dine being the harbour at Ciutadella, the small harbour
at Cales Fonts or the growing village of Fornells which the King of Spain
sometimes visits for lunch.
Altogether this is an island very popular with couples and families with young children. Not necessarily with groups of young people when on the whole it may prove a little too quiet for them. A particularly interesting place to spend a day with the family is the Zoological Centre to be found along the road from Mahon to Alaior a charming animal reserve that all the family can enjoy. |
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Ciutadella Harbour |
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The Capital of Menorca is Mahon
which offers interesting historic buildings, markets, museums and fantastic
viewpoints of the port, this being one of the greatest attractions of the
city. This is considered to be the best harbour in the Mediterranean; the
English Navy had its best naval base there in the 18th century.
Sailing around this natural harbour in one of the catamarans is the only way
to get to know all its secrets and it is said to be one of the best outings
that can be enjoyed on the island. Mahon has a lively night life especially in the summer where there are many bars, restaurants and a casino. |
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All this but to golfers the icing
on the cake has got to be the golf course, the only one on the island! Not a
golfing destination you may say? However Golf Son Parc is not for the faint
hearted indeed it is so testing that you could play the course every day and
still not beat it – interested – read on! Opened in 1977 and located on the north coast of the island in the urbanization of Son Parc with its award winning beach, this 18-hole course designed by the well-known architect Dave Thomas, offers a natural golf experience that is relaxing, challenging and fascinating. There are also excellent practice facilities which includes a driving range, putting green and chipping area. Clubs, trolleys and buggies are available for hire. |
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For other members of the family
there is a tennis court available to rent on an hourly basis, rackets and
balls included. The 18-holes are surrounded by pinewoods and bordered on one side by a wetlands nature reserve. Although not long, the course has interest and challenge for players of all standards with narrow fairways, dog legs, strategically located bunkers and rock features, two holes played over lakes and undulating greens. Not to mention the wild reed beds or the sound of the peacocks as you take your back swing! On arrival and upon finishing your golf you can enjoy a friendly welcome and relaxing drink/meal in either the clubhouse, outside on the patio overlooking the course or in the excellent restaurant, the latter offering an excellent menu and service for that special meal out in the evening. |
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The course is open 365 days a
year, the main season being from May to October, outside this period it is
recommended to check where the flights are available from as they may not be
from every airport. Although Mr Hugh Brown from Cheshire is the owner of the only golf club on the island, in no way does he take advantage of his monopoly. He openly says ‘I would love to see another golf course open as it would encourage more golfers to visit the island’. Hugh holds various tournaments during the year and everyone is made very welcome by himself and his staff and nothing is too much trouble. He can often be seen welcoming the golfers at the airport upon their arrival. |
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If all in the party enjoy golf it
is worth knowing that apartments are available to rent at the course. In
fact it is an excellent base to move around the island from and only 30
minutes from Mahon Airport. The roads are excellent and well signed but make
sure you collect an up to date map before leaving the airport as the
Government has re-numbered most of the roads! One visit not to be missed is Monte Toro Mountain next to the town of Es Mercadal. The ascent by car is from Es Mercadal which can also be made on foot on an excursion of some 3kms. The viewpoints from the top are a gift to the eyes and there are excellent spots for taking panoramic photographs of the island. Having visited them all now I can honestly say that the Balearic Islands have it all but of the four I would have to say that Menorca is by far my personal favourite. |
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For More Details Visit: www.golfsonparc.com www.islas.co.uk/menorca.htm |
For full details of special deals www.golfsonparc.com bookings@golfsonparc.com |
