Es Castell, Menorca (May 24)

Now I don’t know what the correct collective noun is…. but Imagine an elegance of Marks and Spencer shoppers had ambled onto an aircraft… well that’s what an Airbus to Mahón, Menorca looks like. A collection of well dressed, well spoken individuals from middle England (‘twas a Gatwick flight after all). Many of whom were setting off security scanners with the metal in their hips and knees. 
So ‘pretending’ to be a part of the this club, but without the dodgy joints (well not just yet🙏) we started our journey at the airport with a glass or two of fizz – and no, it’s never too early!

This flight has a very different feel than flights to some other more popular Spanish destinations and, coming out of season, most of the people on the plane seem to fit into two main categories, young parents with preschool kids, or older folk. Quite obviously we’re not the former!

Of all the Balearic Islands, I’m told Menorca is the least developed and most beautiful; well from what I have seen so far, I wouldn’t disagree. The planning authorities appear to have learned from the mistakes other islands made during the rush to lure tourists in the 1970’s – the result being there are very few high rise hotels (on this part of the island at least), and the scenery – well it’s absolutely stunning. There appears to be a lot going on to maintain and preserve the environment. 

We’re here with a bunch of friends, all of whom Emma has known for 40+ years. Whilst I’m very much still the new kid on the block, these guys don’t make me feel it 🤗. We are never that far from a belly laugh, often created inadvertently by Emma or Alison, who regularly wonder what on earth they’ve done to generate such hilarity. It’s like going away with our own in-house comedians.

We arranged to meet up here simply to catch up, have fun and relax – it’s always great with these guys. Those who share common interests, like wild swimming, buddy up for a water trek, and if others want to do something else, off they go – there’s no pressure.

However, it’s fair to say that “beer o’clock” (at midday) is something everyone appears to be up for! 

Our place for the week in a small residential complex on the outskirts El Castell, a stone’s throw from the capital, Mahon.

We were hosted by Nikki and Phil in their beautiful apartment which is perched on the edge of a cliff at the head of a rocky inlet adjacent to one of the world’s largest and deepest natural harbours.

Being so deep and with my OTT fear of all things Jaws-like, it had me immediately researching the type of sharks in the area… well over 50 different apparently, but they tell me all are pretty harmless!

Despite Stuart and Julian doing their very best to cement my fear of sharks, on the second morning Emma and I headed over to the other side of the rocky cove to enjoy an area that just needed to be explored.

The view across the bay was mesmerising, with the Mediterranean resembling a mill pond at times. The deep blue ocean being contrasted by tiny slithers of turquoise shimmering along its edge. The stillness was only interrupted by catamarans and yachts sailing past, along with the occasional larger vessel or cruise ship heading off to another Baleraric island, or the mainland. 

We quickly got used to, and rather enjoyed, the sound of the waves gently lapping the base of the cliffs only a few meters away from our balcony; and it was here we found a spot where Emma overcame her fear of heights in order to do some cliff jumping from a pretty scary height. Sally had no such fear, launching herself into this new game with ease!

Given the time of year the temperature was perfect, hovering around the mid twenties, with spring flowers and birdsong everywhere. 

We spent most days in and out of the water, but like the last time we went away with this group, the overriding memory will be that of the company, food and drink. 

There are plenty of beautiful venues to find and within walking distance, including dozens of small Mediterranean restaurants and bars in the next bay along.

Although we spent most of the time relaxing within a stone’s throw of the apartment and local village, we did venture out by car on a couple of days, wandering the near empty streets of Mahón.

We also paid a visit to the nearby tiny island of “Illa de Rei”. The island was established as US Navy medical facility to support their mariners who were here in great numbers in the late 1700’s. They had a large fleet over here in order to protect their merchant shipping interests after the USA’s independence; it has recently been restored to its former glory.

Despite some obvious historical conflicts, there appears to be a very close link between the Spanish, US and British Naval communities on this island with mutual respect being shown.

The restaurant on the island has to be booked in advance, and timed to coincide with the scheduled small boat crossings. It is really worth doing as the setting is a little unusual with most of its tables sitting in the shade of the trees.

With stunning sunsets, perfect weather, amazing scenery and rich history, there were so many highlights on this short trip, but for me the final evening will take some beating when we visited Sa Punta restaurant after pre drinks at the swanky “Blue Sky” Rooftop Bar.

The perfect way to end a short break with a great bunch of people.