| Blessed with outstanding weather, ringed by a | | | | food of Menorca. Sole, sea bass, mussels and prawns |
| stunning coastline, and dotted with hotels and villas, | | | | are all common elements of main courses on the |
| Menorca is understandably a superb beach holiday | | | | island but the truly classic dish is lobster stew. If you |
| destination. But there's more to do here than just | | | | are on holiday in Menorca, head to Fornells in the |
| lying on the beach; the island has a distinctive culture | | | | north of the island - the King of Spain makes regular |
| and character that is a far cry from the tourist | | | | visits to the town just to sample its famous lobster |
| flooded islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. The cuisine, in | | | | stew, the best on the island. |
| particular, is likely to be greatly appreciated by | | | | As a starter to your meal, it is worth trying out the |
| visitors to the island. It is an exciting blend of | | | | local Mahon cheese, a hard cheddar like cheese with |
| traditional island dishes and colonial foodstuffs - here | | | | a sharp, lemony flavour. |
| are a few of the Menorcan specialities to look out | | | | Something sweet to finish with... |
| for... | | | | If you have a sweet tooth, you'll have plenty to |
| An intriguing beverage to whet your appetite... | | | | enjoy on a holiday to Menorca. The locals love their |
| Native Menorcans enjoy a wide range of wines, | | | | sweets and pastries, and amongst the many choices |
| spirits and liqueurs, with the diversity a reflection of | | | | are carquinyols (almond macaroons) and ensaimada |
| the islands mixed cultural heritage. The national | | | | (spiral pastries made from lard and sugar.) The island |
| passion for gin is a hangover from the period of | | | | also has its own kind of ice cream, la Menorquina, |
| British rule in the 18th century, when garrisoned | | | | which is renowned throughout Spain for its smooth, |
| sailors would demand it when off duty (or when | | | | creamy taste. |
| about to go on duty!) There was no gin on the island, | | | | And a condiment you wouldn't want to be without... |
| but ingenious Menorcans brewed their own, combining | | | | Menorca also lays claim to being the home of one of |
| native wines with juniper berries to create a distinct | | | | the most common and beloved condiments in the |
| and unique drink. The gin you'll enjoy on holiday in | | | | world - mayonnaise, believed by some to be named |
| Menorca is now known as Gin Xoriguer, best enjoyed | | | | after its city of origin, Mahon. There are numerous |
| with soda and lemon peel (known as pellofa) or | | | | local stories about how the sauce first came about, |
| lemonade (pomade). | | | | most revolving around the Duke of Richelieu (who |
| Other drinks to try include the excellent local wine, | | | | took control of the island in the 18th century); some |
| Frigola (a thyme liqueur) and the very sweet | | | | say it was an improvised sauce prepared by his chef, |
| Malmsey wine which used to be produced in great | | | | others that it was a gift to him from a lover who |
| quantities and has seen a recent revival on the island | | | | lived in Mahon - a mahonesa. The truth of the matter |
| - the perfect drink to enjoy while relaxing by the | | | | will never be known, but if you go on a holiday to |
| pool in your Menorca villa. | | | | Menorca, make sure to try out some of the Duke's |
| A hearty main course... | | | | favourite sauce! |
| As befits an island nation, seafood is the principal | | | | |