With the banking crises and subsequent recession in Europe and the U.S. over its worst (hopefully) this year had all the signs of being a good one for the Menorca holidays industry.
Tourist arrivals to the island has been down in the last couple of years, in common with most Mediterranean islands, as a direct result of the bank failures and subsequent recession that hit consumer spending on things like overseas holidays hard.
But a turnaround was definitely on the cards with good early bookings, and a sense of optimism was in the air among the hotel owners and flight operators.
But then came along Eyjafjallajokull - or as it’s become better known in Europe and the wider world, the Iceland volcano - which after erupting continuously for over a month caused an ash cloud that grounded planes, left holidaymakers stranded, and caused a lot of people to reconsider their Menorca holidays for this year.
The direct consequence has been that instead of booking a few months ahead many tourists have held off and are booking their Menorca holidays much closer to their intended arrival dates - leaving some tour operators and villa holiday companies with excess accommodation and reducing prices.
And airlines lost out big time as those based in the EU had to pay for accommodation for those passengers they couldn’t fly home, even though insurers often got away with paying out. The airlines industry feel that as the governments stopped them flying, they should now pay their bills without some will run at a loss this year.
It’s not just Menorca that has been affected by the volcano among the Mediterranean islands where tourism forms an important part of the local economy, and is reliant on flights to bring the tourists in to their hotels and for their villa holidays for a week or two.
Malta for example saw a sharp decline in visitors in April and May, and local media have reported that the national flag carrier Air Malta could have lost over 3 million Euros in April alone as their planes were effectively grounded and flights to their important UK market halted altogether for some time.
Unlike Malta, Menorca doesn’t have an airline to speak of that it can call her own, but Mahon Airport is well served with both low cost airlines and tour operators from both the UK and Germany have regular flights to Menorca at various times of the day, with scheduled flights available out of the holidays season.
But there is some good news around, despite the awful start to the year. While there were plenty of Menorca villa holidays available for June and July to be booked when looking for availability in early May, a month later a lot of them had gone by early June, showing that potential visitors were gaining confidence as the volcano quietened down.
And the price cuts that were showing are now back to something like their normal level. But for those thinking of taking a villa holiday in September when the weather is still normally good, there are some available for under UK 700 - it’s quiter then with the schools back and if Menorca villa holidays are something to be considered it could be worth investigating further and booking ahead to get a good deal.
More details about Menorca, including a forecast and today’s Menorca weather are at yourmenorca.net and for independent comments visit social media like jumptags
The New York Times has listed the island as one of the top places to visit in 2010, and comment:
While the beat of disco pounds in Ibiza and Majorca, their quiet sister Minorca offers a tranquil contrast to the glitz next door. The entire island is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, so the Spanish megahotel development frenzy of the last decade has largely skipped over this patch of the Mediterranean. That means miles of beaches —some 120 of them, in fact, like the northern sweep of crystal-clear swimming waters in the coves called Cala d’Algaiarens, with fine sand and rolling dunes. And Minorca’s eco-diversity extends well beyond the coasts: forests, deep gorges, wetlands, salt marshes and hillsides covered in lush greenery that sometimes look more New England than Mediterranean. Even the island’s sun-bleached towns — Mahón and Ciutadella, each combining elements of their British colonial heritage, Moorish roots and modern Spanish identity — are more peaceful than their Majorcan equivalents.
The ideal visit to Minorca celebrates islanders’ emphasis on agritourism — sleeping in rural establishments like Ca Na Xini (www.canaxini.com), a dairy farm that offers an eight-room temple to modernism inside the shell of a century-old manor home. It’s like spring break for eco-conscious adults. — Sarah Wildman
The media recently ran a news story about how the Mediterranean diet can help beat depression - unlike some Mediterranean islands a lot of Menorca restaurants use locally sourced ingredients in their cooking and offer local dishes.
Here is an extract from one of the newspapers:
Eating a Mediterranean diet could help cut the risk of depression by a third.
Tucking into vegetables, fish, nuts and fruit may be the reason scientists found the risk of mental disorders in the Med to be lower than in Northern Europe.
They studied more than 10,000 Spaniards over six years and compared their diets and mental health.
Here’s some news from Sarah Barford at Menorca a Cavall.
Menorca a Cavall welcomes those who are taking a Menorca holiday who would like to see the island on horseback - and what a fantastic way it is too, because not only do you get to see parts of Menorca you would otherwise miss, but it can often be one of the highlights of a holiday in Menorca.
If you’re booking a holiday to Menorca be sure to visit them for a fun few hours (they’re open all year round), and it doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced horserider or a complete novice as Menorca a Cavall look after all their visitors even if you’ve never ridden a horse before. Their internet site details are at the end of Sarah’s report.
–
Winter Horse Riding at Menorca a Cavall
In spite of the ‘crisis’ year, we have had the busiest summer ever running horse riding excursions at Santa Rita. The beach excursions have proved to be a real winner this year; everyone loves the idea of riding a horse along the coast, be it strolling slowly along to enjoy the stunning scenery or galloping flat out across the sand. We can take 9 horses at a time in our horsebox to Binimela on the north coast, from there we ride either towards Pregonda beach or in the direction of Cavalleria, through a truly stunning bit of coastal scenery, it’s a really unforgettable trip!
The excursions around the finca are also been very popular, and with almost 500 acres to explore we can always find a suitable route for each group of riders. It’s my second summer running excursions for Tolo, the owner of Menorca a Cavall, and it’s been a real pleasure to introduce visitors to the island to a bit of the real Menorca which they would normally never see. We ride along part of the historic Cami d’en Kane and on trails through the ‘holm oak’ woodland originally built to bring out the charcoal which used to be made in the forest. There are some fantastic all-round views of the island from the high points of the rides, all this combined with the unique atmosphere of a traditional working finca means there is plenty for everyone to enjoy at Santa Rita.
I always especially enjoy guiding competent riders,they all love the sheer thrill of galloping through the fields or along the beach on a fit horse, many of them never get the chance to ride fast at home so it’s great to give them a chance to really ‘go for it’! By contrast we also have many ‘first-time’ riders like one lady in her 70’s who told me she had wanted to ride a horse all her life but could never pluck up the courage, we took her out for a leisurely amble on Zag, our oldest and quietest horse, and she loved it, what a privilege to be able to help someone fulfil their lifelong ambition!
Another of my memorable clients was a young lad with an American accent who had been brought along by his Mum, a keen rider. ‘This is definitely the worst day of my life’ he announced on being hoisted up onto Avelino, I count it as one of my great success stories that after an hour’s ride including his first trot he was asking Mum if he could take ‘classes’ back home, also could she please buy Avelino to take away with him!
It was a real relief to see the first rain in September after such a hot summer, Santa Rita has now been transformedback to a sea of green fields, the flowers of autumn have appeared and with them the butterflies and birds. We also have some new additions: a border collie pup named Alaska, her friend Bolet a little kitten, and plenty of new lambs. If any of you want to come horse riding this is the best time of year. Menorca a Cavall is open every day all year and we welcome anyone, whether you are an experienced rider, perhaps you used to ride years ago or you have never been on a horse but would like to give it a go. I want to form a winter riding group of people of all abilities who would like to ride with me regularly at Santa Rita, to enjoy good company and riding out together on fit horses, also to explore some new routes along the Cami de Cavalls.
Anyone interested in winter riding please phone me, Sarah, on 971 378 958 and I will be pleased to tell you more, I can get a discount for regular riders so it’s really good value! Full details of excursions and prices, and lots of photographs can be found on our web site www.menorcaacavall.com
2009 has not been a good year for the Spanish holiday islands, the number of visiting holidaymakers has dropped sharply and family favourite Menorca hasn’t been spared from the economic downturn.
And it’s not just the overall economy and worry about job security and future prospects that have hit Menorca and the other Spanish holiday islands hard this year - the British pound has slipped again in value against the Euro, sometimes coming close to parity.
Menorca while not exclusively reliant on British tourism, or even to the same degree as for example another Mediterranean island Malta, does still see a high number of British tourists in its overall mix, and the island will be hoping that the British economy improves and the number of holidays in Menorca being taken also improves in 2010 compared to this year.
But there is optimism on the island that 2010 could see a rise in the number of holidaymakers making their way to Menorca for a week or two, and there do seem to be grounds for that optimism.
The chances of a rise in the number of people taking holidays in Menorca next year are increased by the fact that 2009 is a low base to start from, but if Sterling rallies against the Euro that will certainly help, as people return to their favourite destinations instead of deciding upon cheaper options outside the Eurozone such as Turkey and Egypt. It’s election year in Britain next year, and once that is out of the way interest rates might rise, sending the pound upwards.
With the election due in Britain for around May or June, it could come just in time for the summer holidays if people haven’t already booked their holidays.
But if the hope of a surge in UK visitors seems to be clutching at straws, and the British and European mainland economies are still not doing well, there is another avenue of tourists that could see a rise in the number of people taking holidays in Menorca next year.
The answer could be a rise in the number of Spanish people visiting Menorca. Just like in Britain where this year many people decided to holiday within their own country because of the poor state of the economy, the same is true of Spain, which has also been hit hard by the worldwide recession, and more Spanish people than usual holidayed either on the Spanish mainland or on the Spanish islands like Menorca.
So Menorca could be in a win-win situation. If the economy improves more British people will visit, but if it doesn’t more Spanish people will. The only flaw is if the British economy stays in the doldrums and people holiday at home, while the Spanish economy bounces back and the Spanish people opt more for holidays outside of the country. It needs to see both countries recover or stay as they are for the Menorca holidays industry to benefit in 2010.
From within Spain, Menorca is easily accessible with many regional airports offering flights to Menorca, plus there is the option of driving to Barcelona and getting a ferry to the island, either as a foot passenger or with a car.
Ironically if sterling does stay down against the Euro it could see a rise in the number of Spaniards visiting the UK, while the number of Britons taking Menorca flights declines.
Whichever way the economy goes Menorca is quietly confident that 2010 will see more visitors.
A good article appeared in a UK regional newspaper recently about the villages of Menorca - here’s an extract:
We shall start at the northernmost point of the island, the Cap de Cavalleria, a tall rocky headland, which is in fact the most northerly point of all the Balearic Islands group. At the top of this narrow, windswept headland it is possible to walk along the cliff top, near to the lighthouse and enjoy some breathtaking views of the Menorcan coastline. Nearby are the remains of an ancient Phoenician settlement called Sanitja, mentioned in the writings of Pliny, the renowned Roman author, it was later established as a port and camp by the Romans and renamed Sanisera, the Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus, set up a garrison here in 123 B.C. and it was from here that he conquered the Balearics, you can also visit a relic of the British occupation here, in the form of a watch tower (Torre de Sanitja) one of eleven built by the British on the island’s most strategic points, this particular tower was built between 1798 and 1802 by Captain Robert D’Arcy, it had a garrison of eighteen men.
To the east of the Cap de Cavalleria lies the pretty fishing village of Fornells (pronounced “Fornays”), renowned for its seafood restaurants, it attracts the rich and famous, its most notable visitor being the King of Spain Juan Carlos, who drops in from time to time to dine in one of the waterfront restaurants. The local speciality is caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew), an expensive but delicious dish. Fornells was once a major port and at the entrance to the harbour stands an old watch tower, from where you can enjoy stunning views over the harbour. Close to Fornells is Ses Salines, one of the best places on the island to learn to sail or windsurf.
A little further east, the coves of Addaia were the site of the last British landing on Menorca, by Scottish Highland troops in 1798, it is now a harbour and holiday village. There is some modern development in this area especially at Arenal d’en Castell, set on an attractive bay, with a wide sandy beach, there are a number of high-rise hotels, not seen elsewhere on Menorca, this is the liveliest spot in northern Menorca, and tends to attract the younger set. The old fishing village of Macaret also has some development, but less intrusive, it blends in nicely with the traditional Menorcan style.
To the west of Fornells and the Cap de Cavalleria there is a long stretch of coastline - many of these areas are in the Thomson holidays brochure -, with a number of beautiful unspoilt beaches, some of these are difficult to reach by car and include Cala Pregonda, Cala del Pilar and Cala d’Alagiarens. At the small resort of Cala Morell it is possible to visit some fascinating caves which were inhabited during the Bronze and Iron Ages and were used both as dwellings and burial chambers, the caves have windows and chimneys and central pillars which support the roof. Further inland and well worth a visit is the town of Ferreries, the highest town on Menorca…
Menorca’s tourist board announced recently what millions of golfers already know - the Balearic Islands are a superb place to golf. Now golf holidays in Menorca are going to be promoted in the UK and mainland Europe.
180,000 euros of the Balearics advertising budget has been set aside to market Balearic Island golf holidays. The move is in response to reports that indicate over 112,000 tourists visited the Balearic Islands last year specifically to play golf.
Menorca stands to reap financial benefits from the new push for golf holidays. It may only be home to one golf course, but it’s well worth the time for golfers to include it in their travel plans.
Menorca’s lone course is at Son Parc, and as well as the golf its beach has long been a Menorca tourist attraction, with its pristine white sand and aqua-marine waters. Golfers enjoy warm Mediterranean breezes as they make their rounds of the championship course’s 18 holes.
Away from golf, Menorca is a treasure trove of ecological gems. Tourism is a staple of Menorca’s economy. Overall visitor numbers have increased dramatically since the 1960s. Despite the increase in the number of flights to Menorca the island has remained relatively unspoiled. It is home to one of the world’s most unique protected wet zones.
The wet zone, located in the northern part of the island, is home to a number of indigenous species of birds and wildlife. It also boasts plant life that cannot be found anywhere else.
Visitors who come for golf holidays in Menorca often stay long enough to take in Menorca’s other famous sights. The island is also known for its rich culture and history. A Menorca visit can include a trip to some of its great ruins. Ancient monoliths, centuries-old stone fortresses, castles, towers and churches remind tourists of some of Menorca’s earliest influences.
Mediterranean food has always been a tourist draw. Visitors will find good food at many of the restaurants. The island is known for traditional Spanish influenced dishes, as well as cuisine unique to the Balearics.
Those who enjoy water sports in addition to golf can enjoy some of the world’s best. Menorca’s most popular include swimming, sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Boat tours are available on many of Menorca’s beaches.
Most of the hotels in Menorca are concentrated on the southern part of the island. However, quality accommodation can also be found in the north. Golfers needn’t worry about being too far from the greens as Son Parc is easily accessed from all of Menorca’s towns and villages. Some cater to those who come specifically for a golf holiday.
The new promotion of golf holidays will undoubtedly spark new partnerships between Menorca’s course and local businesses. Golf-and-stay packages and special rates for British holidaymakers will continue to crop up as the campaign progresses. Other popular deals include special golf rates that can be found only on the internet.
For more Menorca holidays information visit yourmenorca.net
July and August are always busy months for holidays in Menorca - but now the busy summer holiday months are nearly behind us, many people who are lucky enough to be able to take holidays when they choose are turning their minds to a late summer or early autumn trip abroad before winter sets in.
The good news for those who are thinking of having a late holiday in Menorca is that the island’s facilities are open as they are for July and August, the weather is generally good, and this year especially there are some great deals available.
Renting a villa for example can be just as cost effective as staying in a hotel, with the advantages of having your own pool and doing what you want when you want.
James Villa Holidays who offer villa holidays in Menorca for example have a villa with its own pool available for a week in early October for less than four hundred pounds - 450 Euros.
With the flights to Menorca lower as well at that time of the year, it could be a great time to visit the island - but what will holidaymakers find once they arrive in Menorca?
Menorca offers a wide array of outdoor activities including horse riding, cycling and golf. Due to the year-round mild climate, golf is a much played year-round sport. Club Son Parc has an eighteen hole golf course and is home to the only official golf course on the island with a practice range and instructors for novice golfers.
In the old capital, Ciudadela is a medieval fortress of great interest to most visitors. If you are looking for some history on Menorca, this is a must-visit spot. Visitors can walk through the narrow streets to see old churches. The numerous shops and bars are popular with visitors.
There are two museums in Ciudadela, the Museu Municipal and the Museu Diocesa. These offer an interesting glimpse into the country and its people. Steps leading to the waterfront will open up a whole new side of Menorca. Here visitors can take boat rides or enjoy the cuisine in one of the restaurants. Bar hoppers will find many venues to sample.
Looking at a map of Menorca Son Bou’s beach is the longest on the island. Its wooden path leads to three bars, so you will not go thirsty. Son Bou also offers a variety of water sports. Visitors are advised to be aware of strong currents and to pay attention to flags posted for their safety. The Cala Turqueta is notable for the fact that the beach is largely unspoilt. The natural coastline is not marred by the construction of modern facilities. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Other well known beaches include Son Xoriguer, Santo Tomas and Punta Prima.
A trip to the capital of Menorca - Mahon - is also worthwhile. Mahon Harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Tour buses take in both Mahon and the old capital Ciudadela, and have stops at shops and coffee breaks, with Menorca being a small island you can see much of it in a few hours on an organised tour.
If you’re thinking of a late holiday for 2009, Menorca could be a great choice for a good relaxing break before the winter starts.
If you haven’t booked a summer holiday yet, and aren’t sure where to head for, why not try Menorca? Despite the poor economic, Spain and her islands have a lot to offer to holidaymakers who do venture abroad this summer, especially in the Balearic Islands.
A mainstay of Spanish tourism, these islands offer an amazing climate, with roughly 300 days of sunshine. Beautiful beaches and a rich cultural heritage also add to their appeal. One of the best known is the island of Menorca, which has been listed as a Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO.
Second in size to Majorca, Menorca has a population of roughly 88,000. During its early history, ownership of Menorca changed hands many times. The island was initially used as a base by pirates. Some of the architecture of Menorca has retained its British influence. The Treaty of Amiens in 1802 saw the island ending up in Spanish hands.
Things to do in Menorca
Menorca offers visitors an experience that will last a lifetime. In the old capital, Ciudadela is a medieval fortress of great interest to most visitors. If you are looking for some history on Menorca, this is a must-visit spot. In the city visitors can walk through the narrow streets to see old churches. The numerous shops and bars are popular with visitors. There are two museums in Ciudadela, the Museu Municipal and the Museu Diocesa. These offer an interesting glimpse into the country and its people. Steps leading to the waterfront will open up a whole new side of Menorca. Here visitors can take boat rides or enjoy the cuisine in one of the restaurants. Bar hoppers will find many venues to sample.
Beaches in Menorca
A trip to Menorca would not be complete without visiting one of its over 50 beaches. One of the most well known is Cala Pregonda. It is ideal for anyone who wants a quiet, secluded spot. It is a long walk to get there, but there will be no complaints once you experience the beauty of the area. The Cala Santa Galdana is likely to attract more of the touristy crowd during holidays in Menorca with its modern facilities. It is a great spot for photography enthusiasts. The shallow waters make Cala Santa Galdana a popular beach with families. The Son Bou Beach is the longest on the island. Its wooden path leads to three bars, so you will not be thirsty. This beach also offers a variety of water sports. Visitors are advised to be aware of strong currents and to pay attention to flags posted for their safety. The Cala Turqueta is notable for the fact that the beach is largely unspoilt. The natural coastline is not marred by the construction of modern facilities. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Other well known beaches include Son Xoriguer, Santo Tomas and Punta Prima.
Why Menorca
Menorca has the reputation of being an ideal destination for groups and families. It enables visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Europe on the cheap. Travelers often take advantage of package deals to save money. Hotels in Menorca vary, and there is something to suit every pocket. There are choices ranging from five star hotels in Menorca to bed and breakfast. Half board options (bed, breakfast and dinner) are also quite popular. Many travel sites in the UK also offer special deals for anyone wishing to visit Menorca. This hotspot presents an opportunity for anyone who wants to stretch their travel dollar. Even with the exchange rate between the euro and pounds, Menorca is affordable. Menorca continues to allow tourists this summer a pleasant holiday, and a great escape from the economic woes at home.
Quite how deep the fall in visitor numbers to Spain from other European countries has been revealed by figures showing the number of arrivals at Spain’s airports earlier this year - and it hasn’t set a good precedent for 2009 as a whole for the Spanish holidays industry.
At first glance the figures for Spanish tourism look impressive - 11.08 million arrivals for January. But it’s when it’s compared to the same month for 2008 that the figures start to look less good - down nearly 12 per cent.
And more recently another report which looks at how the Spanish holidays market is doing in the run up to the peak summer holiday months indicate as many as half of all holidays in Spain could be unsold, and that near 12 per cent drop in January could look quite good by the end of the year if people don’t start booking their normal Tenerife or Menorca holidays for example pretty soon.
Spain will be hoping that people who have holidayed there before will remember just how good a holiday in Spain is, and decide whatever the economic uncertainties are at home that a trip to Spain will brighten them up - and brighten the Spanish holidays industry up at the same time!
Majorca for example has been a major summer holiday destination for several years. Many people don’t realise the magnificent deals to be taken advantage of during the winter months as well though. Winter visitors can stay at the same beautiful, award winning hotels and resorts for a fraction of the price of the summer holidays season. Winter time is also the season when you can enjoy newly ripened citrus fruit from the local groves. Wintertime holiday packages can be booked for as little as 325 euros.
Many people prefer the slower paced winter holidays to the hustle and bustle of the busy summer holiday season, and Spain will be hoping that as the year goes by the European economies will pick up, and more out of season bookings will occur from those who didn’t visit in the summer. Temperatures in the winter season on Majorca range from 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) to 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit). These mild temperatures help make Majorca the perfect wintertime destination for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and mild winter weather. Helping Majorca is the fact that recently three of her hotels have received Excellence and Leisure Nominations and Awards.
Also recognised for some really good holiday accommodation has been Majorca’s sister island of Menorca.
In a year when Menorca and other holiday destinations need good news to remind tourists why they should visit, three Menorca hotels have done well on the Spanish holiday island.
Menorca is well known in Europe as an ideal island for villa holidays - of the three Balearic Islands it’s quieter than both Majorca and Ibiza, and is popular with families looking to spend quality time together, and part of Menorca’s appeal are the family friendly restaurants and beaches.
So the fact that Menorca has been recognised for her hotels as well as traditional villa holidays is welcome at a time when the holidays market is battling the recession to keep the tourists flying in for a week or two’s Menorca holidays.
The Hotel Apartments Princesa Playa in Cala en Bosc is named as one of the world’s best family hotels - reinforcing the Menorca holidays image as one of being family friendly.
The other two Menorca hotels that get a mention in the European best hotels category are the Blanc Palace in Sa Caleta and the Royal Son Bou in Son Bou - both previously not particularly well known of all the hotels in Menorca.
And while hotels in Menorca continue to provide excellent service and standards of accommodation, the island has every chance of staying as a top holiday location.
