Two Weeks in Menorca (Jul 16- Aug 3)

Scuba & Sunshine

Leaving the Netherlands, Dan still can’t believe we’ve become “cart people”. But Rowan was VERY excited to get his beach on, just in time for his 7-month birthday.

Compared to Spain’s other Balearic Islands (Ibiza & Mallorca), Menorca’s natural beauty is generally considered more authentic and raw. It’s less known for parties and nightlife, and more popular with families looking to escape mass package tourism.

The lack of large-scale resorts and high rises has a great backstory: throughout his 40-year dictatorship, Franco held a grudge against Menorca (for their lack of support in the Spanish Civil War) and deprived it of any infrastructure funds. So while Mallorca and Ibiza underwent intense tourist development in the 60s & 70s, Menorca was left untouched. Now, Menorca is having its moment as an unspoiled slow travel paradise.

We couldn’t have been happier with our Airbnb find — a 4 bedroom villa with a pool and rooftop sea views, located in between the beach towns of Binibeca & Punta Prima. Every room offered magnificent views and a lot of calm. We spent tons of time in the water. Juna enjoyed life without a cast and practiced her water handstands.

Having an extra bedroom in our villa meant hosting two sets of visitors during our stay— especially since both Brooklyn couples were enjoying kids-in-sleepaway-camp freedom. First we welcomed Yossi & Deena (Alli’s dear college friend) for 6 nights:

Then, Dan & Cindy (Alli’s brother & sister-in-law) popped in for 3 nights:

One morning at breakfast, Cindy (who works for an accounting firm) turned sugar packets into monopoly money, teaching Juna how to buy things and make change.

We had a lovely sail on a catamaran – jumping off of the boat, visiting “secret beaches,” and snorkeling with fish. Juna even got to steer the dinghy back to the dock.

We stumbled upon an annual Menorcan fiesta in the village of Fornells, called ‘Sant Antoni’– kind of a weekend-long equestrian show meets keg party. Horseback riders paraded through the crowds in the main square to ‘prove their skill’ by making their horses jump while a band played. Dozens of people swarmed the horses to make them lift their front legs and held them up— the moment when the horse supposedly shows its power and nobility. It was completely insane – and we only saw the tame Sunday afternoon part of the weekend.

"Jaleo" in Plaça de s'Algaret, Fornells

We also had LOTS of time to chill… we watched the Olympics— it was fun showing Juna so many new sports for the first time. She was especially intrigued by Gymnastics, Surfing and Judo.

After one or two photos, Juna’s smile turns into a look of exasperation, so we’ve come to rely on moody back shots & swift portraits.

Rowan, on the other hand, is becoming more of a ham every day.

And we’re making an effort to take at least one sunset selfie in every country.

Recommendations

• En Caragol (romantic), Bodegas Binifadet (friendly winery), and Torralbenc (luxe) were hands-down our three favorite restaurants on the island.

• Cova d'en Xoroi | Majestic cave bar for cocktails and a breathtaking sunset.

  

• Mahón cheesecake: unbelievably delicious. Sold everywhere on the island, made with the local cheese to add some flavor and bite. We tried one most nights – and think Torralbenc’s was the winner.

  

• Cala Binidali | Super cute and cozy cove along the southern coast. Along Dusty Roads had amazing beach recommendations.

  

• Dinner & drinks in Es Castell- a magnificent port to stroll around, especially at sunset. We’ll always remember it as the “where we were” spot when finding out Biden dropped out of the race. (I shared the exciting news with our young British waiter, who looked at me blankly and with complete lack of interest.)

  

• The ‘Mercat des Peix’ fish market in Mahon, so many amazing tapas options – it was a great warmup for San Sebastian pintxos:

  

• Hauser & Wirth Menorca — family-owned contemporary art gallery with an international reputation (there are outposts all over the world). Located on Isla del Reya, it’s a lovely 10 minute boat ride from Mahon.

What did we learn?

• Believe it or not, mayonnaise kinda sorta originates from here — the French created mayo based on Spain’s widespread aioli sauce and named it "mahonesa” after Menorca’s port of Mahon.

• Menorca was HOT in July. It reminded us of our Austin summers - except there’s a lot more A/C in Texas.

• Dan learned how to scuba dive and got his PADI certification. Alli refreshed hers after 20+ years. All was great until Dan had to head to the boat early on our first dive together, and Alli thought his disappearance meant he had drowned.

• The Spanish TV coverage of the Olympics was very different than what we see in the US – lots of attention paid to their one women’s badminton competitor.

• We’re not the biggest beach family – even though we were only 15 minutes from incredibly beautiful beaches – some of us (*cough* Dan *cough*) were very content staying home and lounging at the Airbnb.