Sketches of Menorca – deep water, mayonnaise, horses’ private parts, gin & Georgian palaces

In this episode we delve into the curious history, culture and untouched landscape of the balearic island of Menorca. Joining us to guide us around this lesser-discovered island is Lorraine Ure.

For Lorraine, Menorca was love at first sight when the cruise ship she was working on docked in the port of Mahón. She has since had a 25 year love affair with the island and now proudly calls it home.

Does Mayonnaise really come from Menorca? How did gin become the island’s most famous tipple? When is it acceptable to touch a horse’s private parts? And why are there so many English words used in Menorquí – the local language of the island?

Find out in the episode as Lorraine talks us through the unique Menorcan culture and traditions. She also recommends towns, villages, beaches, long walks, food & drink and great restaurants for anyone planning a visit to the island.

Lorraine has also edited a beautiful book of watercolours of Menorca called Menorca Sketchbook packed with beautiful paintings by her partner Graham Byfield. It’s available to buy on Ebay and will soon be available on Amazon. Find out more about Graham and his work here.

In the episode Lorraine also talked about the tiny neighbouring island of La Isla del Rey and its beautiful 18th Century Royal Naval Hospital – the first of its kind in the world – which has been renovated by a team of volunteers for the last 17 years – something that Lorraine has been keenly involved with. Soon it will be possible to visit the hospital. Find out more about it here: https://www.islahospitalmenorca.org/en/home/

Some of places mentioned in the episode:

Es Migjorn Gran

Es Mercadal

Monte Toro

S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park

Cami de Cavalls (The Path of Horses)

Cova d’en Xorio (A cave bar to watch the sunset from in Cala en Porter)

Beaches and Coves: Binibeca, Alcaufar, Cala Mesquida, Platja de Cala Galdana, Platja de Son Bou, Platja de Binimel·là

Restaurants: Restaurant S´Amarador in Ciutadella de Menorca, El Grill, Carretera del Aeropuerto, Mahón.