Menorca is famous for its beaches with over 120 of them ranging from the "Lovers beach" which will just about fit two "Lovers" laid side by side, to Son Bou with over 2 km of glorious fine golden sand. It was in 1304 that King Jaume II of Majorca founded the town of Alaior. He wanted to colonize the land he had conquered nearly twenty years earlier, and to found a town between Mao and Ciutadella after the purchase of an estate known as Ihalor, from which the town took its name.
The name of Ihalor changed over the centuries, undergoing a series of phonetic changes and taking different written forms until it became the name we know today. In 1926, by a Royal Decree of 20 July, Alaior's status was raised from town to city. Year 2004 marked the 700th anniversary of the town of Alaior as a community and a structured social group set round a church, based on the typical medieval urban model of winding streets grouped around a religious building.
Today Alaior is a place of great attractions, fine restaurants, scenic beaches and good shopping. Alaior hotels are also famous. The most popular Alaior hotels are: San Valentin Menorca, Sol Milanos, Sol Pinguinos, Royal Son Bou, Jardin de Menorca, Playa Azul, and many others. San Valentin Menorca is a fantastic holiday gateway. The hotel is very clean, the food is good, the pools and surrounding gardens are beautiful. Little children will enjoyed the mini kids club with a very helpful staff. The Hotel being on a hill is not a disadvantage at all - you need the walk down to the beach and up again to walk off all that excellent food.
Sol Club Pinguinos is also one of the best Alaior hotels. The facilities therein include: telephone in all rooms, bar, car parking, air conditioning, safe available swimming pool and tennis court. It's a great place to stay at while in Alaior.
Check out Alaior restaurants. The Cobblers is an evening restaurant and is well situated in the centre of town. Tasty local specialties are served in style at this busy place. On nice nights it's a pleasure to eat the tasty fare in the courtyard garden. Sa Paissa is a large, airy, bright restaurant on the beach of Calan Porter. It's popular with holiday makers for good food at value prices.
Sa Paissa is caters for vegetarians and offers a separate Children's menu. The spacious terrace is great to people watch. The Village Pub serves popular draughts and traditional pub grub. There's plenty of fun at night with a regular program.
Alaior also boasts its great attractions. Culture Centre of Sant Diego is a large airy centre, and with its high ceilings is a welcome respite from the searing summer heat. There is a permanent exhibition outlining the 700 year history of the town. There's an abundance of local art and lots to interest history fans. Galeria Arantza and Cia is another gallery exhibiting art and sculpture from a huge array of artists. Here you'll find an interesting collection of modern pieces by some respected artists.
The most important beaches in Alaior are Cala'n Porter, Cala Coves and Son Bou, the longest sandy beach on Menorca.
Come and indulge in great lodging Alaior hotels have to offer; treat yourself with great foods and enjoy beautiful sandy beaches of Alaior!