Have a Genuine Holiday Experience in Alaior, Minorca's Third Town

Added: 04/18/2006

One of the best kept secrets of the Western Mediterranean, Minorca has the share of beaches that is out of all proportion to its size as it has more big bays, sandy stretches and secret coves than all the other Balearic Islands put together. Minorca's third town, Alaior, lies to the west and is one of the top vacation destinations. In Alaior, you can do it all - eat, drink, dance and sleep until late afternoon.

The east-west road serves as an approximate dividing line for Minorca's two geological halves. The giant sandstone bays of the north are backed by lush green landscape while the south is a limestone rockery with caves, coves and prehistoric monuments. And from the highest peak of Monte Toro you can have a fine time studying the island's topography, particularly the wooded ravines of the southwest.

Mount Toro is recognized as being the spiritual centre of Menorca. A group of monks found a statue of the Virgin with a small lit lamp in a cave here. The monks built a small chapel in her honor. The island's layout is straightforward: at the eastern end is the capital and largest town, Mahon, while the former capital Ciutadella lies at the western end. Minorca's third town, Alaior, lies just 12 km west of Mahon. Reminiscent of an Arab village, it is an important manufacturing centre for shoes and cheese.

A good place to stock up with Mahon cheese is the Coinga factory shop towards the south of town. In Alaior you will see the parochial church dedicated to Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Alaior. This church may be seen for miles around. Today, crafts, wood and leather are the main industries in the area.

There are many fiestas on Menorca and the origins of many can be traced way back to the 14th Century. A typical fiesta begins on the afternoon before the Saint's day with the horses and their riders meeting and parading through the streets before congregating at the church for Mass. In the evening there is often live music and traditional folk dancing, and then a magnificent firework display ends the celebrations.

The Fiesta of Saint Llorenz takes place in Alaior over first weekend after the 10th August each year, and usually begins with a procession from the hermitage of Binixems where the statue of Sant Llorenz is carried to Alaior. Along with a traditional mixture of parades through the town, sporting and musical events, that take place on the Sunday, the Monday is usually then given over to horse races in Alaior.

The Fiesta of Saint Llorenz is not the only event in the Alaior cultural calendar. Earlier in the year sees the Alaior Carnival. The event centers around a local man called Bernat Figuerola, who according to local legend was a cobbler who left the town to seek his fortune in America. If you miss the Fiesta of Saint Llorenz in Alaior, a slightly smaller event also takes place in the village of Saint Climent in August each year. As with all fiestas throughout all of the Balearic Islands there's always a colorful parade through the town, and lots of sporting and musical events.

If you choose Alaior vacation, remember that accommodation makes itself an ideal location to spend a comfortable and an unforgettable vacation. The advantage the hotels and rented apartments have of being located very near the city centre becomes a perfect place for both business and leisure visitors.

A Menorca/ Alaior holiday in apartments turns your stay here into a genuine holiday experience.

Have a nice trip and spend a wonderful time in Alaior!

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