ROQUETA MAY 2025
EDITORIAL ROQUETA MAGAZINE 371 - MAY 2025 Welcome to Menorca in May As the gentle warmth of May embraces the island, Menorca unveils its breathtaking tranquil beauty and charm to visitors from around the world. As you explore its narrow lanes lined with the iconic dry-stone walls you will notice that the roadsides are bursting with brightly coloured clovers and gladioli, in a carpet of yellow, white and pink. An email from Miquel Camps from GOB reminded me that these would not have been seen in such abundance 25 years ago. It is thanks to the spirit of the Biosphere Reserve and the regulations of the Territorial Plan which ended the practice of spraying with chemicals. For those who love outdoor adventures, Menorca offers a plethora of activities to enjoy. Hiking and cycling trails wind through picturesque landscapes, leading to hidden coves and ancient ruins. This month we tell the history of Santa Agueda, the third highest point on the island, and once home to a moorish castle. Now is the perfect time to climb the roman road to its summit and enjoy the views across to Ciutadella, Es Mercadel and Fornells. The Son Bou meadows are a sight to behold as described by the Wandering Warnes last month and they have been back out on their bikes, exploring and capturing the floral splendour from Mahón to Binibeca and back. The Son Bou meadows and the Albufera Reserve are of huge importance to preserving our wildlife and birds. Isla del Aire is also a safe stop-off point for migrating birds needing to rest and recuperate before continuing their journey. SOM, the local ornithological society, is camping out on the island as it does every year to capture and record the species. The island’s dining scene is also coming alive, with restaurants opening their doors and offering a staggering array of quality, locally sourced food. We talk to some of the island’s youngest chefs who have already earned a Michelin Recommendation and this year dream of winning a Michelin Star for their new home at Morvedra Nou. Last month, we spoke to wedding planners and caterers and heard about so many of the wonderful venues to choose from on the island for couples celebrating their union. There are so many we cannot possibly write about them all, but we have selected some of the best and also look back to some of the island weddings from last year. As you explore Menorca, you’ll be captivated by its charming towns and villages, each with its own distinct character. Wander through the narrow streets of Mahón, the island’s capital, and soak in the historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the quaint fishing village of Fornells, where you can enjoy a leisurely boat trip or indulge in a delicious seafood meal by the harbour. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, Menorca in May offers it all. We warmly welcome you to our beautiful island and hope you create lasting memories during your stay. Enjoy the magic of Menorca and let its enchanting spirit leave an indelible mark on your heart. Welcome to Menorca, and have a wonderful time!
Liz & John
IN THIS ISSUE 04 09 10 14 16 20 23 31 34 36 38 40 44 46 58 59 64 66
ISLAND NEWS LITTLE PARIS IN MAHÓN SA ROQUETA TALAIÓTICA MENORCA WEDDING STORIES WEDDING VENUES GRAPEVINE CANCER SUPPORT, POTALA EATING OUT – RESTAURANTS, AND WINES YOUNG CHEFS MORVEDRA NOU SPONGE-HUNTING A PLACE TO HEAL BIKE RIDE TO BINIBECA SANTA AGUEDA SUNSHINE RADIO VET REGULATIONS CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS ART IN MENORCA WHAT´S ON MAY 2025 60S MUSIC ELECTRIC CHARGING
Cover Photo: Llaut in Fornells, By Mike Horseman
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE ROQUETA BY POST? BUY A SUBSCRIPTION FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO LOVE MENORCA OR ORDER BACK COPIES Publisher: John Davies Editor: Liz Parr
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Printer: LV Grupo Grafico y de Communication, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat
A new mooring company, Marina del Rei has taken over the floating pontoons in Mahón Harbour, near the mussel beds, as well as the Cala Llonga and Isla del Rey slots previously managed by Marina Menorca. We’re thrilled to have secured an exclusive interview with the new manager, who will share the company’s philosophy and dive into the details of upcoming changes in mooring protocols.
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ROQUETA MAY 2025
ISLAND NEWS
BY CHRISTINE BROOKER
RAFA NADAL IN MENORCA Rafa Nadal, the tennis player, has visited Menorca and was in Ciutadella and the next day in Mahón. He moored his yacht in the port and visited Latitud 40 and the Club Marítimo where he signed their book of honour.
HOUSING CRISIS AND TOURISM Discussions and disagreements from different sectors on the island are still ongoing about lack of accommodation for locals, illegal tourist renting and the fact that tourism is now the main source of income in Menorca and the Balearic Islands as a whole. The Govern issued a decree in April that is in the process of being ratified setting the number of tourist places on the islands at 90,000 places. AVIBA, the travel agents association, is strongly against so many people visiting; whilst they see nothing wrong with villas and chalets being rented to tourists, they say using small apartments that could be occupied by workers adds nothing to the economy and they insist on sustainability. VITURME, the association for businesses who rent tourist accommodation, disagree (unsurprisingly) and are having arguments with hoteliers from Mallorca (Meliá, the biggest group), who say that the hotel sector has increased in a very small way compared to renting, and that the quality of hotels has improved. They also are against the new decree and want to eliminate all private tourist accommodation in the towns and villages, adding that residential zones should never have been mixed up with tourism. The Consell (Island Council) and the Ayuntamientos are searching for a legal way to give priority for building licences for residences that are primary residences, i.e. first homes or those destined for long rentals. They also intend to allow the height of buildings to increase by one floor in towns when the new Island Territorial Plan (PTI) comes into force. This would mean that Mahón and Ciutadella could build a ground floor plus four on top, and the other municipalities plus three. Meanwhile a poster campaign has started, some are on local buses with an illustrative photograph; one says “Apartment for rent illegally this summer, with views of a homeless family all year round”; another “Bear in mind your son won´t be able to be independent, when you rent for three months illegally to earn more money.” The campaign hopes that it will prick people’s consciences and reminds them that they face a minimum fine of 20,000 Euros for the infraction.
TORRALBA D´EN SALORT NEW FINDS The cleaning and clearing that has been taking place by the volunteers for the byways and prehistoric sites has recently lead to the uncovering of a cavity at Torralba d´en Salort near Alaior. It could have been for burial and there are remains possibly from a dwelling. The volunteers are coordinated by the archaeologists Cristina Bravo and Irene Riudavets. The discovery was a fluke as a rock had been moved to allow a lorry to pass and the entrance to a cave was uncovered. At the moment the relevance of the discovery is unknown. The group of volunteers started years ago to clear the lanes surrounding Es Castell. Activities are on the increase and the group is on the point of being established as an independent association. 04
ROQUETA MAY 2025 AEROCLUB IN MAHÓN SAVED The Consell has formalised the acquisition of the Aeroclub at the old airport between Mahón and Sant Lluis from the Spanish Ministry of Defence for 2.9 million Euros provided from European funds under the Next Generation programme. The land consists of 746 sq. mts. in different plots. Adolfo Vilafranca, president of the Consell, says that this is a strategic and historic event for Menorca. It is the only Aeroclub on the island and the public ownership guarantees the heritage of all the Menorcans. There are tunnels and a bunker from the civil war and three planes purchased by the MOD that are part of the club´s legacy. Sebastián Marcos director of defence says that the association with the Spanish Air Force can continue and Menorca still has its second airport. There had been fears that the airport would fall into other hands if the authorities were unable to find the money. The Aeroclub has also been very supportive to the Association for Parkinsons Disease; one of the members Richard Montesdeoca once learnt how to fly light aircraft on the island, now he has to be accompanied. He promoted the fiesta where different members of the association were given flights plus people with other incapacities.
FLYOVER AT RAFAL RUBÍ
And the main airport in Menorca has been given an accolade; it has been the most punctual in the whole of Spain for the first quarter of this year with 94.3% of passengers leaving on time, according to Air Help. Could it be because we need more flights?
The Consell have decided to complete the flyover and install a double roundabout by the archaeological site at Rafal Rubí. A document has been issued explaining the chronology of the road widening. It was first mooted in 2014 as the solution that was backed by technical experts. The change of authority in the Consell from the PP (conservative) to PSOE stopped the project and PSOE (socialist) ordered four different expert reports between 2016 and 2023 to find alternatives. One showed a costly alternative that occupied more territory whilst others said the double roundabout was the best solution and this has been confirmed by Jordi Tresserras, who helped obtain the island´s World Heritage Status. Tresserras recommends growing vegetation on the north side of the road to reduce the visual impact on the funeral chambers. His report has a lot of backing, from the directors of the museums in Mahón and Ciutadella, archaeologists, historians, professors from different universities etc. However, there is also strong opposition from nine groups including the College of Architects and GOB the ecologists, who have complained to UNESCO about the project. And so the story continues.
The Spanish Government is one of the largest debtors to airlines; it owes 425 million Euros from last year’s residents discount that we benefit from in the Balearic Islands. The report doesn´t state if the debt also includes the Canary Islands.
BEN BOAS Ben Boas, aged 21, who has spent a lot of his life in Menorca and is now resident in Bristol has released his first songs, “Como Yo” and “We might as well”. Como Yo has been influenced by rhythm and blues, and Spanish and Menorcan music with a Flamenco base. Also jazz which he says was the influence of his grandfather, who sadly died in 2016. Many of you will remember Dennis Boas who lived on the island for many years with his wife Dereka who still lives here. Dennis used to entertain us on the piano in Scandals and later in Way in the Port of Mahón. The tradition continues. SPLASH WILL BE OPEN THIS YEAR Splash, the water park at Biniancolla near Punta Prima, will be open to the public again this year. The provisional authorisation has been granted by the ayuntamiento in Sant Lluis under the new law (Ley 7/24). This was approved last year, to allow urgent measures that simplify and rationalise administration in the Balearics. The permission has been granted as the water park is complementary to the Hotel Sur Menorca - their guests expect it – and the owners must ensure that there is no risk to people or the environment. Court cases are still ongoing about the water park, and Adolfo Vilafranca, the president of the Consell, has made it clear that this is a municipal matter and the Consell will not pay “one euro of compensation”. Last year the promoters wanted 30.6 million Euros when the General Interest of the project was annulled, and closure threatened. 05