ROQUETA WINTER 2025
EDITORIAL ROQUETA MAGAZINE 377 - WINTER 2025 WINTER IN MENORCA Winter settles gently over Menorca, softening the landscape and slowing the rhythm of island life. The beaches fall quiet, the fields green again after the first rains, and our towns light up with the warm glow of Christmas preparations. For many of us, the winter months reveal Menorca at its most authentic — a time of community, conversation and the small but meaningful rituals that shape island life. In this issue we look back at an eventful year and ahead to the promises of the next. Christine Brooker brings us a comprehensive round-up of island news: long-awaited progress on the Miramar Hostel in Es Castell, environmental concerns from UNESCO over the Rafal Rubí roundabout, housing developments, drone surveillance in protected areas — and even a surprising Nutri-Score that ranks Mahón cheese below Coca-Cola Zero. We speak to two people whose work touches the heartbeat of Menorca’s infrastructure. Rosa Cardona, director of Agencia Cardona, offers a fascinating insight into cruise ships, ferries and the inner workings of the Port of Mahón — a world of logistics, weather constraints and 24-hour problem-solving shaped by four generations of family dedication. In Ferreries, Mayor Pedro Pons discusses ambitious plans for S’Enclusa, Santa Àgueda, affordable housing and the future of the town’s cultural and natural heritage. December, of course, brings its own magic. We explore Menorca’s wonderfully understated Christmas traditions — from the arrival of Els Llumets and the island’s nativity plays to the parades of the Three Kings and the solemn Tres Tocs of Ciutadella. You will also find festive inspiration close to home: Estudio 3 and Es Bosc open their doors to the season with decorations, gifts and plenty of sparkle. Culture thrives even on the quietest winter days. Joventuts Musicals hosts the superb vocal quartet Cantoría, while Rachael Adams reflects on the importance of music in our community — a reminder that talent and dedication flourish across all age groups despite challenges in funding and facilities. Meanwhile, Beverley Ward takes us through another extraordinary year at the Isla del Rey, where restoration work, international exhibitions and volunteer spirit continue to breathe new life into Mahón’s remarkable historic hospital. Finally, our practical guides cover everything from 2026 driving laws and winter flight schedules to airport trends, giving residents and visitors the information they rely on. As we close another year, we would like to thank our readers, contributors and advertisers for their continued support. Winter in Menorca is a season to reflect, reconnect and rediscover the island — and we hope this issue brings you stories that do just that. With warmest wishes for the festive season,
Liz & John
IN THIS ISSUE 04 09 10 11 14 16 18 21 25 34 36 38 42 43 46 48 50 52 57 60 65 66
ISLAND NEWS DRIVING RULES AIRPORT SUMMARY & TRENDS INTERVIEW WITH ROSA CARDONA MEET PEDRO PONS, MAYOR OF FERRERIES ISLA DEL REY CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS & SHOPPING MUSIC IN MENORCA RESTAURANTS, AND RECIPES A PLASTIC FREE COMMUNITY ART IN MENORCA MADE IN MENORCA PONS QUINTANA & BARBA-ROSSA SASGA’S SUPERYACHT GRAPEVINE, GUITAR GUY & SPARKY BILLY TROTTING ON MENORCA SPORTS NEWS SPIRITUAL WELLBEING CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS NUTRITION AND FITNESS WHAT’S ON WINTER 2025 ISLAND INFORMATION PIG TALES
Cover Photo: Irina Karlovskaya
Liz & John
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ROQUETA WINTER 2025
ISLAND NEWS
BY CHRISTINE BROOKER
CHIARA OLIVER AND ED SHEERAN Chiara Oliver, the Menorcan singer, was photographed having an animated conversation with Ed Sheeran at the L40 Music Awards recently in Valencia. Universal Music released a video of the two of them. Chiara is of Menorcan descent on her father’s side and English on her mother’s side. She began her musical training at the Municipal School of Music of Ciutadella and later at the Menorca Conservatory. Her first contact with a stage was at the age of 6, when she participated as a candidate in a talent contest organised by a hotel.
ES CASTELL After 25 years, Es Castell has finally approved the basic project to reform the old Miramar Hostel, which is in ruins and a complete eyesore in the port. The promoters will have nine months to present their detailed project, which will reduce the capacity by 45%—from 27 rooms for 51 people to 14 double rooms for 28. The French company wishes to maintain the restaurant and incorporate a roof terrace. The sticking point in Fonduco has always been Costas, the coastal authority, which has finally agreed to grant licences for plans that do not alter the original structures. The alcalde, Lluís Camps, is relieved: there are 16 projects in the pipeline and the lack of permissions has affected not only the town’s economy but also its appearance. Maybe we will be able to eat at Rocamar again?! Camps, has also announced that fines for riders on electric scooters have quadrupled in the municipality this year compared to 2024. Thirty-four scooters have been confiscated. Fines were issued for not respecting pedestrian space, riding without insurance, or being underage. Camps says everything can be improved, but praises the municipal police, as most fines resulted from their controls. Discussions are taking place to ban scooters from the football ground (Sergi Llull) due to the danger they pose to parents and children who frequent the area.
PLAYAS DE FORNELLS Owners of land in Playas de Fornells (Sector 14B) are asking the Govern in Palma to evaluate a plan to create more interior growth in the urbanisation. The public can view the plans, which must be validated by the Ayuntamiento in Es Mercadal. The promoters want to parcel land into 118 plots for houses (some for possible tourist use…) and an extra space for 300 in a hotel, plus 539 public parking spaces on existing roads. They intend to invest 7.5 million euros. These plans have been presented for the development of a plot measuring 189,365 sq m (almost 19 hectares), 40,000 sq m of which will be destined for parks, gardens and children’s playgrounds. Existing roads will have to be rebuilt in the zone as they are in poor repair. Plans for a sewage plant are also included in case the one planned in Es Mercadal has not been completed. Promoters say the water supply is guaranteed with the existing network. The alcalde of Es Mercadal says he hopes that the houses will be destined for habitual homes and not as second residences. Local residents are not happy with the plans. 04
ROQUETA WINTER 2025 CARS SCRAPPED UNNECESSARILY Last year 1.16 million cars were scrapped in Spain, according to figures issued by traffic authorities. Some were due to the DANA storm and floods in Valencia, others because of low-emission zones in cities. In Menorca there are no exact figures, but many cars are being scrapped because insurance companies find it more economical to send vehicles to be broken up than to pay for repairs. Parts have risen sharply in price, and mechanics now cost an average of 50 euros an hour. Competition for business is high and insurance premiums have not increased in proportion to repair costs. Mechanics say many of the “write-off” vehicles they receive could, in fact, be repaired.
POLITICS, RAFAL RUBÍ AND UNESCO
PARAGLIDING FROM MONTE TORO Paragliding from Monte Toro may be affected by a double sanction from the Guardia Civil levied on a 64-year-old Menorcan man who landed on a restricted heliport on the S’Arangí farm in Es Mercadal. He flew over an area of special protection for birds (ZEPA), part of a Balearic network since 2000 and crucial for avian biodiversity. The heliport may only be used by Ibanat (Balearic Nature Authorities) in case of forest fires. The fine could range from 3,000 to 6,000 euros. He infringed regulations relating to air safety and protected nature reserves. Monte Toro is included in the special protection area, yet the company that offers the activity—Parapenting Menorca Biplaza—advertises on its website three flight zones depending on wind: Son Bou, S’Enclusa and Monte Toro, adding that participants may share the skies with birds of prey and other species. The Guardia Civil prohibits paragliding from the highest point on the island.
UNESCO has recently expressed concerns about the roundabout and flyover at Rafal Rubí, next to the prehistoric site. ICOMOS, the body that assesses UNESCO sites, has rejected the construction of a twolevel roundabout, adding that other issues also need correcting: Menorca Talayótica does not have an up-to-date plan regarding visits, research, climate-change mitigation, interpretation and signposting of monuments, nor a clear tourist strategy. ICOMOS received complaints from nine organisations (regarding the roundabout), plus a letter from the Minister of Culture in the central government in Madrid, Ernest Urtasun (PSOE), who has written to the Govern Balear and the Consell (both PP) asking them to use alternatives. The Consell says that the technical reports sent to UNESCO were incomplete and clearly favoured demolition. They intend to press on with the work, saying road safety is their priority and that Rafal Rubí is one of 290 prehistoric sites on the island. They also argue that demolishing the flyover (started before 2015 under a PP Consell) would incur patrimonial responsibility as public money is involved. PSOE governed from 2015 to 2023 and took no further action. Now, with local elections in 2027 and the central government without a majority—also facing elections in 2027—the subject has sadly become politicised. Road deaths still occur on the main road, and an urgent solution is clearly needed. UNESCO, ironically, has in its Agenda 2030 a goal to “reduce by half the number of deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents”. As for ICOMOS’ other observations, the councillor for culture in the Consell, Josep Pons Torres, defends the work done by his department and says he will incorporate the recommendations. The latest news, as we go to press, is that the tribunal that had paralysed the work (under the Treasury, Ministerio de Hacienda) has now given the green light to continue, rejecting the socialists’ appeal, as they deal with building-contractor issues; but they have not addressed the actual project nor UNESCO’s complaints. For this reason, Urtasun and the Consell are to meet at the end of the month.
AMBULANCE DRIVERS The Balearic Government announced an ambitious project to renew the ambulance fleet on the islands, but an unexpected problem has arisen. The new ambulances, with all the latest equipment, weigh over 4,000 kilos and require a C1 driving licence; the normal B licence is insufficient. Only eight drivers (who also have patient-care qualifications) have the C1, while 80% do not. Emergency ambulances are not affected. None of the new ambulances has arrived in Menorca yet, as they remain in Mallorca. They should have arrived in late September. The Conselleria de Salut has now announced that it will finance drivers to obtain the required licence (approximately 1,000 euros). This has pleased USAE, the union in Menorca, though they note that it is not a quick process and better planning should have been in place. Another criticism is that the current ambulances will soon be obsolete. 05