Destination Weddings in Minorca  

Minorca, northernmost of the Balearic Islands, was left out of the tourist boom of the 60’s and 70’s and so escaped some of its less welcome aspects. It retains an old world charm in its two main towns, Mahon and Cuitatdella, and its quaint countryside is dominated by small fields closed in by hedgerows and dry stone walls.

Dotted around the island’s interior are numerous prehistoric monuments like the taulas (massive T-shaped stone structures reminiscent of Stonehenge) talayots (odd cone structures) and navetes (like upside down stone boats). On the cliff-bound coast there is many a beautiful beach.

Before getting married in Spain the happy couple can get a good look at the whole island from Monte Toro. From the monastery on this, the highest point on the island, they can look west to Cuitatdella, the islands former capital, and southeast to Mahon, the present capital. In one of these towns they may choose to hold their wedding ceremony, perhaps in Cuitatdella’s gothic cathedral or in the church of Santa Maria in Mahon.

After the wedding ceremony one of the many charming beaches could be the venue for a reception. Imagine feasting on the delicious seafood caught fresh that day from the very same sea that shimmers before your wedding table! And as the sun sinks depart into the fragrant Minorcan night. You may stay at one of the island’s beautifully situated hotels overlooking the sea, or even perhaps retire to the intimacy of your own villa next to a beach.

On such a compact island as Minorca honeymooners can spend mornings wandering the old streets of Cuitatdella and Mahon (much of the architecture is Georgian, testament to the British rule during the 18 century) and each afternoon visit a different beach. A swim in the sea will refresh you before setting off to explore some more of the sights in the cooler evening by bicycle or even on horseback.

*Shoppers hungry for momentos of the destination wedding should note that Minorca is renowned for its shoe making, and costume jewellery.