The death of the travel writer has been proactively announced by Tom Robbins of the financial times. Somewhere between imminent sprawling epitaph and predictive coroners report he outlines the travel guide writer as a dying breed. So who's to blame?
Well the first word on every Luddite's lips would be the correct one: technology. As many newspaper journalists fear their survival in the new world it would seem another casualty may be slipping quicker. While there is naturally an influx of travel blogs and so forth providing once bought information for free, there is another phenomena threatening the health of the guide book writer.
Specifically it is the new world of technological opened up by smart phones, with their hand held access to internet and a glowingly integrated main frame of technology, and it seems a new Google app may be a bearing nail in the guide book writers career trajectory.
While the appeal of the travel guide relied on its easy proximity to its reader, potentially attached at all times, quick to dispense information at a flick of a page, it looks as though Google have taken a rather substantial step to rendering them all but obsolete.
I recall a friend's mother forever mispronouncing Google as 'goggle', much to my friend's dismay, now Google have an app that will probably confuse her even more. 'Google goggles', or as my friend's mother may say 'goggle goggles', is a new app that allows tourists to simply take a picture from where they stand, and wait for suggestions to appear based on image recognition. You could be stood outside one of the Lanzarote villas, and quickly have your photograph annotated with destinations nearby, your trajectory to the attraction shown on the image.
At your fingertips therefore is almost all the information possibly written in any guide book, implementing the resource of the web perhaps even more. It goes beyond telling you where to go, you can snap a church and quickly your phone will be able to give you any interesting information the net has to offer on the subject of your photograph.
The implications are big enough to be quite scary, an interactive guidebook that is pageless, and yet the most comprehensive to ever be composed.
What's more it talks, through the handy Google translate feature you can speak a sentence in to your phone and it will say it any number of languages, as yet no lonely planet guide has managed that.
Most disturbingly for the travel guide industry is that all this technology is available for free. Simply download the app to your smart phone and it is up and running, fully functional.
But yet the travel guide industry has for a while been eating itself from within, exposes have been published and secrets have been aired sometimes gleefully, others reluctantly. If the travel writer is dying then Thomas Kohnstamm's 2008 book may suggest where they are headed, as he ponder Do Travel Writer go to Hell? While the book relishes in sordid detail of his various exploits in South America as an underfunded travel writer, other travel writers have also confessed to a lack of funding and desk research of locations.
So perhaps the guidebook is dying, but it has been diseased for a while.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Mirador del Rio - Home to the Restaurant that Wasn't Meant to Be
Mirador literary means 'look out', and that is what it is really is. Considered to be Lazarote's most famous viewpoint, Mirador del Rio is located at 497m above sea level and provides breathtaking views over the north coast.
It has been used as a vantage point for many years. In the 16th century this spot was used by the canary island's Spanish settlers to keep a lookout for marauding pirates, who invaded and constantly pillaged the island, on an ongoing basis for the around two hundred years. In 1898 there was a small fortress and gun battery was added to the site, done to deter any naval incursions by American vessel as around this time Spain was at war with the USA over the ownership of Cuba. Today though, the guns are gone and are at guard at the modern art treasures in the Castillo de San Jose in Arrecife, but don't worry they are there just as decorations and can't be used any more.
Manrique had planned for a restaurant to be built on the site, with curvaceous windows of the Mirador that are very similar to the ones he had later utilized, when he transformed the basement of the Castillo de San Jose into one of the most impressive dining rooms on the island. In order to create a suitable restaurant space, he had to get a large room quarried, that had to be dug out of the cliff top and roof created by covering the two cupolas that were used for excavation with earth and grass, which in turn concealed the construction method.
Inside he had created a narrow winded white corridor that gives nothing away to what is to be expected ahead and that is to a large, white walled open plan area with a wooden floor, tables and chairs. This is a minimalist design that makes sure the visitors eyes are not from the food that they are about to feast on.
Although there isn't a grand restaurant that Manrique had originally hoped for, there is a place where you can still buy snacks and drinks in the area. But more importantly the area is dedicated to the fantastic view across of the island of La Graciosa, which is only one thousand metes away, here you can take fantastic pictures of it and the smaller uninhabited islands of Alegranza, and Montaña Clara.
If visitors look below they can see the hard to reach but brilliant beach Playa El Risco and the Salinas salt pans that are the oldest in the archipelago, these date back to Roman times. Nearby you can find a recreational and ecological park where you can find traditional crafts being demonstrated and even learn how to make gofio, which is ground and roasted cereal. Also there are fabulous Flora and animals which are aimed for children. The park opens at 10.00am and closes at 6pm so it will give ample time to get to and from there from your Lanzarote villas.
It has been used as a vantage point for many years. In the 16th century this spot was used by the canary island's Spanish settlers to keep a lookout for marauding pirates, who invaded and constantly pillaged the island, on an ongoing basis for the around two hundred years. In 1898 there was a small fortress and gun battery was added to the site, done to deter any naval incursions by American vessel as around this time Spain was at war with the USA over the ownership of Cuba. Today though, the guns are gone and are at guard at the modern art treasures in the Castillo de San Jose in Arrecife, but don't worry they are there just as decorations and can't be used any more.
Manrique had planned for a restaurant to be built on the site, with curvaceous windows of the Mirador that are very similar to the ones he had later utilized, when he transformed the basement of the Castillo de San Jose into one of the most impressive dining rooms on the island. In order to create a suitable restaurant space, he had to get a large room quarried, that had to be dug out of the cliff top and roof created by covering the two cupolas that were used for excavation with earth and grass, which in turn concealed the construction method.
Inside he had created a narrow winded white corridor that gives nothing away to what is to be expected ahead and that is to a large, white walled open plan area with a wooden floor, tables and chairs. This is a minimalist design that makes sure the visitors eyes are not from the food that they are about to feast on.
Although there isn't a grand restaurant that Manrique had originally hoped for, there is a place where you can still buy snacks and drinks in the area. But more importantly the area is dedicated to the fantastic view across of the island of La Graciosa, which is only one thousand metes away, here you can take fantastic pictures of it and the smaller uninhabited islands of Alegranza, and Montaña Clara.
If visitors look below they can see the hard to reach but brilliant beach Playa El Risco and the Salinas salt pans that are the oldest in the archipelago, these date back to Roman times. Nearby you can find a recreational and ecological park where you can find traditional crafts being demonstrated and even learn how to make gofio, which is ground and roasted cereal. Also there are fabulous Flora and animals which are aimed for children. The park opens at 10.00am and closes at 6pm so it will give ample time to get to and from there from your Lanzarote villas.
Tuesday, 7 September 2010
Menorca's Artificial Village
Binibeca is located on the south east coast of the island and is roughly five miles from Mahon.
This was one of Menrorca's earliest coastal developments and features Poblat de Pescadors, a development built to resemble a traditional fishing village. This can be considered to look artificial but it does resemble the other vintage Menorcan towns with its maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and Moorish arches. The island has an divided opinion on the town but it is highly popular with tourists. During the winter months the village is practically deserted in contrast to the summer which is full of tourists and foreigners, especially the Spanish. The creator of the town was Antonio Sintes Mercadal.
You'd think that it being popular with tourist that it would be a bustling town but that is far from it, as it is a quieter resort and is a perfect choice form holiday makers wanting to escape the noise and crowds of other more developed areas. Here you will not see any skyscrapers or large holiday complexes but some of the most ideal Menorca villas and apartments. These are ideal for those seeking a break that feels like a home away from home.
Also because of the many self catering accommodations, there are a few good supermarkets to supply your everyday needs. There are also a variety of gift and souvenir shops where the usual supply of leather goods, jewellery, pottery and embroidered linens can be purchased. There isn't a weekly market in the town but the nearby town Sant Lluis holds a small market on Mondays and Wednesdays. If that isn't enough you could just hop on the bus that goes to Mahon but be aware this only runs two or three times a day.
The town has two sides to it that contrast each other. At one end is the small apartment filled resort that is in the style of an old fishing village. Although it isn't a fishing village, the complex mimics the traditional architecture, there is even a church spire which, instead of a church beneath,has a niche containing a crucifix. This helps give it the authentic look but also makes you see why there are some in Menorca that don't like this aspect of the town. But here you find an abundance of bars, shop and restaurants in these interesting surroundings. Fish is caught locally and is a major part of the island's cuisine. Here you will see a great amount of prawns, mussels, red mullet and sea bass. Most served at Tapas bars that are available to fill the gap between lunch and dinner, which in Menorca can be very late.
On the other side is the beach Binibequer Nou which separates Binibeca and its neighbouring town Cala Torret. The Binibequer Nou beach is an attractive deep beach with with gently shelving sands in a quiet cove, that offers safe bathing for all. The young children can play safely in the sand and the beach has an bar that claims to be the only place on the island where you can sit and have a drink with your feet in the sea.
This was one of Menrorca's earliest coastal developments and features Poblat de Pescadors, a development built to resemble a traditional fishing village. This can be considered to look artificial but it does resemble the other vintage Menorcan towns with its maze of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and Moorish arches. The island has an divided opinion on the town but it is highly popular with tourists. During the winter months the village is practically deserted in contrast to the summer which is full of tourists and foreigners, especially the Spanish. The creator of the town was Antonio Sintes Mercadal.
You'd think that it being popular with tourist that it would be a bustling town but that is far from it, as it is a quieter resort and is a perfect choice form holiday makers wanting to escape the noise and crowds of other more developed areas. Here you will not see any skyscrapers or large holiday complexes but some of the most ideal Menorca villas and apartments. These are ideal for those seeking a break that feels like a home away from home.
Also because of the many self catering accommodations, there are a few good supermarkets to supply your everyday needs. There are also a variety of gift and souvenir shops where the usual supply of leather goods, jewellery, pottery and embroidered linens can be purchased. There isn't a weekly market in the town but the nearby town Sant Lluis holds a small market on Mondays and Wednesdays. If that isn't enough you could just hop on the bus that goes to Mahon but be aware this only runs two or three times a day.
The town has two sides to it that contrast each other. At one end is the small apartment filled resort that is in the style of an old fishing village. Although it isn't a fishing village, the complex mimics the traditional architecture, there is even a church spire which, instead of a church beneath,has a niche containing a crucifix. This helps give it the authentic look but also makes you see why there are some in Menorca that don't like this aspect of the town. But here you find an abundance of bars, shop and restaurants in these interesting surroundings. Fish is caught locally and is a major part of the island's cuisine. Here you will see a great amount of prawns, mussels, red mullet and sea bass. Most served at Tapas bars that are available to fill the gap between lunch and dinner, which in Menorca can be very late.
On the other side is the beach Binibequer Nou which separates Binibeca and its neighbouring town Cala Torret. The Binibequer Nou beach is an attractive deep beach with with gently shelving sands in a quiet cove, that offers safe bathing for all. The young children can play safely in the sand and the beach has an bar that claims to be the only place on the island where you can sit and have a drink with your feet in the sea.
Monday, 6 September 2010
The Best Beaches of Menorca
The Balearic Islands have long been attracting sun worshippers to bask on their white beaches, bronzing themselves under a Mediterranean sun.
These beaches have a notorious reputation as being some of the best in Europe, with their white sands and clear, tranquil waters. Ibiza waters have even been added to the UNESCO world heritage as a sight of natural beauty.
Yet Menorca seems to offer the most beaches with the widest range of diversity, whether you wish for a bustling beach full of atmosphere and energy, or quite secluded spot Menorca has it all.
Stumbling from one of the Menorca villas you can head to any of these locations, for a pleasant evening of lounging around.
Cala Marcella, Alaoir
Marcella is a wonderful secluded cove covered with white sands, and tranquil turquoise waters, the green stretching lands make a beautiful corridor to the waters offering a shaded swimming area in a warm sea.
During the summer it is unfortunately rather too crowded, yet in August you can enjoy these splendour filled beaches with a much less substantial crowd.
It is a perfect location for relaxing floats on the sea, also you can take a short stroll down to the more remote Marcelleta cove, a location popular with nudists.
For eats there are some great little bistros nearby. The Susi restaurant is right on the beach and serves good tapas portions to be shared with friends and family. Though it is advisable to turn up early or you will stand very slight chance of being served.
The beach is a short drive from Citudella, taking about ten minutes by car, there is free car park nearby.
Pregonda
Near Es Mercadel, is the Pregond beach, a stretching spread of sand and sea that bring in many tourists. Pregonda is a long slice of beautiful reddish sand, with reddish rocks just off the coast line that bleed their beautiful colours in to the sea surrounding them. There are tiny little sands and inlets to claim as your own and a sea that is placid and crystalline.
This beach attracts the most dedicated of loungers, prepared to hike a good distance for this particular slice of seclusion.
As part of the marine reserve, this is a very well kept beach, home to a colony of rare Andouin Seagulls. The calm waters make this a wonderful location for diving and snorkelling, so bring a mask.
While there are little seaside shacks serving up snacks, they are at very inflated rates for what you get, the best idea is to be very British and take a picnic with you, and have a relaxed lunch. There are no bins here, mostly for aesthetic reasons, in Menorca it is good practice to be prepared to take your Rubbish with you.
The beach is about five miles away from Es Mercadel and pretty easy to locate if you follow the sign posts. There are some car parks fairly near by, but be prepared to spend at least fifteen minutes getting to the water side.
These beaches have a notorious reputation as being some of the best in Europe, with their white sands and clear, tranquil waters. Ibiza waters have even been added to the UNESCO world heritage as a sight of natural beauty.
Yet Menorca seems to offer the most beaches with the widest range of diversity, whether you wish for a bustling beach full of atmosphere and energy, or quite secluded spot Menorca has it all.
Stumbling from one of the Menorca villas you can head to any of these locations, for a pleasant evening of lounging around.
Cala Marcella, Alaoir
Marcella is a wonderful secluded cove covered with white sands, and tranquil turquoise waters, the green stretching lands make a beautiful corridor to the waters offering a shaded swimming area in a warm sea.
During the summer it is unfortunately rather too crowded, yet in August you can enjoy these splendour filled beaches with a much less substantial crowd.
It is a perfect location for relaxing floats on the sea, also you can take a short stroll down to the more remote Marcelleta cove, a location popular with nudists.
For eats there are some great little bistros nearby. The Susi restaurant is right on the beach and serves good tapas portions to be shared with friends and family. Though it is advisable to turn up early or you will stand very slight chance of being served.
The beach is a short drive from Citudella, taking about ten minutes by car, there is free car park nearby.
Pregonda
Near Es Mercadel, is the Pregond beach, a stretching spread of sand and sea that bring in many tourists. Pregonda is a long slice of beautiful reddish sand, with reddish rocks just off the coast line that bleed their beautiful colours in to the sea surrounding them. There are tiny little sands and inlets to claim as your own and a sea that is placid and crystalline.
This beach attracts the most dedicated of loungers, prepared to hike a good distance for this particular slice of seclusion.
As part of the marine reserve, this is a very well kept beach, home to a colony of rare Andouin Seagulls. The calm waters make this a wonderful location for diving and snorkelling, so bring a mask.
While there are little seaside shacks serving up snacks, they are at very inflated rates for what you get, the best idea is to be very British and take a picnic with you, and have a relaxed lunch. There are no bins here, mostly for aesthetic reasons, in Menorca it is good practice to be prepared to take your Rubbish with you.
The beach is about five miles away from Es Mercadel and pretty easy to locate if you follow the sign posts. There are some car parks fairly near by, but be prepared to spend at least fifteen minutes getting to the water side.
Friday, 3 September 2010
You've Got to Give a Hand to Sant Lluis
Sant Lluis is one of the fastest growing towns in Menorca, the town was founded by the French in 1761, and this was when they occupied Menorca. The name of the town is inspired by French king Louis IX. The residential town located in the south east corner of the island, otherwise known as the golden triangle is a traditional Menorca town. Its architecture is grid based thanks to its French heritage. The town is surrounded by countryside and villages that could easily be used for a postcard. Sant Lluis is a great base to explore as it is within a short distance of many attractions in the surrounding area and near to the popular south coast beaches. It is an also a town with a growing English community which could mean that in the near future it could become one of the top tourist spots on the island.
The town is people friendly, you can easily stroll through the main shopping street, there are quaint little shops, inviting pastry shops, bakers and bar restaurants. So it is a place ideal place if you're thinking of settling in the country at one of the many Menorca villas. The church which is also named after King Louis XI has a commanding presence in the centre of the town and because of the towns gridded nature it is easy to find. It should also be noted that it has a coastline that is most noteworthy for its fine sandy beaches and cliffs. Along this coastline you find beautiful coves of Binissafúller, Biniancolla and Binibeca, also you will see pale whitewashed fisherman's houses. Capes and Islets also feature along this coast as well as medieval defensive towers which define the character of the coast.
It is a town that is dominated by the imposing Moli de Dalt, a windmill that overlooks the town. This is a fully restored traditional windmill which has been turned into an Ethnological museum. Menorca was the first of the Balearic Island to welcome the modern turbine. The turbine was put up to harness energy from the island's famous tramontana wind that comes from north. It was built in 1762 BC during the brief French domination of the island of Menorca. Two more were made these three mills formed a great backdrop for the town. Visitors will see machinery that has been reconstructed where parts are used to illustrate simple but effective engineering that was used when was first used nearly two hundred and fifty years ago in the production of flour. There are other things that are on show there for example visitors can watch a demonstration of the intricate system for rigging sails. Also inside is the small museum which displays a collection of old tools that was used for many odd jobs such as farming, cheese making, black smiths, bread making and transporting goods and people and has a restaurant inside the 300 year old structure. This mill is usually open to public daily during May to October in the mornings.
The town is people friendly, you can easily stroll through the main shopping street, there are quaint little shops, inviting pastry shops, bakers and bar restaurants. So it is a place ideal place if you're thinking of settling in the country at one of the many Menorca villas. The church which is also named after King Louis XI has a commanding presence in the centre of the town and because of the towns gridded nature it is easy to find. It should also be noted that it has a coastline that is most noteworthy for its fine sandy beaches and cliffs. Along this coastline you find beautiful coves of Binissafúller, Biniancolla and Binibeca, also you will see pale whitewashed fisherman's houses. Capes and Islets also feature along this coast as well as medieval defensive towers which define the character of the coast.
It is a town that is dominated by the imposing Moli de Dalt, a windmill that overlooks the town. This is a fully restored traditional windmill which has been turned into an Ethnological museum. Menorca was the first of the Balearic Island to welcome the modern turbine. The turbine was put up to harness energy from the island's famous tramontana wind that comes from north. It was built in 1762 BC during the brief French domination of the island of Menorca. Two more were made these three mills formed a great backdrop for the town. Visitors will see machinery that has been reconstructed where parts are used to illustrate simple but effective engineering that was used when was first used nearly two hundred and fifty years ago in the production of flour. There are other things that are on show there for example visitors can watch a demonstration of the intricate system for rigging sails. Also inside is the small museum which displays a collection of old tools that was used for many odd jobs such as farming, cheese making, black smiths, bread making and transporting goods and people and has a restaurant inside the 300 year old structure. This mill is usually open to public daily during May to October in the mornings.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Holiday Speeders to Pay
It may seem like a way to shave a few hours from your travelling time, yet many tourists are now beginning to find that speeding has its own cost, that may outweigh the value of saving a few hours on your way there.
Over recent years countries throughout Europe have been targeting speeding motor vehicle driver, particularly those from foreign countries. Motorists have slowly learned to be careful in France as being caught can result in a fine that can cost almost as much as their holiday. The cause of this hard stance on speeding foreigners is reported to be an attempt to curtail the amount of unpaid fines, left when authorities are unable to find an address for the speeding drivers.
Now tourists driving through Spain are going to have to share the jubilance of those driving through France as the Spanish implement new technology to catch speeding foreign motorists. Spain has recently introduced a massive crackdown on speeding, and many tourists feel victimised as they face on the spot fines. The cameras put in by Spanish police now instantly recognise foreign number plates and from this they alert police cars nearby the area to stop drivers and accost them with an on-the-spot fine, which can be up to 500 Euros depending on how fast you were going.
Many believe this is a rather cynical way to try and squeeze money from tourists, but the Spanish authorities are assuring that it is an entirely pragmatic decision, as rather than having to find out the driver through the car rental service the instantaneous fine allows the police to get the money without having to go through the dubious postal process.
“Except in rare circumstances the foreign drivers caught speeding in Spain never receive their fines, because we have nowhere to send them”, commented a spokesman for the Direccion General el Traffico (the DGT), the Spanish equivalent of the DVLA.
The inability to bill speeding non-resident drivers is said to be a problem that persists throughout Europe. So far many other European countries have expressed an interest in implementing a similar system.
This crackdown will also cover other charges with on-the-spot charges. Drink driving, and tailgating motorists are also set to be targeted. On-the-spot charges ensure they will be dealt with in the country the crime is committed. The DGT spokesperson commented that, “Negotiations are taking place at EU level to ensure speeding and drunk drivers are penalised in the European country in which the offence takes place”.
When other countries are likely to add the cameras is as yet unknown, but it is believed to be a good way to ensure drivers are fined within the appropriate location. So far the cameras have been added at locations where tourists are responsible for half the motor offences. Andalusia has widely implemented the scheme as has Menorca - Menorca villas are incredibly popular with tourists this year, if you are renting accommodation and a car ensure to watch your speed.
Over recent years countries throughout Europe have been targeting speeding motor vehicle driver, particularly those from foreign countries. Motorists have slowly learned to be careful in France as being caught can result in a fine that can cost almost as much as their holiday. The cause of this hard stance on speeding foreigners is reported to be an attempt to curtail the amount of unpaid fines, left when authorities are unable to find an address for the speeding drivers.
Now tourists driving through Spain are going to have to share the jubilance of those driving through France as the Spanish implement new technology to catch speeding foreign motorists. Spain has recently introduced a massive crackdown on speeding, and many tourists feel victimised as they face on the spot fines. The cameras put in by Spanish police now instantly recognise foreign number plates and from this they alert police cars nearby the area to stop drivers and accost them with an on-the-spot fine, which can be up to 500 Euros depending on how fast you were going.
Many believe this is a rather cynical way to try and squeeze money from tourists, but the Spanish authorities are assuring that it is an entirely pragmatic decision, as rather than having to find out the driver through the car rental service the instantaneous fine allows the police to get the money without having to go through the dubious postal process.
“Except in rare circumstances the foreign drivers caught speeding in Spain never receive their fines, because we have nowhere to send them”, commented a spokesman for the Direccion General el Traffico (the DGT), the Spanish equivalent of the DVLA.
The inability to bill speeding non-resident drivers is said to be a problem that persists throughout Europe. So far many other European countries have expressed an interest in implementing a similar system.
This crackdown will also cover other charges with on-the-spot charges. Drink driving, and tailgating motorists are also set to be targeted. On-the-spot charges ensure they will be dealt with in the country the crime is committed. The DGT spokesperson commented that, “Negotiations are taking place at EU level to ensure speeding and drunk drivers are penalised in the European country in which the offence takes place”.
When other countries are likely to add the cameras is as yet unknown, but it is believed to be a good way to ensure drivers are fined within the appropriate location. So far the cameras have been added at locations where tourists are responsible for half the motor offences. Andalusia has widely implemented the scheme as has Menorca - Menorca villas are incredibly popular with tourists this year, if you are renting accommodation and a car ensure to watch your speed.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
The Edge of the Cliff That Welcomes You
When going to Menorca, one of the things that is always recommended before leaving the island is a short trip to the Cala n' Porter to enjoy the Cova d'en Xoroi, commonly known as just 'the caves'. The Cova d'en Xoroi is located on an imposing natural cavity in the impregnable cliffs in the municipality of Alaior and there is a bar/restaurant that sits at the side of a very steep cliff, which overlooks the sugary white beach and cove of Cala n' Porter.
The resort is famous throughout all of Menorca for the cave and also for the legend of Xoroi. According to his legend, Xoroi was a man from an unknown past and came from the sea, although nobody knew how and thought he was a survivor from some shipwreck. He was a pirate who kidnapped a local girl who was about to be married and held her prisoner in the cave (which he found) for 10 years. One day in winter, the island became blanketed by unexpected snow. In the snow footprints were visible and armed men followed the imprints and went down the cave. There in the cavern they found a man, a woman and three sons, that were the fruit of their love. Xoroi, seeing that he was powerless and surrounded, threw himself into the sea followed by his eldest son. The sea that had brought him, closed over them both, guarding the mystery of his life, never to be seen again. The woman and her two sons were taken to Alaior where they carried on with the rest of their lives, they and their descendants after them...
During the day the cave serves as a bar, but at night it transforms into a disco/club from 11pm until dawn. It costs around €7 to get in but this includes a drink and there is a gift shop. At night it turns into a different animal, as it turns into a full blown club: gone are the tranquil sounds of the seas and in are the sounds of the latest bumping tunes. There are a host of DJs that spin at the club and the club holds special events from time to time, such as foam parties.
It is a perfect location to watch the sunset because of the atmosphere around you. There will be warm sweeping breeze over the high cliffs, while you could be sipping on a cocktail at the Terrance bar and look out to the magnificent sea views. The view will make those even in Menorca villas jealous. It can also be an idea location for bird watching as there are Pallid Swifts nesting and Alpine Swift plus several Audouin's Gulls that fly past. Also there is a Blue Rock Thrush on the cliff face which not many people know about so you won't be bother by those want to take the perfect picture of them. So there are many reasons to go to Cova d'en Xoroi, from the amazing views to the party of your life - you won't regret visiting this edge of the cliff.
The resort is famous throughout all of Menorca for the cave and also for the legend of Xoroi. According to his legend, Xoroi was a man from an unknown past and came from the sea, although nobody knew how and thought he was a survivor from some shipwreck. He was a pirate who kidnapped a local girl who was about to be married and held her prisoner in the cave (which he found) for 10 years. One day in winter, the island became blanketed by unexpected snow. In the snow footprints were visible and armed men followed the imprints and went down the cave. There in the cavern they found a man, a woman and three sons, that were the fruit of their love. Xoroi, seeing that he was powerless and surrounded, threw himself into the sea followed by his eldest son. The sea that had brought him, closed over them both, guarding the mystery of his life, never to be seen again. The woman and her two sons were taken to Alaior where they carried on with the rest of their lives, they and their descendants after them...
During the day the cave serves as a bar, but at night it transforms into a disco/club from 11pm until dawn. It costs around €7 to get in but this includes a drink and there is a gift shop. At night it turns into a different animal, as it turns into a full blown club: gone are the tranquil sounds of the seas and in are the sounds of the latest bumping tunes. There are a host of DJs that spin at the club and the club holds special events from time to time, such as foam parties.
It is a perfect location to watch the sunset because of the atmosphere around you. There will be warm sweeping breeze over the high cliffs, while you could be sipping on a cocktail at the Terrance bar and look out to the magnificent sea views. The view will make those even in Menorca villas jealous. It can also be an idea location for bird watching as there are Pallid Swifts nesting and Alpine Swift plus several Audouin's Gulls that fly past. Also there is a Blue Rock Thrush on the cliff face which not many people know about so you won't be bother by those want to take the perfect picture of them. So there are many reasons to go to Cova d'en Xoroi, from the amazing views to the party of your life - you won't regret visiting this edge of the cliff.
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