A Brief History of Menorca

Over the centuries, Menorca has been occupied by virtually every major empire in history: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Moors. The island was finally liberated from the Moors by Alfonso III on 17 January 1287. To this day, Menorca’s annual fiesta takes place on 17^th January.

After Alfonso’s “reconquista,” Menorca became part of the Kingdom of Mallorca under Jaime II.  When Jaime III took the throne, control of Menorca was passed to Pedro el Ceremonioso. This marked the beginning of the most unexceptional and messy period in the island’s history.  There was constant fighting between the locals and the imposing aristocracy; many residents fled the island to escape the conflict.

Menorca fell under British rule in 1708 and remained so—apart from a brief period of control by the French—until the beginning of the 19^th century, when it was reclaimed by the Spanish army. More than a hundred years of British occupation made a permanent mark on the island that can be experienced today in many of the local customs, architecture, and the ‘menorquin’ dialect.

The modern capital of Menorca, the city of Mahon, has been the seat of local government since the British gained control of the island in the 18^th century. The city’s amazing location made it the most practical and attractive area for the capital to be located: it sits on a natural harbour, completely sheltered from the harsh storms that are known to attack the island from time to time. Mahon is the best natural harbour in the Mediterranean and is considered one of the best in the world.