The sharp-eyed among Menorca’s holiday visitors will detect a blend of cultural influences traceable back through time and a series of occupations. The island’s stone ruins and walled cities hint at a history troubled by invasions, but do we have to assume there were only territorial reasons why overseas powers considered Menorca so desirable?

The foreign influences borne out in the Balearic island’s rich traditions – the unique local customs, colourful festivals, and the varied architecture – should make it obvious to Menorcan holiday makers that the isle has passed through the hands of many empires. The Roman, Aragonese, British, Turk and Greek empires have shown an interest, to name a few. We’d like to think the Spanish maintained their union with Menorca because of their mutual love of horses; maybe the Carthaginians came for the cuisine – and here we explore other peaceful motivations for making Menorca your own, beginning with Caesar’s reasons.

The Roman House Hunters – Veni, vedi…villa.

As part of their grand conquest of the Mediterranean the Romans arrived here in 123 BC and made their Menorca holiday last more than half a millennium. Historians will tell you that the island had important strategic value, but who’s to say that they weren’t scouring the Med for a welcome home from home – or should we say “villa from villa”? Those who have stayed in a Menorcan villa know that the Romans would have been comfortable among the classic white walls topped with terracotta tiles (often with sun terraces and soothing pools) and all with a unique Menorcan villa style to rival the fabled opulence of an Italian habitation. Desirable properties indeed!

Came for the Sea and Stayed for the Weather

The British Navy, envious of the island’s charming coastlines and emerald waters, brought their maritime tradition to bear when they “took possession” of Menorca in 1721 and set about building an imposing naval base at Mahon.

Having secured the island as a colonial outpost, it took 100 years before the Brits surrendered their spot on the beach. (Es Grau beach was probably their favourite) The contrast to their gloomy British climate must have been clear as day – with 315 days of sunshine per year and low rainfall – so it’s no surprise they defended their ideal hot and dry Menorca holidays for so long.

No longer so fortified, the port of Mahon has become a place for hospitality, with the long quayside walkways hosting a welcoming throng of bars and restaurants with moorings for pleasure yachts at the water’s edge. But further into town, Mahon still resists the invasion of the car. The public transport system is excellent (buses come here from all over the island) so you shouldn’t worry yourself with the problem of finding a parking space. If you do drive on your Menorca holiday, it’s sensible to leave the car on the outskirts and walk in.

Resistance is futile – you want to visit!

Even the prehistoric residents knew they were on to a good thing. They were famously big on hill-walking back then (they liked bird-watching in the nature reserves too) and they decorated their landscape with rudimentary stone monuments such as the ‘taulas’, erected in honour of that hot yellow circle in the sky.

And of course, Menorca’s holiday isle will also suit modern sun-worshippers seeking peaceful relaxation. Having somehow resisted an invasion of tourists which other islands have succumbed to, it has often been described as unspoilt. Certainly when the Greek and Arab occupiers departed the island, they left relatively few remains behind; it seems this lot at least were well-mannered enough to pick up after themselves. Like all those that went before you, what you’ll take away from your Menorcan Holiday is a longing to make the island your own.

Brenda Jaaback is the ­Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you a choice of handpicked Menorcan villas, resorts and retreats in prime locations for all your Menorca Holiday needs.