Traditional Villages

Minorca has about 65,000 inhabitants. This is another basic factor contributing to the delicate balance of life on Minorca. We are not overpopulated. The inhabitants are also fairly well spread out across the island.

The farm work requires that and all over the island are dotted small farms or "llocs", as we call them. The experts coincide in recommending a close inspection of traditional Minorcan architecture. Previously I mentioned the ingenious systems for collecting and storing rain water, but a great many buildings and farms are worthy of a close look for their beauty and practical suitability to farm and family life.

Mahon and Ciutadella polarise the island. In the 2001 Census both Mahon and ciutadella had over 23,000 inhabitants. These are small towns, with a relaxed way of life. Both of them have harbours and their histories are quite distinct, to the point of being antagonistic. Ciutadella, the ancient capital, was the centre of Minorca until from the Middle Ages.

There we can find the old palaces, as you'd expect in home of the nobility and church, Ciutadella being the seat of the Bishopric. These beautiful and noble buildings can be seen today in the narrow streets of the city centre, once surrounded by massive defensive walls.

Mahon was made capital by the British in the 18th Century and the whole of the old town has a colonial air. The defence of the deepest and safest haven in the Mediterranean was absolutely necessary and forts and castles grew apace with the city itself which welcomed the trade and opportunities presented by the British presence.

The two cities now offer two of the contrasting faces of Minorca. Mahon, more commercial and industrial, Ciutadella more residential and noble. In the centre of Minorca are the old agricultural centres: Ferreries (4,000 inhabitants) Es Mercadal (3,100) Alaior (7.200) and Es Migorn Gran, all linked by good roads running through charming country. These towns are far removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade and continue their agricultural activities unperturbed.