Mercadal

Es Mercadal is located at the foot of Monte Toro, at the geographic center of the island, thirteen miles from Mahon, and has an approximate population of 2218 inhabitants.

The origins of the town back to the conquest of the island of Minorca by King Alfonso III in 1287.

It is an immaculate village of whitewashed houses and neatly paved streets, a good example of the care with which the natives keep their surroundings. The houses surrounding the stream, that adorn their little gardens and orchards have a peculiar charm.

The municipality of Es Mercadal has earned a fair reputation for good food. Well, in addition to the restaurants that solved the kitchen to Menorca style, you have the most specialized in baking pastries Menorca. Thus becomes obligatory stop for the sweet tooth, especially for his "amargos", "braços de gitano" and "carquinyols" and other specialties.

Es Mercadal is at the foot of the mountain of El Toro, the highest of the island with 358m. At its top is a square tower and a chapel of XIV century-old hostel closing monks and today run by a group of nuns who cares for the church and the outbuildings, where the image is venerated de la Virgen del Toro, Patroness of Menorca. From the top commands a splendid view across the island and if the day is clear, also of Mallorca.