Let’s continue with the articles about the towns of the island, delving into Alaior. Once we have already visited Mahon and Ciutadella, we move to the center of the island to visit and discover curious facts about one of the oldest populations in Menorca, Alaior. Discover more about this fascinating town with us.
The town of Alaior, located on the island of Menorca, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. Despite its relatively small size, this town hides a great number of interesting curiosities that are unknown to many tourists. In this article, we present some of the most interesting curiosities of the town of Alaior.
Did you know that there are several theories about the origin of the name of the town of Alaior?
The origin of the name Alaior in Menorca is uncertain and there have been several theories about it. One of the theories suggested that the name could derive from the Arabic word «al-iur», which means «the great garden». Another theory is that the name comes from the Latin word «alar», which means «wing» or «limb». Finally, in 1304, King Jaume II of Mallorca ordered the purchase of the old Islamic hamlet of «Ihalor», and from there the current name of the town, Alaior, could derive. However, there is no fully accepted theory and the etymology of the name remains a mystery to this day.
Did you know that Alaior was already a university town in 1398?
During the 14th century, and even earlier, in the Crown of Aragon there were municipal assemblies that were the core of municipal government, where heads of household in the locality would gather to make important decisions. These assemblies were known as «universities». It wasn’t until 1836 that the universities disappeared and current municipalities were created. Therefore, even though they do not refer to what we currently know as universities, we can say that Alaior was a university town since 1398.
Did you know that Alaior is the largest producer of Mahón-Menorca cheese on the island?
Cheese has been a part of the island since prehistoric times, where we have already found pottery used for its production. It was called «Mahón cheese» in the 13th century, during a time of great exportation, due to the origin of the port it came from, and it is produced throughout the island. But it is in Alaior where the largest amount of cheese on the island is made, as it has some of the largest companies in the sector.
Did you know that the famous Cova d’en Xoroi is located in Alaior?
When we talked about Menorcan legends a few months ago, we already mentioned the most famous cave in Menorca, but the Cova d’en Xoroi is much more than a legend: it is a unique and incomparable place to watch the sunset, have a drink, or enjoy a musical night, and all of this is located in the municipality of Alaior. We promise that a visit to this place will not leave you indifferent.
Did you know that the largest Talayotic settlement on the island is located in Alaior?
With an area of 66,240 m2, Torre d’en Galmés is the largest Talayotic settlement in Menorca. It is located on top of a hill, making it perfect for maintaining control over much of the southern coast. The settlement dates from the Naviform period to the late Roman period. In addition to all the history you will find if you visit the settlement, you can enjoy stunning views of the southern coast, and on clear days you can even see Mallorca, all just under 5 km from the center of Alaior.
Did you know that Gemma Triay, number one in the World Padel Tour in 2021 and 2022, is originally from Alaior?
Gemma Triay, born in Alaior in 1992, has always enjoyed sports, first with tennis and later with padel, where she has achieved the highest achievements. Her most recent achievement is the world championship in women’s padel, where the Spanish team achieved first place without any defeats.
In conclusion, Alaior is a town full of interesting curiosities. From the origin of its name to amazing places like the Cova d’en Xoroi or the Torre d’en Galmes Talayotic settlement, as well as its illustrious personalities and fascinating cheese production.
In addition to these curiosities, Alaior has a wide variety of tourist attractions and activities for all tastes. From its beaches and coves with crystal-clear waters to its rich history and culture, this town is an ideal destination for lovers of cultural tourism and nature.
If you want to discover an authentic village full of history on the island of Menorca, Alaior is definitely a must-visit.
And before we say goodbye, if you are looking for houses for sale in this area of the island, here is a selection of properties for sale in Alaior. We hope you find them to your liking!