The Isla del Rey of Menorca is a fascinating discovery for the curious, for culture lovers and for historians!

Have you ever been to the beautiful Balearic Island of Menorca and enjoyed the mild temperatures and incredible beaches? You most probably have and if you have not then you are in for a wonderful surprise – not only is she a Mediterranean beauty she is also steeped in history and culture having survived numerous invasions from a variety of enemies. This blog will introduce you to the fascinating Isla del Rey; this little island is located in the middle of the Mahon harbour and is home to a fascinating, former military hospital and to the remains of a basilica. If you have decided you would like to buy a house, villa or flat on the island contact our longstanding locally based real estate agents Engel & Völkers, we have offices in both Mahon and Ciutadella with a multilingual team qualified to assist you on your new adventure. Be sure to ask them about the history of the Isla del Rey (the Kings Island) and we highly recommend you take a few hours out from house hunting to visit the island. Begin your search right now and check out the beautiful property with views of the Isla del Rey being presented further on in our blog.

An island steeped in history: La Isla del Rey the perfect place to explore

If you have decided to invest in property in Menorca then you most likely also want to learn everything about the Island and the Isla del Rey is a very good place to begin discovering. Also known as the 'King's Island', as it was the first place the Spanish King Alfonso III landed in 1287 as part of his campaign to conquer the Muslims. Due to its strategic geographical position, the island also passed through the hands of French and English military forces.

Arriving at Isla del Rey, you will find two important architectural sites, the old British military hospital and the remains of an early Christian Basilica. The latter dates back to the 6th century and was discovered in 1888; today the basilica is a National Historical and Archaeological Monument. In 1888, a mosaic of the basilica was found on Isla del Rey, which is currently kept in the Museum of Menorca. On the eastern side of the island, the second important monument is the old British military hospital. The building is characterized by a U-shaped floorplan and has its origins in the 18th century: At that time, the first British governor expropriated the Isla del Rey from its owners because he wanted to have a naval hospital built there. The hospital was built under the command of John Jennings from the British Mediterranean fleet. The hospital operated for the next 60 years and was replaced by a new Baroque-style building during the second British occupation, the construction began on 30 October 1771 and was completed in 1776. Until 1964 it functioned as a military hospital, serving the American and Dutch navies and, during the Second World War, the Italian navy. This important hospital had a total of 40 rooms, rooms for doctors and nurses, a laundry, a pharmacy, a kitchen and three cisterns as well as a bathing room. Much of the original equipment used there remains on display in the original rooms, best seen on a guided tour.

Be inspired by the fabulous home below and make your move to buy a property in Menorca with local real estate agents Engel & Völkers.

Sea views, roof terrace, swimming pool: a home to relish every single moment in Menorca

If you are looking to buy a property near the port of Mahón, this fabulous villa in Cala Llonga is a wonderful option for sale with Engel & Völkers Menorca.

The property has the wonderfully romantic style of old Menorca and is privy to grand sea views as well as the Isla del Rey in the natural port of Mahon. The house has a medley of sun terraces and porches including the roof terrace from where the views are simply spectacular and a lovely pool area. The interior layout consists of 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a big fully fitted kitchen, open plan living-dining room, which opens to a terrace and a grand storage room / laundry. This house is great value for money that has everything you need for living the good life near the sea.

Ask for a viewing appointment if this house is just what you are looking for or go straight to our web to other super properties for sale on the island. Engel & Völkers professional real estate agents in Menorca here to assist in all things related to buying, selling and renting property in Minorca. Please do not hesitate to contact us!