Fornells, Minorca
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Fornells is a little village located in a bay in the north of the Balearic island of Minorca, Spain. Fornells, which depends on the municipality of Es Mercadal, is estimated to have a population of about 400 people; this number increases spectacularly in summer time because of the tourism. Fornells native people are known as Fornellers in Menorquí (Catalan dialect spoken in Minorca) and in Spanish too.
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[edit] History
The village was originally founded to serve the castle erected in the 17th century as a defence against the Barbary pirates for whom Fornells Bay provided the perfect safe haven. The castle was eventually demolished in the 18th century and all that is left of the military past of Fornells is the watch tower on the headland, outside the village. From there to the West Cavallería Cape can be seen, and to the East the massive bulk of Sa Mola, forming the eastern side of the entrance.
[edit] Location
Fornells Bay is deep, measuring 5 kilometres long and 2 wide. Compared to the size of Minorca, Fornells Bay is almost like an inland sea. The narrow entrance regulates the force of the open sea. Sufficiently narrow to offer protection, and sufficiently wide to remind that it is a Bay, not a lake, the entrance allows water to enter the Bay while restricting the waves. The wind is not so easily restrained. The surrounding hills are not high enough to keep out the Tramontane (Tramontana in Catalan), which has shaped the rocks and bent the trees over till the branches almost touch the ground.
[edit] Fishing Village
Blues, whites and ochres. The blues of the bay, immensely present, opening out almost like the true village square. Ochres from the earth and the occasional village house. Whites from the sails dotting the water and the curious, ancient Minorcan village houses of Fornells. Lobster represent what Fornells is and always has been, a fishing village. A natural harbour that has always earned its living by fishing lobsters. Here, moored in the tiny harbour, you'll see the llauts, the traditional Minorcan fishing craft. Fornells is still a modest village. There are no palaces, nor large modern hotels or apartment buildings. Fornells still lives for and from the sea. There are lots of great beaches close to Fornells and there is where the modern hotels are located. Fornells has not been ravaged by mass tourism. In fact, almost all Minorca has escaped the scourge of excessive tourism.
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