Travel documentaries often feel like thinly veiled tourism advertisements. But Jewels of the Mediterranean, narrated by the ever-charming Joanna Lumley, manages to avoid that trap. It’s informative, visually stunning, and occasionally even insightful. This week’s episode focuses on Menorca, the often-overlooked sibling of Majorca.
The episode explores Mahon, Menorca’s capital, home to the Mediterranean’s largest natural harbor. The show touches on the harbor’s historical significance as a strategic point for various empires, before pivoting to its current role as a playground for luxury yachts. The golden sandstone, known as mares stone, is also highlighted. This locally sourced material has been used for centuries in Menorca’s architecture, giving the island’s buildings a distinctive, honeyed hue.
The episode also visits Lithica, a former quarry transformed into a cultural center. It’s a testament to Menorca’s efforts to balance tourism with cultural preservation. And of course, no travelogue would be complete without a glimpse into local traditions and cuisine.
Jewels of the Mediterranean airs Thursdays at 8:00 PM on Channel 5.