Menorca offers a wide variety of places to visit should you wish to venture away from your pool. Nothing is very far away. Beaches play a large part in these choices and you will always be able to find a small un-crowded beach if you look hard enough.
The old cities of Mahon and Cuitadella, not only offer a little bit of history, but also good tourist shopping, and harbourside restaurants. Around the island there are a few sites of historical importance and are well worth a visit to get a feel of how 'easy' the past life has been in Menorca.
Menorca (Minorca) is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and Mahon became the capital of Menorca in 1722 thanks to Menorca's greatest prize – the deep, natural harbour – the second largest in the world. Without the harbour the city of Mahon wouldn't exist. Mahon's harbour welcomes cruise liners and large ferries visiting from Barcelona and Palma, in Mallorca (Majorca). VillaPlus.com also has villas with private pools to rent in Mallorca (Majorca).
The port area is becoming a very chic place to live and if you want nightlife on a villa holiday, Mahon offers an almost endless supply of bars and nightspots complete with restaurants and colourful boutiques.
Whilst on holiday in Menorca (Minorca) take a boat trip by day from Mahon harbour and enjoy a harbour tour or venture further afield out of the port to a nearby beach. Sail around the inner harbour at twilight, accompanied by softly strummed guitars. At the eastern end of the harbour visit the Gin Distillery and sample the famous "Xriguer" gin, sold in very distinctive green bottles and drunk at Menorca's fiestas, mixed with lemon "Pomada"
The city of Mahon dominates the port, the Georgian-style and white-washed houses seeming to grow out of the old sea walls. Menorca's largest town has an architectural style reminiscent of the British occupation. Features such as bow and sash windows and door latches on some of the gradiose buildings in the labyrinth of streets in the ancient centre are not seen anywhere else in Spain.
With cafes and shops which still occupy the old stone buildings, impressive churches and the medieval stone archway contrasting with the chic bars, Mahon is a place to spend your time on holiday wandering through time-forgotten streets taking in the true feeling of Menorca (Minorca).
Mahon revolves around the commercial sector with its pedestrianised streets and smart shops selling almost anything you could wish to buy. Street cafes abound with customers resting and watching the world go by.
The "Explanada" (main square) nestles at the top of the town centre and is the home of the "gypsy" market which is held every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the year when the fountain and shaded resting areas become awash with colour and activity. The main street, laden with shops and bars creeps its way downhill from the main square to the waterfront in the port.
Our Villa Casa Cuca is a 10 minute drive from Mahon airport in the countryside and a stroll into the village of San Clemente and Villa Sol Del Este is a large villa rental, a 5 minute drive to Mahon harbour. VillaPlus can offer competitive rates for car hire to get you to your villa rental from Mahon airport which must be booked in the U.K. before your villa holiday.
Only a 10 minute drive from the airport and lying a little way along the South coast, between the larger resorts of Binibeca and Calan Porter is the deep inlet of Canutells with its small, sandy beach and few boat moorings. The beach is "virgin" in that it is left in its natural state and is not cluttered with sunbeds etc.
There is an aparthotel at the top of the resort which offers entertainment most evenings but the area mainly consists of an ever-growing cluster of good-quality villas built into the hillside surrounding the cove. Canutells does not "bustle" but it boasts a couple of good bars/restaurants, a supermarket and a souvenir shop (also selling newspapers etc.) and is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. There is ample parking. For toilet facilities visit the rustic bar overlooking the beach and order a refreshing ice cream or drink. Tennis courts.
San Luis (Sant Lluis) is a village of white houses created by the French during the Seven Year War (1756-1763). In the beginning, it was planned to lodge the French troops as well as to create a pinpoint in order to organize the densely populated rural outskirts.
Today in Sant Lluis (San Luis) you can visit the Dalt Windmill (Molí de Dalt), which represents the population's image: an old windmill converted into today's ethnological museum.
The traditional folklore remains present; the Joc de Bolla, a game similar to bowls widely practised in the past, has survived and is now practised on a court at C.C.D. Sant Lluis. During the summer season, there are concerts or plays held in town or even a boot-sale market where the local artists exhibit pottery and paintings.
Overlooking the mouth of Mahon harbour - a fifteen minute drive from the airport.
The name means "Eastern Sun" as this is the most easterly point in Spain and the first place to see the early morning sun. The area has a selection of holiday villas and apartments and one small hotel. There are a couple of supermarkets and bar/restaurants and a small, sandy bay at the harbour's edge.
The town of Mahon and the village of San Luis are a few minutes drive away and it is only a short stroll away from Es Castell with its pretty bay - "Calas Fonts" where one can dine at one of the waterfront restaurants, many in what were the original fishermans caves or browse in the delightful, small shops. Boats trips leave from here which tour Mahon's wonderful harbour.
S'Algar (Salgar) is located on the south east corner of Menorca (Minorca), a 20 minute drive from Mahon airport in your hire car and just round from Punta Prima and Binibeca. An attractive, well-established holiday centre on the rocky coast between Mahon harbour and the lovely fishing village of Cala Alcaufar, S'Algar (Salgar) is a great favourite with the British on their villa holidays. There are 2 hotels for some evening entertainment and a selection of apartments and holiday villas. There is no beach as such, just a small stretch of sand but most people prefer to sunbathe on the many rocky platforms that adorn the rocks, many with steps leading into the water. At the water's edge is a large lido with extensive sun bathing terraces and a small snack bar. A few metres along the coast from the Lido is the resort centre S'Algar (Salgar) with several shops, a supermarket and a variety of bars and restaurants lining the paved walkways. The children will love the road train which regularly trundles around the resort. S'Algar (Salgar) is a great favourite for water sport enthusiasts as the waters are clear and enticing and is ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. The diving centre is Padi and RYA approved and will care for both the initiated and beginners, and provides equipment for hire and also tuition is available. The sporting facilities at S'Algar (Salgar) are possibly the best on Menorca (Minorca). There is something for everyone including tennis courts, a bowling green and a mini golf course. The more adventurous can hire a powerboat or try their hand at parascending. Our Villa Cala Alcaufar is a short drive from S'Algar (Salgar). Also Villas Claudia and Fernando are centrally situated in S'Algar (Salgar) and close by to the holiday resort of Punta Prima which is popular with families due to its wide expanse of soft sand and safe swimming. Villa Maria Carmen is located at the bottom of Punta Prima and Villa Punta Rosa is an ideal villa to rent for a beach holiday as it lies in a street directly behind the promenade at Punta Prima. Our villas with private pools in Binibeca. include Michaela, Binicel, Binivent, Pascual, Magdi, Marissa, Clara, Victoria, Pura Vida and Alarcos. S'Algar (Salgar) is popular with holiday-makers and is ideal for those wanting a peaceful holiday resort in Menorca (Minorca) with sporting facilities.
Cala Alcaufar is just one kilometre from resort of S'Algar, on the south coast of the island of Menorca. The resort is a picturesque, small sheltered inlet with a sandy beach that shelves gently into the sea. The beach is overlooked by the fishermen's cottages that reach down to the waters' edge. The resort is popular with families with children.
The resort also has scenic walks out to an old Martello type tower on a headland, where there are good views out to S'Algar and the Isle de L'Aire at Punta Prima.
Punta Prima is at the most South-Eastern point of Menorca (Minorca), approximately 20 minutes drive in your hire car from Mahon airport. There are 2 large hotels on the perimeter of Punta Prima and a further 2 small ones a few yards from the beach; a variety of bars and restaurants; supermarkets and souvenir shops. The colour of the sea is the most noticeable feature of the beach at Punta Prima. Beautiful dark and aqua blues form an alternating pattern across the water to the small island of the Illa del Aire – an uninhabited island with a lighthouse where passing yachts often take shelter. The beach has a good expanse of soft, white sand with ample room at the rear for beach games as the sun goes down. A second narrower stretch of sand with rock pools is adjacent. There can be currents in the sea and swimmers should heed the flag-warning system and only swim if the GREEN flag is flying. The bars on both sides of the sand are perfect for weary parents who can relax in the shade, dine or simply sip a refreshing drink whilst the children expend their energy, under their surveillance, on the ample beach There is parking and toilet facilities in both beach bars. Umbrellas and sun beds are both available for hire, also pedaloes. The beach is also popular with the boating fraternity who love to come ashore to sample some Spanish cuisine at the restaurants. If you are feeling energetic there is a diving school in the local hotel. For those that like to relax on holiday with a game of tennis there are tennis courts, also hand ball and mini golf. Families on holiday can enjoy taking the road train running along the coast road past the pretty fishing village of Biniancolla to Binibeca, a journey of around 30 minutes, operating in high season only. Spend some time wandering round the streets of Binibeca Vell or stay on board and enjoy the same scenic route back to Punta Prima. Punta Prima is very popular for a family villa holiday as this Menorcan resort itself is compact and facilities are within easy reach. VillaPlus has a villa to rent with a private pool located at the bottom of Punta Prima which is Villa Maria Carmen also Villa Punta Rosa is an ideal villa rental for a beach holiday as it lies in a street directly behind the promenade at Punta Prima. VillaPlus.com also has a selection of private villas in Binibeca including Michaela, Pascual, Clara, Victoria, Pura Vida, Alarcos.
Son Bou is on the South coast of Menorca, a 30 minute drive in your hire car from Mahon airport. These three neighbouring holiday resorts all overlook the beach of Son Bou – the longest beach on Menorca. The beach has almost 2 miles of pale, golden sand, shelving gently into the turquoise waters. The beach bars serve anything from a light snack to a three course meal. Picturesque, white-washed villas nestle into the hillside almost along the whole length of the beach. Water sports facilities include windsurfing, water ski-ing and aqua-planing. Due to occasional underwater currents there is a flag warning system which must be heeded. GREEN means it is safe to swim. At the eastern end twin hotels overlook the beach, the further along one ventures the more isolated one becomes. It should be noted that, at the western end of the beach many sunbathers decide to abandon their clothing altogether! Behind the two hotels is an attractive array of small shops, bars, restaurants and a popular disco. A little further along is the popular Club San Jaime with its pool and water slides and labyrinth-type maze. There is entertainment most evenings and a further small selection of shops. Children will love the road train, which operates during the high season only. Visit the archaeological site at the eastern end of the beach and wonder at the headland, honeycombed with caves. Enjoy nature at its best as the beach progresses westwards, becoming wilder, backed by dunes and marshes and home to a thriving bird population – truly a paradise for the summer visitor. Our Villa Corinavilla to rent with private pools in Son Bou, a few minutes away from the bustling centre of San Jaime. These much loved Spanish resorts have something for everyone making them ideal for a villa holiday in Menorca.
Santo Tomas lies halfway along the South Coast of Menorca between the holiday resorts of Son Bou and Cala Galdana, and just a 30 minute drive in your hire car from Mahon airport. Once a quiet area, Santo Tomas has since grown into a well established holiday resort with hotels, apartments and an increasing number of good quality holiday villas creeping up from the beach into the pine-clad hillside. Santo Tomas is a great favourite for a family villa holiday as the beach, shops, bars and restaurants are all within easy reach. A long, narrow beach of pale golden sand, Santo Tomas is virtually a continuation of the beach at Son Bou. A path at the western end leads to the quieter beaches of San Adeonato and Binigaus. A flag warning system is also in use here due to the occasional currents and one should only swim when the GREEN flag is displayed. You can hire sunbeds, shades and windsurfs and often small sailing boats from the beach or stroll the length of the holiday resort along the paved, well lit walkway fringing the sands. The beach bars/restaurants overlooking the sea are extremely popular for both lunchtime and evening meals and snacks. There are many car parks in this Spanish resort, all close to the beach and the toilet facilities can be used in the beach bars. If you want to relax on your villa holiday with a game of tennis, "Las Duna" is just along the road and offers tennis courts, mini golf, a bar and restaurants with evening meals and entertainment. Santo Tomas is in a great central location for a villa holiday in Menorca, being between the larger resorts of Son Bou and Cala Galdana. VillaPlus.com have villas to rent with private pools in Santo Tomas such as Alessandra, Angelina, Gabriella, Natalia, Adriana, Tomassa. Also villa rentals in Son Bou including Evita, Corina and in Cala Galdana, VillaPlus have private villas such as Levant Galdana, Dolores, Miel and Renate. Other villas to rent in these holiday resorts and other resorts in Menorca can be viewed by doing a quick search for villas to rent in Menorca on our website.
Binibeca is on the South-East coast of Menorca (Minorca), approximately 20 minutes drive in your hire car from Mahon airport and stretches from Cala Torret in the east, through Binibeca Nou and onto Binibeca Vell in the west. One of the earliest coastal developments in Menorca, perched on a deep, rocky inlet, this was designed to resemble a Mediterranean fishing village with white-washed houses, orange trees and sun-drenched patios filled with Geraniums. A maze of narrow, cobbled streets, Moorish archways, boats and sea views it would be stunning if only it were authentic. There is a small, sandy beach with a rocky coastline on each side. The shallow calm waters make this beach popular with families. To the rear of the beach is a large, shady area, ideal for picnics. This beach is sheltered when the north wind (Tramontana) is blowing and there are often yachts at anchor a little way out to sea. The wooden beach bar perched on the rocks at the southern edge of the sands claims to be the only place in Menorca where you can drink with your feet in the sea. Sun beds, shades and pedaloes can be hired. There is a diving school in the cove at Cala Torret. The beach offers ample parking to the rear and public toilet facilities can be found by the beach bar. One kilometre away from the sandy beach at Binibeca, the Vell is unique and well worth a visit on your holiday. The village offers a selection of attractive bars, restaurants, an ice cream parlour and a tea shop. One can eat in the shady central courtyard, complete with cobbles and wooden beams. The small shops offer trendy beachware and good quality t-shirts and have a good selection of souvenirs. If you want a wider choice of craft and designer shops it's worth hiring a car with VillaPlus, which must be prebooked in the U.K. before your villa holiday, and driving to Mahon. During the summer months the children will love the mini train which runs several times a day into the nearby holiday resort of Punta Prima. VillaPlus.com also has a selection of villas to rent with private pools in Binibeca including Michaela, Pascual, Clara, Victoria, Pura Vida, Alarcos. Punta Prima is also very popular for a family villa holiday as this Menorcan resort itself is compact and facilities are within easy reach. VillaPlus has a villa to rent with a private pool located at the bottom of Punta Prima which is Villa Maria Carmen also Villa Punta Rosa is an ideal villa rental for a beach holiday as it lies in a street directly behind the promenade at Punta Prima. For those looking for relaxation and quiet on their villa holiday in Menorca then Binibeca is the place for you.
Calan Porter is on the South Coast of Menorca, a 20 minute drive in your hire car from Mahon airport. One of Menorca's earliest beach resorts, Calan Porter has grown into a well-established holiday centre. The beach is down below the resort centre flanked on either side by spectacular limestone cliffs. It's a beautifully sheltered deep expanse of white sand which can be accessed either by steps (lots!) or by road. There is a wide variety of bars and restaurants to suit all pockets and tastes, some of which provide entertainment. There are also several shops and supermarkets which cater for the large numbers of holiday-makers. Sunbeds, shades and pedaloes can be hired from the beach. The car can be parked in the shaded area adjacent to the beach. For toilet facilities visit one of the rustic bars and order a refreshing ice or drink. Calan Porter's main feature is the Cave of Xoroi, reached by a succession of stairways and rock platforms which are set high on the cliff face with dramatic views out to sea. This is a bar which can be visited by day and a lively discothèque by night. For those that like to relax on their villa holiday with a game of tennis, courts are available. To keep children entertained there are two water parks on Menorca, both on the West coast. One is located in the busy resort of Calan Forcat and the other in Calan Bosch. In addition to these several holiday resorts in Menorca have water slides, the largest being in Son Bou. Shallow slides for the younger children can be found in Calan Porter, Cala Galdana and Cala Blanca. Calan Porter remains a great favourite with the British holiday-maker and VillaPlus.com has several villas to rent with pools in the Calan Porter area such as Karenessa, Lantana, Sara, Paloma, Bianca, and Mirador.
This Spanish resort is on the south coast of Menorca, a 40 minute drive in your hire car from Mahon airport. Cala Galdana is known as "The queen of the coves" – a wide arc of golden sand bounded by wooded cliffs and an emerald sea. The holiday resort has one of the most ecologically important coves on Menorca. As well as being one of the most beautiful holiday resorts in Menorca, Cala Galdana also enjoys a unique microclimate with higher temperatures and lower winds than the surrounding bays. The deep, horseshoe bay is a thriving tourist resort with hotels, apartments, shops, bars and restaurants. Most holiday villas are set amongst the pine trees on either side of and up above the bay. You can hire windsurfing and snorkeling equipment, pedaloes and motorboats, learn to sail or scubadive or take a boat ride along the coast to picnic in a peaceful cove. Nestled in the pine trees at the rear of the beach is a bar/restaurant with toilet facilities and a large car park can be found by the roundabout at the entrance to the resort – a couple of minutes stroll from the sands. An array of shops, bars and restaurants surround the crescent of white sand. Cala Galdana is a good holiday resort to be in mid season to enjoy walks along the gorge or to some of the quieter beaches on either side of the bay. In high season it is perfect for family holidays with fun and facilities for the children and providing safe swimming. For those that like to relax with a game of tennis on their villa holiday, there is a tennis court also mini golf and shallow water slides for the young. Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the spectacular horse show, situated on the Cala Galdana road. VillaPlus has several villas to rent in Cala Galdana which are located to enjoy every aspect of Menorca's charms, making them perfect for family villa holidays including, Carmen Galdana, Miel, Renate. VillaPlus.com has more villa rentals in Cala Galdana and other resorts in Menorca which can be found on our web site. Without a doubt, Cala Galdana is a popular holiday resort for families and those wanting a relaxing beach holiday.
Son Parc is on the North coast of Menorca, a 30 minute drive in your hire car from Mahon airport. Set amongst pine-clad hills is the lovely beach of pale golden sand, wide enough never to get crowded. The sea is shallow and the dunes and pine trees at the back of the beach give some relief from the Balearic sun. There is ample parking by the bar/restaurant at the western tip of this lovely beach. Sunbeds, shades and pedaloes can be hired from the beach. Have lunch in the restaurant on the edge of the sands or simply buy an ice-cream or drink at the beach bar and admire the sea views. This Spanish resort has a selection of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, a few shops and a good sized supermarket. On the upper shopping level, above the street, there are more bars with spacious terraces and a games room for the older children. Further along the road there is a childrens play area set amongst the pine trees. Son Park is the home of Menorca's only golf course for those who want to relax on their villa holiday with a round of golf. The course has 18 holes and comes highly recommended and one can hire clubs and equipment. All are welcome to use the facilities including the driving range and tennis courts. Relax or wine and dine in the bar/restaurant which has extensive terraces overlooking the course. The villas are set back from the apartments which overlook the beach and are nestled amongst the pine trees – a short stroll away from the centre. VillaPlus.com has several villas to rent in Son Parc including Monty, Marino, Manuel, Gabriel. These villa rentals are ideally located between the larger resort of Arenal D'En Castell with its wide, sweeping sandy bay, the idyllic yachting marina of Addaya and the fishing villages of Fornells and Macaret are all within a ten minute drive of these private villas.
A Catalan city. Almost untouched by outside influence, the old capital city of Ciutadella has an aura of beauty and charm. The nobility and the Church stayed behind when the capital was moved to Mahon, leaving this stylish city with a maze of narrow streets fanning out from the island's only Cathedral, adorned with Gothic palaces and old, elegant archways.
A visit to this very special city is a must, to wander through the centre or to relax in Plaza D'Es Born - known as the finest square in the Balearics. The square is dominated by the Town Hall, peppered with palm trees and hosting a variety of bars - mostly chic and "different" but all welcoming. The "gypsy" market fills the square on Fridays and Saturdays, adding a touch of colour and revery. Mingling with an aura of times gone by is a fascinating cosmopolitan air which enchants and draws the visitor. Small but intriguing shops are plentiful but time should be allowed to admire the architechture, the aged stone buildings and cobbled, arched streets.
Ciutadella's busiest time is the week leading up to 24th June when the townsfolk are preparing for the Fiestas De San Juan - the Fiesta Of St John. This is one of Spain's most celebrated Fiestas and thousands of mainlanders make the trip across the waters to experience the thrill of joining in the festivities which revolve around that magnificent creature - the Menorcan horse. From the Plaza D'Es Born one can stroll down the winding street to the port - a narrow inlet, packed with attractive waterfront cafes and restaurants.
Small, colourful stalls abound, selling their wares - souvenirs, scarves, jewellery. Always bustling, sit and watch the endless movement of the port with the private yachts, tiny sailing boats and larger passenger ferries, to-ing and fro-ing between Menorca and Mallorca.
Calan Bosch is located at the south-westerly tip of Menorca which is approximately one hours drive in your hire car from Mahon airport. Calan Bosch is one of Menorca's busier family holiday resorts with numerous hotels and apartments around the marina and beach area. Wander through the charming streets in the centre or spend the day shopping in the numerous shops and boutiques. This holiday resort is one of Menorca's most fashionable areas and life here mainly revolves around the modern, yachting marina, which plays host to a variety of restaurants and snack bars and offers an array of Spanish cuisine and international dishes, where one can sit and watch the world go by. Small boats can enter from the sea through a narrow channel and pleasure cruises sail out from here to the remote beaches of the south coast of Menorca. This is flanked by 2 beaches – Calan Bosch, which is a small sheltered beach of pale golden sand with a beach bar and Xoriguer, the larger of the two. Here is the centre for watersports and the schools offer tuition in windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba-diving and sailing. Sunbeds, shades and pedaloes can be hired from both beaches. Children are well catered for with a choice of acitivies. There is both a small and another larger water park plus a go-kart track and tennis courts to amuse the family even further. The holiday villas are mainly found on the outskirts of the resort but within a short walk of all the facilities. Sunbeds, shades and pedaloes can be hired from both beaches. Try a trip round the outskirts of Calan Bosch in a horse drawn carriage or you can hire a four wheeled carriage bicycle for a fun way of acquainting yourself with the holiday resort. Just 4½ miles along the west coast is the stylish town of Ciutadella, an historic town with some wonderful architecture and a majestic cathedral. Spend the day wandering through the charming streets with its numerous shops and boutiques to spend the day browsing. VillaPlus.com have villas with private pools in Calan Bosch such as Villa Faro and Villa Petunia. Also Villa Farola is a wonderfully located villa rental located in an exclusive area on the edge of Ciutadella harbour.
To the West of Ciutadella the coastline is a succession of small beaches and pretty coves. In recent years these have all merged to form the largest resort on Menorca. There are small stretches of sand and hundreds of bathing platforms adorn the rocky coast with deep inlets of startlingly blue waters which are impossible to resist.
The bustling resort is centred in Calan Forcat where bar cafes and restaurants abound. There is a water park with a variety of activities for the children such as the hire of 3 wheeled bikes and bouncy castles.
The villas are scattered about the surrounding areas of Calan Bruch and Calan Blanes - each area with its own selection of shops, bars and restaurants but all are just a short stroll away from the livelier Calan Forcat. Resort amenities include children's play areas, a water park and tennis courts.
Cala Blanca is just south of Ciudadela on Menorca's west coast, approximately a 50 minute drive from Mahon airport. This Spanish resort is a deep, rocky inlet sheltering a small, sandy beach fringed by pine trees. The holiday resort has a couple of hotels, which is where you will find most of the evening entertainment; a small lido with regular entertainment for the children and an array of bars and restaurants, some overlooking the beach – perfect for a light lunch but also popular when the sun goes down. In the evening visitors stroll along the main street – a wide pedestrian walkway, pausing for some light refreshment. Cala Blanca offers souvenir shops and three well-stocked supermarkets, internet café and gaming arcade. If you want a much wider choice of shops, a hire car is useful to drive to Mahon which is a very chic place to visit with colourful boutiques and an endless supply of bars and nightspots. There is a water slide for children of all ages and a resting area for worn out parents! A 4 wheeled pedal carriage can be hired providing an enjoyable way to investigate Cala Blanca. Rent a bicycle and explore further a field. Located in the bay is an international scuba diving centre which caters for beginners and seasoned divers alike. If you like to relax on your villa holiday with a game of tennis, a tennis court is available. The impressive town of Ciutadella is only a short bus ride away and well deserves a visit. A drive down the coast takes you to the neighbouring resort of Calan Bosch, a larger and more widespread holiday resort with yachting marina, water park and go kart track. VillaPlus.com has villas with private pools within an easy walk of the resorts facilities in Cala Blanca, such as Marta, Adela, Roser. Also VillaPlus has villa rentals in Calan Bosch including Villa Petunia and Villa Faro Cala Blanca is a perfect Spanish resort for those looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday in Menorca and is ideal for a family villa holiday, especially families with young children.
El Toro, at 358 metres above sea level is the highest peak on Menorca. In the centre of the island it towers above the small town of Es Mercadal. Take the time to drive up the steep 3.2km climb to the summit and see the whole of the island spread out beneath you. There are seas views on all four sides and, on a clear day the view stretches to the north coast of Mallorca. The mountain is crowned by a convent which has become an important centre of pilgrimage and the neat vegetable and herb gardens beneath the terraces are still tended by the community of nuns who live there. Visit the tiny chapel or have lunch in the rustic café and browse around the shop, packed with souvenirs and local produce.
The bay of Fornells is a natural inlet of 5kms - similar to that of Mahon but shallower. A perfect refuge for the sailing and windsurfing schools at its waters edge. Sails of all proportions can be seen bobbing about the largely unspoilt bay and the waters are a paradise for deep sea diving enthusiasts.
The village, with its palm-lined promenade and dazzling white houses is well-known for its spiny lobsters, the essential ingredient for the lobster stew which is frequently enjoyed by King Juan Carlos who sails over regularly from Mallorca to enjoy this somewhat expensive dish.
The quayside offers an abundance of restaurants with one in particular sitting at the water´s edge
Tourism is greatly important nowadays but there is still a fishing industry in Fornells and the fish in the restaurants is genuinely local and fresh. Most people visit to enjoy their favourite watersports in the bay or to stroll through the village, enjoying its simple beauty.
Es Grau, on the north-east coast, is a tiny, unspoilt fishing village. There are cafes and restaurants on the quayside or one can enjoy a variety of "tapas" and fresh fish in the local bar on the village street. The large, curving beach is perfect for children as the sea is shallow and gently shelving. Mum and Dad can relax in the beach bar whilst keeping a watchful eye on the children at the water's edge searching for shells and starfish. In high season a boat trip can be taken to Illa d'en Colom, some 400 metres from the village, with its still virgin beaches and lagoon-like waters - perfect for scuba diving or water skiing. Just behind Es Grau, separated from the village by dunes and pine woods, lies S'Albufera, a freshwater lake. This is a peaceful place to stroll but its main appeal is to bird-watchers. The lake is rich in bird-life. In winter there are migrant colonies of osprey and booted eagles and in spring and autumn the lake attracts numerous waders and wildfowl. Species regularly seen here include cormorants, herons, spoonbills and terns.
Whilst travelling around the island your attention will be drawn to the amazing prehistoric stone monuments dotted around the countryside. There are three distinct types. TAULAS - meaning "table" in the local language are unique to Menorca. They are formed by a rectangular slab of stone standing vertically, some 16 feet high with a second stone slab, generally around 12 feet long and 6 feet wide placed horizontally on the top. Their purpose is not clear but they are thought to be for a religious ritual - possibly sacrificial. TALAYOTS - derived from the Moors, meaning "watch-tower" these cone-shaped structures are built without mortar or cement and stand between 8 and 15 feet high. They can be found on all the islands and in other Mediterranean countries and there are some 200 on Menorca. NAVETAS resemble an up-turned boat. They usually have a long, narrow entrance and, inside, a large lintel with a chimney area. It is said that they were used as mass burial chambers. These are unique to Menorca and the "Naveta D'Es Tudons", on the main road, close to Ciudadela, is by far the most visited. To find fine examples of both Taulas and Talayots visit the atmospheric, abandoned village of "Torre D'En Gaumes" which is clearly signposted on the left of the road leading from Alayor to the resort of Son Bou.
Situated 5km south west of Mahón, just past the airport, is the quiet, white washed and delightful village of Sant Clemente. An intriguing combination of old world tradition and modern, well stocked shops including a chemist and banks. The small selection of bars and restaurants are a great favourite both with the locals and the island's many visitors. Ideally situated and within easy reach of several of the south coast beaches and just a short drive from the capital, Mahon.
