Menorca

About the fifth of the size of neighbouring Mallorca, Menorca is perhaps a little more laid back. The coastline is wonderful with well over 100 beaches and coves dotted around the island. At one time Menorca was ruled by Britain (in the 18th Century)!

Most tourists travel to Menorca by plane landing into the only airport on the island which is a few kms from Mao.

Mao

Maó (or as it is sometimes know as Mahon), is the capital of Menorca. Mao known for its British-style Georgian houses and sheltered harbor. Santa María Church, with an ornate 19th-century organ, sits on central Plaça de la Constitució. Next to the church, the city hall has a Renaissance facade and a clock donated by the island’s first British governor. The Menorca Museum displays art and exhibits on the island's history. Wander down to the harbour – there are plenty of water front bars and restaurants to sit at and watch the world go by, or take a boat trip to explore some of the bays and coves on this east side of the island. Introduced in the 18^th Century by the British Gin continues to be distilled on the island – pop in to Destileias Xoriguer to discover the distilling process and sample some Menorcan Gin!

The 45km Me-1 road dissects Menorca into north and south as it connects Mao in the east with Cuitadella in the west. There are 3 (unspoilt by tourists) towns along the way Alajor, Es Mercadal and Ferrerries – it is worth stopping and spending a little time wandering around and relaxing into the traditional Menorcan way of life.

Ciutadella is a beautiful mix of elegant pinky sandstone buildings, narrow streets and a small narrow port. Placa d’es Pins is a large tree sheltered square in the centre of Ciutadella – cafes, bars and restaurants line the square Wander down to the port, now a haven for pleasure boats – you can rent boats and book boat trips to explore the western end of Menorca’s coast.

Just north of Ciutadella there is a small but exciting waterpark – Aquacentre (http://www.aquacenter-menorca.com/). Take the road up to Punta Nat the north western light house set on the rocky coast – perfect for watching the sunset! If you head over towards the resort of Cala Morell take the small road on the right signed for Cala Algaiarens a beautiful beach of golden sand nestled between two rocky headlands.

Wandering south from Ciutadella there are two nice resorts Cala Santandria and Cala Blanca. Cala Santandria has a lovely seaside café perfect for a morning coffee and the local ducks that have made the beach their home! On the south west tip of Menorca is Cala’n Bosch set around a large marina. Cap d’Artutx is the southern western light house with a restaurant/bar.

To the east of Cala’n Bosch along the south coast are some wonderful pine fringed beaches with fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters  - Platja de Son Saurer, Cala d’Tafaier, Cala Turqueta are ones we always make the effort to visit. But we recommend that you get to them early!

Santa Galdana offers access to two iconic Menorcan beaches – Cala Macarella to the west of the resort (about a 40 minuute walk) and Cala Mijana to the east – you can park quite close to Cala Mijana.

Heading back towards Mao turn left on the the Me-8 through the sleepy town of Sant Lluis and down to Binibequer which is a beautiful maze of narrow white washed streets that open on to the sea on one side and a delightful small square with a few restaurants in the centre.

Our favourite area in the north east of Menorca is Fornells – take the Me-15 off the Me-1 – past what looks like a large inland lake and upto Fornells its self. Fornells is small narrow village of white washed houses. Behind Fornells is the Torre de Fornells – a small climb up for some wonderful views out to sea and over to Cap de Cavalleria and it’s light house.

Many tourists avoid inland Menorca, but they are missing out! Farms have opened up for tourists offering horse riding as well as authentic farm stays. A walk that is well worth doing is up to Castell de Santa Agueda. In the direction of Ciutadella take the second right after leaving Ferreries. Follow the road to a small car park and be prepared for a 45 minute walk. The castle is now a ruin but the views over the whole of Menorca are fabulous!