Travel Guide To Menorca (Minorca)

Sometimes known as Minorca, the island combines beautiful sandy coves, archaeological sites, excellent watersports and unspoiled scenery with a quieter nightlife than elsewhere in the Balearics.

Throughout Menorca, classically pretty villages sit alongside busier resorts, but thanks to Menorca’s restrained attitude to its success as a holiday destination, it has managed to maintain the perfect balance between local life and tourist trade.

The slightly wetter climate means that Menorca is noticeably greener than either Ibiza or Majorca. There's breathtaking scenery inland as well as on the coast itself, where tourist development has been more restrained than elsewhere in the Balearics.

Food: Why not try a night on the local gin (ginebra) but be wary as it’s stronger than you think and fresh lobster.

Nightlife: Boogie on down at the Xoroi disco and enjoy the clubs at Arenal d'en Cartell, Ciudadela, Bosch, Calla 'n' Foucat or Son Bon Melon.

Shopping: Son Bou has the best buys in jewellery and leather goods and pottery.

Days out: Go on an island tour £20/€30 or the shop at the extensive market at Ciudadela, the island's second-largest town. For visitors of a more academic persuasion, there's a notable range of prehistoric Bronze Age sites to be seen. Glass-bottom boats offer great trips around the harbour; pick one up at Mahon Port or Calas Fons.

Events: Between June and September it's fiesta time, when many of Minorca's towns celebrate their patron saints. Biggest is Ciutadella's feast of St Joan (24 June). Tourist information telephone number (UK): +44 (020) 7486 8077.

Additional Menorca Information

Arenal d'en Castell
(45 minutes from the Airport). This resort is well known for its crescent shaped bay of golden sand which makes this destination very popular. There is very good entertainment at night and the food is delicious, as they serve food from all over the world and specialise in seafood dishes from Arenal d'en Castell. Although there aren't many shops, the atmosphere is therapeutic and you leave feeling refreshed.

Arendal
(40 minutes from Mahon airport). D'en Castell is perfect for families with good beaches and watersports.

Binibeca
(45 minutes from the Airport). Binibeca is located in the south of the island of Menorca and is well known for its traditional village, Binibeca-Vell. It was built to convey to tourists what villages used to look like and how the community lived. This resort is very laid-back and attractive, with a nice beach, and local facilities. If you need to do some extra shopping or exchange more money, the town of St. Lluis is nearby.

Cala Blanca
(70 minutes from the Airport). Cala Blanca is a peaceful resort that is perfect for families. The area is in a pine-topped coastline with a very pretty beach and the sea is very gentle. There are nice places to go out and visit in the local area, such as all the coves, and the restaurants are excellent, serving a lot of mouth-watering specialities. The nearby town of Cala Santandria can provide you with more evening entertainment if you're looking for a change of scene.

Cala Galdana
(60 minutes from the Airport). Cala Galdana is reputed to be one of the best beaches on Minorca. Located in the south, it is a haven for people who enjoy snorkelling and swimming, basking in the sun, and drinking Sangria at the one of the beach bars. This paradisiacal destination has good evening entertainment and the restaurants serve lots of fresh, delicious food. An excellent choice for couples and families.

Cala Morell
(90 minutes from the Airport). Cala Morell is a completely unspoilt Spanish resort, a paradise if you're seeking a beautiful environment, famed for its "Caves of Morell", and its minimal amount of restaurants- there are two! However, the food is amazing and inexpensive, and if you need to spice up your day, the town of Cuitadella is just 7.5km away.

Cala Porter
(20 minutes from Mahon airport). White sands and intimate pretty coves with a modern holiday centre and the Xoroi Disco. Suitable for singles and couples.

Cala Santandria
(90 minutes from the Airport). Cala Santandria resort and beach is located 15 minutes from Cala Blanca and has a lovely atmosphere of tranquility. The restaurants, bars, and shopping are good and inexpensive, and the beaches are popular with families who seek a special break.

Cala'n Blanes
(75 minutes from the Airport). This resort is on the outskirts of Cala'n Forcat, a very peaceful place with charming architecture, a great Cathedral and twisting streets that lead down to the pretty harbour where there are good restaurants and cafes. There isn't really any nightlife, but you can pop into to Cala'n Forcat if you fancy boogying at the disco. The beachlife at Cala'n Blanes is wonderfully relaxing and a great place for families.

Cala'n Bosch
(90 minutes from Mahon airport). Son Xoriguer beach has sandy coves, good bars, cafes and a holiday centre built around the marina. Suitable for singles and couples.

Cala'n Forat
(90 minutes from Mahon airport). It has sandy coves, rugged coastline and a buzzy nightlife. Suitable for singles and couples.

Playa de Fornells
(75 minutes from the Airport). Playa de Fornells is a bay that boasts a peaceful and therapeutic ambience to all people who choose to come here. It's actually an attractive fishing village who's people and their gentle pace of life, cuisine and private beach make an excellent choice for families and couples who want to spend some quality time abroad. If you want to liven things up a bit, Cala Tirant is a large, busy beach not too far away by foot.

Punta Prima
(45 minutes from the Airport). This destination has everything! Charm, hospitable people, great food, a lovely relaxing beach, and discos to dance the night away at. If you're in need of anything, Mahon is only 9 km away, and this resort should be great for any couples.

S'Algar
(30 minutes from the Airport). Situated in the south-west, S'Algar resort has a lot of sporting facilities. However, there is no real beach, but swimming is still popular from the rocky waterfront where you can also bask in the sun. The emphasis is on all the sports available, such as windsurfing, tennis, and horse-riding. If you really want to lie on a beach though, there are frequent buses that can drive you to nearby bays. If you want to go out to a disco, there are neighbouring towns which offer a good night out.

Sa Caleta
(90 minutes from the Airport). Sa Caleta is situated on the west side of the island of Minorca and has fantastic white sand beaches, aquamarine waters, and a tranquility that winds down every newcomer immediately. The resort is very hospitable and has everything you need to survive your holiday.

Santo Tomas
(60 minutes from the Airport). This resort is located on the south of the island and has the most beautiful beaches. This destination is ideal for families as the beaches are peaceful and the sea is gentle. It's also relaxed and there are a few nice bars and good restaurants, as well as pretty shops.

Son Parc
(55 minutes from the Airport). Son Parc is located on the north coast of Minorca and is a lovely pine clad resort with the only golf course on the island. The beach is great, as are the entertainments available, and bars and restaurants are lively and fun.

Son Bou
(30 minutes from Mahon airport). Has the longest single beach and good shopping. Suitable for singles and couples.

Airport Transfers from ResortHoppa.com