Often overlooked in favour of other destinations, Menorca is sometimes described as the shy little sister’ of the Balearics. Situated to the northeast of neighbouring Mallorca, this island has gained a reputation as the region’s most tranquil spot attracting families and those looking for a more relaxing holiday.
Nowhere near as commercial as the other islands in the chain, holidays in Menorca retain an unspoilt beauty, which welcomes the adventurous. The island has some great hiking around the Barranc d’Algendar, a huge gorge that runs into the sea and at Cala Mitjana, with its clearly marked trails and densely wooded cliffs.
Menorca is also home to a collection of ancient stone monuments and the world’s second deepest natural water port.
Mao is the island’s administrative centre and staying in an apartment in the town’s elegantly historic harbour, means you’ll be close to its many bars and a great selection of restaurants, serving some of the best seafood around.
Menorca sun lovers head to resorts along the southern coastline including Binibeca, Punta Prima and Son Bou accommodation. Staying in an apartment in S’Algar is favourite with many as the town retains much of its 18th century, Georgian character and has a splendid cliff top location, within an easy stroll of some great beaches.
The entire island is a UNESCO environmental reserve and more than 75% of its land is protected, meaning it remains delightfully undeveloped. Horse riding is extremely popular and you should spend a day exploring the canyons and rugged terrain that dominates Menorca’s landscape on horse back. The island even has its own breed of jet-black horses and you can hire them to sample the ‘Cami de Cavall’, a coastal bridle path once used for defence.
Visitors looking for a little more than just a beach holiday are increasingly choosing Menorca holiday rentals away from the main tourist areas opting to stay in small villages, such as Es Mercadal, which keeps you close to the beach but makes a great base for exploring some of the island’s older attractions including ancient monoliths, Bronze Age remains, Phoenician architecture and Moorish villages. The cave network at Cales Cove is unmissable and the islands ancient capital Ciutadella with its plunging lanes and scenic harbour also makes a great excursion.
Fish dominates the island’s cuisine and a real must is caldereta de llangosta, a rich lobster casserole. No Menorcan meal is complete without Ensaimadas, surgery pastries and a Ginet, the island’s favourite drink, made from gin and lime. Nightlife is less developed than other Balearic Islands. Younger visitors tend to stay in apartments around Mao, Ciutedella and the newly developed Cala en Forcat, where a few clubs stay open until five or six in the morning.
Menorca is surrounded by beaches with something to offer everyone. A great many are family friendly and have shallow shelved waters making them ideal for kids. Water sports are popular and many beaches rent wind surfers and kite boards, while excellent snorkelling is offered round the island’s rocky coves, with the chance to see some of the Mediterranean’s last native turtles.
If you want to discover everything on offer in this unique destination consider staying in Calan Bosche accommodation in Menorca today and book your perfect break.