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A Spanish Villa Guide to the Menorca region

Menorca summary

For those seeking a relaxing villa or apartment holiday then Menorca is the perfect destination. With some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean this pretty island is ideally suited to families or couples looking for a quiet retreat.

Introducing Menorca

The south of Menorca has the long sandy beaches including Cala Galdana, a stunning horseshoe bay, and Son Bou, which is considered the best beach on the island. In Binibeca you will see some excellent architecture. The north coast is a more rugged cloastline and is still largely unspoilt. The capital of Menorca, Mahon, has some excellent shops and restaurants, while you will find Ciutadella on the west coast has a pretty harbour. Cala en Brut and Cala’n Forcat have good facilities for children. Menorca has a thriving sailing scene particularly in the northern resort of Fornells. With such a strong sailing fraternity it is no surprise to find that Fornells is also famous for its fish restaurants. If you are looking to explore, head for the Talayots. The Talayots are prehistoric villages and burial grounds found across the island – mystery and intrigue surrounds them.

Menorca weather / climate

With hot summers Menorca attracts sun worshippers from near and far which can mean the main resorts are a little crowded. However, if the hot Mediterranean summer is too much, you will find the spring and autumn ideal times to visit as the weather remains warm (but not stifling) and the beaches are emptier. The winters are also mild which makes it a great location for your winter getaway.  
Typical Menorca temperatures
     

Menorca beaches

If you are looking for stretches of golden sandy beaches then head for the south coast of Menorca. You will find these beaches are close to the resorts at Son Bou, Binibeca and Cala Galdana. If you are looking for something a little more adventurous the north coast beaches are more rugged and less developed.

What to do and see

The capital of the Menorca is Mahon and it is famed for having one of the deepest and largest harbours in the Mediterranean. You will find a lively atmosphere around the waterfront area with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to entertain you. For those wishing to explore then the old town with its many old churches and mansions provides lots to see. Ciutadella is the original capital of Menorca and is situated on the west coast of the island. Based around a fishing harbour the pretty town has some great shops and superb fish restaurants with a vibrant nightlife.

Shopping and eating

If you are eating out you will find that Menorca restaurant food is primarily meat based so you will find speciality sausages and barbeque cuts aplenty. As it is an island you will also find lots of fresh fish on the menu with lobster being a particular favourite. Spanish supermarkets will normally stock everything you need. You will find that locally grown produce will be much cheaper but you can of course find most of the brands you would recognise from home. The generally relaxed, non glitzy nature of Menorca generally means that there are not many fashion shops on the island.

Golf and other sport activities

Menorca has only 1 golf course, which is based on the north coast at Son Parc (open to non members).

Sailing is very popular in Menorca with a big sailing community based as Fornells. You will also find windsurfing facilities available at most of the major resorts. Other sports available in Menorca include horseriding and walking is popular in the quieter country lanes.

Getting to and around Menorca

You can get direct flights from the UK to Menorca’s international airport. It has flights many days of the week, with it being a popular route for the low cost airlines as well as scheduled and charter flights. You will find that most of the major resorts are within a 1 hour drive of the airport. As the island of Menorca is just 45km long no journey is likely to take more than an hour but as there is only one main road supported by country lanes journeys can often taken longer than anticipated.

 

 

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