The Essential Menorca
Anyone planning to join the thousands of Brits who flock to Menorca each year is in for an experience far different from what greets visitors to its neighbouring Balearic Island hotspots, Majorca and Ibiza.
By managing to include more than 217km of beaches in its 780-square-kilometers land mass, Menorca has more coastline than those two islands and its third neighbour Formentera put together. Menorca, however, remains relatively free of tourist developments.
Booking cheap Menorca holidays often means staying in a bed-and-breakfast or self-catering garden apartment. From a 10-bedroom farmhouse bed-and-breakfast on 25 private acres in Sant Climent to a two-bedroom family apartment situated 550m from the spectacular Arenal d’en Castell beach, the affordable accommodations don’t disappoint.
Arena d’en Castell is near the undeveloped northern coast’s fishing village of Fornells. This hamlet has guarded the northern bay against invaders since the 17th century. Even in the height of tourist season, Fornells’ population swells to no more than 2,000 from its normal 300.
The village is Menorca’s lobster centre. Its fresh-from-the-bay seafood surpasses capital city Mahon’s. Fornells is best viewed from the 357-metre summit of Monte Toro. Tour buses scale the island’s highest point to deposit sightseers at its 16th-century baroque church.
The south-eastern ports of Cuitadella and Mahon display Menorca’s vibrant culture. Cuitadella’s Regency architecture evokes visions of Brighton. Tourists in Mahon’s self-catering apartments can stock up on affordably priced provisions at the supermarket beneath of the town’s market building.
On its upper level, the former 18th-century convent hosts a year-round slate of musical venues. Mahon’s Church of Santa Maria’s summer concerts fill the air with music from its 3,000-pipe organ. Its narrow streets and tree-lined squares attract shoppers to high-end boutiques and leatherwork and pottery shops. Fresh seafood, produce and baked goods highlight its market offerings.
With the exceptions of nightly disco music and light show at the Cova d’en Xoroi cave bar high in the rocks above Cala en Porter and live jazz at Mahon’s cliffside club Akalerre, low-key best describes the island’s nightlife. Essential Menorca is all about relaxing in spectacular natural surroundings.