Places to visit / things to do in Menorca

jgallcash

Off on my hollies tomorrow morning, our first visit to the island and wondered if anybody had any recommendations on stuff to do.

Janeyjaz

Thats really good, if you like beaches I think you should visit son bou beach on the west side, Cuidedela is another really good visit, lovely to wander round the town and harbour - it's a beautiful island - have a lovely time.
Also golf at Son Parc, fish restaurants at Fornells.

interstellaflyer

Just avoid Cala 'n' Forcat unless you like Blackpool in the sun. First time we went we stayed in Son Parc, very nice although a little quiet, but we loved it, the second time we stayed at Cala 'n' Blanes, just outside Cala 'n' Forcat and we hated it. As for excusions, there was a day trip that took in most of the island, with visits to the Convent at the peak of Monte Toro, the highest mountian in Menorca, Cuidedela and finishing with a horse riding show, very enjoyable but a long day.

bails1964

I'm from Blackpool and guess what, I love Cala n Forcat. If you have kiddies they will love it there, if you like going out in the evening it is in my opinion the best resort as you have the widest choice. I do agree though that it isnt as 'up market' as some of the other resorts, Fornells for example. It depends what you are looking for I guess.

I agree with the other posters as regards Cituadella, lovely little town with a market on 2 days. Narrow winding streets, cathederals, a harbour, and the festival of San Joan (which you have missed as its in the 3rd week of June). Fornells for the fish restaurants alledgedly visited by the king of Spain. Mahon has many upmarket shops and a large market on Saturdays. You can also take a glass bottomed boat trip around the harbour for 1 hour at a very reasonable cost. I agree about the beach at Son Bou, its great for kiddies to play in as its very shallow and great to jump about in on a windy day. (keep your eyes on them) Other good touristy beaches are at Cala Galdana as its in a massive bay that apears to be slightly man made, Arenal En Castel, Binibeca, Son Xoriger, the list goes on. There are loads of non tourist beaches if you are prepared to walk for 30 minutes or so. Old Binibeca is a lovely town, you can visit the caves at Cala N Porter where it is used as a nightclub at night. The caves are actually in the cliiff face, looking out over the sea. Visit Monte Del Torro, the highset point on the island where you have 360 degree panoramic view of the island. Cliff jumping at Cala n Brut in Cala n Forcat. The list is endless and you will have a great time (I'm so jealous as this year was the first time in 10 that I wasnt able to go).

Quiet airport where you shouldnt have any delays on return providing the outbound journey is on time and nobody is on strike.

Where abouts are you going? let me know if you need anything else.

Bails.

Tigsteroonie

If you are into history, then I'd recommend Fortress La Mola to the north of Mahon harbour, and Fort Marlborough to the south.

interstellaflyer

bails1964 wrote: »

I'm from Blackpool and guess what, I love Cala n Forcat. If you have kiddies they will love it there, if you like going out in the evening it is in my opinion the best resort as you have the widest choice. I do agree though that it isnt as 'up market' as some of the other resorts, Fornells for example. It depends what you are looking for I guess.

I'm sure the kids would love looking round the souveneir shops, especialy at all the Vibrators and other sex aids that most of them seemed to sell, certainly true when we went in 2008.

jgallcash

Thanks everyone. Just me and the fianc! (no children). We,re mid 20's but enjoy good food, sights and some peace and quiet. Having said that we're not adverse to a karaoke or two.

Which days are Market days?

Staying in a private villa in Playa del fornells in the north. Don't know anything about this area, anyone stayed around this way? We are hiring a car so travelling around is no issue

bails1964

interstellaflyer wrote: »

I'm sure the kids would love looking round the souveneir shops, especialy at all the Vibrators and other sex aids that most of them seemed to sell, certainly true when we went in 2008.

interstellaflyer - yep you are correct about sex aids on sale. Sorry, I forgot about those. From what I recall, and most of the 'gift' shops do sell this stuff, its usually in a 'private' section at the back of the shop, but not always, although I'll bow to your superior knowledge. I've only been to Cala n Forcat 9 times and I'm a bloke so basically have no interest whatsoever in browsing the gift shops although my wife somehow manages to drag me into one occasionaly. TBH, they are all full of tat. I have hardly ever visited a gift shop in other resorts so cannot say as to wether or not the sale of sex aids is island wide.

I was basically talking about the entertainment aspect of the resort, for both adults and children. Something to do for everyone.

To the OP, sorry about the miss-information.

Oh, and before anyone has a go about about my home town, I'm going to agree that its a s***hole.

Bails.

daveyjp

Cala Galdana is beautiful - lovely restaurant overlooking the bay which was full of locals when we went.

Binibeca - Menorca's 'Portmeirion' Gets busy during the day as it is on all the island tours, but go later in the afternoon and the village will be quieter. Decent restaurants there too.

Monastry in the centre of the island - great drive up the mountain and spectacular views - once again it gets busy and the car park is tiny.

pink_princess

Arenal den castell is worth a visit,the bay is one of the most beautiful sites I ve ever seen.If I ever got married I would like it to be there.Also visit the Irish bar there,George and Nigel are so funny and very good music.You can see them on you tube.I ll also give a second vote to mount toro and the glass bottom boats at Mahon .

cubegame

Just don't forget to try the island's cheese........it's so good it's untrue.

And if you want some secret Menorca try and get hold of a Sunflower book (blue cover). There are great walks into the big limestone gorges which 99.9% of visitors will never see. Basically every nice bay on the island (such as the correctly recommended Cala Galdana) is the opening of a limestone gorge and you can usually walk the length of these. Cala Galdana gorge is a lovely walk from Fornells.

I would also recommend the very well hidden Coves des Columnes (sic?), the cathedral cave near Es Migorn Gran (sic?). A completely untouristy but very impressive cave over another limestone gorge.

Also check out this place, http://www.lithica.es/home-Ing.html

It's a garden in an old quarry. They have a big concert hall in it as well.