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Photo tour of Alcaufar
Use the Photo Tour to see high quality photographs of all the information described below.
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is located in the south east corner of the island. Approximately 15-20 mins.,
Use the Interactive Maps to take a detailed visual tour, with ariel views complete with additional photos and useful holiday information.
The village of Alcaufar lies along one side of a long peaceful inlet lined with traditional fishing boats with a sandy beach at its head. Originally a fishing community there are still many active boats which all add up to make this a pretty place whether just visiting or basing your holiday here. The waters are very clear and provide ambling routes along its rocky shoreline. More suited for families or couples looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday but within easy reach of Es Castell or Mahon for more activities and sights.
The beach area is especially safe for young children as the fine sands shelve gently to the sea and the waters are shallow for a long way out. Also a great snorkelling spot with warm shallow clear waters lined with rocks where the fish gather. The inlet is overlooked by fishermen's boat houses and cottages and provides an idyllic backdrop to this attractive, quiet resort. It is a short drive to the larger town of Sant Lluis ( lots of food shops, Bars & Cafes plus large Hypermarket ), while the cosmopolitan capital, Mahon, is around 9km away.
A very good beach is located at Punta Prima - a 10 minute drive away.
Most accommodation here is in private holiday homes. There are no hotels except for a small family run Hotel ( Xuroy ) located beachside complete with a pleasant cafe terrace and restaurant under pines overlooking the beach and water.(also for non-residents.)
The nearby resort of S'Algar has some larger hotels. S'Algar itself has no beach so a courtesy bus ferries S'Algar guests to Cala Alcaufar so during peak season the beach will have some 'day trippers'.
Alcaufar can provide a relaxing base for the active explorer and those who enjoy nature rather than holiday bars. There are walks along the coastline, many miles of attractive Camis ( single track country roads ) plus a number of pre-historic and historical sites all within 10km . The idylic and very attractive villages of S'Ullastrar, Trebaluger and Torret are also close by hiding some of the islands' most highly regarded restaurants. Seeking a virgin beach? The closest is along the southern coast just after Cap d'en Font - Cala de Biniparratx. At the end of a limestone gorge.
This part of the coast offers some excellent diving areas including Menorcas renowned spectacular underwater caves. The watersports centre is located at nearby S'Algar though their diving boat will be anchored here in the inlet. S'Algar is approximately 5 minutes by car or taxi.
The locals area is criss crossed with "Camis" ( original rustic bridleways ) ideal for cycling in scenic countryside. These countryside single track roads offer several trekking excursions or bike rides. With some beautiful villages nearby to explore. ( Trebaluger,Torret,S'Ullastrar ). You can walk the cami de cavall ( old costal pathway ) either north or south to Punta Prima passing the old cosatl watchtowers.
Just north of S'algar is a very pretty ravine for trekkers, Cala des Rafalet with a rewarding sea dip at the end.
S'Albufera Parc Natural - is a wonderful place for an early morning or evening walk (avoiding the summer heat) . Footpaths lead, through pleasant lakelandscapes and woodlands to the sand dunes behind the beautiful beach at Es Grau. Walk on further to the fishing village of Es Grau to enjoy beachside sunsets at the waterside Cafe Bars.
If you enjoy karting then you will find a track by the old aerodrome just outside Sant Lluis, on the Mahon -Sant Lluis road ( turn in at the Hippodrome.) There are karts for young children as well as double karts( two passengers side by side so you can take a child or a 'nervous partner' around )
Just outside nearby Sant Lluis is a trotting track (Hippodrome)- Simple surroundings, but provides a relaxing diversion to the beach.
Open Air history: Trepuco is a pre-historic settlement between Mahon and Sant Lluis ( also via pretty country roads from Es Castell ). Has the island's tallest Taula ( circa 4m high!)
Cami de Gracia, Trepuco, Between Mahon and Sant Lluis. Open Tues. to Sat. 1000-1315 hrs. and 1800-2000 hrs., Sun. 0930-1500 hrs., Mon. no information service. Entrance 1.80 euros, Sun. free.
Open Air history: Talti de Dalt is a pre-historic settlement between Mahon and Sant Lluis ( also via pretty roads from Es Castell ) . Has the islands tallest Taula ( circa 4m high!)
Cami de Gràcia, Trepucò, Between Mahon and Sant Lluis. Open Tues. to Sat. 1000-1315 hrs. and 1800-2000 hrs., Sun. 0930-1500 hrs., Mon. no information service. Entrance 1.80 euros, Sun. free.
Bus, Taxi and Hire Car Detailed getting about infos.
Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, signposts as Maó it's correct local name. Also posted in the local papers eg Ultima Hora Menorca, Menorca towards the back pages are most of the islands bus timetables. You will nearly always find a copy of this in a spanish cafe bar ( any day in season will do ) - make notes, please don't take paper as its there for all to read. If you are staying longer than a week take a trip on this good network and see some of the other resorts/towns first hand.
There are regular bus services to Mahon ,S'Algar and Sant Lluis with onward connections to all other parts of the island. There is also a courtesy service to/from S'Algar for a greater Restaurant/Bar choice and entertainments based at the hotels there.
S'Algar is one of the main centres on Menorca for scuba diving and snorkelling and the local diving company offers some of the most spectacular cave diving experiences in the Mediterranean. Plus there is all sorts of other watersports on offer. It is also the location of a popular bowling club-visitors welcome.
Is a mostly residential town with a good mix of little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Its most well known sights are Moli de Dalt the island's only functioning windmill (open am for visits) and "La Rueda" a popular Tapas Bar & Restauant. In pretty neighbouring S'Uestra and Torret there are some excellent high class restaurants. Mahons trotting and karting track are also near by.
TIP Visit the large Euroski SYP Supermarket here at the Poligno ( commercial area) for a good food selection (english / german food items stocked) and keen prices. The Supermarket's (independent ) Cafeteria Bar offers a great menu del Dia/take away hot food in air conditioned surroundings.
Es Castell - is a delightful harbour town with a great mix of little shops, cafes, bars, Restaurants and clubs to suit all tastes, price ranges and styles. Not just the extensive harbour areas but also in the many side streets. In the main Cala Fons harbour the old fishermans caves have been adapted by various Bars and Restaurants. Es Castell is a very popular eating place for lunchtime Menu del Dias and a great place to while away the summer evenings.
Mahon has a great mediterranean charm around the centre and harbour. Busy pavement Cafes and Bars, superb fruit and fish markets and all enclosed in a maze of narrow streets with architecture and many reminders of its Georgian past. In addition to the traditional the town offers a myriad of stylish shops and bars. Along the whole length of the harbour quayside (Moll de Llevant) there is an electic collection of Cafes, Bars and Restaurants for all pockets and styles. A spectacular setting above the huge natural harbour with ships and boats of every shape and sizes.
Island history: Fort Malborough is an unusual 7 sided defence fort located in Cala de Sant Esteve on the south east edge of the island. An early 18th century fort built by the British and named after Sir John Churchhill - Duke of Malborough. The fort has survived many attacks and is now open as a museum and features visual media guides to the islands and europe's history during these times. Guided tours of 1 hour duration in various languages - plus audio guides.
Open Tues. to Sat. 0930-2015 hrs., Sun. and Mon. 0930-1430 hrs. Entrance 3 euros, Sun. free.
Lots of tunnels for the children to delight in.
With locations and Information for :
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