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Photo tour of Es Mercadal
Use the Photo Tour to see high quality photographs of all the information described below.
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is located almost geographically dead centre of the island. Approximately 25-35 mins., from the Airport.
Use the Interactive Maps to take a detailed visual tour, with ariel views complete with additional photos and useful holiday information.
Es Mercadal is a small market town in the centre of the island, with a medieval old centre of rustic whitewashed houses lining pretty narrow streets. It lies at the base of Monte Toro, Menorcas highest 'mountain' (357 m). On top there are viewing areas and a small cafeteria. From here there is an excellent view of the whole island upto the bay at Fornells and the northern coast and the hills of the islands' centre, down to the southern coast.
A good stopping off point for a break if travelling along the center of the island.
The town is also home to traditional cakes and biscuits - "amargos ( almond macaroons ) ", "carquinyols" and "torro cremat" which you will find in the little cake and pastry shops along the main shopping road. Great places for a coffee, teas and edible treats.
Es Mercadal is also the gateway to the northern coast virgin beaches ( Binimel-la and Pregonda ) reached along very scenic country roads.
Es Mercadal is also a Gastronomy and Restaurant oasis, with a range from simple to fine dining but the quality in every price range is very good. "Centre Artesanal de Menorca" is located here too and is the crafts center of Menorca showcasing traditional and comtemporary crafts.
There is an attractive waterway that runs through the old town with quaint crossing bridges- in summer it will probably be waterless. At the Plaza del Pare Camps there is an open area where the little ones can run around safely along with some basic childrens play equipment-best of all you can sit and any of a diverse collection of bars there and soak up the sun. For a feel of authentic Menorca travel the Cami de Trumuntana from the north of the town which winds through farmlands to the north coast.
Monte Torro is the highest point on the island the name most likely coming from the Arabic, al-tor, meaning highest mountain. Though not a mountain it is worth a visit if you have a hire car for the stunning views ( particularly in spring when you can see over the length of the island) There is a pleasant Bar Restaurant Sa Posado del Toro at the top with inside seating and an open terrace with views to the south. Monte Toro is signposted from Es Mercadal in the dead centre of the island along the ME-1. El Toro in Catalan or Monte Toro in Spanish has viewing areas to take in the views to the north and west. Can also be walked along the good access road as is 'only' 350 meters high.
Handicrafts stalls with jewelry and other trinkets, every Thursday evening in summer from 19:00 - 21:00 on the Plaza del Pare Camps.
Hostal Jeni is a litlle gem and ideal for those looking for a base in the area. Small and friendly with a lot on offer ( Tennis Court, Sauna, Solarium, Jacuzzi, Cycling, Diving, Indoor Swimming Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool ) AND boasting a well respected restaurant offering traditional menorcan cuisine.
The locals area is criss crossed with "Camis" ( original rustic bridleways ) ideal for walking and cycling in scenic countryside. There are marked routes signposted at the eastern entrance of the town.
In May Es Mercadal hosts an annual gastronomic event where you can sample excellent dishes and offers in the locals restaurants.
You are totally spolit for choice in Es Mercadal. Las Vegas Bar Restaurante has an attractive outdoor terrace at the rear. Restaurant Tast serves modern cuisine in chic surroundings. Bar Restaurante Sa Placa , a favourite place for locals - simple but good Menu del Dia ( also to take away ). Can Olga, Moli des Reco, Meson Galicia, Ets Arcs and award winning N'aguedet.
Third weekend in July
Located in Es Mercadal. A centre to preserve and promote the island's traditional handicarfts (ceramics, leatherwork) . With shop, permanent exhibition area, audio visual explainations. Built for the islanders so no 'tacky' souvenir items but genuine handmade craft items.
Open from May to October 1000-1400 hrs. and 1700-2000 hrs. (July and August 1800-2100 hrs.) Sat. throughout the year open 1000-1300 hrs. Entrance free.
www.artesaniademenorca.com
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.
Being at the island centre there is always a bus going somewhere as nearly all roads pass through here. Bus stop is at Avinguada Mestre Gari.
Mahon - Alaior - Es Mercadal - Ferreries - Ciutadella:
Mondays to Friday: 6:45, then hourly from 8:15 to 23:15: Friday extra service 00:15: Saturdays: 8:00,10:00,11:30,13:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 21:30: Sundays/ Fiestas: 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 16:30, 19:00
Ciutadella - Ferreries, Es Mercadal - Alaior - Mahon:
Mondays to Fridayday Hourly from 6:40 to 21:40: Fridayday extra service 23:40: Saturdays: 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 13:00,14:30, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 21:30 Sundays / Fiestas: 8:00, 10:00, 11:30, 14:30, 16:30,19:00
Fornells a watersports and seafood restaurant eldorado. The village with it's speciality seafood restaurants is located at the entrance to a huge enclosed natural bay whose protected waters make it perfect for all manner of sail based 'messing about'. More like a large salt water lake the wind conditions here are great for beginners of anything that floats on water. Very pleasant for lunch time and evening drinks and meals alongside the harbour quay.
Son Bou is a holiday resort of mixed private/commercial holiday homes and a handful of hotels(4) built behind a nature reserve along the island's longest beach. The resort is more correctly called Sant Jaime(Jaume) but Son Bou, Sant Jaime and Torre Soli Nou blend into each other, though Torre Soli nou extends further inland if you are looking for a quiet location. Most of the resort sits on a hillside which offers spectacular views. Offers a full set of factilities for a beachside tourist resort.
Is a traditional island town occupying a beautiful location and providing a dramatic moment for all drivers as the main island road ME-1 meanders through a very picturesque and narrow gap in the hills. Ferreries is surrounded by beautiful hills and countryside and spectacular valleys and history. A great start point for scenic walks,cycling and horse riding.
Every Saturday 9-1pm there is an attractive farmers and craft market in Placa Espanya ( main town square ) with fresh farm produce, fruit and handicrafts including ceramics. At the Poligno there is a Jaime Mascaro factory outlet offering high quality leathers goods at reduced prices. Jaime is sold mostly in French, Italien and German boutiques.
This is a great town for wandering early mornings or late evenings when the heat of sun is not around. The "third" capital of the island and a cultural centre. The old town is very pretty and makes a great change to the beach, with a good mix of little shops to browse, Cafes, Bars and Restaurants. And, some great home made ice cream parlours! Childrens playground on the pretty town square (next to ice cream cafes!). Alaior has a weekly market plus an evening artisans market with jewellry and other handicrafts and clothing.
Ladies Alaior is home to the Pons Quintana shoe factory shop. An name relatively unknown in the UK because most of its high quality leather shoes are exported to France and Germany. At the factory shop you will get heavily reduced prices on beautiful high quality shoes.
Arenal den Castell, Son Parc, Son Bou, & Cala en Porter selfcaterers - Visit the larger supermarkets here at the Poligno ( commercial area ) for a much better food and price selection.
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