Self Catering Holidays in Menorca
Self catering, mixing meals out and in is a great way to enjoy this island and save money. Advice and tips for those who prefer to do things their own way
Freedom from fixed meal times means you can have a truely individual holiday. No queues at the buffet, no rushing back from the beach to grab the best tables in the hotel dining room.
Self catering is probably not only the most affordable way to enjoy Menorca, but done right you can enjoy something unique, individual and totally memorable. And it doesn't mean hours spent in the villa, apartment kitchen or spending over budget eating out. The key? By mixing quick to make meals ( maybe adding to take away and pre-prepared dishes ) with fixed price restaurant menus and Tapas you can certainly eat very well and have lot's of real quality holiday time too.
Eat In Your Own Time
Absolutely visit the island's restaurants, and enjoy their service and no washing up unless your card has maxed out. But like everywhere you can't always choose your table neighbours, have the feeling you're being rushed on to make the table free. In self-catering accommodation, not only can you make your food as and when you feel hungry, rather than time you day's around the hotel's restaurant or when you feel it is a reasonable hour to go out, but you can eat, drink and converse entirely at your leisure.
Money Saving tips
Fixed Price Menus 8 - 20 Euro
Menu Diario, Menu del Dia, Menu Mediodia, Menul del Noche(evenings) - all names for 2,3,4 and even 5 course fixed menus that will include wine or water. Very often some of the ala carte menu meats and fish will also be on the choices
Pre-prepared fresh meals- Plats Preparat
"Plats Preparat"
In recent years there has been a growth of little shops opening up specialising in pre-prepared meals 'Plats Preparat'. These can be great value to take back to your holiday home to enjoy there and in picknicks. These meals will be home made ( you'll probbaly see the kitchen from the counter ). With some places offering 2 or 3 courses as a "until we run out" (hasta la fin) special . The portion sizes means with bread you'll will have enough for two and a meal for less than 10€. The dishes will be visible so you can choose with your eyes too!
Supermarkets are increasingly offering local dishes in chill cabinets. They won't be as good as the specialist shops,but still very tasty and good value.
Recommended Shops
Sa Cuina de Mo Mare - Carrer Gran 32, Es Castell
Imported Brands
If there is something you simply can't be without (a favourite sauce?) then bring it with you. Imported brands, particualrly from the UK, will be significantly more expensive than spanish and more locally sourced continental brands.
Eat some meals in the towns
If you are mobile ( hire car, taxi or bus) meals in towns close by without the captured market of a beach resort will generally be much better and less expensive. And of course you can combine this with a bit of sightseeing and shopping. Our comprehensive resorts guides will show nearby towns and if one of our recommended restaurants is nearby.
Supermarkets
Take a look out our big supermarkets map where you will be able to make a big shop as you travel to your holiday accommodation. Most supermarkets will accept credit cards but have some photo identity with you ( driving license/passport photocopy ).
Holiday Hires
Forgotten to pack something or want to save on luggage? A range of items from baby buggies to portable air conditioning delivered to your accommodation www.holidayhire.com
Easy Self Catering Holiday Meal tips
Easy to do, filling and can be eaten as a meal or used as hot and cold sides dishes the nex few days, why not make a risotto. Spanish rice is ideal for risootos - add seafood, meats or vegetables as you like. They dont take a lot of effort and are condusive to wine sipping on terrace and nipping back to stir and add more stock.
