Island Attractions - Without Kids
Overview
While most guide books extoll the virtues of menorca for families with children its also an island for couples and those without beach rats too!
If you love beautiful landscapes, dream of remote natural sandy beaches, love to dine well and sip drinks under dreamy stars then read on. And while Menorca is no 'Clubbers paradise', there are still plenty of places where you can dance the night away, none more spectacular so than Covas den Xoroi set in natural caves 25m above the bay in Cala en Porter with well known guest DJs from UK and Ibiza. Most of the dance clubs can be found in the harbour areas with smaller music and "chill out" bars in the side streets of of Mahon and Ciutadella as well as in Es Castell. There is a water taxi between Mahons' and Es Castells' attractive harbours that is an especially delightful way ' to arrive' on summer evenings.
Tiping In restaurants, taxis etc. it is usual to leave 5-10% if you were happy with the service. A tip in spanish is called "propina" .
Fancy staying somewhere special to celebrate that birthday or just a romantic treat?
Consider a rural Hotel full of charm, individuality and a truely special memories place!
On Land
On and under the Water
On Land
A full list of places of interest ( museums, sights ) to visit and see can be found here
Days Out
Majorca
You can get a plane hop (Iberia, Air Berlin) from Mahon to Majorca, Palma to go and get back in the same day. So you can take in Palma town shopping and culture for a more "up tempo" scene. Alternatively there is a fast catamaran ferry ( 1hour ) to North East Majorca( Alcudia ) from Ciutadella port for foot and car passengers. NOTE for ferry You will need to book a cheap hotel for the overnight stay though.
Horseriding
The horse holds a special place in the hearts of the islanders. The Island native race is a magnificent beautiful animal. You can enjoy the island scenery from on top of and behind (in a carriage) a horse. Ride through enchanting woods, gallop along the beach. Riders of all levels are catered for.
Cycling
Having finally woken up to the attractions of the island for two wheel fans the island now boats a good network of signed routes. Mostly requiring off road capable bicyles. In the larger reosrt where space allows there are now dedicated cycle ways. >> Cycling on Menorca
Villages to visit
Torret
A village straight out of the picture books. Torret oozes traditional menorcan architecture, with lots of bougainvillea draped over the old white washed houses. Best to leave the car at the entrance roads and just wander. Home to highly regarded restaurants for food lovers (Sa Pedrera des Pujol, Sa Parereta d'en Doro, Pan y Vino ). From behind the unmissable watchtower you can wander down to the coast at Torret de Baix.
Llucmacanes
If you are mobile, this little village ( 2km from west Mahon ) is a stop off point along attractive, stone walled country lanes to and from the coast. A residential village, many of the former farmhouses have been turned into homes and holiday homes. A little supermarket, plus two tiny atmospheric (open evenings only) restaurants. Es Nit in 300 year old farmhouse (international) and Sa Vinya (Menorcan) . There are walks into the nearby countryside.
Wandering About
Cami de Cavalls
Cami de Cavalls,( 'path of the horse') is a medieval coastal path that originally followed much of the entire Menorcan coastline. The path encircling the island is now open to the public and can be freely used by hikers, cyclists and horse riders. The 184 kilometres of path is divided into 20 sections, each of which is now clearly signposted and fitted with an information panel giving details of that particular stretch. Parts of the Cami de Cavalls are open for horses ( see sign below). Other sections are accessible for walkers and mountain bikes. Originally created by occupying nations for the purpose of keeping an eye on the coast and as a four legged supply route.
It is a great way to see the coastline - 'natural' so take care at the cliff edges.
Menorca Holiday Tips
The various signs below indicate that a section of the Cami de Cavalls is under your feet or in that direction
Cala Galdana : Cami de Cavalls to Virgin Beaches
Two long routes east and westward starting st Cala Galdana ( so you can stock up on last minute water,food for trip) along the recently opened and signposted original Cami de Cavalls. These original paths will take you along stunning coastlines where you can visit several of the islands most attractive Virgin Beaches. Bus no. 51 Mahon-Cala Galdana , Bus no. 52 Ciutadella-Cala Galdana and No. 53 From Ferreries.
Westward to Cala Turqueta 4.3 Km one way ( approx 3 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain easy ) also passing Cala Macarella virgin beach. Startpoint in Galdana is signposted at steps next to Hotel Audax,ewestern end of resort.
Eastward to Santo Tomas 4.4 Km one way ( approx 4.5 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain medium ) more up/down and also passing Cala Mitjana, Tebaluger, Escoxada . I.e te crem del creme of south coast virgin beaches. Startpoint in Galdana is along Avinguida de la Punta ( 3rd Left turn ).
Menorca Holiday Tip You could also have a friend drop off/pick up at either end as Turqueta/Santo Tomas is accessible by car.
Sport
Bowling
There are several artificial greens at S'Algar where both novices and the experienced players are welcome. Woods can be hired.
Son Bou Bowling and Entertainment
Is a recently built indoor entertainment centre with modern bowling alleys as its main attraction and located in the resort centre. Features childrens playground, Bar Cafe and electronic games machines. Open from 4 or 7 pm , depending on time of year, 'till early morning.
www.menorcabowling.com
Beach Life
With so many beaches, that are not just a few square feet of imported sand you'll easily find a spot away from the 'beach rats'. Take in our Virgin beach guide- It's really is a sin to visit the island and not spend at last some time on one of these magical beaches. At Es Grau you can even get the fisherman to ferry you across to a small Island beach. Menorca Beaches
Menorca Holiday Tips
Visit the beaches after five, thats when the locals will be arriving, enjoy a picnic and watch the sun set.
Hire a Sea Kayak in Fornells and explore some of the remote beaches on the far side of the bay.
At Es Grau a local fisherman will ferry you out to the local unihabited island of Illa Den Colom to while way the day on the two idylic sandy beaches there. Don't forget a water bottle and some food. There are regular pickups though out the day until sunset, but make an arranged time! A real robinson crusoe adventure.
Fiestas
Are not held for the benefits of tourists, so are genuine and much loved by the islanders. Each town has its own but will be ceremenonial and visual - with Riders showing off their horsemanship skills. >> Fiestas
Menorca Holiday Tips
During Fiesta season there is a special "jaleo bus" to take revelers to and from the Fiestas at night. Look out for timetables at bus stops and published in local guides.
Museums & Places of Interest
The island is known as the largest open air pre-historic museum and not without good reason. Even if you are not a history buff you'll be suprised just what is on the island. 4m high Stone structures ( Taulas ) that defy gravity and 2000 years of weather. >> more
Menorca Holiday Tips
If you are feeling the day time heat a museum trip can be just the thing to cool down with Air conditioning and relaxing surroundings.
Nights Out
You can choose between authentic hideaways sipping drinks at one the island's country house hotel bars, a waterside restaurant and bar or dance into the sunrise at one of the islands' clubs.
The tiny villages of Torret and S'Ullastrar between them have at least half a dozen gastronomic restaurants along a single stretch of country road, no more than a mile long. La Caraba is probably the best, with Sa Parereta d'en Doro a close second.
Menorca is always described in comparison to it's neighbours Majorca and Ibizia as 'quiet'. That's true but it doesn't mean there's not plenty of good (and lively) places for the young and not so young to go out in the evenings. The biggest concentraton of the best nightlife is located in the harbour areas of the island's two cities - Ciutadella and Mahon aswell as the side streets and Cales Fons harbour area of Es Castell. The better places are not just for the tourists but open all year round for islanders. As such things start late, often after midnight. Don't be suprised if you turn up at 21:00 and the places seem quieter and emptier than you expected. But then again, maybe that's what you prefer. See maps below.
Casino Maritim
Smale scale Casino, with bar & dining set in a great location at the serious yachts are of Mahon harbour.
Offering Roulette,Poker and Blackjack tables. Smart dress only, ID required (proof of over 18 ). Just follow harbour around to where the big motor Yachts are moored and you are in the right place.
Menorca Holiday Tips
Next door is Pizza restaurant Romani-which does good affordable pizzas in very pleasant surroundings. Also Cafe Oh La la- great place for early morning breakfasts ( opens 6am ) as the sun is rising over the harbours
Moll de Levant 287 Tel. 971 36 49 62
Star Gazing
Yes that's right. Take a trip out to S'Albufera park , or a remote spot on the north coast on a clear night and you will be treated to a display to take your breath away. With no street lighting and the night sky shielded from any streetlights and city lights overspill you'll see just how many stars there are out there. The distant stars normally invisible due to 'light pollution' are visible-its simply stunning! You'll need a hire car as taxi drivers wont drop off/pick up.
Cafè Bars
Around the city centres and harbour areas of Ciutadela, Mahon and Es Castell there are a wide varierty of places to suit varying tastes and styles, from simple to sophisticated. Best to wander along and pick out a place on sight and impulse. A few ideas below:-
Hotel del Almirante
Bar terrace at the Hotel del Almirante. A very british and nostalgic hotel located in a an old english gentlemans house - Lord Collingwood. A good stopping off place before moving off into Mahon. Ctra. Mahon-Es Castell, 07720 Es Castell ( opposite Son Villar).
Café Baixamar
A favourite meeting place on the harbour front. Lovingly fitted out with nostaligic and Jugendstil accessories, this place has a great atmosphere where you can spend many hours whiling away the night. Moll de Ponent, 17 07701 Mahon:
Ars Cafe
( Plaza del Principe 12) is a very inviting Cafe Bar & Restaurant. Often missed by the visitor it is on the beautiful Plaza del Principe.
Streetlevel is an attractive chic city cafe area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner ( Menu del Dia available ) while down stairs is an atmospheric arched stone ceilings vault with bar and stage for live music ( Fridays and Saturdays )
Dance Clubs
Yes there are funky dance and chill out clubs on this little island and some in suprising locations too! In Ciutadella there are several at the head of the harbour area, so you can easily move between them as you please. Many have outside terraces to enjoy balmy summer evenings.
Menorca Holiday Tips
go LATE!
Cova d´en Xoroi - Cova d´en Xoroi
Web site : www.covadenxoroi.comLocated in huge spectacular natural caves some 25m above the sea at the entrance to Cala en Porter bay. Take a look at our video below for a feel of this magical place.
Cova d´en Xoroi
A double bonus. Undoubtedly the most dramatic nightspot on the island. Set high, literally in the rocks, above the sea it's an atmospheric Cafe-bar areas with fantastic sea views by day. From 19:00 the music is soothing ambient sounds to watch the sunsets by and after 23:00-dawn a disco with one of the most original locations and atmospheres with famous guest DJs. There is a entrance charge during the day which includes a voucher for a drink-It's well worth it.
Opening times: 11:30 'til dawn. Daily May to October and weekends outside of these months.
Menorca Holiday Tips
Just 200 meters from Xoroi is a great Spanish Restaurant La Palette ( Leg of lamb recommended)
Places with Live Music
Club Akelarre
Located on the harbour front the of Mao (Mahon), Akelarre has been offering live jazz concerts for more than ten years and is one of the most popular live music venues in the city. Great Jazz and Bluesw with Live Music and DJs. Also a very nice place to have drinks, tapas, particularly in the courtyard at the back. Muelle de Poniente 41-43 07701 Mao.
Jazzbah
A popular place in Ciutadella where you drink slushy Pomadas ( gin and lemonade). Jazzbah is a live music venue and club, playing funky jazz beats, house and rare grooves. As well as the main room (with a stage), there is a chill-out room and an outside terrace where you can cool off. Plaça de Sant Joan 3,07760 Ciutadella.
Ars Cafè - see above.
On and under the WaterRed Rocket
If your own motor yacht is in dry dock or you're not rich enough to charter a Fairline or Sunseeker then a new way to see the island is the "Red Rocket". A slender open speedy vessel from Mahon or Es castell harbours will show you the island's south east coast line in a small group with personal attention and service. Tel. 00 34 691 067 063 for info. and reservations.
Menorca has a stunning coast line with hidden bays and
Sea Kayaks
An increasingly popular activity and a great way to see the beautiful coastline up close is a sea kayak - for hire or excursions at various points along the coast.
Boat Excursions
Along the coast, taking in virgin beaches and swimming in picturesque bays. Either aboard boats or under sail in more indulgent ways.
Boat Excursion , Hire and Charter
Diving and Snorkelling
The waters of Menorca are a real holiday memory. They are amazingly clear so even with just a simple snorkel you will see lots, not murky haze. And because the water is in such good condition you'll see lots of fish too. Often the beaches will have shallow sandy bottoms fringed with rocks.
The island is a haven for divers not only due to these conditions but especially due to the many underwater caves cut out of the soft rock particularly on the south coast.
Cales Coves Snorkelling Tip
Cales Coves, well known for its caves cut into the limestome rocks is also a great place for snorkel fans. With three very attractive bays to explore, sandy bottoms interchange with rocks. It was the original harbour used by the Romans. Access to Cales Coves is via a 1.5km long unsurfaced track from Son Vitamina (ME-12) which is passable with care by car or best on Mountain bike. ( access keeps it quiet and seculded! ) .
Water Sports
Windsurfing
If you love windsurfing or want to try windsurfing then head for Fornells bay. Sat on the north coast where the wind is favourable the bay is like a large salt water lake making it ideal for all things with sails. Plus the water is lovely and warm if you fall off!
