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Photo tour of Sant Tomas
Use the Photo Tour to see high quality photographs of all the information described below.
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is located and the centre point of the South Coast. Approximately 35-40 mns. from the Airport. To reach Santo Tomas you travel through beautiful country side. Mahon is about 40 minutes drive, and Ciutadella about 45 minutes.
Use the Interactive Maps to take a detailed visual tour, with ariel views complete with additional photos and useful holiday information.
Santo Tomas is a quieter self contained holiday resort of mixed private/commercial holiday villas at the resort entrance, and up the hill along with around 7 hotels catering to packaged holidays. Ideal for those wanting relaxed, scenic surroundings either in a villa or packaged hotel room/apartment accommodation.
There is a natural pine covered hillside backdrop and the resort has pristine countryisde either side of it. Private villas occupy the area around the entrance to Santo Tomas above the beach (western end of resort ) offering great sea views for the independent traveller. There is only one road in and out of Santo Tomas and generally this means the resort will only be occupied by holidaymakers or the tiny handful of residents, rather than daytrippers. Outside of the season it will be quiet and relaxing with accommodation in private villas only.
Around Santo Tomas in the area known as Es Migjorn lies very picturesque, hilly countryside ideal for walking or off track cycling.
Advisable to rent a car for a few days if staying 2 weeks as can be a little isolated. Santo Tomas was established before they adopted stricter coastal building controls so there are some older larger hotels built right on the beach ( rare for Menorca), but generally they do not 'spoil' the skyline of the area.
Santo Tomas has 2 supermarkets, 2 bakers and a variety of small tourist shops, cash machines, car rental firms, a chemist, resident english speaking doctor, floodlit tennis courts, and various places with Internet access. A selection of bars and restaurants with differing styles are located along the beach promenande and main resort road and small commercial centre at the eastern end of the resort.
For children there are a variety of climbing frames and swings along the beach promenade and every evening Las Dunas Bar/Restaurant in the central location of the resort offers a mini disco. There are also pony rides ( Shetlands so just for smaller children ) and crazy golf.
Effectively the resort has two beaches separated by a headland ( Hotel Sol Menorca lies ontop of headland ) . The eastern beach ( Playa Santo Tomas ) is deeper with extensive dune systems and lies in front of the mainly hotels area which occupy the front line positions in the eastern part of the resort. The western beach ( Playa San Adeodato ) is a longer ( extending towards Binigaus ) less deep beach with lifeguard, beach bar ( Es Bruc ) plus water sports including wind surfing, pedaloes and Motor boats & water jet skis for hire. Here Villas occupy the front line - See Photo map below.
Further westwards is the huge virgin beach of Playa de Binigaus which is extremely beautiful, natural and less frequented. Its also a favourite location for nudists but everyone is welcome ( no need to strip and plenty of space if you are shy).
Santo Tomas can suffer from quite strong water currents, so care should be taken ( keep within 40 meters of shore, make sure you are not drifting ) and keep an eye on the red and green safety flags.
The main event here is the beach with natural vistas left an right. Santo Tomas is surrounded by beautiful country side and being a little more remote than most resorts is very much self contained. Tennis and five a side facilities are available to hire, several public younger childrens playgrounds are scattered along the beach promenade as well as those within hotel grounds. Crazy golf and pony rides are also available. If you want to see some authentic Menorca a visit to Es Migjorn Gran, Alaior or Es Mercadal can be done by bus or car.
Children will soon discover the underground lookout at the edge of the eastern beach and is safe and clean to explore (see photo tour )
The local area is criss crossed with "Camis" ( original rustic bridleways ) ideal for walking & cycling in scenic countryside. There are walks from the back of the resort for considerate wanderers.
There is a very attractive walk along the original Cami de Cavall ( best late afternoon ) to neighbouring Son Bou where you can enjoy a drink+Tapas at the beach side Bar Restaurants or venture into Son Bou itself - See Photo Tour.
Those with a lust for longer walks can reach Cala Galdana to the east by a marked route ( 7 hours )
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 6 buses to nearby Es Migjorn Gran and on to Ferreries. Es Mercadal and Ferreries are stopping points for a regular bus that pendles between Mahon and Ciutadella. Mahon/Ciutadella act as a hub to other destinations at their respective ends of the island.
Taxi from the airport should be around 35 € one way and take 30-45 minutes
A sunset stroll along the beach and the long beach promenade for guests still in chairs and prams. There is a disco pub at the Lord Nelson Hotel , plus Halley Bar in the eastern commercial centre towards the Victoria Hotel. There are 4 Hotels within the resort which all provide some form of evening entertainment. There are much livelier / wider entertainment choices at neighbouring Son Bou ( walk there along the coast early evening and get Taxi back )
You can follow the coastal path to the beach and resort beach bars at Son Bou, then enjoy a sunset stroll back to Santo Tomas.
As with most resorts in Menorca, organised evening entertainment here is generally to be found in the resort hotels and some bars. Mahon, Ciutadella and Es Castell however offer alot more with something for everyone, but with none of the "bing drink clubbing" to be found on Ibizia and Majorca. Menorca is not Majorca but that is why many people come here!
Barranc de Binigaus is a fabulous valley ending in a huge virgin beach - Playa de Binigaus. Along the road route there is the well known landmark of Binigaus Nou country house.
Further into the valley is a spectacular cave called the "Cathedral Cave" ( Covas des Colom ) due to the sheer height of its ceiling. Binigaus valley is reached inland from Es Migjorn Gran and from the coast from behind Binigaus beach.
Along the Barranc de Binigaus ( Binigaus Ravine ) you will find a spectacular cave called Covas des Colom also known as the 'Cathedral cave' due to the sheer height of its ceiling (24 meters high!). Previously used as a place of pre-historic worship. Binigaus valley is reached in land from Es Migjorn Gran ( follow the red arrows down a track starting at the old cemetery ) and from the coast from behind Binigaus beach.
Es Migjorn Gran is authentic Menorca and the town with the least tourism influence. Surrounded by grand and beautiful country side, with many rural paths and single track roads ( Camis ) to explore. It is the starting point for drives or walks in to wonderful woods and valleys ( Binigaus ) and direct south of the town is perhaps one of the nicest virgin beaches on the island at Binigaus. It has three authentic restaurants ( Ca Na Pilar, S'Engolidor and Can Toni ) for a special evening meal. It is typically spanish, where the old men gather to shake their heads at the new things passing in the world!
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.
Es Mercadal is a small town in the centre of the island, with rustic whitewashed houses lining pretty narrow streets. It lies at the base to Monte Toro, Menorcas' highest 'mountain' (357 m). On top there are viewing areas and a small pleasant cafeteria with small outside terrace. From up here there are excellent views of the whole island - upto the bay at Fornells ,the northern coast and the rolling hills of the island's centre.
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.
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