Es Grau Attractions and Activities guide - our inspirations

Son Parc Golf and Tennis

Son Parc offers the island's only 18 hole golf course set in wooded countryside complete with putting green and (floodlit) driving range. There are also tennis courts available for hire (raquets and balls can be hired at golf shop ) and Bar-Restaurant Es Bruc GOLF with outside terrace overlooking the course . Tee times can be booked in advance as can the tennis courts. Website

Fornells

A watersports and restaurant favourite. 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. Lot's of boat excursions and activities are based here. Perfect for a quiet authentic Menorca stay. Mountain Bike Hire. Watersports include Jetski,Waterskiing,Windsurfing, Dinghy,Kayaks and Diving.

Fornells

Fortalleza de La Mola

Is a very large 19th century fort at the entrance to Mahon harbour. The fortress of Isabel II or 'la Mola' , built between 1850 and 1875 is one of the best examples of military architecture. Built to protect the strategic harbour from the English and French, the fortress was never attacked, therefore it is in relatively good state of preservation.

Menorca Holiday Tip

Even if you are not into history the location is scenically great, and children will love the myriad of underground tunnels/rooms to let our energy( perfectly safe ). Great place to visit after 6p.m to enjoy atmospheric light and watch the evenings sunset over the harbour. There is a little bathing bay just before entrance and you will be see an attractive part of Menorca seldom seen by visitors.

You can get the Water Taxi from Es Castell for a special trip across harbour. ( 12 Eur pp ) you just agree a pick up time.

Opening times: July and August: from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. June to September 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May and October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From November to April, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. closed Mondays. The approximate duration of the visit is 2 hours. Admission: 7 Euro but children under 12 FREE. Guided tours are available for individuals and groups. Individual audio-guides are available in different languages.

Check www.fortalesalamola.com and www.menorcamonumental.net for latest opening times and prices.

Mahon ( Mao or Maó )

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 it's 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.

Mahon (mao)

Alaior

Has a charming old town set on a hill for wandering early mornings or late evenings when the extreme heat of the summer sun has gone. 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 some delightful Cafes, Bars and Restaurants. A few several clothes and shoe boutiques offering original items not chain store repetition. Childrens playground on the pretty town square (next to ice cream cafes!). Alaior has a weekly market plus an evening market (weds june-sept ) with Artisan goods,jewellery , other handicrafts and small boutiques.

Menorca Tips

There is a late night bus to return from Alaior's evening market. Alaior is home to the Pons Quintana shoe factory shop. A brand relatively unknown in the UK because most of its high quality leather shoes are exported to France and Germany. The shop offers reduced prices on beautiful high quality shoes and leather goods.

Alaior

Es Castell

Is a delightful traditional town with a great location. Combining stunning views with a great mix of little shops, cafes, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, price ranges and styles. In the two harbours many of the old fishermans caves have been adapted by various Bars and Restaurants giving them interesting interiors aswell as great people watching seating outside overlooking the water . A very popular eating place for lunchtime Menu del Dias and a great place to while away the summer evenings.

Es Castell