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 main ME-1 road of Menorca.
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 natural beaches eg ( Cavalleria and Pregonda ) reached along very scenic country roads.
There are various types of markets in Es Mercadal some morning some evening . The clothes/souvenirs markets summertime is every Thursday on la calle central 'Carrer Nou' 10:00 to 13:00All markets
Es Mercadal Fiesta
Third weekend in July
Es Mercadal Annual Events
Agricultural fair
Es Mercadal - Holiday Planner QUICK guide
Restaurants in Es Mercadal
The town has a well deserved reputation for it's restaurants. Always worth a stop for lunch if travelling across Menorca by road. Great value fixed price, french cuisines and gastro bar just shows the variety in this small place...check our curated guide for details Es Mercadal Restaurants guide
Traditional town with a reputation for good eating. Some high quality restaurants,new cuisine and good value restaurants ...check our curated guide for details Es Mercadal Bar and Clubs guide
Es Mercadal has a old picturesque centre to ejoy cafe bars / eateries - home to annual fairs at the large fair ground ( Menorca Horse Show, Spring fair ) , Monte Torre ( viewpoint for the whole island ) ...
Unlike beach resorts, this town's shops will close for Siesta ( ~ 13-17:00). Shops tend to be busiest during the evening when people will also meet up in the Cafe-Bars.
Within Es Mercadal - Es Mercadal shops are mostly for the local community but with a few clothing shops in the main pedestrian street
Es Mercadal Supermarkets
Some smaller supermarkets may shut for Siesta.
Es Mercadal has some terrific (artisan) bakeries, quality local produce and ecological food stores
TIP: Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, front of buses and signposts as Maó, it's local name. Take a bus trip to see some of the other sights, resorts/towns and Menorca's attractions.
Taxis - Es Mercadal
Airport to/from one way 30 Eur
Taxis are licensed for a MAX. of 4 Passengers. (any Age child counts as 1 )
Taxis next to bus stop - good for combining connections.
Good to know
Menorca has no private Cab firms , Uber or ...'Dodgy Touts!'
TIP Summer peak In recent years Taxis have been in short supply due to not enough drivers for licensed areas. Consider a private transfer to reach Airport in good time for flight home.
Es Mercadal has a mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers. Menorca has pleasant cooling Summer breeze. The sea temperatures at Es Mercadal will be around 22-26 degrees in Summer. In October the water is still warm. Spring time ( early March to April ) will have sunny days with temperatures around 20 and above , ideal for sightseeing, walking, cycling and horseriding activities.
There are no Public shuttles , no direct Airport buses to Es Mercadal - connections only via Mahon with potential long waits
Taxi or pre-booked Shuttle ?
Daytime Taxis are plentiful outside arrivals - best value for 4 or less to Holiday Resorts within 20km. Airport Taxis do not provide child seats - required by LAW
Es Mercadal Airport Transfer times
0 Hrs.25 mins.
Menorca Airport
22 k.m
Shared Transfers Waits,restricted drop off/pickup addresses
Transfer Time: variable
from 13 Eur PP
Private Transfers Door to Door,no wait, drop off/pickup any addresses
Private Transfers from 50 Eur upto 3 to Es Mercadal ideal for families and groups , as no waiting for other passengers ( delayed) arrival. Door to Door and child seats can be pre-booked.
VIP Transfers from 72 Eur upto 6 to Es Mercadal No wait. Travel in style in premium vehicles