Located on the North East coast of Menorca. Approximately 30-40 mins., from the Airport.
Not to be confused with Playa den Fornells, this is a quieter authentic Menorca location set around a pretty palm tree lined harbour with views out across the bay to a far shore untouched by any buildings. Fornells is a (former) fishermans village that has become the main place for sail based water sports and specialist fish restaurants for the island. Centred around around the fishing harbour, it remains mostly residential. The village 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. Also a good base for the north of the island for nature lovers.
Fornells is less well known as a place to stay as it does not feature in any package broschures but is a great place for more indepedently minded people to stay, if just for a part of your stay.
There is simple, small scale accommodation at Fornells in apartments and hostals. In addition there are some private villas and apartments at the entrance aswell as in Ses Salines just few minutes south of Fornells village.
Fornells- Top See and Do
Fornells is surrounded by beautiful land and seascapes to explore on foot,bike and all many of things that float!. A water sports centre there is almost nothing you cannot try.
The natural bay dominates measuring 5 kilometres long and 2 at it's widest point. The ( best preserved on Menorca ) Watch Tower reminds us that Menorca always needed to be defended as does Castle Sant Antoni.
The Harbours Square is always a good people watching spot. Beautiful serence coastal walks to neighbouting Playa Den Fornells Holiday resort and beach . The coastline, islands and bays can be explored by Water Taxi, boat, Rib, Sail , Kayaks (for the fit ! ) even Jet Ski tours.
Fornells bay
Fornells - restaurant visits
Fornells Village
Fornells - Fishing Harbour
Beach
No real beach in Fornells TIP hire kayaks to reach remote bays ( S'Aranalet bay) opposite village for a treat. Nearest sandy beach (Cala Tirant) is over the headland at Playa den Fornells often confused with Fornells. Also another natural beautiful beach is Arenal Son Saura at Son Parc. Along this coast west of Fornells are a collection of amazing northern coast virgin beaches including Cavalleria, Bini mel la and Pregonda. These can be visited with various Water Tax services.
This is also a very small coarse sand beach at Ses Salines though this is used by a lot of watersports for launching dinghies and windsurfers. However spots can be found at northern end of this area.
Fornells has several sea access points in the village - where you can swim with the beautiful bay backdrop.
Shopping in Fornells
In the centre there are well stocked mini supermarkets. More and more artisan craft and fashions Boutiques plus souvenir shops, Banks, chemist. Some excellent food shops selling handmade products. For more near by town of Es Mercadal or the capital Mahon.
There is a summer night market on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May to October, from 20.00 to 01.00 hours, on the Calle del Mar de Fornells along the harbour front selling sweets, crafts, jewellery, souvenirs .
Getting About
Taxi to Mahon Airport will be around 30-42 Euro
You can reach several other beaches, and towns by bus from Fornells - details below
Fornells Fiesta
Last weekend in July . The jaleo is held in the Plaza de S'Algaret, opposite the fishing harbour.
Fornells is a location for relaxed social evenings in the Cafe Bars and Restaurants.
Being a local town you will experience a little bit of Menorcan life. Having taken Siestas the children will be out and about 'till late. The Cafes and Bars will be a meeting point and much people watching will be done!
Fornells for Holiday Visitors - at a glance
Restaurants in Fornells
Fornells has always been a good location for Restaurants if you you are staying here or not . Well worth a day time or evening time visit for good food in a loveley location....our curated guide to Fornells Restaurants Guide
Yes there are the very traditional Cafe Bars where locals and visitors gather but there are also places for those looking for a more contemporary chilled decor and atmosphere - some with roof top terraces. ...our curated Fornells Bar and Clubs guide
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 Fornells -
Fornells Supermarkets
Some Supermarkets may shut for Siesta
Local supermarkets are seasonal and will be ~ 20% more expensive than out of resort.
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 - Fornells
Airport to/from one way 42 Eur
Taxis are licensed for a MAX. of 4 Passengers. (any Age child counts as 1 )
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.
Packaged Self Catering Villas and Aparthotels Holidays
From Jet2
£ 60 pp deposit, easy monthly payments
Jet2 Villa Holidays in Fornells
Hotels
Fornells is all about the small and individual Hotels and Accommodation.
Larger Hotels are available in the sister beach resort Playa den Fornells which has the area's main beach
Fornells has a mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers. Menorca has pleasant cooling Summer breeze. The sea temperatures at Fornells 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 Fornells - 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
Fornells Airport Transfer times
0 Hrs.35 mins.
Menorca Airport
30 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 53 Eur upto 3 to Fornells 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 92 Eur upto 6 to Fornells No wait. Travel in style in premium vehicles