Holidays to Menorca

Discover the peace and quiet of Menorca

The four islands that make up the Balearic group have quite different personalities - and you can choose the one that suits best. Menorca in Spain trades on its reputation for peace and quiet and the outstanding natural beauty of its sandy coves and harbours, rocky inlets and golden beaches. The turquoise ocean is stunning when seen from a handy cliff top, the water temperature ideal all year round and water activities like snorkelling and scuba, sea kayaking and the occasional Jet Ski are easy to organise and a treat for anyone used to a more inclement climate!

Interestingly, your holiday to Menorca boasts more beaches (of better quality) than Mallorca and Ibiza combined, the restaurants all offer al fresco and capital Mahon's harbour front setting is a postcard dream come true for most visitors. Even if you've booked a Menorca all-inclusive holiday at Santo Tomas Menorca, do explore the cafes of Mahon - you're only a short taxi ride away. In fact, Mahon's harbour is the second largest deep-water port in the world - second only to Pearl Harbor, and it's one of the prettiest harbour's you'll find in the Med.

The highlights of a Holiday Supermarket holiday to Menorca should include a visit to Monte Toro (the highest point on the island with a wonderful view) and a visit to the local gin distillery - the pronounce-this-if-you-can Xoriguer Gin Distillery on the Moll de Ponent dockside. Built in the 18th century the distillery produces a distinctive, aromatic and flavoursome gin.

Hints and tips for your Menorca holiday

Eating

Eating out in Menorca - cheap, expensive and everything in between

The staple of Menorcan cuisine is fresh seafood - and lots of it. Think squid and fish, with the occasional lobster. The real joy in venturing out to eat from your villa in Menorca is doing it Menorcan style - outdoors. Find a restaurant with the requisite linen -covered tables outdoors and you're half way to heaven because local chefs take their art very seriously indeed!

The budget options - for good cheap eats in Menorca you probably can't go past The Smugglers in Binibeca. A family run bistro with superb hosts and a largely British feel to the menu, although the nightly specials include Spanish choices like slow cooked shoulder of pork.

Mid price options - in Mahon the local secret is Can Bernat des Grau and it does a fine line in fresh fish. Most of the daily specials depend on what's happening in the market - so fresh really is the word. The locals love this place so if you want a real Spanish feel to your restaurant choices, this is your place while in Mahon.

Splurge - the joy of a great holiday lies in the choices you make that turn out to be brilliant! Set your gastronomic sights on Café Balear and you won't be disappointed. This waterside restaurant in Ciutadella serves the acclaimed local specialty - Caldereta de Langosta – lobster cooked in a rich stock. A meal to die for, and the other menu choices won't disappoint either. A relaxed atmosphere, just perfect for a holiday visit, yet flavours and service that leap out at you.

Things not to miss

Menorca - beach, water sports, outdoor dining and awesome coastal views

Menorca's reputation as the more laid back island doesn't mean the activities are any less frenetic than you want them to be, nor is the list of 'must see's' dull by any stretch of the imagination. The choice is yours in Menorca - you can explore to your heart's content or just chill by the pool or at a secluded inlet.

La Mola Fortress - a little history is always nice - it makes for great conversation when you get home and the fortress on the harbour at Mahon is a magnificent mid nineteenth century Spanish fortress that is well worth the stroll across the harbour front to see.

Placa Alfons III - is Mahon's main plaza. Here's where you'll find the most restaurants and cafes and here's where to do all your people watching. It's suitably grand in the Spanish plaza style and is crowned by the old windmill at one end which doubles as the town's information bureau.

Museu de Minorca - this old 15th century Franciscan Monastery is now the island's premier museum and whilst it's no Louvre it is a fascinating glimpse at the history of this tiny island in the centre of some of the busiest mediaeval trade routes. There are displays as well as several paintings. Perfect if you've had too much sun, or the weather has turned in for the day.

Weather in Menorca

What to wear, when to go

The weather in Menorca has a lovely sub-tropical climate feel with very mild winters and hot summers. Evenings are warm in summer and perfect for outdoor dining. Summer is generally dry with most rain falling in the winter months. The Mediterranean climate is probably best in Spring and Autumn - not too hot, not too cold.

MENORCA WEATHER

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