MAHON (Maó)
Menorca’s capital since 1721, when the British moved it from Ciutadella. The reason for this was the Harbour, which is the largest natural Harbour in the world after Pearl Harbour. The Port itself has been much improved in recent years and there are numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and shops along the quayside. Glass Bottom Boat trips are organised from the Port. Hundreds of yachts and boats of all sizes are moored along the edge and the Port comes alive in the evenings. The town itself also has plenty to offer, where old meets new with historic buildings including many of Georgian-style, dating back to the period of British occupation. Shady squares and pavement cafes are side by side with up-market boutiques and restaurants catering for all tastes.
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CIUTADELLA (Ciudadela)
One of Menorca’s oldest towns which retains it’s Catalan identity with narrow winding streets, historic buildings, 14th century Cathedral, churches and palaces. It was the Capital of Menorca during Moorish rule and is still the Religious capital today. It has one of the smallest Ports in the Mediterranean, where you can see the old fishermen’s houses festooned with nets drying in the sun. Restaurants, bars and cafes abound with plenty of specialist shops and a marina.
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ES CASTELL
Formerly Villa Carlos and located just outside Mahon at the mouth of the Harbour. It is a former garrison town and has a British colonial and military history, still evident in the former barracks around the main square. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants, some of which are situated around the two coves at Calas Fons and Cala Corb. Calas Fons is particularly popular at night with its restaurants and shops built into the caves around the little harbour, from which there are regular organised Glass Bottom Boat Trips around Mahon Harbour.
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FORNELLS
Situated on the side of an enormous bay on the northern coast, it is a pretty unspoilt fishing village which, despite its popularity with tourists, retains its original charm with low whitewashed cottages. The bay gives the appearance of a large lake and is popular for windsurfing and sailing. Modern pleasure boats and Ilauts (traditional Menorcan fishing craft) share the tiny harbour. Being a fishing village, it is renowned for its’ seafood.
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SANT CLIMENT (San Clemente)
Surrounded by farmland and with its origins in the 13th century, this quiet whitewashed town has an old-fashioned charm. There is a thriving shopping centre with popular bars, restaurants and it is well known for its local cheese.
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ALAIOR (Alayor)
12km from Mahon and the 3rd largest town on the Island with its narrow, winding streets and whitewashed walls conjuring up images of mediaeval times. There is a Franciscan cloister, a Gothic style parish church and a mixture of little shops selling jewellery, pottery, woodwork, gifts and shoes plus factory shops on the outskirts. It is also well known for the locally produced Mahon cheese.
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ES MERCADAL
A quiet whitewashed town, situated almost in the centre of Menorca and overshadowed to the east by Monte Torro, the Island’s highest ‘mountain’. It was originally founded in the 14th century and is surrounded by some of the best agricultural land on the Island. Although farming is still important to the town, it is now better known for the pastries and biscuits which are made locally and for the typical Menorcan sandal -abarcas – (the uppers are made of cowhide and the soles from recycled car tyres!). The town centre is located off the main road and most of the shops can be found along the main street. There are plenty of restaurants, including one in a Windmill.
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S’ALGAR
A traditional purpose built urbanisation at the most easterly tip of Menorca, about 9Km from Mahon. Populated by tourists and year round residents, there is a small man-made beach and a wide variety of watersports on offer as well as some of the best sporting facilities on the Island. The village has boutiques, supermarkets, several bars and restaurants.
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CALA’N BOSCH (Cala En Bosc)
A popular resort and marina on the south west tip of the Island which has a sandy beach that deepens gradually and which offers safe bathing whenever the green
flag is flying. Sunbeds, umbrellas and pedaloes are available for hire. The resort itself is centred around the small marina, where boats can be hired and trips out to sea are available in Glass Bottom Boats. There is an extensive selection of bars, restaurants and a shopping centre. It comes alive in the evening, when you can combine a meal with music and dancing. Other entertainment includes a small park with bouncy castles, mini golf and a mini-train for trips to the nearby beach at Son Xoriguer.
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LOS DELFINES
2km west of Ciudadela, clustered around three narrow south facing inlets and surrounded by fields with typical Menorcan sheep shelters, are Cala’n Blanes and the adjacent Los Delfines. Both have small beaches with plenty of amenities including bars, restaurants and play parks. There is also a train that tours the resort. Between the 2 inlets is Cala’n Bruit. Although it has no beach, the inlet at its entrance is almost like a pool with rocky platforms of various heights, which are ideal for sunbathing and diving.
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FERRERIES
Located on the main road across the Island, it is the westernmost town before reaching Ciutadella and is sheltered by S’Enclusa, the Islands second highest point. There are bars and cafes on the main road, but the town does not cater specifically for tourists, its’ main industry being high quality furniture although there are also a number of shoe and leather goods factory shops.
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ES MIGJORN GRAN
The smallest and newest town in Menorca, built and designed by the British and consequently it’s’ streets are straight and parallel, with one exception – the main street, which follows the line of the old trail to Ferreries. It has, perhaps, the most Mediterranean church on the Island, built in 1768 and dedicated to San Cristobal. The beaches of Santo Tomas, San Adeodato and Biniguas are nearby.
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Details of all the above Towns & Villages can be found in the 'Tips for your Holiday' Guide available in the Apartment. |
