The
quietest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is an ideal holiday area for
families and those who seek peace and relaxation. Based on a farming
background and a designated UNESCO Biosphere Island
much of Menorca is lush and green with pine covered hills
although there are areas made up of ponds, lagoons, wetlands and marshes,
dune systems and in the coastal areas, islets, gullies and caves. Menorca boasts over 100 beaches for swimming and many other watersport
activities such as windsurfing, sailing and snorkelling.
Although nightlife is somewhat limited, there are many excellent restaurants
on the island to suit all pockets. The waterfront restaurants are particularly
good, where locally caught fish may be on the menu 'del dia'.
A car is an ideal way to explore this relatively small island with its
rocky and rugged coastline. The capital, Mahon, is well worth a visit
with its good selection of shops, an interesting old quarter and historical
harbour, which was used by Nelson on many occasions as shelter for the
fleet. Boat excursions of the harbour area are well worth a trip which
includes a visit to the local gin factory!.
Ciutadella, the former capital
of Menorca situated on the eastern tip of the island is also worth a visit.
It has a charming natural harbour bordered by excellent waterfront restaurants.
It's a city devoted to its traditions and jealously guards its historical
past from Roman, Arab, British and Spanish occupation. Close to the city
are quite large stores which sell excellent value shoes and other leather
goods.
Mahón and
Ciutadella have markets in the town centres, selling meat, fish, fruit and
vegetables.
Ferreries holds a special open-air-market on Saturday mornings.
Open-air-markets selling clothes and crafts visit all towns and villages in
the mornings from Monday to Saturday.
On
the south coast of the Island of Menorca is the resort of Son Bou, just
twenty five minutes drive from the capital, Mahon. Son Bou, a resort in
itself, is split into two areas, San Jaime and Torre Soli Nou, both of
which have a large selection of
villas with private pools and apartments
for holiday rental which includes a large selection of apartments within
the Son Bou Gardens developments. The resort offers good facilities for families,
couples or small groups with plenty of restaurants, small bars and
supermarkets. A small water park and a giant maze is situated in front of
the Club San Jaime.
At the eastern end of the resort is the headland Cap
de Penyes, which is honeycombed with caves - a typical early village,
which would have been hollowed out of the hillside before concrete was
invented!. For those interested in wildlife, the beach as it progresses
further west, becomes wilder and quieter. Backed by marshland it is a
home to a thriving bird population.
Son Bou's magnificent beach which stretches for about three kilometres
makes it the longest on the island. The sand slopes gently down into clear
blue waters, which on calm days offer excellent bathing and water sport
facilities. The usual sun beds and umbrellas are available to hire, as
well as pedaloes, water-skiing, jet skiing and windsurfing are awaiting
the more adventurous.
Son Bou is an ideal centre from which to visit other interesting parts
of the island comprising of farming villages, market towns and many secluded
coves and beaches. The island's bustling capital, Mahon, with its four-mile
long harbour and high quality shops is also well worth a visit. Map of the villas & apartments in Son Bou.
Son Parc
Son
Parc is situated in the north of Menorca close to the fishing port of
Fornells and approximately thirty minutes by car from the airport. Apart
from the excellent sandy beach and beach bar there is an 18 hole golf
course, complete with a Club house Restaurant and
two outdoor tennis courts. The course is variable and traditional
set amongst pine trees and offers very pleasant Spring, Summer and Autumn
golfing. For those who like walking, the area is one of natural beauty,
particularly the coastline, In addition, the coves off the beaten track
remain unspoilt and well worth exploring. Do remember your camera and
binoculars they are a must!. In the nearby village of Fornells, which
is excellent area for windsurfing, sailing and boating enthusiasts, there
many well known seafood restaurants.
To service the good selection of privately owned villas with private
pools and apartments in the resort several well-stocked super-markets
are situated in the area where the purchase prices are similar to those
which can be made at home.
Playas de Fornells
This
private development is situated on the North Coast of Menorca, just two
kilometres west of Fornells, an old fishing village famous for its fish
restaurants. Small groups of one, two and three bedroom apartments and
garden villas nestle into the side of Cala Tirant, a large horseshoe shaped
bay. At the foot of the bay is a fine sandy beach. Crystal clear and shallow
waters allow for safe swimming; perfect for children of all ages. Playa
de Fornells is a self contained resort with supermarkets, snack bars,
restaurants and shops.
The nearest village to the resort is Fornells, an unspoilt fishing village
with a picturesque natural harbour. Fornells Bay is a large naturally
protected inlet, perfect for watersports which includes sailing, windsurfing,
water skiing and motor boat hire. Coastal excursions and fishing trips
can also be arranged. In the village itself there is a good selection
of fish restaurants, a small selection of shops including a chemist and
bank.
Fornells
can be reached by means of a very pleasant cliff walk which takes about
25 minutes, although this is only to be recommended for the enthusiastic
walker. Travelling time by car from the resort to Fornells is about 6
minutes drive. Taxis are readily available.