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Villa ShortlistYour villa holiday in Menorca
Menorca is the most family-orientated, picturesque and tranquil of the Balearic Islands. Beach life on the island is glorious with spectacular silver-sanded, gently curving bays to rocky inlets with pine tree settings. Larger, low-rise resorts can be found on the pretty south coast, while in between its green and hilly rural interior remains largely untouched. A sprinkling of beautiful buildings, attractive villages and mysterious prehistoric sites all combine to make Menorca simply sparkle with calm and charm.
Our resorts and villasFun-packed days
Activities are plentiful in Menorca and include watersports, sailing, yachting, golf and tennis. Scuba diving centres can be found in the main resorts, while horse riding ranches are also located in the larger, town areas. If you want to escape from sunbathing on the beach, the island has an array of natural caves on the south coast near Cala en Porter. From the larger resorts, you can take a boat trip and explore the island by sea, while those interested in nature can visit the wildlife reserves found in the wetlands.
On the beach
Menorca has beach resorts for all the family - some crowded for those who like it busy, and some off the beaten track for peace and tranquillity. Undoubtedly the island’s biggest attraction, there are over 100 beaches to choose from. Some of the most popular and developed beaches are found on the southern coastline. Many have shallow waters and gently sloping sands which are ideal for children. While in the north, you’re more likely to stumble across picturesque horseshoe bays, coastal views and rugged, beautiful scenery.
Hints of history
With strong British links dating back to the times of Nelson, Menorca’s wealth of archaeological remains and ancient sites will delight lovers of history. Alongside a gothic church, maze and fortress, traces of the island’s colourful past and original inhabitants can be found everywhere. Monuments, Neolithic towns, prehistoric remains and megalithic ruins are in abundance - most of which have been left undisturbed. Bronze Age stone towers and ‘taulas’ - huge stone tablets placed in the shape of a T – are also a unique feature of the area.
Retail therapy
Arguably the best buy in Menorca is leather goods - from footwear, in particular locally manufactured sandals known as 'Abarcas', to bags and jackets. Jewellery is a Menorcan speciality, alongside locally produced pottery and cheeses made in the Quesos Coinga factory. Small, local markets sell traditional arts and crafts, as well as fresh produce. In Mahon, Menorca’s pretty harbourside capital, you can see the famous 18th-Century Xoriguer Gin Distillery and its enormous copper stills in action before sampling the 100 different types of gin on offer.
James recommends
- Take a boat trip round the world’s second deepest natural harbour at Maó (Mahon) – to get the best views of the cliff-top houses and learn about its fascinating history.
- Take a carajillo (coffee with brandy) and a selection of tapas in Plaça des Born, Ciutadella, one of the finest city squares anywhere in Spain.
- Cool off at a water park – you’ll find them in Cala en Bosch and Cala Blanes.
- Explore the island’s history – the talaiots, taules and navetes. The Naveta des Tudons, close to Ciutadella is the best preserved of the navetas – boat-shaped, Bronze Age burial chambers.
- Experience a fiesta, whether its jousting in June in Ciutadella or giants, gin and dancing horses in Maó in September.
Choose your own catch of the day and sample the fresh lobster in the fishing village of Fornells.
Temperature chart for the Menorca holiday season
