Menorca

Overview

Menorca Holidays

Less developed than its larger neighbour Majorca, it has all the ingredients for a wonderful, relaxing holiday: unspoilt beaches, secluded coves, crystal clear waters, attractive scenery and plenty of sun. For the energetic, there are superb watersports, for lovers of history there are mysterious, ancient monuments dating back to prehistoric times. When night falls, there are plenty of colourful taverns and restaurants where you can gently unwind over a gin or a delicious lobster stew.

Fiestas are a feature of Ibizan and Menorcan life, throughout the year towns celebrate their patron saints’ days. Processions and fireworks, food and drink, music and dance, equestrian displays – they certainly know how to celebrate and if you’re lucky enough to catch one, you’re in for a treat.

Holy Week is a solemn affair, marked by religious processions.

St George’s Day is celebrated on 23 April, as it is back home – but in Ibiza, he’s called San Jorge.

The flower festival in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza, falls on the first Sunday in May. That’s followed on 23rd June by fireworks and bonfires all through Spain, to celebrate the arrival of summer.

In Menorca, Fiesta time begins with a splash on 23rd and 24th June when the people of Ciutadella take to the streets to honour Sant Juan (St John). There are colourful processions, superb horse riding and firework displays and lots of merrymaking, all washed down with generous amounts of pomada, or gin with lemon. The festival of Sant Juan is also when Mahon hosts a regatta between the town and Barcelona in mainland Spain.

The Festival of Our Lady of Carmen is on 16th July and it’s particularly spectacular in Ibiza Town. She was the patron saint of sailors, so you’ll see lots of processions of boats being On 24th and 25th July it is the Menorcan resort of Es Castell’s turn to celebrate. It is also when Mahon hosts its music festival, and you can listen to the wonderful organ in the church of Santa Maria.

The first week of August brings two festivals together, with celebrations for the patron saint of the island and for Ibiza Town’s own patron saint. You won’t be too surprised to hear that this leads to one big party!

In Menorca, August is the time to visit Alaior to see the popular fiesta of Sant Llorenç, and Ferreries, which celebrates in the same month.

Rounding off the season with a bang, the last two big celebrations of the summer are the Festival of San Antonio on 24th August and the Fiesta of Jesus, which takes place in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza, on 8th September.

Mahon will honour its patron saint on 7 and 8 September, which will signal the final fiesta of the year.

October sees Menorca III, a regatta that starts in the French resort of St Tropez and finishes in Mahon.

A plethora of sheltered coves and unspoilt beaches can be found on this quiet, pretty island which has great natural beauty and follows a relaxed, gentler pace of life than its neighbouring islands. The coastline is particularly dramatic, with hidden coves and gently shelving sands making it an ideal choice for families.

S'Algar
Considered one of the most prestigious resorts on the island, S'Algar is perfect for those looking for a peaceful, relaxing break. Set on a rocky coastline the nearest sandy beach is just 10 minutes drive away in Punta Prima.

Cala'n Bosch
Just 10km south of the old capital, Ciutadella, Cala'n Bosch is one of Menorca's most fashionable resorts. Centred around the marina, the resort offers a wide range of stylish bars and restaurants. Neighbouring Cala'n Bosch is San Xoriguer, an excellent centre for beaches and watersports.

Cala Galdana
With its excellent soft white sandy beach, Cala Galdana is a perfect choice for those who love to just relax by the turquoise Mediterranean sea. Pedaloes and snorkelling are available on the beach and there are beautiful strolling opportunities around the resort. Bars, restaurants and a few small shops complete the resort's attractions. Cala Galdana is perhaps one of the most picturesque resorts in Menorca.