Menorca - September 2017
Car Hire – MiraMar
After collecting our bags, we headed to collect the car, my wife had done some research on the forums to find out which hire company would be best and MiraMar was highly rated. The problem was they don't have a desk in the airport and the emailed documents were in Spanish, my wife hadn't thought about it, but if I’d known I would have translated it online the best I could.
After collecting our bags, we headed to collect the car, my wife had done some research on the forums to find out which hire company would be best and MiraMar was highly rated. The problem was they don't have a desk in the airport and the emailed documents were in Spanish, my wife hadn't thought about it, but if I’d known I would have translated it online the best I could.
My wife asked a few people and rang MiraMar and it sounded like we had to meet someone, somewhere in the parking area, so we walked straight up the path to the parking area. Eventually we spotted a guy walking towards us with a board and it was MiraMar, so he took us to the car.
Typical car hire process, paperwork, check over the car (large dent in the nearside rear quarter panel, some scuffs and a damaged mirror) and then we were ready to set off. As we had done previously, I had downloaded the complete offline google map for Menorca, so we could use my phones gps as a sat nav, without any charges. For more detailed explanation on how to download offline google maps, check out our Lanzarote page here |
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Cala'n Bosch
From Calle Sur, the marina was only two minutes walks down a path right at the side of the villa. The path brought you out just down from the footbridge over the marinas entrance.
The marina is nice, there's lots of restaurants, but it's not quite as picturesque as some, however it looks much nicer on an evening, when it's got a better atmosphere/vibe to it. We walked all the way around the marina and back to the footbridge, but we decided to continue past the footbridge to the seafront. Sadly, although there were lovely views, there was a lot of rubbish dumped by the rocks, which is a real shame.
Back and over the footbridge, we continued down to the seafront, much nicer on this side, with great views of the lighthouse and so peaceful, it would be nice if there was a nice promenade with benches, like Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, however here it's just a path. From the marina to the lighthouse (Cap d'Artrutx) is about a 20-minute walk.
Returning to the marina via the footbridge, we went to find the beach, which we did, it’s very picturesque, however the beach was busy. We walked along the wooden walkway past the beach and headed out to the rockier headland. The views were fantastic, with the lighthouse in the background, beach to the right and turquoise waters.
For the kids there's the Goody Goody park on the left at the marina, which has large pool, mini golf and many other rides to keep the children entertained.
From Calle Sur, the marina was only two minutes walks down a path right at the side of the villa. The path brought you out just down from the footbridge over the marinas entrance.
The marina is nice, there's lots of restaurants, but it's not quite as picturesque as some, however it looks much nicer on an evening, when it's got a better atmosphere/vibe to it. We walked all the way around the marina and back to the footbridge, but we decided to continue past the footbridge to the seafront. Sadly, although there were lovely views, there was a lot of rubbish dumped by the rocks, which is a real shame.
Back and over the footbridge, we continued down to the seafront, much nicer on this side, with great views of the lighthouse and so peaceful, it would be nice if there was a nice promenade with benches, like Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, however here it's just a path. From the marina to the lighthouse (Cap d'Artrutx) is about a 20-minute walk.
Returning to the marina via the footbridge, we went to find the beach, which we did, it’s very picturesque, however the beach was busy. We walked along the wooden walkway past the beach and headed out to the rockier headland. The views were fantastic, with the lighthouse in the background, beach to the right and turquoise waters.
For the kids there's the Goody Goody park on the left at the marina, which has large pool, mini golf and many other rides to keep the children entertained.
Tropicana – First night, first restaurant and we'd chosen here from my wife’s research. We were greeted by a very friendly gentleman, who got us seated immediately. The restaurant had a nice look and feel, but didn’t immediately wow me.
Our first thoughts looking at the drinks menu, was it was a little expensive. The gentleman (who I assumed to be either the boss or head waiter) came over and took our drinks order.
Me and my wife opted to try the sangria, my wife chose the cava sangria, however this proved to be a mistake, as she didn't like it, but I’m not sure if this was due to her taste preference, as opposed to the actual drink itself and I had opted for the red wine sangria, but we swapped and I had to agree, the cava had a very strong alcohol taste.
The Tropicana’s speciality is pizza, so we'd all decided to go with a pizza and they looked really nice, but first impressions they were a little thin. I had chosen the four seasons and it was nice, as I’m not a fan of thin pizzas, my initial concerns were correct, but my only criticism was the thinness, I still enjoyed it and my wife agreed it was a little thin for her too, but she too enjoyed it.
The thin pizza option worked in the restaurants favour, as none of us felt full, so we had room for desert and we all chose brownie. As were the mains, desert was nice as well, a little bit lighter than the typical brownie and we all enjoyed it.
Our first thoughts looking at the drinks menu, was it was a little expensive. The gentleman (who I assumed to be either the boss or head waiter) came over and took our drinks order.
Me and my wife opted to try the sangria, my wife chose the cava sangria, however this proved to be a mistake, as she didn't like it, but I’m not sure if this was due to her taste preference, as opposed to the actual drink itself and I had opted for the red wine sangria, but we swapped and I had to agree, the cava had a very strong alcohol taste.
The Tropicana’s speciality is pizza, so we'd all decided to go with a pizza and they looked really nice, but first impressions they were a little thin. I had chosen the four seasons and it was nice, as I’m not a fan of thin pizzas, my initial concerns were correct, but my only criticism was the thinness, I still enjoyed it and my wife agreed it was a little thin for her too, but she too enjoyed it.
The thin pizza option worked in the restaurants favour, as none of us felt full, so we had room for desert and we all chose brownie. As were the mains, desert was nice as well, a little bit lighter than the typical brownie and we all enjoyed it.
Toro Negro – First impressions, the large, bright yellow signs may give you the impression that this restaurant is going to be average food at unreasonable prices, however, when you step inside, the seating and decor will change your mind.
At first there didn't seem to be anyone in charge, unlike a lot of restaurants, where they have someone stood at the front ready to “sell” to you, so we saw a table and as we went to sit a waiter caught us and confirmed we were ok to sit there.
It was at this point we met, what I assume was the boss, who you could immediately tell was a very friendly and someone who you could tell have a joke with. Passing us the menus, it reconfirmed that the signage was misleading me, as looking at the style of the menu, it had been thought out and well presented.
We had at this point come to realise that Menorca was a bit more expensive than we'd first thought and looking down the menu, there were some very expensive steaks, but as this was (as the signs suggested) a steak house, we expected they were going to have a good selection of quality steaks. Strangely, none of us opted for steak and we all chose the burger, which you also had a choice of additional toppings if you wanted, like bacon, goats cheese or onion and then you had a choice of sauces, peppercorn, mushroom etc.
I'd opted for the goats’ cheese topping and mushroom sauce, the sauce came in a little dish and we'd never seen chips cut into an almost boat shape, but perfect for dipping into the sauce. We all enjoyed the burger, my wife's only criticism were the onions were supposed to be caramelised and look more like they'd been boiled. We decided to skip desert, as nothing on the menu stood out and we'd already spotted the ice cream stall at the cocktail bar opposite.
For our last night in Menorca, we all agree this was our favourite restaurant locally and decided to go back, we all got a steak, our friend was a little disappointed that they had not had their delivery of ribeye, so she opted for T-bone instead. We all enjoyed the steaks and felt it was worth paying that little bit more for a decent steak and being sat around the side this time, meant we were closer to the bandstand and this meant a great atmosphere.
At first there didn't seem to be anyone in charge, unlike a lot of restaurants, where they have someone stood at the front ready to “sell” to you, so we saw a table and as we went to sit a waiter caught us and confirmed we were ok to sit there.
It was at this point we met, what I assume was the boss, who you could immediately tell was a very friendly and someone who you could tell have a joke with. Passing us the menus, it reconfirmed that the signage was misleading me, as looking at the style of the menu, it had been thought out and well presented.
We had at this point come to realise that Menorca was a bit more expensive than we'd first thought and looking down the menu, there were some very expensive steaks, but as this was (as the signs suggested) a steak house, we expected they were going to have a good selection of quality steaks. Strangely, none of us opted for steak and we all chose the burger, which you also had a choice of additional toppings if you wanted, like bacon, goats cheese or onion and then you had a choice of sauces, peppercorn, mushroom etc.
I'd opted for the goats’ cheese topping and mushroom sauce, the sauce came in a little dish and we'd never seen chips cut into an almost boat shape, but perfect for dipping into the sauce. We all enjoyed the burger, my wife's only criticism were the onions were supposed to be caramelised and look more like they'd been boiled. We decided to skip desert, as nothing on the menu stood out and we'd already spotted the ice cream stall at the cocktail bar opposite.
For our last night in Menorca, we all agree this was our favourite restaurant locally and decided to go back, we all got a steak, our friend was a little disappointed that they had not had their delivery of ribeye, so she opted for T-bone instead. We all enjoyed the steaks and felt it was worth paying that little bit more for a decent steak and being sat around the side this time, meant we were closer to the bandstand and this meant a great atmosphere.
Tom's Bar
We came here for drinks a couple of evenings before going for food, it's located not next to Toro Negro, up some steps, back left of the little circular bandstand that sits in between several bars/restaurants, so it’s a nice atmosphere.
We came here for drinks a couple of evenings before going for food, it's located not next to Toro Negro, up some steps, back left of the little circular bandstand that sits in between several bars/restaurants, so it’s a nice atmosphere.
Las Tapas
This small restaurant is split into the main bar at one side and most of the seating on the waterside. With nobody around to seat us, we chose our own seat (it wasn't that busy when we went) and it took a little time for someone to come over. We'd forgotten to ask their advice on how many tapas dishes they suggest per person, so we'd already picked 11 (there was 3 of us) by the time they came back over, however when we did ask the waiter said 2 per person (which sounded wrong, the whole point of tapas is a variety), but then he see to suggest people order more than once, but we didn't want to sit waiting for more dishes.
When the dishes arrived, they were perfect size and 11 dishes for the 3 of us was the perfect amount. Disappointingly the only dish that stood out were the spinach croquettes, the meatballs in tomato sauce with rice (a bit odd the meatballs came with rice), weren't hot enough inside and the meat stuffed pepper was unexpectedly cold, everything else was nice, but not amazing.
The service was a bit slow, but by the time we'd finished there was only one waiter, however the staff were friendly.
This small restaurant is split into the main bar at one side and most of the seating on the waterside. With nobody around to seat us, we chose our own seat (it wasn't that busy when we went) and it took a little time for someone to come over. We'd forgotten to ask their advice on how many tapas dishes they suggest per person, so we'd already picked 11 (there was 3 of us) by the time they came back over, however when we did ask the waiter said 2 per person (which sounded wrong, the whole point of tapas is a variety), but then he see to suggest people order more than once, but we didn't want to sit waiting for more dishes.
When the dishes arrived, they were perfect size and 11 dishes for the 3 of us was the perfect amount. Disappointingly the only dish that stood out were the spinach croquettes, the meatballs in tomato sauce with rice (a bit odd the meatballs came with rice), weren't hot enough inside and the meat stuffed pepper was unexpectedly cold, everything else was nice, but not amazing.
The service was a bit slow, but by the time we'd finished there was only one waiter, however the staff were friendly.
Son Xaviguer
Another very beautiful beach is just around the corner from Cala’n Bosch, which you can easily get to by continuing around the coast along the rocky, sandy path, but there is also a large car park.
It’s quite a long stretch, separated with a rocky section every now and again, but it’s narrow and you will probably need to get there early to get a good spot. From the aforementioned car park, there is a nice flat wide path you can walk along, you'll find another smaller car park further along after the very large villas, before arriving at Neptuno restaurant.
One day we parked in the smaller of the two car parks to go to the beach, we arrived early, about 9am, the car park was empty, but the beach wasn't. It was obvious that quite a lot of people get up very early to get the perfect spot, we asked if there were any sunbeds left to hire, but the gentleman told us maybe around 1pm.
We found a spot further back near the path, it wasn't perfect, but we were fine, that was until our friend got stung by a jellyfish and after some assistance by the lifeguard we decided to go back to the villa instead.
Another very beautiful beach is just around the corner from Cala’n Bosch, which you can easily get to by continuing around the coast along the rocky, sandy path, but there is also a large car park.
It’s quite a long stretch, separated with a rocky section every now and again, but it’s narrow and you will probably need to get there early to get a good spot. From the aforementioned car park, there is a nice flat wide path you can walk along, you'll find another smaller car park further along after the very large villas, before arriving at Neptuno restaurant.
One day we parked in the smaller of the two car parks to go to the beach, we arrived early, about 9am, the car park was empty, but the beach wasn't. It was obvious that quite a lot of people get up very early to get the perfect spot, we asked if there were any sunbeds left to hire, but the gentleman told us maybe around 1pm.
We found a spot further back near the path, it wasn't perfect, but we were fine, that was until our friend got stung by a jellyfish and after some assistance by the lifeguard we decided to go back to the villa instead.
Neptuno
We stopped at Neptuno for drinks, the waiter smirked when we said we only wanted drinks, smirked when I ordered water and it felt like we weren't wanted, very rude, so we didn't go back.
We stopped at Neptuno for drinks, the waiter smirked when we said we only wanted drinks, smirked when I ordered water and it felt like we weren't wanted, very rude, so we didn't go back.
Ciutadella
We had originally planned to get the number 65 bus into Ciutadella, which stopped not far from Calle Sur, as we hadn't planned to hire a car, but with car hire costs coming down to cheaper than a taxi return from the airport, we had hired a car. However, we thought rather than driving and having to park in what could be a busy town, we still chose to go on the bus, but when the bus arrived it was full, with people standing and didn't even stop for everyone waiting at the stop, so we went back to get the car.
Whilst researching, I had plotted a few car parks on my google maps, so luckily, I could still direct my wife to a car park. I directed her to what had looked like quite a large car park on the other side of the marina (see map in slideshow) and the route google maps gave us went along the major routes and well away from the town, it was so easy. Arriving at the car park, we realised it was nowhere near as busy as we expected, a large car park with loads of spaces and it was free, so it had worked out a better option than I had first anticipated.
Views from the car park down to the marina below were beautiful and it wasn't far to get down to the marina area, about a 5-minute walk. At the bottom, we walked over the bridge and up some wide, gradual steps, followed the road around to the right, where you get more beautiful views of the marina below. Walking through the streets, it wasn't long before we came across the market (location shown on map in slideshow), the stalls surrounding the obelisk, are large monument. There's also some public toilets in a block in the market area, on the side next to the Ajuntament de Ciutadella de Menorca, another very impressive building.
Walking around Ciutadella was lovely, it has a real charm about with great buildings, like the Catedral de Santa Maria de Ciutadella, a massive structure among one of the many quaint streets. The shopping area seems to be a street that runs up from the market, walking back through some of the other narrow street there is the odd cafe, but not much else, however we certainly didn't cover everywhere.
Returning to Ciutadella one evening (this time getting the bus without issue) and seeing this beautiful city at night, was definitely a good decision. The market stalls were no longer in the square surrounding the monument, but down the two streets that lead to the marina and the marina had a pleasant atmosphere.
Es Forat
My wife had looked and this restaurant when we visited Ciutadella during the day, so we decided to come here for an evening meal. The location is great, it looks even better lit up on an evening and it had a real buzz about it.
The waiters were very friendly and brought us a free pomada (local drink, gin and lemon) as soon as we had been seated. My wife wanted to get the meat paella to share, so not wanting to disappoint, I was happy to do that. And she'd make a brilliant choice, the paella was beautiful!
At the end, the waiters also gave us another free drink, this time it was wine, sadly not very nice.
My wife had looked and this restaurant when we visited Ciutadella during the day, so we decided to come here for an evening meal. The location is great, it looks even better lit up on an evening and it had a real buzz about it.
The waiters were very friendly and brought us a free pomada (local drink, gin and lemon) as soon as we had been seated. My wife wanted to get the meat paella to share, so not wanting to disappoint, I was happy to do that. And she'd make a brilliant choice, the paella was beautiful!
At the end, the waiters also gave us another free drink, this time it was wine, sadly not very nice.
Cala en Blanes and Los Delfines
Leaving Ciutadella we decided (whilst in the area) to have a drive through Cala en Blanes and Los Delfines, however arriving at the car park in Los Delfines, it didn't seem appealing. My wife looked on the map and spotted Sa Posta de Sol and decided to have a drive down and stop for a drink.
Sa Posta de Sol is located in what looked like a residential area, however as soon as you turn to walk down the path to it, you get that sea view. At the bottom of the path is this lovely little cafe, with amazing views! There's no beach, it's just a rocky coastline and down to the left we spotted some seating under canopies, with artificial grass, so we asked if we could sit there, however the waitress (who could have been the owner) told my wife it was €40 per person!!! When my wife told me, at first, I thought she'd said €14, but apparently not. I appreciate the view is fantastic and at €14 I would have expected day beds, not plastic chairs, but €40 I'd want day bed, waiter/waitress service, beach and lunch included; don't get me wrong, it's a lovely cafe, in a beautiful, peaceful location and if you're in the area worth a stop.
Leaving Ciutadella we decided (whilst in the area) to have a drive through Cala en Blanes and Los Delfines, however arriving at the car park in Los Delfines, it didn't seem appealing. My wife looked on the map and spotted Sa Posta de Sol and decided to have a drive down and stop for a drink.
Sa Posta de Sol is located in what looked like a residential area, however as soon as you turn to walk down the path to it, you get that sea view. At the bottom of the path is this lovely little cafe, with amazing views! There's no beach, it's just a rocky coastline and down to the left we spotted some seating under canopies, with artificial grass, so we asked if we could sit there, however the waitress (who could have been the owner) told my wife it was €40 per person!!! When my wife told me, at first, I thought she'd said €14, but apparently not. I appreciate the view is fantastic and at €14 I would have expected day beds, not plastic chairs, but €40 I'd want day bed, waiter/waitress service, beach and lunch included; don't get me wrong, it's a lovely cafe, in a beautiful, peaceful location and if you're in the area worth a stop.
Cala Galdana
As you drive down into Cala Galdana you get a glimpse of the beach cove to your left, before reaching the marina at the bottom. Over the bridge and to the right is the car park, strangely it's separated into small sections, meaning you have to drive in and out of each until you find a space.
The beach is two minutes from the car park and is a large semi circle, with stunning backdrop all around. There are plenty of sunbeds, in separate sections around the beach and a couple of cafes just behind.
Walking back from the beach towards the car park, if you stay along the bottom to the side of the bridge, there's a wooden walkway along the river past the boats. Cutting back through onto the main street there are a few shops, cafes and restaurants dotted around, however it is only small.
We continued along and then back past the car park and over the bridge, then up the hill, (this walk will be quite a distance for some and involves quite a few stairs to go down at the end), with glimpses of the beach through the trees. It's a fair way up past the mini supermarket and shops, before you can then follow the road around to the right. Signposted for Cala Mitjana, which you'll eventually see a path on your left, it's another fair walk to get there, however continue a little further and there's a great viewing point of Cala Gardana bay down a short path on your right (shown on map in slideshow), the view is fantastic, something you expect to in a holiday brochure.
Walk back up the path to the road and continue right and you'll find another path signposted Cala Gardana on your right. As you get to the end of path you'll find stairs weaving down to bring you back to the beach.
As you drive down into Cala Galdana you get a glimpse of the beach cove to your left, before reaching the marina at the bottom. Over the bridge and to the right is the car park, strangely it's separated into small sections, meaning you have to drive in and out of each until you find a space.
The beach is two minutes from the car park and is a large semi circle, with stunning backdrop all around. There are plenty of sunbeds, in separate sections around the beach and a couple of cafes just behind.
Walking back from the beach towards the car park, if you stay along the bottom to the side of the bridge, there's a wooden walkway along the river past the boats. Cutting back through onto the main street there are a few shops, cafes and restaurants dotted around, however it is only small.
We continued along and then back past the car park and over the bridge, then up the hill, (this walk will be quite a distance for some and involves quite a few stairs to go down at the end), with glimpses of the beach through the trees. It's a fair way up past the mini supermarket and shops, before you can then follow the road around to the right. Signposted for Cala Mitjana, which you'll eventually see a path on your left, it's another fair walk to get there, however continue a little further and there's a great viewing point of Cala Gardana bay down a short path on your right (shown on map in slideshow), the view is fantastic, something you expect to in a holiday brochure.
Walk back up the path to the road and continue right and you'll find another path signposted Cala Gardana on your right. As you get to the end of path you'll find stairs weaving down to bring you back to the beach.
Fornells
Coming to Fornells on a cooler, overcast day worked to our advantage, with the rough sea crashing against the rocks. If you walk along the coastal path, you will pass remains of an old fort on your left and more fort remains out on the edge. Continuing along the path there are great views and watching the waves coming in is strangely calming. At the end, there's a small car park and another path weaving up to Torre de Fornells, a defence tower built in 1802.
To go in the tower costs €2.40, to be honest the history behind it wasn’t of particular interest to me, I was more interested to see inside the structure and the views from the top. To reach the top there's a short staircase from the ground floor to another level, opening out into quite a large space, but to reach the 360-degree views at the top, there’s another, narrower, enclosed, winding staircase and you don't want to meet anyone halfway, but once at the top the views are fantastic.
Back into the little village, the streets have a charm about them, with a few shops and cafes, it's a wonderful place to visit.
Coming to Fornells on a cooler, overcast day worked to our advantage, with the rough sea crashing against the rocks. If you walk along the coastal path, you will pass remains of an old fort on your left and more fort remains out on the edge. Continuing along the path there are great views and watching the waves coming in is strangely calming. At the end, there's a small car park and another path weaving up to Torre de Fornells, a defence tower built in 1802.
To go in the tower costs €2.40, to be honest the history behind it wasn’t of particular interest to me, I was more interested to see inside the structure and the views from the top. To reach the top there's a short staircase from the ground floor to another level, opening out into quite a large space, but to reach the 360-degree views at the top, there’s another, narrower, enclosed, winding staircase and you don't want to meet anyone halfway, but once at the top the views are fantastic.
Back into the little village, the streets have a charm about them, with a few shops and cafes, it's a wonderful place to visit.
Arenal d'en Castell
At first (after visiting Fornells) this was a little disappointing, being up high it was very breezy and an overcast day, spoiling the view out and down to the beach below, which had quite a few steps get to it.
However, it was much nicer at beach level, from the steps we had walked down to get to the beach, there was a wooden walkway, that went almost the full length of the beach. Looking out at the horseshoe shape beach, it had plenty of space and the straw topped sun canopies made it look very Caribbean. The sea was rough, but looked very clear and when the sun came out, it was beautiful. Reaching the end of the walkway, we then turned back, it was at this point I realised had we arrived from this direction, our first impressions would have been different.
We personally didn't feel it was quite as good as Cala Gardana, however it is a beautiful beach and great for those staying in the area.
At first (after visiting Fornells) this was a little disappointing, being up high it was very breezy and an overcast day, spoiling the view out and down to the beach below, which had quite a few steps get to it.
However, it was much nicer at beach level, from the steps we had walked down to get to the beach, there was a wooden walkway, that went almost the full length of the beach. Looking out at the horseshoe shape beach, it had plenty of space and the straw topped sun canopies made it look very Caribbean. The sea was rough, but looked very clear and when the sun came out, it was beautiful. Reaching the end of the walkway, we then turned back, it was at this point I realised had we arrived from this direction, our first impressions would have been different.
We personally didn't feel it was quite as good as Cala Gardana, however it is a beautiful beach and great for those staying in the area.
Sa Caleta, Cala Santandria and Cali Blanca
On our way back from Ciutadella, we drove through these three places to see what they were like, Sa Caleta had fantastic views out to Torre des Castellar, whilst Cala Santandria had a beautiful beach, with clear waters. Where we stopped at Cala Blanca there wasn’t anything, just views out to see, but further along the coast there was a beach, however where we drove we couldn’t really see it until we were further along the road looking back.
On our way back from Ciutadella, we drove through these three places to see what they were like, Sa Caleta had fantastic views out to Torre des Castellar, whilst Cala Santandria had a beautiful beach, with clear waters. Where we stopped at Cala Blanca there wasn’t anything, just views out to see, but further along the coast there was a beach, however where we drove we couldn’t really see it until we were further along the road looking back.
The map below shows the roads we drove along (black lines), some of the places we walked (green lines), parking, villa we stayed at (Calle Sur) location, along with some other key locations, like the viewing point at Cala Gardana and Sa Posta de Sol location.