An Unconventional Destination: Resort Holidays in Menorca

Menorca, a territory of Spain, is one of the Balearic Islands located in the Mediterranean Sea. Menorca, alternately called Majorca, has a spot for everyone; a relaxing holiday on a remote beach; the excitement of a bustling city; the convenience of a resort; first-class dining or a variety of sporting activities.

The landscape of the south coast of Menorca is primarily flat with deep gorges and majestic limestone cliffs. In this area, the majority of resorts are dotted along the span of the coast line and range from serene, quaint hamlets to relatively lively family resort options. Most resorts can be reached via the Mahon-Ciutadella Road, except for those on the southeast side, which can be reached from the capital via Sant Lluis.

Many of Menorca's resorts now feature modern beach bars. At these places, you can get a great meal and a refreshing drink. Note that if you use the bathroom facilities at these bars, you'll be expected to drop some change into the plate near the door.

Popular Resorts on Menorca

S'Algar is a small resort located on the southeast coast of Menora, a short distance from Mahon and Sant Lluis. This is a "purpose-built" resort, and it is very well cared for and offers a good selection of accommodation. Accommodations at S'Algar include two expansive hotels, several apartment complexes and some privately owned villas.

You'll also find a fair number of bars and restaurants along with a variety of shops. If you want to be active during your Menorcan resort holiday and not just lounge around, S'Algar has a host of sports facilities for you to enjoy. There is no beach here, however. You'll have to travel to Cala Alcaufar, about a 15-minute walk.

Punta Prima boasts several hostels, hotels, apartments and villas to rent and a good selection of bars and restaurants for the convenience of its visitors. Unlike some of the other resorts in Menorca, Punta Prima also has two supermarkets and car rental facilities. If you are looking for a beach, you'll find a beautiful one at Punta Prima, but be wary of the currents; they can be very strong at times. Take note of the warning flags that will alert you to the safety conditions of the water.

Binibeca Village is a beautiful, quiet resort consisting of Cala Torret in the east and Binebeca Vell to the west. This resort consists of all low-rise apartments and villas and offers no high-rise accommodations. The area around Binibeca has a variety of high-quality bars, restaurants and stores.

Son Bou is home to the largest and, for many visitors, the best beach on Menorca, accessible via a tunnel down the road from Alaior. This resort has two hotels at the eastern end. With just shy of two kilometers of beach bars, there is no shortage of opportunity for fun.

For the more modest traveler, note that the farther west you go on this beach, the more scantily dressed the beach-goers are. It is perhaps not a good choice for a family vacation, but an ideal spot for couples or a group of friends.

Cala'n Porter is one of Menorca's oldest resorts, sitting high atop cliffs that overlook a picturesque and safe beach. This resort is situated on the eastern side of a deep gorge that opens onto the beach and features a small stream running alongside during most of the year. This resort features just about everything you could want for a fun Menorcan holiday. A full range of shops, restaurants and bars are conveniently located at the center of the resort. Be sure to check out the cova d'en Xoroi, which are caves set into the cliffs, now made into a night club.

The holiday resort of Arenal d'en Castell sits on the rustic northern coast of Menorca, about twelve miles north-west of the country's capital city, Mahon and the international airport. Although the distance from the airport to the resort is short, the roads along this route are not particularly good, so the journey can take up to about 40 minutes.