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Menorca?

Will be visiting Menorca in June. If you’ve been and or stayed there, I’d be interested in suggestions for things to do, sites to see, restaurants etc.

Gracias!

Posted by
1440 posts

Where are you staying?
I suggest a rental car unless you stay at the island's capital. Parking in Ciutadella may be very difficult. I like steakhouse "Restaurante Grill Es Caliu" slightly to the south of Cuitadella. I saw lots of Spanish speakers as customers. I also like tapa house "El Hogar del Pollo".

Do pay attention to the day's weather forecast in order to decide which beach on Menorca to visit. Some beaches may be too windy for a swim.

Posted by
1 posts

@Barkinpark

Hi, I'm also going in June, coming from Northern California. We are definitely getting a car but are trying to determine whether to base ourselves in Ciutadlla or Mahon. I've read Ciutadlla is lovely, but am getting the sense it might be quite touristy. I read that from Mahon you can walk into more authentic neighborhood and areas. Is this true, or is it the opposite? I've read so many different articles and viewpoints I'm going in circles. I'd usually not pick a port town but we like the idea of walking to multiple restaurants so that there's something for everyone (but authentically spanish, not british bars). We're 6 experienced travelers in our 40s there for 5 full days, looking for a mix of food, culture and quieter beaches (though don't mind driving to them, which seems is necessary from Ciutadlla or Mahon).

Thanks so much!
Jen

Posted by
1440 posts

Hi Jen:

First, Ciutadella is indeed very touristy, with parking lots eternally full. I parked close to the cemetery, which is on the outskirts of town (approx 10-15 min walk).
Mahon is more authentic, but I was only there for a few hours.

Second, what type of lodging are you interested in? I highly suggest farm stays! They are awesome. However, don't pay a premium for a swimming pool, unless it's heated. I was there in early Sept and the pool water was too cold to swim in. Unfortunately, the place I stayed at was sold during the pandemic and now not in operation.

Third, Menorca is not as cheap as Mallorca or Ibiza. The seafood, of course, is always great. At the old town market, you can purchase fresh seafood and pay for a nearby restaurant to cook it for you for a fee.

I rented a car from Poppy Car Rental (Vicky was the contact person).

Posted by
15 posts

@Barkinpark
Thanks for the reply. I'll be in Mahon. I've been to Spain a few times so I know the food is OUTSTANDING! One time driving at night with friends in December to a mutual friend's timeshare in forgetwhere; we pulled into a small hotel to spend the night. The woman greeted us-instantly discovering we were speakers of that OTHER Spanish-South American, and graciously opened up her kitchen. She pulled out a tray of freshly caught sardines, fried them up as we sat at the bar and watched-and me not a big fish eater? I could not eat enough of them.

I'm thinking it will be HUMID, so wondering do the hotels there have fans or AC? I understand mosquitos are plentiful, so plan on buying repellent there. Advice for hiking(rocky terrain): sneakers or hiking boots?

Looking forward to the trip, and remember funseekers: beans are legumes in Spain, not frijoles, a story from another Spanish adventure.

Posted by
1440 posts

I think most lodging establishments have AC. Double check before ebook.