Menorca (Spain)

Menorca has well over 100 beaches, each of them with their own character and facilities. Many are extremely child friendly, making them perfect for family holidays, but there are also secluded coves, which are popular with those taking tailor made holidays. Spain has long been highly prized amongst those seeking cheap summer holidays and Menorca is no exception.

Those taking well earned cheap family holidays might want to consider the beach of Sant Luis; not only is it unspoilt and postcard–perfect, it has a long, protected bay that makes for very safe swimming. Cala Galdana in the Ferreries region offers a beautiful pine fringed bay that has many facilities, such as bars and restaurants. This beach, known as the 'Queen of the Calas', is also excellent for water sports, such as sailing, diving and water skiing. Cala'n Bosch is another of the island's major resorts, a family friendly and seriously laid back vacation spot that has something for everyone.

Food is an important part of life on this island and everything seems to stop at meal times. Being surrounded by crystal waters, fish and seafood are extremely popular and extremely fresh! Local specialities include caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew that has its roots in Menorca's peasant history, but is a favourite of King Juan. Desserts are also very popular and Menorcans have their own ice cream, La Menorquina. Menorca is also a gin producing island and the local Xoriguer Gin is consumed in abundance. Traditionally, it is drunk neat, or with a local liqueur or a lemon squash to make 'pomada', which is the drink of choice during the many fiestas that take place across the island. Local specialities include caldereta de llagosta, a lobster stew that has its roots in Menorca's peasant history, but is a favourite of King Juan. Desserts are also very popular and Menorcans have their own ice cream, La Menorquina. Menorca is also a gin producing island and the local Xoriguer Gin is consumed in abundance. Traditionally, it is drunk neat, or with a local liqueur or a lemon squash to make 'pomada', which is the drink of choice during the many fiestas that take place across the island.

But there is more to Menorca than powdery beaches and aquamarine waters. For those wanting to add a cultural edge to their Menorca holiday, the island has been described as a 'living museum'. A holiday here will introduce you to the remains of prehistoric civilizations in the form of imposing monoliths (taulas), prehistoric burial chambers (navetas) and stone age watchtowers (talyots) that appear all over the island. If architecture is more your style, consider a visit to the fortress at the end of the harbour in Mahon, La Mola. Not only is the craftsmanship awe–inspiring, but the battlements also provide stunning views of the east side of Menorca.