Menorca Holiday Guide

Menorca holidays will really suit a family looking for a more peaceful Mediterranean holiday destination in 2008, with less prominent nightlife than Ibiza. Menorca lies off the eastern coast of Spain in the western Mediterranean in the Balearic Islands. Just 47km by 18km in size, it is smaller than Majorca - its nearest Balearic Island neighbour.

This Menorca guide provides ideas for day trips, fun family activities and island sightseeing.

Menorca Villas and Holiday Apartment Booking

You can obtain cheap Menorca holiday villas or a luxury apartment from Thomson Holidays who are still offering late deals for May half term (Whitsun Spring Bank Holiday) and summer 2008 Menorca holidays.

Alternatively, book a cheap Menorca holiday for some affordable summer sun with top UK holiday companies, directly from our holidays abroad page. We also provide some of the best 2008 family holiday deals to Spain and the other Balearic Islands, all at bargain prices.

Menorca Weather

The best time to take Menorca holidays is between mid May and the end of September. During the summer (July, August and September) the Menorca weather is very warm, averaging 24 - 27C and rainfall is lowest. Avoid taking a holiday to Menorca or the other Balearic Islands before mid May as the weather can be unsettled and cool. March and April can be too early for reliable warm weather, as we found out during a recent trip!

Travel Tips

Menorca car hire is cheap at around €75 for 3 days and the island (like Spain) drives on the right. The island's water has a high mineral content, so drink bottled de-mineralised water during your Menorca holiday. This is especially important for children.

If you plan on staying at self catering Menorca holiday villas or an apartment, try to shop for food at larger supermarkets in major towns such as Mahon as prices are much lower.

Menorca Sightseeing Activities

Our holiday guide to Menorca below suggests fun day trips and sightseeing activities, which have appeal both for a family group or an independent traveller:-

		Cala Galdana				Fornells
		Cala Galdana is one of Menorca's most attractive family holiday resorts. Situated in a sheltered cove on the south of the island, it has a good beach and shallow, calm waters for bathing. There's a fun water park and playground for children.				The town of Fornells, Menorca has an attractive harbour, with many self catering holiday villas and apartments. There are good restaurants and Fornells offers good sailing and scenery. There's no beach as such, but a good bus service is provided to other resorts.

		El Toro				Son Bou
		At 358m El Toro is the highest point on Menorca offering panoramic views of the whole island. Access is by road from Es Mercadel. Majorca can be seen on a clear day. See our El Toro Video here.				Son Bou has Menorca's longest sandy beach (over 4km in length). Popular for a family Menorca holiday, the resort is located on the south of the island. The 3 star Sol Milanos hotel (pictured) offers direct beach access.

		Ciutadella				Menorca Beaches & Coves
		Ciutadella is a large town on the west of Menorca. Highlights include the impressive gothic cathedral built in 1362. Ciutadella has a nice harbour and cheap shopping making it a good base for your Menorca holiday.				Cala Mitjana is a 'must see' beautiful cove with a secluded beach, just east of Cala Galdana. Click here for a map. Cales Coves are accessed by a rough 1.5km road between Alaior and Sant Climent. Click here for a picture.