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Bank Holiday Weekend on Menorca
Bank holiday weekends are always a great option for a trip abroad, even though if one doesn’t book ahead it can get quite expensive. We got lucky and secured a deal with British Airways to go to Menorca. We stayed in Cala Galdana which is a beautiful cove in the southern part of the island, about 30 mins drive from the airport. We got a beautiful room in Melia, with a little balcony overlooking the sea and beach. The beach is great for small kids as the water is shallow and being located in a bay the sea is calm enough for even little one to go in.
Dinner at Ca’N Olga
On our way from the airport we went for dinner at a lovely little restaurant tucked away in a side street in Es Mercadal, Ca’n Olga. I can highly recommend this little gem, Chris wanted to go back the second night but we went to a local restaurant instead.
A Stay Right on the Beach
We woke up the next morning to a beautiful sunny day. Our room at the
Melia Hotel was overlooking the sandy cove of Cala Galdana and we could hear the waves all night, which was very relaxing. There are also plenty of Villas and apartments about if you prefer to have a place to yourself. I usually book through
airbnb.
Hiking to Cala Macarella
Rather than spending the day in Cala Galdana we walked to the next beach along, Cala Macarella. The walk is well sign posted and it took us just under an hour. When we got to the cove we saw that the beach and sea was covered in lots of seaweed and decided to head for Cala Macarelleta which is another 10 mins further on the Cami de Cavalls, an a historic bridlepath dating back to 1683. It was well worth the extra walk, the sea was turquoise and clear and much calmer. One could almost think you’re in the Caribbean not the Med. If you don’t feel like walking, you can easily get to the bay by driving, it takes almost an hour though but might be the preferred option with smaller children, especially in the summer heat.
The boys always running ahead…
Hiking Through Pine Forrest
The Camino leads you past fields full of purple thistle and other flowers and through pine forrest which provides some shade. Once we got to Cala Macarella, we headed left on the other side of the beach to Cala Macarellata.
Magical Cala Macarellata
Cala Macarellata has fine white sand and clear turquoise water. Pack your lunch and lots of water as the closest cafe is on Cala Marcella. You might want to bring a parasol along to protect sensitive skin from the strong sun.
Ice Cream at Cafe Susy
On our way back we stopped for well deserved ice cream and cold drink at Cafe Susy which is located on the back of the beach in Cala Macarella.
Dinner at Passatge Rui
In the evening we enjoyed our dinner at Restaurant Cala Mitjana, located on Passatge Riu, which served delicious mediterranean food with a twist and also has a great kids menu.
Cala Saldana
The beach at Cala Saldana in front of the Melia hotel has plenty of loungers with parasols for hire, but there’s also lots of free space for those who prefer to lie on the sand or don’t want to pay the hire fee. Restaurants and shops line the promenade so you have access to almost anything you might need during your beach day or stay at Cala Galdana.
Cala Turqueta
Another glorious day lay ahead of us. We made up our mind and decided to spend the day at Cala Turqueta. One can walk there from Cala Galdana but as we were heading for the airport in the evening, we went by car, which is about an hours drive from Cala Galdana. Once you get to the car park(fee), it’s about a 10 mins walk to the beach down a country lane, one could take push chair but the last bit would be hard over the sand. I recommend to bring food and drink as there are no facilities right on the beach. The pine trees provide some shade but if you have children with you it is advisable to bring your own parasol. There is a little cafe by the car park, which also has a toilet and shower.
Cala Turqueta is divided into two parts, we stayed on the left hand side which was much quieter.
The beach is perfect for small children as it is well protected and the water shallow.
Jerome built a sand seal, seals are one of his favourite animals.
Adios Menorca
We were sad to leave Menorca already but we will be back soon. The hotel was great, even though we didn’t use all the facilities on offer. It’s the perfect place to stay with children of all ages.
Other beaches for families on Menorca: Cala Mitjana, Son Parc. Cala Pregonda and Cavalleria are both outstandingly beautiful but are further to walk and have no facilities or life guards. Minorca (as the locals call Menorca) really is mostly a beach destination for many but there are other thing one can do.
Worth A Visit
Both Ciuatadella and Mahon are worth a visit, for architecture, history and food. Local souvenirs to buy include cheese and sandals. Hiking is also popular especially in the colder months and horse riding is on offer throughout the Menorca. There are also pre historic sites, dating back to Bronze Age, 2000 BC. You might just pass them by accident on the main road and they are all worth a visit and of interest to teach kids about our history.
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I plan on taking my kids here this summer. Thanks for the post!
It’s an amazing place to see and go to with children. If you have any other questions feel free to message me.
Vanessa
What a lovely weekend you had! The water there looks absolutely gorgeous. Usually on long weekends, I go for city breaks but it’s so great that you were able to have a lovely beach time on a weekend! 🙂 I am always on a lookout for such short beach breaks in warmer places of Europe cuz I never get enough of beaches and my annual leave is always prebooked, haha. I will keep Menorca on mind.
We did, it seems so long ago now. It is a great place to go for just a weekend but also for longer if you have the time. Where are you off to next?