Sneaky escape to the sunshine...
I have always wanted to go to Menorca, the smallest of the Balearic Islands so found a great deal and booked it. Flew from Leeds Bradford and within 3 hours we were on the ground in Menorca to 30 degrees and bright sunshine!
We always hire a car when we go on holiday so that we have the freedom to explore and do as we please so we went to collect our car - all very straight forward and set off to the other side of the island, Fornells.
The island of Menorca is only very small so it only took us 25 minutes to find our resort and then our hotel. With there only being one major road around the island we couldn't really get lost!
The hotel we stayed in was clean and had a lovely pool but its enviable location looking out across the bay made this hotel a good choice for us (thank goodness otherwise I would have been in trouble!)
The resort we stayed in was called Platja De Fornells. A handful of hotels but mainly private villas which made for a very quiet resort with no crowds on the beaches and no rowdy bars and restaurants. Something that we love when we are with the children! Different of course when without them!
On an evening a walk around the resort was lovely and if you venture a little further to the main harbour area there are sea food restaurants scattered along the front serving their fresh catches of the day.
There is also an amazing ice cream parlour that we may have visited a couple of times ! Ha ha...
The resort had a very family friendly feel but not overly British, there were a lot of Spanish families enjoying the restaurants and the numerous watersports that are on offer, including stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking..
As a family we love the beach and swimming and snorkelling in the ocean so for us Menorca ticked all of those boxes. (Although my 5 year old did turn to me on this trip and said "Mummy I don't like sand..!"). After I had talked her round and with the promise of a new inflatable crocodile we headed off in search of a secluded beach. Or as they are known on the island 'Virgin Beaches'.
After driving for just 20 minutes and with a good old fashioned map in hand we found a dirt track just along the North coast as we travelled down we came cross pigs, cows and horses and then eventually a car park and a sign telling us to get to the beach would be on foot and a 45 minute walk. Off we went, inflatable crock, packed lunch, parasol, snorkels and masks and two children in tow. Well it was definitely worth the trek - beautiful sandy cove, not too many people and plenty of space ! Perfect day...
Be aware - Most of the beaches on Menorca are Naturist friendly. So don't be shocked if you happen to spot a naked body or two! We didn't partake I might add!
A visit to the Capital, Mahon is well worth a trip too for a bit of light shopping and sightseeing. Also the ancient town of Ciutadella is also very beautiful.
All in all we loved Menorca and its laid back, sleepy feel and with a flight time of just under 2 1/2 hours it's great for a family holiday!