60 | MENORCA


www.nitravelnews.com


September/October 2025


Endless Charm


After ten trips to Menorca, we thought we’d seen it all, but a last-minute June escape reminded us why this little island keeps calling us back. From quiet coves and historic harbours to good food and stress-free travel, Menorca still knows how to deliver the perfect break.


BY BRIAN McCALDEN


THERE’S so much to see and do on the little island of Menorca. Take a tourist cruise around one of the


world’s deepest natural sea ports at Mahon – enormous cruise liners can be seen docked daily during the summer. In the adjacent capital city, the cobbled streets of the Old Town offer stunning architecture – or simply enjoy the island’s 140 miles of beautiful coastline.


Pretty harbours and waterside restaurants abound along a coastline that boasts both long, golden beaches – such as those around Son Bou in the south – and numerous idyllic coves, like Arenal d’en Castell and Cala Alcaufar. Best of all, these scenic spots are rarely overcrowded, even in high season.


Say ‘Cheese’


Turning to food, Mahon is the home of Queso de Mahon and the birthplace of the word ‘mayonnaise’. Fresh fish dishes also feature prominently among the many culinary delights on offer.


There are also prehistoric caves and burial chambers, once used for pagan rituals, in remarkably accessible locations dotted across the island. The midsummer Festes de Sant Joan in the historic capital of Ciutadella is a must-see for visitors. Horses gallop through the narrow streets (spectators beware!) in celebration of the Homo des Be – a horseman dressed in sheepskin and carrying a year-old lamb, representing St John the Baptist, and the central figure of this ancient fiesta. On our recent visit, we reflected on


how the popularity of package holidays has fluctuated among Northern Ireland travellers, once the go-to choice, then considered outdated with the rise of online


All accommodation is just a two or three- minute stroll from the beautiful sandy bay of Sa Caleta Playa. This soft, sandy cove – typical of Menorca – includes an upgraded beach bar with full bar service and even ice cream. The


English-speaking proprietor


goes out of his way to be helpful, making the whole experience truly enjoyable. People-watching is a must – especially when there seems to be more than the average share of ‘beautiful people’ around. A perfect day includes frequent dips in the clean, clear waters, accessed via the smooth, stone-free beach. Offshore, private yachts bob at anchor, and even more can be found in nearby Cala Santandria, which also has its own beachside bars, restaurants, and a hotel.


Don’t miss the food at the quirky Cova Sa


Nacra. Built into a cave on the water’s edge, it offers superb food and breathtaking views. The leg of lamb is mouth-watering – but be warned, it’s very busy and requires online booking up to a week in advance. Prices, however, are very reasonable. Back at Vibra Blanc Palace, pool lovers are spoilt for choice, with three different pools, all featuring shallow areas for


children.


booking. However, the increasing number of confusing add-ons like expensive hold luggage and seat selection has seen many return to the simplicity and value of package deals.


Having previously stayed in the resort


area of Sa Caleta, Menorca, the lure of sunny weather and a quick June escape prompted us to make a late booking – this time through EasyJet Holidays.


A Stress-Free Stay at Vibra Blanc Palace


Vibra Blanc Palace is a stunning complex offering various accommodation styles and board options, and best of all, it’s right on the beach. Add to that the universally welcoming


and friendly staff - from


reception to catering and housekeeping – and you’re set for a wonderful holiday. We had booked self-catering, but were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade from easyJet to include breakfast, which turned out to be more than enough. The real highlight, though, is the location.


Rooms include a private balcony and air conditioning – essential in 30°C heat – and are serviced daily. A minor issue with our microwave was quickly resolved by the efficient reception staff, available 24/7. This was just as well, as we needed a 6am wake-up call to catch the coach for our easyJet flight from Mahon Airport – under an hour’s drive away.


A Northern Irish Connection


Menorca even boasts an Ulster-style dairy-based agricultural legacy thanks to its last British governor, Richard Kane. His aunt was the original Mrs Dobbin of Dobbin’s Inn, where Kane began his military career – in none other than Carrickfergus! But that’s a whole other story...


Vibra Blanc Palace Aparthotel is situated in a quiet area, just two kilometres from the Old Town of Ciutadella. The town was once the island’s capital, a status it lost under Kane’s governance.


Recognising


the strategic advantage of Mahon’s vast, sheltered harbour to the east, Kane shifted the island’s focus accordingly.


This harbour remains the second-largest deep-water port in the Mediterranean, best


includes frequent dips in the clean, clear waters, accessed via the smooth, stone- free beach.


“ ” A perfect day


experienced on one of the Yellow Catamaran Cruises, which offer hour-long tours at a very reasonable price.


Kane also established local gin distilling


– a tradition still alive today – and used the resulting tax revenue to construct the Camino de Kane, a road that traversed the island west to east. In its modern form, it remains Menorca’s main transport artery, linking many of the island’s fabulous beaches and low-key resorts, which continue to


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80