Cala’n Bosch, Cala’n Forcat / Calan Blanes, Los Delfines, Sa Caleta, Cala Santandria and Cala Blanca are Menorcan resorts for all ages, offering sandy beaches and coves, cliff walks, marinas, amusement and water parks, and the nearby former capital of Ciudadella. New resorts added to the Sunway programme for 2016 include S’Algar, Son Bou and Son Parc.
Cala’n Bosch (above) is the perfect family holiday choice. As purpose-built resorts go, Cala’n Bosch fits into Menorca’s southwest coast beautifully. Whitewashed hotels and apartment complexes with terracotta-topped villas give the resort a genuine traditional Balearic feel.
The centrepiece is a smart marina surrounded by restaurants, shops and bars. Cala’n Bosch is the perfect choice for families. Over by the marina is Goody Goody Park, which comes with indoor amusement games, a bouncy castle, ball pit, trampolines, bumper cars…and the works! Then there is the well-known Aquarock Waterpark, which will ensure that the entire family is amused for the day.
Cala’n Forcat / Calan Blanes. Near the former capital of Menorca Ciudadella, the resort of Cala’n Forcat / Calan Blanes has terrific amenities for all holidaymakers and offers a collection of bars, restaurants and holiday accommodation. This purpose-built town first popped its head above the radar in the 1980s. It teamed up with close neighbours Cala’n Blanes and Los Delfines and together they woke up this part of Menorca’s west coast. This trio of resorts have family-orientated restaurants that really appreciate that children have a low boredom threshold, so as well as offering menus that pass inspection by the younger ones, they also lay on play areas and bouncy castles and the fun factor continues throughout town with trampolines, mini-golf, playgrounds and a waterpark.
Cala’n Forcat has its own mini train so it’s a doddle to get around, making this area extremely popular with families of all ages, young couples and groups of friends as it affords something for all tastes.
Only a 10-minute drive away is Ciudadella itself, easily accessible by local bus and a very attractive ancient town with waterfront restaurants and cafes. Ciudadella is known as Vella I Bella – the Old and Beautiful. As you walk the cobbled streets you will discover elegant palaces, a reminder of former glory as the island’s capital, and a myriad of churches and museums. There is also a magnificent cathedral, said to be the largest Gothic building in Menorca, and a beautiful marina lined with cafes, bars and restaurants.
Sa Caleta and Ciudadella are situated on the western edge of Menorca. Sa Caleta is a relatively low-key resort located only 1.5km from Ciudadella, of which it is a suburb. Sa Caleta has a quiet atmosphere and is a laid-back resort with some bars, restaurants and cafes, but is only a 20-minute walk or a couple of minutes taxi-ride from the centre of the former capital.
Ciudadella, with its cobbled streets clustered around a smart, yacht-filled harbour, is a city crammed full of stately buildings and grand summer mansions. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the harbour’s edge are swanky restaurants, al fresco cafes and tapas bars. After dark you will find Menorca’s beautiful people packed into the upmarket wine bars or strolling along the waterfront. Leading back from the harbour is the city’s old quarter. At its entrance is the charming square of Placa des Born, bordered by elegant palaces and shaded outdoor cafes. Heading away from the square the narrow lanes are filled with medieval Gothic and Moorish architecture. The city’s 13th century cathedral is a must see – built on the site of a mosque, it has a Neo-Classic facade with a huge marble altar.
Cala Blanca is a small, relaxed town that sits on the west coast of Menorca where the sunsets are legendary. This resort has a very good mix of shops, bars and restaurants scattered around the resort – more in neighbouring Cala Santandria and between the two areas there are some great little coves in which to relax.
Most people who book package holidays in Cala Blanca do so for the beaches. Cala Blanca has two, Playa Cala Blanca and Cala Santandria, both of which comprise soft sand that slopes into shallow waters. The beach at Cala Blanca is in a small sandy cove protected by low cliffs and fringed by pine trees. There are plenty of sunloungers and umbrellas, plus restaurants, cafes and bars on standby. The sea water here is very calm and shallow, which suits paddlers, pedalo riders and snorkellers alike. There is a path along Cala Blanca’s low cliffs that is perfect for a relaxing walk – and as you stroll you might be able to make out nearby Majorca’s mountains on the horizon. Ciudadella is only a 15-minute drive away.
New Resorts Added to Sunway Programme for 2016
The secluded resort of S’Algar is situated in the south-eastern tip of Menorca with its nearest neighbour being the larger resort of Punta Prima and is only a 20 minute drive from the capital Mahon which is ideal for shopping and sightseeing with local buses running regularly throughout the day. S’Algar is a small peaceful resort with limited shopping facilities and this resort has made a name for itself as it is considered one of the best resorts on the island for diving facilities.
The nearest beach is located at picturesque Cala Alcaufar, which is only a 20-minute stroll away along the bridle path with wonderful views of gently shelving white sandy coves surrounded by Menorcan countryside, enchanting ragged coastline with charming fishermen’s cottages. S’Algar has managed to retain it’s sleepy, fishing village roots and is perfect for families or couples looking for a laid back, chilled out holiday atmosphere offering magnificent scenery, clear blue crystal waters, lovely scenic walks, glorious sunshine and a feeling of total isolation from the world.
The resort area of Son Bou can be found approximately half way along Menorca’s south coast around 30 minutes drive from Mahon Airport. Son Bou has the longest and some say the finest beaches in Menorca – over 2km of fine golden sand , making this area ideal for families, sun worshippers and water sport enthusiasts. The sand shelves very gently into the sea making it safe for smaller children to paddle in and older ones to swim. Along the beach can be found several beach bars and a good variety of water sports along with sunbeds and umbrellas.
At the eastern end are the two main Sol Hotels built right on the beach, behind these is the main commercial centre with a generous choice of eateries catering for all tastes and budgets, plus a couple of good bars, shops, bars including a show/nightclub type bar with live entertainment most of the season.
The area has plenty of shops ranging from the usual tourist bucket and spade shops to designer outlets. You will also find supermarkets, chemists, medical centre, car hire and money exchange facilities. Local transport makes for easy access to nearby towns and resorts including Mahon and Ciutadella, ensuring that Son Bou is an ideal resort for exploring the beautiful sunshine island of Menorca.
Son Parc is a small resort on the north coast of Menorca approximately 20 minutes from Mahon Airport. Son Parc has two main attractions, a glorious beach that is patrolled by lifeguards and a championship golf course, the only golf course on the island.
The resort centre of Son Parc is quite small, having only one main street known as ‘the strip’. This is where most of the bars and restaurants are situated. There is a local bus service to both Mahon and Fornells that operates daily except Sunday. Son Parc is an ideal resort for families especially those with young children. Transport time from Mahon Airport is approximately 20 minutes.
