Menorca: A magnificent place for three generations of family
Menorca is famous for being favoured by families with young children and grandparents alike. But what is it about the island that makes it so popular? First off Menorca is the quietest and most northerly of the Balearic Islands. It also has an extremely low crime rate and is thought to be one of the safest holiday destinations in the world.
Menorca is the least commercial of the Balearics, making it particularly suitable for families with younger children and older couples who don’t fancy waking up to the sounds of clubbers cascading onto the streets at three in the morning.
Both prices and temperatures are lower in early summer. So if you’re
not tied to school holidays you can keep a few pennies in your pockets
and feel rest assured that your children’s skin is not being exposed to
extreme sun.
However, if your children are at school and you have to take your
holidays outside of term time, thankfully Menorcan temperatures are
always pleasant, but rarely unbearably hot.
Catering for the needs of such disparate age groups can be quite a
juggling act. So a fly-drive package is probably the best solution.
Staying at a villa or self-catering apartment is the ideal choice as it
will give you and your family more privacy, space and freedom over a
hotel. However, it’s advisable to check that accommodation is safe for
toddlers, both inside and out before booking. And it’s best to check if
your accommodation is suitable for elderly relatives or for push
chairs, as you may encounter problems climbing endless steps!
Hiring a car in Menorca is also a “must” as the roads are quiet. You
can drive from one side of the island to the other in just half an
hour, so a change of scene is only a quick drive away. Spectacular
scenery can be seen around the more rugged northern part of the island
while the southern side is more granny and buggy-friendly. The southern
side of the island is filled with a succession of sandy beaches, hidden
coves and lovely towns such as the islands capital, Mahon.
Although striking architecturally, Mahon is probably not the ideal
place to stay if you’re travelling with young children or elderly
relatives but it’s well worth a visit. The famous Mahon harbour is
lined with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes which all cater for
children’s tastes. The Menorcan locals also love children and are
particularly welcoming to little ones.
Sant Tomas is a particularly popular location for families. Situated in
the middle of the south coast, it has a two-mile stretch of sandy
beaches and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some of the beaches
also have very long shallow gradients into the sea which are perfect
for kids. Another family-friendly resort is the town Binibeca, due to
its clear waters and array of restaurants.
But if you fancy treating the kids to something a bit more exciting,
Menorca boasts attractions which are fun for all the family.
AquaRock situated in Cala en Bosc contains aquatic fun for everyone;
attractions include the famous kamikaze slide and various water
activities. On a drier note, there are also go-karts, trampolines, mini
golf and video games.
Situated in Son Bou is the Club San Jaime which is thought to be the
top children’s attraction on the island. The water/play park offers
unlimited fun for younger members of the family. While the kids get wet
and wild, grandparents can take a step back in time and enjoy many of
the historical attractions on the south coast. They include the
military history in Cala Fons, and Menorca’s many prehistoric coves.
Alternatively they can indulge in a spot of shopping along the
pedestrian streets of Mahon which boast wonderful cake shops, swish
boutiques, leather, pottery and plenty of fresh fish and food.