Menorca, Jewel of the Mediterranean

This was our first visit to Menorca and being there in early April was a good time to explore the island before the summer crowds and to see the carpets of spring flowers.

This was our first holiday with Inntravel and it certainly won't be our last. It was easy to book and lovely to have all the arrangements made for us knowing that the hotels had been hand picked with all the walks researched for us. We are already thinking about our next holiday with Inntravel.

I have no hesitation whatsover in recommending Inntravel after this our first holiday with you & will definitely plan to book further holidays - very excited about finding a travel company that provides just what we want!

Es Mercadal was an attractive town with plenty of good restaurants and facilities; we would particularly recommend the ensaimadas and the icecream! Gorgeous setting for the Hotel Alcaufar Vell and very friendly staff, lovely to see wild tortoises roaming the grounds. We had some super seabass at the Restaurante Cala Mar in Cala Torret overlooking the sea, and beware the picnics - they are enormous!

This was our first visit to Menorca and loved everything about it.  We will certainly come back again.

We loved Es Mercadal which had some great places to eat and drink. Our rooms terrace and the lovely pool added to our enjoyment of Alcafaur Vell. We recommend a trip to Bodega Binifadet for a wine tour and lunch and a hidden gem to be the waterfront bar and restaurant at  Alcalfar - great place to watch the sun go down.  

The two centre locations nicely complemented one another and made good use of our 10 night stay. Tremendous local atmosphere in Es Mercadal with easy access from our hotel. Plenty of options for snacking or dining, particular favourites were Bistro Sol 32 and Ca N'olga, with a ritual pre-dinner drink at C'an Bebe.

Alcaufar Vell was a totally different experience. The accommodation was extremely unique and expansive. Opting to forego a hire car, we found it much easier to have, not only breakfast, but also all evening meals at our accommodation. We had no regrets, each meal was superb and very reasonably priced. We made good use of local taxis and buses to get to both Mahon and Cuitedella, our strong favourite being the latter. Finally, staff at both Es Mercadal and Alcaufar Vell hotels were absolutely superb.

A great way to explore the lovely coves on the island. Clear and detailed instructions and routes are well signposted. Hotel Rural Alcaufar Vell is superb - elegant building, quiet location in own grounds, attentive staff and great food

This was an excellent holiday which left us wanting to return for more. We were particularly impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of all the hotel staff. Ideally we would have liked 2 more days to give us time to explore the heritage of the island.

TIPS: Two excellent restaurants- Can Tanu at Fornells, El Trebol at Es Castell. Both fish. Suzy's Cafe on beach in Santa Galdana walk. Fish market in Mahon. If extra night needed in Mahon before flight, Cristin Landfor boutique hotel is excellent and very central. Parking in Ciutadella on a Friday is impossible due to market day. Plenty of nightingales and other wonderful bird life to be found on inland walks. 

We were delighted by the diversity of unspoilt landscape Menorca has to offer, with some truly stunning views on the coastal path. The accessibility of all corners of the island meant  we saw so much in such a short time. Es Mercadal in particular gave a brilliant insight into a bit of real Menorca as well.

 Standouts beyond the walking were the Museum of Menorca in Mao, the craft centre in es Mercadal, and the food in some of your recommended restaurants in es Mercadal (the Tapas Gastrobar) and in Ciutadella (Cafe Balear). We were also treated to an extra warm welcome and very generous portions in a new restaurant in es Mercadel, Restaurante Meson can Jaume.

 Finally while whiling away the day waiting for a very late flight back to Bristol we spent a great time at the beautiful Hauser and Wirth gallery on Illa del Rei in Mao harbour. The food at the Cantina  there was fine , but not up to the standard we experienced elsewhere.

A most enjoyable two centre holiday, Menorca a beautiful island and this was a great introduction. We were lucky enough to be at Es Mercadal while a traditional fiesta involving local horses was taking place.

Good choice of hotels and locations to explore the island and flexibility to do other things than walk when it is too hot. Some beautiful quiet spots, lovely food and friendly helpful people.

This is the second time we have taken the Jewel of the Mediterranean break.  We loved everything about the holiday - the short flight, the excellent hotels perfectly located to see the whole island easily.  We flew again with Jet2 from Bristol and think that this is one of the best airlines we have travelled with.  They may be a budget airline, but the staff and service they offer are superb.  Finishing off the holiday at Hotel Rural Alcaufar Vell was the icing on the cake.  Thank you Inntravel.

Lovely island full of history and vigorous culture. Fantastic flowers and adorable tortoises and neighbourhood tapas bars with families chatting.

St Albufeira des Grau Natural Park and beach were lovely. We also enjoyed Cap Cavalaria and Ciutadella was good.

It was nice staying in Es Mercadal and seeing all that went on in the town.

Although we were aware that some restaurants, cafes and shops may be shut at the dates we selected for our holiday it was much more widespread than we expected and many do not open until May 1st!

We have done a quite a few Inntravel holidays now and this was one of the best. Menorca is very unspoilt with a beautiful coastline and a relaxed atmoshere and the setting of Mao is amazing. The Cami de Cavalls is well signposted and easy to follow. Best meal was at Bistro Sol 32 in Es Mercadal. Picnics from Alcaufar Vell also particularly good.