Menorca

Menorca (Minorca) is the second largest of the Balearic Islands, located to the northeast of Mallorca and is the least overrun and most tranquil of the Balearics. With a population of around 92,000 and the island is dominated by tourists, particularly during the summer tourist season of May - October. Due to its unspoilt beauty, it allows the more adventurous the opportunity to discover new charms and experiences. Despite its smaller size among other Spanish islands, being just around 30 miles long and around 10 miles wide and the number of beaches that Menorca has equals the number of beaches that can be found in Mallorca and Ibiza combined.

Regions of Menorca

The island is split into eight administrative divisions: Maó, Es Castell, Sant Lluis, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, Ferreries and Ciutadella. Each division is responsible for the beaches and resorts within it.

Municipalities of Menorca

Maó (GPS 39.889732,4.266572)
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| region1description=Also known as Mahón, Maó is the capital city notable for restaurants and its port. Mao's harbor is its most impressive feature and is a strong drawcard for visitors, especially the British, who today flock to the island in droves. The town is built atop cliffs that line the harbor's southern shore, with the majority of the architecture in the 18th century Georgian style. Some nearby resorts include: {{Marker|type=other* Es Castell GPS 39.881225,4.290659,an example of a fine Mediterranean resort very close to the Island's capital.

| region2description= Also known as Ciutadella de Menorca, this was the former capital city until the first British occupation, where it was transferred to Maó. Full of beautiful Italian architecture due to 17th Century rebuilding, with one exception being the Gothic Church de Menorca which was built in the 14th Century Gothic style. There are a few resorts on this western end of the island, including: {{Marker|type=other* Cala en Bosc GPS 39.928040,3.834173, a huge resort south of Ciutadella with lots to keep families occupied, including a surf school and water park. There's plenty for adults too, with adult-only hotels and spas throughout. The western end of the resort in particular is popular with all-inclusive hotels

| region3description=An authentic Menorcan town, home to the local Cheese and shoe industries, as well as some great family resorts: {{Marker|type=other Son Bou GPS 39.904035,4.073814, favored by many for its many holiday villas and the longest beach on Menorca.

{{Marker|type=other* Cala en Porter GPS 39.871630,4.134077, with villas to rival Son Bou and dramatic coastline and cliffs perfect for evening walks.

| region4name=Es Mercadal|Es Mercadal | region4color=#D5DC76 | region4items= GPS 39.987397,4.094046 | region4description=A town and municipality is located right in the center of the island, close to the highest point on the island El Toro, and home to a bustling open-air market. Home to the resorts of:

Cala en Porter - Platja de Cala en Porter, 07730 Cala en Porter GPS 39.871503,4.132129 Head down the ME-12 and then follow signs for the beach. There's a vehicle park at the beach. - Hours: 24 hours - Free. Cala en Porter is possibly one of the best beaches for families, with a playground, great sand and shallow water. The beach itself is stunning too, being at the end of a great bay surrounded by cliffs, with pedalo hire and sunbed hire. Gets busy but it's a wide beach, so there's plenty of space for everyone. Popular with families. - Son Bou Playa de Son Bou Carretera de Son Bou GPS 39.899342,4.072791 Head south through the town, following signs for the beach. There's a large vehicle park at the beach. - Hours: 24 hours - Free. The longest beach on Menorca means there's plenty of space for everyone if you don't mind walking a few minutes from the crowd. Pale sand and loads of room make this beach great for kids: Sunbeds and pedalos are available at the resort end of the beach. Brilliant for families. - Santo Tomas Playa San Adeodato, Binigaus| Urbanizacion Santo Tomas, 07749 Menorca. - GPS: 39.916621,4.034185 Head down the ME-18 from Es Migjorn Gran and then turn right just before the mini-roundabout at the bottom of the road to enter a large vehicle park perfect for the beaches. - Santo Tomas has three very long beaches; the first, Playa de Santo Tomas, is a long winding strip of sand near the resorts' hotels, and so is popular with families. San Adeodato, west from Playa de Santo Tomas, is thinner and strewn with pebbles with a shallow shore, ideal for sun-worshippers and those looking to spend a few hours there. The third, Binigaus, is further west still, and is only accessible by a long path from the west of Santo Tomas. As a result, it is not suitable for those with young children and so is a brilliant spacious beach for adults looking to unwind away from the noise.

Cruises

Glass Bottomed Catamaran Cruises - Carrer Moll de Llevant, 12, 07701 Maó GPS 39.889855,4.267977 Most depart from next to the Ferry Terminal in the Mao Port - tickets can be booked from their offices in the port.. Numerous operators offer glass-bottomed cruises around the harbour and port of Mao, offering a chance to view the underwater, marine life and learn about some of Mahon's history in the process. They are always fun and very recommendable.

Scuba

Son Bou Scuba - Centro Comercial San Jaime s/n 39.902515, 4.073887 Son Bou ☎ +34 696 628 265 From €35 Professional PADI staff available to take you to visit underwater caves and caverns, wrecks and the protected Marine Reserve on the North Coast. Novices and experienced divers alike are welcome.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Menorca

ABARCAS (4909235391) - AvarcasAvarcas and the traditional Menorcan sandal, is available in shops and markets throughout the island. They are now a fashion icon and can be found across the world, but were originally designed as a shoe for farmers. Only the original Avarca manufacturers are allowed to sell shoes with the label "Avarca de Menorca". This is only given by the local Balearic Government as a guarantee that the avarcas accomplish minimum quality standards and that they have been really manufactured on the island.

Companies that manufacture Avarca de Menorca include:

{{buy MIBO Cosits, S.L. Abarcas Menorquinas MIBO Cosits Polígono Industrial, Nave, B-6, 07749 Es Migjorn Gran Enter the industrial area by turning left from the ME-18 (if approaching from the primary street) and the shop is on your right. GPS 39.943349,4.050457 ☎ +34 971 37 05 62 - Hours: Monday to Sat: 09:30 - 14:00 , 16:00 - 18:00. Sun: 10:00 - 14:00 - Shoes range between €40 - €60 for an adult pair.. A small store that sells products directly from the factory behind. Sells official avarcas de Menorca, in a range of adults and childrens' sizes and colours}}

{{buy RIA Menorca Carrer dels Trencadors, 25, 07750 Ferreries, Entering the industial estate from Ferreries, turn right at the roundabout and the store is on your left. GPS 39.987454,4.025037 ☎ +34 971 37 30 70 - Hours: Monday - Sat: 09:30 - 20:00 - €40 - €90 for a pair of Adult Avarcas. Another direct factory shop selling a huge range of shoes for adults and children. They are available at a slight discount here than in other shops.

{{buy

Industrias Artesanas - Poligono Industrial de Ferreries 39.987307855733675, 4.023241102695465Just off the main Mahon - Ciudadela road at the Ferreries roundabout. Look for the building with the flags ☎ +34 971 15 50 77 Opening Hours: Daily in summer See traditional Menorcan footwear being made at the Industrias Artesanas factory shop. Known locally as Abarcas or Avarcas and they once were the footwear of choice for farmers and land workers, but now a fashion icon and exported all around the world.

Halal Restaurants in Menorca

Menorca is packed with good restaurants whose menus especially feature fish and seafood. Menorca also has a great variety of cafes and cafes, with some open for 24 hours a day.

The Windmill Restaurant Es Moli D'es Raco Carrer Major, 53, 07740 Es Mercadal GPS 39.987568,4.091424 On the main Mao - Ciutadella road. ☎ +34 971 37 52 75 - Hours: 12:00 - 16:00 , 19:00 - 23:00 daily. The restaurant inside the 300-year-old "molino" has an authentic, homely atmosphere. Authentic Menorcan cuisine.

{{eat* Es Cranc - Calle de las Escuelas, 31, 07740 Fornells GPS 40.057203,4.132146 From the primary street into Fornells go straight through the first roundabout and right at the second. The restaurant is on your right at the next junction. ☎ +34 971 37 64 42 - Hours: 13:30 - 15:30 , 19:30 - 22:30 daily. One of the finest restaurants in Menorca, what it lacks in interior design, it makes up for in tasty home cooking. Be sure to try the shellfish soup 'Caldereta'.}}

{{eat* Ca n'Olga - Pont de Na Macarrana, s/n, 07740 Es Mercadal GPS 39.988934,4.091648 From the ME-1 turn right up the Carrer de Ciutadella then take the next left. The restaurant is on the junction. ☎ +34 971 375 459 - Hours: 13:00 - 16:00, 19:30 - 23:00 daily. Primarily Mediterranean cuisine and attracting a stylish a sophisticated clientele, Ca n'olga is warm and intimate. It offers dining on a pretty outdoor patio or at a handful of indoor tables and an eclectic menu featuring local produce.

Son Granot Son Granot Hotel Rural & Restaurant Carretera de Sant Felip, 41, 07720 Es Castell GPS 39.872293,4.292876 Follow the ME-6 past Es Castell and you'll soon see the rural hotel on your right. ☎ +34 871 20 08 93. Son Granot offers an extraordinary traditional Menorcan cuisine and fine Spanish and French fruit cocktails. Enjoy a romantic fine dinner in the terrace with nice views to the Mediterranean and Maó. All the vegetables are grown ecologically in Son Granot's very own kitchen garden.

{{eatAmerican Cafe - Plaça Reial, 7, 07702 Maó GPS 39.887892,4.265023 If in the port of Mahon head up the twisting Costa de ses Voltes then turn right at the top ☎ +34 971 36 18 22 - Hours: Monday to Friday07:00 - 22:00 , Saturday 07:00 - 16:00 , Closed Sun. Sit down on a seat on the terrace while sipping on a coffee and pore over a newspaper at this recommended breakfast spot. Menorcan Gin

On Menorca there were a great many junipers, (there still are), and in the harbour lay the British fleet. The twain met and Ginet was the result, a spirit far removed from the Spanish and Mediterranean traditions and with notable difference from the English Gin.

It is a kind of cross between London Gin and the Mediterranean spirit, invented in Menorca. It was very successful and was drunk throughout the British Fleet and it surprised more than one distinguished visitor to declare "the best of the sprits found in Europe today" was historian Vargas Ponce's opinion on visiting Menorca in 1781.

The major difference between London Gin and Menorcan Ginet, is that Menorcan ginet is based on a spirit distilled from the grape, as is usual in the Mediterranean, and not on a cereal based spirit. The juniper now comes from the mainland, but the distilling continues to be done in old copper stills. The spirit rests in oak barrels cured in gin so that the end product does not take the colour of the wood.

Gin is found all over Menorca, drunk neat or in a mix. One such mix, named Pomada, is created by adding bitter lemon. It's the drink of choice during the many fiestas which take place throughout the summer on the island. You can find information about how to visit the distillery shop in the Menorca#See|'See' section above

Bars

Nightlife in Menorca is low key compared to nearby Mallorca or Ibiza. For a drink with a waterside view, head to the waterfront which is where the majority of cafes are situated. Saturday Sinia Saturday Sinia Art Hub, Cl Street Josep 49, Es Castell, 07720 GPS 39.877592,4.290019 ☎ +34 622 56 73 19. Pleasant spot of a drink and some music. Local DJs spin anything from 1980s classics to hip hop.

Akelarre AkellareJazz Dance Club Moll de Ponent, 07701 Mahón, Balearic Islands, Spain GPS 39.890444,4.264076 The bar is situated in the heart of Mahon's harbour, where the cruise ships dock. ☎ +34 971 36 85 20 . Jazz music echos off the warm stone interior which is open until the wee hours. Great cocktail list. Vinateria Parra Parra In Vino Veritas Carrer de San Fernando, 5, 07702 Maó, Illes Balears, Spain GPS 39.887667,4.266280. Indulge in a great selection of soft drinks and accompany it with a selection of Cheese or Meat platters from the café. The interior features timber and marble tables and compliments the soft music that plays. Mirador - Plaza Espanya, 2, 07701 Maó-Mahón GPS 39.889101,4.266000 If in the harbour, head up the twisty Placa Espanya, and the bar is on the left. ☎ +34 971 35 21 07 - Hours: 09:00 - 01:00 daily. A popular music haunt for local residents which impresses with its cave-like interior carved out of the walls above the harbor.

Cova d'en Xoroi Carrer de Saturday Cova nº 2 07730

Cala en Porter, Alaior GPS 39.865687,4.132899 ☎ +34 971 37 72 36 - Hours: Nightclub open 11:00 - late. Open for daytime drinks 11:30 - close.. Constructed out of a cave dug into the cliff stone and peering over it. The atmosphere within the cave is unique and must be seen to be believed. One of the few late night restaurants in Menorca, it is open until the early hours of the morning. Watching the sun set over the sea from the terrace is simply breathtaking.

Maritim Café - Carrer Moll de Llevant, 291, 07701 Maó 39.889293, 4.275487 If on the harborside, head for the casino. The bar is just next door. ☎ +34 971 36 49 62 Nice and terrace next to the Casino Maritim of Maó. At night is transformed into a lounge bar were people can obtain cocktails, long drinks and dance. Maritimo Maó
Dinky Cafe - Passeig Maritimo, S'Algar 39.833580, 4.299523 Continuing straight down the Carrer S'Algar then turning right at the roundabout will take you straight to the bar, on your left after 250m. Opening Hours: Monday to Sun 12:00 - 02:00 Nice beach bar in S'Algar Resort open till 02:00 everyday. Good place to meet local residents and have a organic juice on the garden terrace. part of PortBlue Rafalet / Dinky Lounge|

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Menorca

Menorca - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Menorca, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Menorca. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Menorca and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Menorca. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Menorca. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMenorca: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Menorca.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Menorca: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Menorca, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Menorca.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Menorca, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Menorca, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Menorca and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Menorca, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Menorca, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Menorca without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Menorca is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Menorca.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Menorca is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Menorca, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Menorca Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Meliá Cala Galdana - Sol Gavilanes - Av. de sa Punta, s/n, 07750 Cala Galdana 39.937256, 3.961616 Drive down the ME-22 from the ME-1 and you'll see the hotel on your right. ☎ +34 971 154 545 - Excellent quality hotel. Rooms bright and modern with most rooms having a balcony looking out to sea (due to being built into cliff). Extremely high quality of food and staff very welcoming. Over 300 rooms. Air conditioning in all rooms. 3 restaurants and a bar on site as well as 2 pools, one normal and one child.

Posada Orsi Carrer de la Infanta, Mahon 39.887313, 4.265382 Brilliantly located in the centre of Mahon. ☎ +32 971 364 751 - Rooms are bright and clean and the hotel staff are attentive.

Hostal-Residencia La Isla Carrer de Santa Catalina, Mahon 39.888075, 4.269045 ☎ +34 971 64 92 - This large hotel offers spacious rooms for good value. While the decor is unimaginative and the rooms are clean and the staff are pleasant.

Hotel Mirador des Port - Hotel Catalonia Mirador des Port - Carrer de Dalt Vilanova, Mahon 39.891726, 4.259330 ☎ +34 971 360 016 - Showcasing great views of the port from its room, this hotel also has its own pool, and fitness area complete with jacuzzis. Some brilliant food too.

Hotel Es Mercadal - Carrer Nou 49, 07740 Es Mercadal 39.987767, 4.093517 ☎ +34 971 15 44 39 - Small hotel in the centre of Menorca. 4 double rooms 2 junior suites. Built in a typical Menorcan house that was totally renovated in 2007. No A/C.

Hostal Jeni - Mirada del Toro, 81 - Es Mercadal 39.986188, 4.095214 - Full service modern hotel in the centre of Menorca with a terrace-garden, jacuzzi, private secluded sauna, heated swimming swimmingpool with a retractable roof, individually-controlled A/C, business centre, restaurant serving 3 meals daily and large bar where local residents congregate.

Hotel San Luis - Arcada Comercial Hotel San Luis 39.835300, 4.297201 S'Algar ☎ +34 971 150 750 Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 12:00 Hotel in S'Algar Resort with 228 rooms available, 3 swimming pools, a lobby bar, and 2 restaurants. PortBlue San Luis
Son Bou Gardens | Son Bou 39.905163, 4.069710 ☎ +34971371575 Check-in: any / Check-out: any The 'Son Bou Gardens' are mature and well established holiday apartments in the Son Bou area, a few minutes from the nudist beach.

Vista Picas Apartmentos - Cala North Forcat 40.004875, 3.802815 Check-in: Varies / Check-out: Varies Family hotel in Cala North Forcat on the west side of the island, 5 minutes vehicle journey from Ciutadella, 30-minutes walk. Swimming swimmingpool is spacious, staff always incredibly friendly. Rated as 3 stars but truly a 5-star experience. Supermarket just over the road, local nightlife 2 minutes away.

Playa Calan Porter - Calle Llebeig 12 39.872153, 4.136410 ☎ +441442818017 - Lovely two-bedroom apartment with private balcony that overlooks beautifully landscaped gardens and a large communal swimmingpool with separate child’s pool. The beach is a 10-minutes stroll and the town centre is a few minutes walk. Apartamentos Calan Porter Playa Hotel 55 Santo Tomas Parcela ZH11, Santo Tomàs, 07749 Es Migjorn Gran , Menorca, GPS 39.915661,4.037733 Head all the way through the resort then turn left at the hotel at the end (the Victoria Playa) to head up to the hotel. ☎ +34 971 21 73 44. A brilliant new hotel in one of Menorca's best resorts: unique 'swimup suites' with their own private pools complement rooms with Jacuzzis and excellent views of the Santo Tomas beach.

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