Western Menorca is one of the island's busiest corners, featuring not only the beautiful and traditionally Spanish city of Ciutadella but also a number of popular resorts, like Cala en Bosc, Cala Blanca, Cala Galdana, Cala Morell and many attractive beaches

Life in Cala en Bosc centres around the very smart marina area,
which is lined by restaurants, shops
and bars from which
you can take up a vantage point and
watch the world go
by. There's plenty
of entertainment on
offer, a small local
beach and several other beaches close by, and lots of watersports laid on for those of an active persuasion

Cala en Bosc photo gallery

Cala Mitjana
Easily reached by car from Cala Galdana, yet well enough tucked away to ensure it is quiet. An unspoilt sandy cove
Cala Galdana
Extremely popular and very beautiful, Cala (sometimes Santa) Galdana is known as the 'queen' of Menorca's coves. A horseshoe of golden sand nestles between tall limestone cliffs
Cala Macarella
Off the beaten track but reachable by car from Ciutadella and with its own car park, Macarella and its smaller neighbour Macarelleta have only a few facilities but are very beautiful and popular

Cala en Bosc above
Very convenient for the resort and its restaurant-lined marina but a small beach
Cala Blanca
Small beach handy for Ciutadella and offering good swimming and several restaurants
Cala Santandria
Situated between Cala Blanca and Ciutadella and a very attractive rocky inlet with medium sized beach. Plenty of facilities
Sa Caleta
Near Santandria; small and pleasant beach with a beach bar, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
Cala en Bruc
A tiny beach in a charming spot; there are platforms built into the rocks for sunbathing and diving

Menorca's ancient capital is a day-trip
must. When the
British moved the
capital to Mahon, the island's noble
families stayed put
and their magnificent homes dominate the
city. The old town's narrow streets are a
delight to explore, if busy in peak season, and there is plenty of architecture to admire. The shopping is excellent and the harbourside cafes, restaurants and bars are a real draw and an excellent place from which to watch the world drift past

Ciutadella photo gallery

Menorca has a multitude of restaurants. Many offer standard tourist menus and most offer a menu del dia (menu of the day) costing 7-10 euros - excellent value for money.
Many new restaurants open each season offering much more than standard tourist fare. In July and August advance bookings are advisable in very popular restaurants if you wish to eat after 8pm. Local specialities are calderata de llagosta (lobster stew), paella, fresh fish and shellfish. Do not miss the locally made mayonnaise, an invention of Mahon (Mao).

Recommendations in the west

La Romantica, Cala en Bosc
Small, friendly and family run and with an excellent menu del dia
Pam Boli, Ciutadella
A meat-eater's paradise, with a menu which includes ostrich, red deer, kid and rabbit, as well as more conventional choices
La Tasca, Ciutadella
Very traditional Spanish restaurant, simply furnished and with an excellent menu. The steaks are superb!
Sa Nacra, Sant Andrea beach
Perched on the rocks overlooking the small bay, this is a charming location. Not an extensive menu but the gazpacho and paella are among the best we've tasted
Las Brasas, Los Delfines
A traditional grill but with a good menu and reasonably priced
St Ignassi, Ciutadella
If you want to treat yourself, try this beautiful rural hotel restaurant. The setting and the food are delightful.