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| | | | So romantic
Cala Blanes in Menorca is the most romantic, fabulous place I have ever been. I will be holidaying there every year for the rest of my life. It is heaven.
Travel Guide: Menorca
What a dazzler
Menorca makes Majorca and Ibiza look like Blackpool on a dreary day, A brilliant place for a holiday!
Travel Guide: Menorca
Making waves in Menorca
There are those who believe the description 'activity holiday' is an oxymoron of the very worst kind, up there with 'fun run' or, perhaps more appropriately at the moment, 'Big Brother celebrity'.
If you're of this opinion and time away from work is all about doing little more than eating, drinking, sleeping and sunbathing, then certain aspects of this holiday won't appeal.
But don't fear, for it's up to you how active you are on this break to Menorca, one of the lesser known Balearic Islands.
Indeed, its bigger and more bustling neighbours Majorca and Ibiza welcome the lion's share of British tourists.
Menorca's a more family-orientated, low-key place with a liberal sprinkling of reminders of its rich heritage. These include beautiful buildings, charming villages and prehistoric sites. There are of course also some stunning beaches.
Now I've never been good at lying in the sun for much more than about 10 minutes, so I was all geared up for a weekend of action and adventure. However, after waking at 2am for our early morning flight from Gatwick, the inactivity of our first day was a welcome reprieve and it gave me the chance properly to check out our hotel - of which more later.
On our second morning we rose invigorated and ready for our first bit of exercise, a morning of sea kayaking. However, anyone who thought we were off for a nice gentle paddle was in for a shock.
Over the course of around four hours, we headed out of the pretty, sheltered bay in picturesque Fornells into the choppy Mediterranean waters and along the north coast of the island.
The going was a little challenging and one of our party capsized while another had to return to port due to seasickness, fatigue and, one suspects, a touch of frustration at not being able to steer his kayak properly.
The rest of us ploughed on, spending an eerily calm few minutes in each of the dimly-lit natural caves that we visited, balancing jellyfish on our paddles and admiring the brilliantly azure water.
We also stopped for a breather on a small, deserted beach before heading back to shore in search of our ailing colleague. Surprisingly, we discovered that his seafaring ailments had been easily cured with a couple of late morning beers.
Just half a day of kayaking leaves you feeling like you've had a fairly rigorous upper body workout and it's a fantastic way to get a different perspective of the island. If you want, you can even spend a few days with your guide kayaking the entire circumference of Menorca. You'll definitely return home leaner and fitter.
The next day, the same guide picked us up for a morning of mountain-biking. After the kayaking, we had prepared ourselves for some hardcore, seat-of-the-pants action on Menorca's highest peaks, but the going was far less arduous this time.
Instead, we had the chance to explore some of Menorca's gorgeous south coast and cycle along rocky trails connecting a series of beaches whose beauty rivalled that of any sandy stretch to be found on the other Balearic Isles.
We arrived at one such small, secluded beach, Cala Es Talaier, to find that it was almost entirely deserted, save for a couple taking a leisurely swim.
As we removed our helmets to catch a bit of the breeze and admire the views, we quickly realised that said couple were in the nude. But apparently unfazed by the unexpected presence of seven pasty mountain-bikers, they strode confidently out of the turquoise waves to catch a few rays in the further pursuit of their all-over (and I mean all-over) tan.
So if you're the type who's easily offended, be warned: there's a chance you'll find the odd nude bather about.
But don't miss the beaches; if you don't feel like cycling, it's definitely worth hiring a car or paying for a taxi to take you to one of these white-sand strips of heaven for the day.
Another good day trip is to the capital, Mahon. Most people ignore this attractive city but there's much to enjoy over an afternoon or evening.
Take a boat trip around the second largest, natural deep-water harbour in the world (after Pearl Harbour) or pay a visit to the Xoriguer gin factory on the quayside where you can see how this favourite of British tipples is made. You can also get to quaff different varieties of the stuff.
Nearer to home, about a five-minute drive from the hotel, is the historic city of Ciutadella. It's full of listed buildings, Arabic, Jewish and even British in origin, and is a great place to stroll.
The little harbour is picturesque and there are plenty of stylish shops and boutiques to keep you busy. Just remember that in this part of the world most vendors pull down the shutters from about 2-5pm for a bit of a siesta.
If you like a party, June's the perfect month to visit Ciutadella as they celebrate the Fiesta de Sant Joan. It has been held on the island since the Middle Ages and offers a great insight into Menorcan tradition. The festival takes place on June 23 and 24 and preparations involve a privileged local carrying a decorated sheep around on his shoulders. On the 24th, jousting knights in the Es Pla square bring 14th-century Menorca to life.
Head into the city on an ordinary evening and you'll find eateries serving some of the best and freshest tapas you're likely to eat. There are also stylish bars and a couple of clubs where you can catch a local band or dance the night away.
We emerged wearily from one such bar at about 3am to find the square alive with revellers who looked like they were just heading out for the evening - this is Spain after all. The hotel was calling us, however.
The four-star Acorn Hotel Almirante Farragut is just half an hour from the airport and sits on a rocky outcrop right by the sea. From your balcony (every room has one), there are spectacular views along the coast and even in the heat of summer, the breeze which floats inland off the waves is truly refreshing.
The rooms are bright, clean and airy and equipped with, among other things, satellite TV and a small fridge.
Mealtimes are a buffet affair and the selection was varied and high-quality with fresh fruit and pastries for breakfast and salads, soups and more robust fare at lunch and dinner - the Valencian-style paella was delicious. There's also a small terrace with room for some guests to dine al fresco.
There are two bars, one indoor and one outdoor, and regular cabaret in the form of magicians, musicians and singers. By day there's a kids club where sprogs can indulge in a spot of painting and at night there's a disco uniquely for children so you can go and enjoy a drink or the evening entertainment knowing they're in safe hands.
The pool and the tiered area surrounding it are a decent size although it's easy to imagine that sun-lounger space becomes scarce at the height of summer.
What's lovely about the hotel's position is that there's a small inlet, perfect for a spot of wading, swimming or snorkelling, just around the corner from the pool. It's also where you'll find the resident dive school. The waters surrounding Menorca are surprisingly clear and visibility ranges from 12-20 metres.
All of the aforementioned activities can be arranged at the hotel and you can also explore the lush countryside on horseback.
If you fancy staying closer to home, there's a sports centre where you can hire bikes or try your hand at paddle, a high-speed racket sport that's sweeping the Spanish nation. It's basically a combination of squash and tennis. There's a small climbing wall on site too.
The surrounding purpose-built town is full of bars, pubs and restaurants with exotic names like Ken's Fish 'n' Chip Shop and Churchill's Bar. It's an ugly place, more for those who miss their home comforts and need somewhere to go and watch Coronation Street or EastEnders in the evening.
One thing worth staying in this resort for, however, is an evening at the races. Rather than sitting astride their mount, the jockeys perch precariously on a tiny harnessed carriage (if you could call it that) behind their steed as they race round a sandy track.
It's a great night out for all ages, especially if the drinks are on one of your party after a windfall on the first race!
Apart from our evening of gambling excitement, we spent virtually no time at all in the town and, thankfully, our hosts at the hotel were keen to take us further afield to experience the real Menorca.
To get the most out of your holiday, you'd be advised to do the same. The facilities at the Almirante Farragut are excellent but there's so much more to see and do on this beautiful island and it would be a tragic waste if you stayed rooted to your lounger for the week.
* Prices for a week's stay at the four-star Acorn Hotel Almirante Farragut in June start at £389 per adult and £193 per child. These prices are based on two adults sharing a twin room on a half-board basis and include return flights, transfers and taxes.
To book call Direct Holidays on 0870 191 9084 or visit the website at www.directholidays.co.uk. For brochure requests call 0870 242 2404. For further information on Acorn International Hotels, please see www.acorn-hotels.com.
Travel Guide: Menorca
Peace and quiet
If you like peace and quiet, this is for you. Lovely beaches. We went in August and this is our third time. We've stayed in the north and the south, both are nice, but maybe the south has a slight edge as it's nearer to places, but that's all. It's easy to drive on the island, too.
The people are lovely and friendly and I wish I could afford to buy out there. Family-wise, it's a little too quiet for older teenagers, maybe.
Travel Guide: Menorca
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