Menorca: eastern promise

Eastern Menorca is home to the island's capital, Mahon, the glorious Port of Mahon, and one of Menorca's oldest towns, Es Castell, with its magnificent harbour and pretty, winding streets. It's a great area for a family holiday, with plenty to see and sample, and some great, often very quiet beaches within easy reach by car

Menorca's capital is the perfect antidote to an excess of beach life. Bustling, commercial, stylish and beguiling, Mahon (Mao to the locals) has tourist appeal in spades. There are pedestrianised streets lined by pretty shops; stylish designer outlets; street cafes and restaurants; local markets; historic buildings; charismatic churches... Mahon has the lot - apart from a sensible traffic system or enough car parking spaces! You're best advised to park on the outskirts and walk in, or make use of the excellent public transport system: you can get a bus ride to Mahon from anywhere on the island

Mahon, a capital place

Es Grau
A five-minute drive from the port at Mahon, Es Grau is a fabulous sandy beach forming a wide bay with very shallow water. Beach bar, car park. Ideal for young children. Several other restaurants within easy walk. Take a boat trip to the nearby Illa d'en Colom

Mesquida
Also a five-minute drive from Mahon Port, Mesquida (pictured above) is a beautiful cove offering safe, shallow bathing and a wide, sandy beach. Separate clothing-optional cove. There are no facilities at the beach but the nearby village offers a small supermarket, bar and restaurant. Parking can be tricky at peak times

Cala Padera, Es Castell
A five-minute walk from Calas Fons. Small inlet beach of rocky bathing platforms and sandy area. Safe and shallow but small and can get crowded

Es Castell is probably the island's favourite tourist destination, thanks to its fantastic Calas Fons harbour, a horseshoe-shaped bay lined by fishing boats, cafes and restaurants catering to every taste and budget. Eat at one, move on to another for dessert and have a post-dinner beverage in one of the many stylish bars.
At night the harbour comes alive, with street entertainment, market stalls and clothes and curio shops. By day the town offers fascinating walks through its twisting, narrow streets

Es Castell 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 east

El Bosforo, Port of Mahon
Near the main steps up into the town. Ask for a window table to take advantage of the lovely harbour views. The food is delightful and the owner Lluis is very nice too. Try the baked cod on a bed of spinach – mmm.
Thai Country, Port of Mahon Near to the Casino. If you like Thai you’ll love this. Quite pricey but well worth it.
Latitude 40, Port of Mahon
We like the lunchtime menu del dia which, for 15 euros per person, is amazing for three courses. Lively bar in the evenings.
Port Antoni, Es Castell
Port Antoni is right in the corner of Cales Fons harbour, the first restaurant you come to. We’ve visited many times and the wide choice of food is always special. Antony & Laura do a superb job here, including a Sunday roast.
Scandals, Es Castell
Situated on the road out of Es Castell, just before the right turn to Sant Lluis. Don’t be fooled by the exterior, which is pretty unassuming. The food here is amazing. The menu is very varied and there is something for everyone, whatever your taste. Very highly recommended.