Menorca - must see/do things while there?

[SoftKittyWarmKitty]

I'm taking DS to Menorca in a month and we're staying in Punta Prima, which I've read (since booking ) is small and isolated, so I'm looking for places to get out and visit elsewhere on the island or fun, interesting excursions. Probably won't hire a car so we'll be using public transport. DS is 8, so things that might appeal to an 8yo would be great. Thanks.

Ooh, Punta Prima is lovely, you'll have a fantastic time. The beach is gorgeous. (Just watch for the coloured flags) There's also a little road train that goes from Punta Prima through Cala Torret and down to Binibeca, that's definitely worth a go, another great beach (and a safer one for children, it's very sheltered) and the white fishing village (some nice restaurants, gift shops etc). So you could get a round trip ticket, get off at the beach, get back on and go to the village for something to eat and then back to Punta Prima for a siesta.

Public transport is good and cheap (and air-conn'd) and from Punta Prima you can get to Mahon, the capital, in about 15 - 20 minutes - if memory serves it will cost you a Euro - my boys love the glass-bottom boat that goes out of the harbour. The old town is lovely and well worth a wander and there are some beautiful churches and a museum if they like that kind of thing.

There are loads of other attractions but you'd have to check out the transport as we tend to hire a car - there's a little zoo/farm, a fantastic water park and the prehistoric stone villages are definitely worth a visit.

Have a brilliant time!

Watching as we are going to menorca in August.

I was in Punta Prima at start of June. It's lovely

I recommend visiting the Binifadet vineyard in Sant Lluis, it's a couple of stops on the (extremely cheap) bus.

Free tour and wine and cheese tasting. There is a lovely lunch menu too. Not much for kids food wise though.

Oh and if you are looking for restaurant recommendation in Punta Prima, El Faro and C'an Santi are the best. Make sure you try a pomada - gin and bitter lemon. Lush when watching the sun go down

Have a fab holiday!!

If you get a chance, go visit the harbour at Ciutadella and take the glass bottom boat trip.

Thanks all, some great ideas here - the glass bottom boat trip will be a must. I'm feeling much better about going now, in fact I'm starting to become excited!

Cuitadella definitely.

Imo, there's only one place to avoid in Menorca - Son Bou. Just don't bother.

Otherwise you can't go wrong. We always hire a car there very cheaply, so have only used the buses a few times, but we often just pick somewhere on the map that we haven't been to before and go. It's always beautiful.

Isn't there also the well known cave restaurant near Cala Santandria beach. Sa Nostra or Sa Quadra? When my dc were younger I think we went there 3 years in a row and they remembered us.

Anyone been to Cala n Bosch? We're heading there next month.

Have only visited a couple of times - it's on the other end of the island to where I normally go, but it is a lovely family-friendly place. It'll take you about an hour from the airport and a taxi will be a bit pricey, but if you aren't hiring a car the buses are good once you get to Cala'n Bosch.There's a road train that goes round the area there, too and you're very close to Cuitadella.

It is a pretty standard touristy resort, (think hair-braiding, street artists etc) rather than 'Menorcan', but it is nicely done - it's built around a Marina and there are loads of bars and places to eat. Both beaches are beautiful - there isn't any shade, though, so it is worth getting a parasol and a couple of loungers, and if the wind is in the wrong direction you'd be better off going down the coast a bit. If you have DC's the beach right by the Marina is fine - if you want more serious watersports/tuition then the other beach has more facilities.

Ooh - can't wait - we're off in about 3 weeks!

Thanks so much for the info Balia. Getting very excited now - I've started the "how many sleeps" countdown with the dc ridiculously early!

Was just booking this excursion and remembered this thread - we did this last year and LOVED it. The boys were allowed to 'drive' the boat, and the captain showed them all sorts of marine life and stuff we just hadn't seen before.
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187464-d2151993-Reviews-Menorca_en_Barco-Minorca_Balearic_Islands.html

It goes out from Cala Galdana so easy to get to on public transport, and it was easily the best trip we did last year.

Have a great time littlequestion, kitty and sassy, hope you love it as much as I do!

Thanks Balia, that looks fab but DS can't swim yet - would that matter? Also, how do you book it?

Less than to weeks to go now!

Just go to the actual website (from tripadvisor link or here)

Then click on the blue coloured email address in the bottom right corner and send them an email letting them know when you want to go etc. It's easy, they'll sort everything. Youngest DS couldn't swim without armbands last year either, I'm pretty sure they have rings and stuff on the boat - and you don't have to swim - my parents didn't.

So close now!