Just seen this as i dont visit the menorcan thread that often. But would like to share my experience of this lovely little island.
We holidayed there as a family of four 2 adults 5yr old and 2 yr old, 10 yrs ago this june.
We went for 2 weeks, last week of June and first week of July. We went to Son Bou Gardens and were pleased with the accommodation, 2 bed appartmetns and only 2 storey, the only problem was the journey to the beach, which by the way was lovely.
We met a group of lovely people 3 differnet families and kids got on well as did the adults.
The weather was sunny but windy and the swimming pool was the coldest water I had ever felt, still makes me shiver.
During our stay we even hired a people carrier for a weekend and joined another family of 4. We travelled to Mahon and Cuidella, spelling, stoppi9ng at the Llaudro factory. A wonderful time was had by all
However, and there is an However, food was of an average to poor quality in the supermarkets and the choice was very limited.
Probably the reason for this was the fact that the resort was fairly quiet the first week we were there, but every day of the second week more and more people arrived which resulted in more food available in the supermarkets.But quality did not improve.
Service at the local restaurants during the first week was good because no crowds, but the second week it was the complete opposite.
As a result we decided not to go back again to Menorca with the family. We felt that they were not ready or prepared for tourism. They really did not cater to the needs of the hoilday maker.
They had so many good points, e.g. in the restaurants most had a childs' play area and they welcomed families, but the down side was the food was fair to average.
We would say that it was not expensive when we were there but certainly not the cheapest either.
We tend to eat out as this is part of our holiday and budget accordingly. However, we didnt find it as expensive as some people have mentioned. Perhaps we were looking for different things. We found the supermarkets to be well stocked with plenty of "English" brands if that is what you wanted. The only English things that we did buy were Cravendale milk but that was only because my daughter was still having a bottle at night and we did hunt down supernoodles, again because our daughter (who was only 3) was missing home and normal food. When we did eat in, we chose to eat mostly Spanish brand foods, salads and fresh bread and rolls.
You should ask yourself what you go on holiday for? If it is constant English cooked brekkies, and a home from home style, then perhaps Menorca is not for you. It still retains a very "Spanish" feel which I feel adds to its charm.
Personally, we love it and will return again and again.
We like Menorca because it's quiet. There's no lager louts. It's ideal for couples who enjoy a quiet holiday or families with young children. Older children/teenagers might find it too quiet.
Never had a problem with the food, (apart from 1 hotel) and ate in some lovely restaurants.
I have stayed in Ciutadella three times in recent years with my bf, the last being in September 2006, which we enjoyed thoroughly. We went self-catering, eating out most evenings (away from the waterfront) - a meal for two with beer came in at around 20 euros. We found a good supermarket and couple of great delis, which took care of the rest of our supplies; prices were a little cheaper than at home. I can well imagine that some of the resorts are getting overdeveloped without the facilities to back up the number of rooms, hence our staying in the city.
I think its 'horses for courses' and as in all aspects of life nobody is the same.
I have been to Greek islands and loved them, been to the Canaries and not been that impressed.
Everyone wants different things from a holiday and quite rightly so, I have to agree with other quotes and if you visit these types of forums prior to booking then they can be helpful, also if something is too expensive, don't buy it.
I'm glad not everyone likes it....Then theres more space for me!!! (JOKE!!!)
We like Menorca because it's quiet. There's no lager louts. It's ideal for couples who enjoy a quiet holiday or families with young children. Older children/teenagers might find it too quiet.
Glynis, my sentiments exactly! My kids were 13 and 15 when we went to Santo Tomas in 2004 and they loved it too (you may remember my enthusiastic daily reports! ).
Pippy
we went to menorca in 2004 and 2005 staying in ciudadella.We really loved it and would go again if money was no object.But it is expensive like most of spain is so we went to turkey last year and got more for our money hotel wise,it is a shame because me and hubby really like spain but it really is getting beyond our price range
Visited a few years ago a lovely island BUT the food can only describe as poor to average & very very expensive
you must have been eating in the wrongplaces ,,,where were you..??
It was a pity about the food as we really liked it as an island
So it was back to Tenerife & our usual haunts
its all down to indidual tastes....and what you are used to...I am quite easy and will try anything...but I suppose some people(and I know a few..lol)...just will stick to the same things and expect them to be like that abroad too..
Mind you, I can speak some spanish and there's only two of us, with no tired children to worry about.
The only disappointing food was at the Aurora in Ciutadella, which had been very decent in 2002, but was very unspecial in 2006.
We have been going to menorca for nearly 10 years now, for the following reasons:
Leave UK at dawn and be there for breakfast.
Where we stay is small and quaint. Its only 25 mins from an uncrowded and simple airport.
Not over the top and too touristy.
The roads are safe to drive, and easy to drive.
Our resort beach is the 2nd best on the island, a beautiful horseshoe bay, the sea is very safe and shallow. The beach itself is very clean too.
Child friendly restaurants, good choice of food and drink.
Family friendly entertainment can be found easily.
Good mix of nationalities, and ages.
Supermarkets with a good choice of goods.
Everybody is so friendly.
Going home after breakfast and bing back for lunch!!
This is why Menorca is our 2nd home.
I agree with you...I love the place and feel very protective, this year we are staying at Son Parc and I am hoping this is what you are describing, cos this is our first visit to this resort.
Gilly
Both beaches are similar.
Have a look at menorca-net forum and you will find stacks on info there.
I am trying to get some info on the resorts of Menorca - I have seen a villa in Calan Porter (spl) - is this a good area? I can't wait to go to Menorca as i have heard great things about the island!! Just don't want it to be ruined by choosing the wrong resort or getting a villa which has no privacy ect
Have a look at menorca-net, this site has info on each resort.
Reviews of reort can be found on the following link
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/spain/balearic-islands/menorca/cala-n-porter/
HTH
Biff
I didn't find it particularly expensive. The beaches were gorgeous and the sea was warm(ish!), the people were friendly, there were no lager louts, the food was good and the island was so pretty. Its great for a chilled out holiday.
The year we went to Cala Blanca (at the end of June) we had three days of rain which was a shame but hey nobody can control the weather and we used the time to sit in bars and read and do shopping so ended up ok
Also spent a lot of time in Son Parc which had a lovely, lovely beach.
Most of the resorts are fantastic but I would try to steer clear of those between Cala en Blanes and Cala Blanca.
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