Local points of interest : Close proximity to Mahon, Menorca's capital, means that the activities and attractions associated with a small city are within easy reach. These include local fish, and fruit and vegetable, markets, as well as a regular flea market in town. Boat trips around the large bay, including excellent glass bottomed boats, leave the Calas Fonts and Mahon waterfronts. Cruise ships and ferries also leave from Mahon, which has a beautiful marina, with some spectacular yachts and power boats moored - well serviced by the array of bars and restaurants, from the simple to the sophisticated, along the marina. Eating and drinking al fresco is a delight, and children are made very welcome. Other attractions include visits to the Xoeriger gin distillery, some interesting shops, and strolls around Mahon's historic back streets. Nearby S'Algar (15 minutes by road from Es Castell) is an excellent and well established watersports centre, catering for scuba diving, snorkeling, paragliding and water skiing.
Natural attractions : The south eastern corner of the island boasts particularly tranquil and beautiful scenery, from the low cliffs near Binbibeca, to the nature reserve of Es Grau slightly further north. From the latter, a kayak ride can take you to the uninhabited island of Isla d'en Colom, with its two lovely, quiet beaches, where adults can soak up the sun, whilst the children play safely in the shallow water. The island can also be reached by hiring a power boat from Mahon waterfront. Walks in the nature reserve and, slightly further north again, donkey rides through the wooded countryside, are other pleasurable ways to while away a few hours, in which all the family can take part. Moving further afield (though nowhere is particularly far from anywhere on Menorca!) the island offers innumerable bays and coves, with sandy beaches stretching down to the blue Mediterranean. The larger ones have beach bars and small restaurants, whilst others offer no facility other than peace and quiet.
Prehistoric Menorca: The island is a centre of great archaeological significance, and boasts a surprising number of megalithic archaeological sites, often showing outstanding levels of preservation and having a timeless and tranquil ambiance. Whether mysterious T-shaped Taulas, talaiots (towers) or navetas (boat-shaped burial chambers) or combination of all three, these sites offer a fascinating hint as to island life thousands of years ago. They range from the well reconstructed and regulated, with organised trips to some, to the isolated structure in a farmer's field in the middle of nowhere, for the more adventurous explorer. Children seem to be as fascinated as adults by these unique sites, most of which are now well sign-posted and quite easy to reach. Cave dwellings are also present in the north west, and on the south coast, of the island, which can be explored, often in combination with a visit to another of Menorca's towns or resorts, which are well worth leaving the beautiful south east to visit.
