Chapter 11  
PLACES TO VISIT - THINGS TO DO
 

Many holidaymakers visiting Minorca stay for as little as two weeks. This is unfortunate for there is so much to see, and gives barely time to relax and get the feeling of the island. Three weeks or a month would be better. The following notes will help the short-term visitor to use his time to best advantage.
The first essential is a good island map, and these are on sale at most tourist centres and hotels at small cost. 
 

THE TWENTY-FOUR BEST BEACHES

As much depends on individual tastes, it is only possible to classify these by types and location. The following are all situated on the south coast, and developed in varying degree as tourist centres with villas to rent and/or hotel accommodation:

Santa Galdana                    Cala’n Porter
Son Bou and San Jaime
Binebeca                            Punta Prima
Santo Thomas                    Cala Bosch

Cala Turqueta                Son Saura
Macarella                      Macarelleta 
Mitjana                          Trebaluger
Es Canutells                   Binidali

Of these Cala Turqueta is outstanding. It is approached by a
reasonably good country road from Ciudadela (the route is best followed on the tourist map). With pine trees to its water's edge, and the clearest of blue seas, it is a delightful spot. In high season there may be no more than a few dozen people there, and off season one will probably be alone. The same applies to the twin beaches of Macarella and Macarelleta, and to Mitjana. These three can be approached on foot through the pinewoods on either side of Galdana - a pleasant and easy walk, with many Mediterranean flowers, and in late autumn purple heather, bordering one's path.

For the pioneer, a stiff climb over many walls and a rocky hillside takes one to Trebaluger.  Es Canutells and Binidali are small fishing inlets of charm.
On the north coast are the following beaches, all now developed for tourists: 

Arenal d'en Castell          Binimel-La
Cala Tirant                      Es Grau
Cala Morell                    Cala Mesquida
Son Parc (Son Saura)

There are several other large beaches on the north coast, which are at present undeveloped, the most notable being Algaiarens.

On the west coast near Ciudadela are Cala Blanca and Cala Santandria, which have hotels, but are rather small and inclined to be crowded in summer.

Where to be alone
There are many small beaches, especially in the north, where one can be alone. Here one is in a dilemma: to tell or not to tell? They are often close to the major beaches, and it is exciting to discover them for oneself. The map often gives one a clue. Binimel-La, Es Grau and Castell all have minor coves nearby, and there are some on the route to the Favaritx and Cavalleria lighthouses. Near the last is a small beach near the old Roman port of Sanitja. In general it is best to avoid going at weekends when other people may have the same idea.
There are two delightful tiny beaches on the islet of Colom, off Es Grau. 
A local boatman will take one by motor-boat to the island and leave one there for a day. He has a good memory and one is in no danger of being marooned. On the way out he asks which of the two beaches – sol o sombra (sun or shade) - one prefers. The shady one is recommended in summer: an arc of silver sand, crystal clear blue sea, and tamarisk trees to the water's edge. The tiny friendly lizards peculiar to Isla Colom shyly scamper over one's picnic box.
 
 
 

72