Page 15 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

DISC OVERING THE BALEARIC ISLANDS  13

about in Cala Vedella (see p130)
nearby, an appealing mini­resort
with a strip of golden sand
arching round the back of a
slender cove. Continue north
along to Cala Molí (see p130),
where a lovely sandy beach is
framed by pine­dusted hills.
Proceed further north, and
enjoy the assorted water sports
of Cala Bassa (see p131), a large
beach resort teeming with life.
Day 3: North Coast
Escape the tourists by heading The shores of Es Grau, a small fishing village with a wide beach
inland to Santa Agnès de
Corona (see p127), a pretty 4 days in Menorca push on to the beautiful Cap de
little village set in the heart of Cavalleria (see pp108–9), a rugged
the countryside. Hike out head land with empty beaches
of the village to the chapel of • Arriving Menorca’s airport and an ancient British watchtower.
Santa Agnès (see p127), an is a short journey from the
unusual grotto church of main town, Maó. Shuttle Day 3: Inland towns
ancient provenance. Thereafter, buses and taxis connect and villages
proceed east along the main the airport to Maó. The attractive old centre of the
road with farmlands on one • Transport A car is required town of Alaior (see p104–5) rolls
side and the peaks of the Els to explore the island. over the top of a steep hill.
Amunts (see p132) mountain Cheese is the big deal here –
range on the other. Junipers, be sure to sample some. Take a
fan palms, carobs and straw­ Day 1: Maó detour to Torralba d‘en Salord
berry trees dot the mountains. Enjoy the cosy, small­town (see p105), an impressive pre­
Keep an eye out for falcons, atmosphere of Maó (see p98) historic ruin. Proceed onto Es
greenfinches, goldfinches and admire its pretty harbour­ Mercadal (see p105), a quaint
and hoopoes. side setting – Maó has one hamlet at the base of Monte
of the finest harbours in the Toro (see p105), the island’s
To extend your trip… Mediterranean. Explore the highest hill. Drive to the top to
Eivissa town is just a short old town, visiting the bustling visit the monastery. The next
ferry ride from the fourth Mercat Plaça Sa Carme (see stop is Santa Galdana (see
inhabited Balearic island, p98) and the intriguing church p110), a resort that nestles in a
Formentera (see p136–43), of Santa Maria (see p99). With steep wooded gully, which is
a small, flat island with ample time in hand, visit Museu conveniently located near several
several splendid beaches, de Menorca (see p100), with its delightful beaches: Cala Turqueta
the longest of which is collection of prehistoric and (see p110) is the best.
Platja Migjorn (see p142). Roman artifacts. Wander down
the harbour around Xoriguer Day 4: Ciutadella
Distillery (see p100), which Spend the day in Ciutadella
stands testimony to bygone (see pp112–15), the pearl of
days when the Menorcans sup­ Menorca, where beautiful, honey­
plied British sailors with gin. coloured stone mansions fan
out from the Plaça d’es Born
Day 2: North Coast (see p112), the town’s elegant
Heading north from Maó, make main square. Explore the
a beeline for Es Grau (see p102), medieval cathedral (see p112),
an intimate resort draped around and investigate the assorted
a sandy bay. Take a boat ride to antiquities of the Claustre de
the craggy, offshore islet of Illa Convent de Sant Agustí (see
d’en Colom (see p102), where you p113). Wander along the harbour
can hike up to the light house or (see p114–15), where fishing
laze on the beach. Continue boats dock and restau rants line
north to Fornells (see p108), a the quay. Finally, drop by the
beguiling village that strings Museu Municipal (see p114),
along a rocky, sun­bleached where an excellent collection
coast. The bay here is ideal for of prehistoric finds is lodged
Colourful sails and people enjoying the windsurfing – there is almost within the safe confines of
sunshine on Platja Migjorn, Formentera always a breeze – or you can the old city wall.

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