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Heading to the beautiful Spanish island of Menorca for your next family holiday? Even if it’s not your first time (and, for many, the tendency is to return again and again) it seems there’s always something new for you to discover. Whether it’s a snippet of history or culture, a different kind of local delicacy to taste or a new beach to discover, this small island in the Balearics punches way above its holiday weight. If you’ve only got a short time and you’d like to see as much as possible, the best idea is to hire a family villa and a vehicle to get around in – for maximum independence and maximum fun! Menorca is very compact, so nothing is too far away; but wherever you’ve chosen to stay in a family villa, here’s what you can discover in the north and south of the island with the freedom of a car. Exploring the North If you rent your vehicle in Ciutadella, your first stop can be the stunning nature reserve of Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau. The tiny village of Es Grau is set right in the middle of the reserve so you can park up and hike through this amazing wetland area, which is home to more than 90 species of birds. Paths and trails are well marked and you should allow at least a couple of hours. You can then drive on along the coastal route to make a stop at the delightfully deserted (usually) Cavalleria Beach, and perhaps stroll up to the lighthouse. Alternatively you can take the road to the village of Arenal del Castell and walk around the beach to the fishing port of Na Macaret. Another excellent place you might like to stop off is Cala Algaiarens, where you can hike up to the lookout for stunning views. On the way back to Ciutadella, a highly recommended diversionary stop that the children will love is a sunset viewing at the Punta Nati lighthouse. When the lights come on, it’s time to leave… A perfect end to a perfect day. Discovering the South If you’re exploring the south you may decide to rent a car from the capital, Mahon, so make sure you give yourself some time to enjoy the city’s lovely port area. After that, your first stop along the south coast should be the tiny village of Binibeca, also known as the ‘White Village’, for its charming whitewashed houses. The kids will love stretching their legs as you stroll the picturesque narrow streets and alleys. Next you can visit Cala en Porter, a village perched into a backdrop of cliffs. This is also the site of the famous Cova d’en Xoroi bar, which appears to ‘hang’ right on the edge of the cliffs. A car also gives you the chance to visit Santo Tomas (it’s great for families, so better still, rent your family villa here!), which has a fantastic beach to run around on. You can also walk along the coastal path to take in the ocean views. Driving around the south of the island allows you to access some of the most beautiful beaches, including Cala Galdana, Cala Mitjana, Cala Turqueta and many more smaller, deserted ones. You can simply pull over when something strikes your fancy! Finish your road trip by taking in the sunset at the gorgeous Cala Blanca, before heading back to Mahon. Make the Most of Menorca by Car Hiring a car and staying in a family villa will give you so much more independence than being stuck in a hotel and relying on public transport. This year, make your holiday in Menorca the best ever! Author Plate Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine - no secret of the island remains hidden to her. Personally selecting the finest properties for her clients, Brenda is the go-to person for anyone looking for a relaxing family villa for a holiday in Menorca. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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