Charming, intimate and peaceful, Es Castell blends fascinating history with traditional Menorcan living.
As the sun rises in the East over the Mediterranean, life awakens around the Plaza de s'Esplanada, lined with quiet cafes and bars. Umbrellas pop up, chairs are unfolded and the tablecloths laid for another day of socialising over cards, the latest gossip and coffee. You can eat your breakfast unhurriedly and watch the market-stall vendors lovingly lay out their produce for sale. When you feel it's time to get up, step back in time in Es Castell and explore the town's rich heritage. Just off the main plaza, you can explore the former British barracks, now a museum, and find out why Es Castell became a garrison town. Visit the beautiful church of San Francisco and then take a trip to the nearby forts of Marlborough and Felipe. There are plenty of opportunities to ramble around the vibrant market, too, which sells traditional Menorcan foods and crafts like honey, glasswork and pottery. Pick up some traditional leather sandals or perhaps treat yourself to a new handbag. Hire a car and explore the ancient village of Trepuco nearby. You can gaze up in wonder at the prehistoric taulas, enormous T-shaped stone tablets that can be found in this part of the island. Like Stonehenge, they are shrouded in mystery as to their significance. When night falls, why not head for the little harbour of Calasfonts, where you can watch the boats bobbing on the horizon as you enjoy a chilled glass of rose or a slap up meal? And as the sun gets set for bed, take a stroll around the atmospheric night market, where you can buy handmade arts and crafts.
Imagining holidays in Es Castell is pretty easy. Just visualise a charming harbourside where fishing boats bask on sun-spangled waters. Friendly water's edge restaurants serving succulent fresh seafood. And a gentle vibe that'll massage even the most overworked brains into submission.
Got it in your mind's eye? Then you've pictured what holidays in Es Castell are all about. But there's more. For one harbourside, read two. Add a lovely plaza lined with Georgian buildings, gardens and cafes. Throw in historical nuggets, like a military museum showcasing the town's past as a British garrison and two 18th century forts. Want more? Because the town overlooks the entrance to Mahon harbour, you can catch boats to admire the capital from the water. If all this wasn't enough, daytime and evening markets come to Es Castell, letting holidaymakers shop for Menorcan ceramics and gifts to their heart's content. And if you run out of things to do, there are still the area's sandy beaches, quaint villages and mysterious 'taula' stones to enjoy.
Plus Es Castell won't let you down when it comes to accommodation. Whether it's for indulgent summer holidays or cheaper dashes to the sun, we've got holidays to Es Castell well and truly sorted. For luxury, try a stay at the Agamenon Hotel. Or for couples wanting a traditional base, there's the graceful Hotel Del Almirante. Whatever takes your fancy… you're just a click away.