Cala'n Forcat holidays

Plenty of year-round sunshine, a picture-postcard cove with turquoise waters, and oodles of charm make Cala’n Forcat the ideal destination for a relaxed holiday in the sun. The beach is tiny, but beautifully framed by rocks and pines, and the water is spectacularly clean and clear. There are plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants within an easy stroll, and you can enjoy some fantastic hiking in the area. The delightful little city of Ciutadella, which preserves its historic heart intact, is only a 10-minute drive away. You can explore the sights, stroll around medieval streets, and sit with a drink overlooking the lovely harbour.

The beach in Cala’n Forcat is a picture-postcard curve of sand tucked into a charming bay. It’s not particularly big, but it shelves very gently, ensuring that the water is shallow enough for even the smallest kids. Slightly older kids and teens will enjoy scrambling over the rocks, hunting for crabs in the pools, jumping off into the water, and snorkelling around the rocks. The beach in nearby Cala’n Blanes is larger and has a few more amenities. This stretch of coast is pocked with lots of tiny coves that you can explore: the little cove of Cales Piques is another narrow inlet framed by rocks that is ideal if you’re looking for some peace and seclusion.

There are lots of restaurants in Cala’n Forcat and the adjoining resorts of Los Delfines and Cala’n Blanes which cater to the many British visitors that are attracted to this gorgeous region. As well as the classic British pubs and cafés, you’ll find lots of restaurants serving delicious local dishes. Menorcan cuisine is based on the fantastic variety of fresh produce, and includes plenty of wonderful seafood. The most famous Menorcan dish is caldereta de llagosta (spiny lobster stew), but you’ll also find lots of grilled meats – usually pork, lamb or chicken – and classic country stews. The island is celebrated for its cheese and charcuterie, particularly the sobrassada – a lightly spiced cured pork sausage.

The biggest attraction of Cala’n Forcat is its peace and tranquillity, so you won’t find much in the way of big bars and clubs. However, there’s still plenty going on – both in Cala’n Forcat and in the neighbouring resorts of Los Delfines and Cala’n Blanes – that will keep you entertained in the evenings. Many of the bars and pubs run karaoke nights or host live gigs during the summer months. If you’re looking for more intense nightlife, or just a greater variety of venues, hop in a taxi to Ciutadella, which is just 10 minutes away. You’ll find everything there from old-fashioned bodegas to lively outdoor nightclubs, where you can dance the night away.

Cala’n Forcat is ideal for family holidays in the sun. The sandy beach, set back in a deep ‘cala’ (cove), is shallow and sheltered, so kids can splash around in safety. Older kids will enjoy jumping off the rocks, or trying to spot underwater creatures with snorkels. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities in the area, from inflatable play parks to mini-golf and there’s a small water park in nearby Cala’n Blanes. There are lots of enjoyable walks in the area, and kids might also be interested in horse-riding or mountain-biking. There’s a small zoo in Son Bou, and the lovely city of Ciutadella, with its narrow medieval streets and charming shops and cafés, is just a 10-minute drive away.

Cala’n Forcat is perfect for couples who want to soak up the Menorcan sunshine, and enjoy some wonderful sunset walks along this gorgeous coastline. The pretty little cove is a perfect backdrop for romance, and you can explore the coast to find your own secluded bay for an intimate picnic. If you’re active types, then you’ll enjoy the snorkelling and diving, as well as the excellent hiking and mountain-biking trails. The nearby city of Ciutadella, just 10 minutes away by car, is an exquisite and beautifully preserved town full of Gothic palaces and churches, which you can amble around happily hand-in-hand.

You’ll find plenty of water sports along this gorgeous stretch of coast, which is ideal for exploring by kayak or with a snorkel. You could also have a go at paddle-boarding or sailing. Menorca is a superb diving destination and there are several suppliers in the Cala’n Forcat area that rent out equipment and organise diving excursions to the marine reserve on the northern coast. Inland, you can go horse-riding, hiking and mountain-biking along the well-marked trails: the best known is the Camí de Cavalls (which literally means ‘the horse road’), a medieval bridle path that circles the entire island and has been recently restored.

Cala’n Forcat is a modern development, but the area has been inhabited since ancient times, and is still strewn with the remnants of Talayotic settlements. Most are not open to visitors, but you can visit the Naveta des Tudons, a remarkable Bronze Age burial tomb built 3000 years ago, which is located on the outskirts of Ciutadella, just 3 miles away. This charming city was the island’s historic capital, and has most of the region’s cultural attractions, from a beautifully preserved medieval quarter crowned by a Gothic cathedral to a sturdy 17^th-century fortress, now an interesting history museum. It’s also got plenty of art galleries and regular cultural events such as music performances.