Santo Tomas holidays

The gorgeous beach is the main attraction in little Santo Tomás, a golden stretch of sand lapped by shallow, crystal-clear waters. It has lots of useful amenities, including sunbeds and parasols for hire, as well as a handful of restaurants and cafés. You can walk along a panoramic coastal path to virgin beaches or head east to the small resort of Son Bou, which also has a fine beach. There’s plenty of excellent walking and biking in the area, or you could even go horse-trekking. The little town of Es Migjorn Gran, just 3 miles inland, has a lively night market, or you could spend the day in the vibrant city of Mahon (the island capital) or the historic city of Ciutadella, which are both about a half-hour’s drive away.

The main beach in Santo Tomás is a glorious, 3-kilometre-long stretch of golden sand shaded by Mediterranean pines. You’ll be able to rent a parasol and sunbed for a few euros, and there are several places to eat and drink within a short walk. A coastal path links Santo Tomás with some stunning, unspoilt beaches to the east, including the Platja de Binicodrell and the Platja de Binigaus, which is often regarded as one of the loveliest on the island. Neither has any facilities, so don’t forget the parasol and a picnic. You could also walk (or drive) to Son Bou, west of Santo Tomás, which also has a fantastic beach.

There is a handful of restaurants, cafés and shops in Santo Tomás, with more in the nearby towns of Es Migjorn Gran and Son Bou, which are both about 3 miles away. Local specialities include a fantastic range of seafood, which include the famous Menorcan spiny lobster stew, caldereta de llagosta, as well all kinds of delicious shellfish. You might also want to try some grilled pork or lamb, or the classic local tumbet, which is made with roast peppers, aubergine and potatoes. Menorca is also celebrated for its cheese and embutits (cured sausages), which are ideal for picnics.

You won’t find much in the way of nightlife in sleepy Santo Tomás, which is part of the resort’s quiet charm. There is a clutch of places where you can enjoy a drink with the locals, or soak up the sea views, and you’ll find more in the nearby town of Es Migjorn Gran and the neighbouring resort of Son Bou. Menorca doesn’t have the party reputation of its neighbour Ibiza, but you will find a huge range of bars and clubs in the island’s two main cities, Mahon and Ciutadella, which are both about a 30-minute drive away.

Santo Tomás is popular with families, thanks to its sleepy charm, gorgeous beach, and relaxed atmosphere. Kids will enjoy messing about in the sea, which is calm and shallow, and the beach has good amenities including sunbeds and parasols for hire. There’s also a sailing club, which rents out kayaks and also runs kayaking tours of the coast – ideal if you’re travelling with older kids. There are several wonderful beaches that can be reached along the seafront path, although note that the Platja de Binigaus has a nudist section. There’s a small zoo in Son Bou, about 3 miles away, and the island’s main cities of Ciutadella and Mahon have plenty to keep kids occupied.

Santo Tomás is an idyllic spot for a relaxed holiday in the sun with your partner, particularly if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to recharge your batteries. As well as lazing on the beach, you’ll find plenty of romantic walks in the area, and lots of little coves where you can picnic in peace. If you’re in the mood for some shopping and nightlife, a half-hour drive will bring you to the island capital of Mahon to the east and the enchanting historic city of Ciutadella to the east. Both are ideal for a romantic stroll, and offer lots of shops, bars and cafés as well as cultural sights.

Santo Tomás is located on a wonderfully unspoilt stretch of coast. You can rent a kayak and explore the nearby coves, or take a guided kayak trip, or simply explore the coastline with a snorkel. The area is also great for hiking and mountain-biking with lots of well-marked trails. The famous Camí dels Cavalls, a long distance walking path that runs for more than 125 miles around the whole island, passes through the resort, and links it with some gorgeous, virgin beaches that are usually overlooked by visitors. If you want a real adrenaline rush, head inland to Monte Toro, which, despite being only 358 metres high, is the island’s highest peak. It offers some excellent climbing, hiking and mountain-biking routes, and you can also have a go at paragliding.

Most cultural sights and activities are concentrated in the two main cities in Menorca: Mahon and Ciutadella, which are both built around beautiful harbours. Mahon is the current capital, and features a host of historic sights, including fortifications built by the British in the 18^th century, and a handsome cathedral with an enormous organ. Ciutadella, which was the Menorcan capital until the arrival of the British in 1714, preserves a beautiful medieval quarter crowned by a Gothic cathedral. You’ll find many fascinating ruins of megalithic settlements and burial sites, erected by the Talaiotic culture which left its imprint across the island. These include Talatí de Dalt, a village on the outskirts of Mahon, which was first settled around 1000 BC.