Es Mercadal
Mercadal is a central town of Minorca with about 5,000 people (2019). Its municipality covers the North-Central region of the island and is the second largest in area after that of Ciutadella.
Understand
Es Mercadal is named after the Latin word for market, mercatum, as in 1301 King James II of Majorca decided there needed to be a central market area on the island. Mercadal is dominated by Mount Toro (El Toro), the highest point on the island.
In the summer months, like most other towns on the island, it is host to lively and colourful street parties. Its festes are dedicated to Sant Martí.
The economy of the municipality has traditionally been linked to fishing, a sector that despite suffering a significant setback still survives. Tourism is the main activity, with a polygon located in Fornells that aims to diversify economic activity towards this population centre.
Climate
The climate is, as in the rest of the Balearic Islands, Mediterranean with marked seasonality. The average annual temperature is 17.1 °C with minimum averages in January, the coldest month, of 11.5 °C and maximum averages in August, the hottest month, of 25.0 °C. Minimum in winter can drop to 5 °C often at night and in the morning, and the maximum in summer exceed 30 °C.
Get in
Although it is relatively close to Maó, it is around a 20-minute drive from the airport.
Get around
See
- 🌍 S'Aljub des Mercadal. A British-built cistern from the 18th century.
- 🌍 El Toro (Monte Toro), ME-13 (Head east out of Es Mercadal on the ME-13, until you reach the summit.). The highest point on the island, near Es Mercadal. Visit for a fantastic panoramic view of the island. There's also a monastery, cafe and shop at the summit. The highest point is 342 m (1,122 ft) tall. Free.
- 🌍 Santuari de la Verge del Toro. A church built in 1670. Next to the church, forming one of the walls of the inner courtyard of the Sanctuary, there is a defence tower built in 1558.
- 🌍 Castell de Sant Antoni.
- 🌍 Torre de l'illa de Sargantana.
- 🌍 Early Christian Basilica of Port de Fornells. The archaeological remnants of an early Christian building, likely a church or convent
Do
The beaches of Macaret, Arenal del Castillo and Puerto de Adaya have easy access and complete services. Those of Cavallería, Binimel·là and Pregonda have vehicular access, which, like the previous ones, are busy. On the coast there are also several unspoilt beaches lacking services and only accessible on foot or by sea: Cala Pudent, Cala Tusqueta, Beaches of Puerto de Fornells, Es Clot des Guix, Cala Viola de Poniente and Levante, Sa Nitja, Cala Rotja , Cala Mica and Cala en Calderer.
Festivals
- May 8. Our Lady of Monte Toro, patron saint of Menorca.
- 3rd week of July. San Martín, patron saint festivities.
- 4th week of July. Saint Anthony, patron of Fornells.
Buy
Buy avarcas, the traditional Menorcan sandal, here:
- Menorquinas Pwani, Calle Madrid 29 (at Mercadal Market). every Thursday from June to September.
Eat
- 🌍 The Windmill Restaurant (Es Moli D'es Raco), Carrer Major, 53 (on the main Mao - Ciutadella road), ☏ +34 971 37 52 75. 12:00 - 16:00 , 19:00 - 23:00 daily. The restaurant inside the 300-year-old "molino" has an authentic, homely atmosphere. Authentic Menorcan cuisine.
- 🌍 Ca n'Olga, Pont de Na Macarrana, s/n (from the ME-1 turn right up the Carrer de Ciutadella then take the next left; the restaurant is on the corner), ☏ +34 971 375 459. 13:00 - 16:00, 19:30 - 23:00 daily. Primarily Mediterranean cuisine and attracting a stylish a sophisticated clientele, Ca n'olga is warm and intimate. It offers dining on a pretty outdoor patio or at a handful of indoor tables and an eclectic menu featuring local produce.
- 🌍 Es Cranc, Calle de las Escuelas, 31, 07740 Fornells (from the main road into Fornells go straight through the first roundabout and right at the second; the restaurant is on your right at the next junction), ☏ +34 971 37 64 42. 13:30 - 15:30 , 19:30 - 22:30 daily. One of the finest restaurants in Menorca, what it lacks in interior design, it makes up for in tasty home cooking. Be sure to try the shellfish soup 'Caldereta'.
Sleep
- 🌍 Hostal Jeni, Mirada del Toro, 81. Full service modern hotel with a terrace-garden, Jacuzzi, sauna, heated swimming pool with a retractable roof, individually-controlled A/C, business centre, restaurant serving 3 meals daily and large bar where locals congregate.
- 🌍 Hotel Es Mercadal, Carrer Nou 49, 07740 Es Mercadal, ☏ +34 971 15 44 39. Small hotel with 4 double rooms 2 junior suites. Built in a typical Menorcan house that was totally renovated in 2007. No A/C.
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