Best Resorts for Families
Menorca is quite simply a family friendly location, wherever you stay. That’s what makes the island a favourite for many. But, since you’re curious, let’s take a little look at a few that fit the bill as some of the best resorts for a family holiday in Menorca…
Cala Galdana
The resort of Cala Galdana is popular with families from Spain, many of whom own second properties here, with some being extremely lavish, positioned high on the cliff tops complete with draw-dropping views over the bay. It’s also popular with the discerning British traveller looking for a resort in a beautiful setting, without excessive late night noise, but still providing enough entertainment, activities and dining out options for all the family.
The beach is an obvious draw. A crescent of soft, golden sand stretches from one side of the resort to the other. The sea itself shelves gently to provide safe playtimes for little ones but eventually deep enough for older ones to enjoy a more energetic swim. The bay itself is wonderfully sheltered from the open sea meaning any waves are usually kept to an absolute minimum. Lifeguards are on duty here, their presence low key – and a First Aid Medical Centre gives peace of mind should any little accidents happen.
There’s enough to keep the kids entertained both day and night. The Toboggan Bar includes a couple of small waterslides that keep children busy whilst parents can relax with a drink, children close at hand. There’s also a little mini golf here, which whilst small, is still great fun. There’s a good selection of restaurants here in Cala Galdana suiting all budgets, so dining out is never a challenge getting seated somewhere. Musical entertainment is usually confined to the larger hotels, so consider a stay at one of these if high on your list of holiday requirements. The Hotel Cala Galdana does provide free children’s shows as well, so that’s always worth checking out nearer the time.
For a more detailed look at the resort, including accommodation at Cala Galdana, you can read our Cala Galdana guide.
Cala ‘n Bosch
Cala’n Bosch (also known as Cala en Bosch or even Cala en Bosc) is a very popular resort for families on the south western tip of the island. The resort is centred around a marina that boasts many a luxury powerboat and lined with restaurants, tapas bars and craft stalls.
It’s cosmopolitan vibe is apparent as you stroll around the waters edge and the abundance of restaurants here serve all manner of cuisine, so if you have fussy little eaters, you can rest assured you’ll find something to their liking. You’ll also find a musical accompaniment to your evening for those eating or drinking in the small square in the centre of the resort as it’s often home to a singer or band providing entertainment for families.
Cala’n Bosch’s marina is also home to a small games arcade that features a selection of traditional arcade machines along with the some ticket awarding machines that can be collected in exchange for a small prize during your stay here. Also on the resort is one of the largest water parks on the island of Menorca and can be reached on foot if you haven’t hired a car as it is located at the back of the resort. There’s also a fun, wheeled ‘train’ that the little ones will love and this is another way of getting from one side of the resort to the other, yet providing the kids with a little fun along the way.
The beach itself, whilst not the largest, is still a good size to accommodate many of Calan’ Bosch’s temporary residents. It’s a moderately shelving bay, not too shallow, but at the same time does not throw you out of your depth within a few feet. The rocky edges which frame the bay make a great place to go snorkelling. There are more gentle sandy shorelines nearby however at Son Xoriguer’s beach. This can be reached by a 20 – 40 minute stroll from the Centre of Cala’n Bosch (depending on where you are staying) but is also served by a frequent bus service which is used by many travelling to the beach. Pedalos can be hired from the main beach (fun for everyone!) and for the older children and adrenaline loving adults there are a variety of water sports on offer with a dedicated water sports centre at Son Xoriguer. All in all, there’s a lot of variety to be had at Cala n’Bosch.
Yes it’s a busy resort during the summer months, but it somehow manages to do all this and yet still retain it’s family loving and friendly atmosphere.
For a more detailed look at the resort, including accommodation at Cala en Bosch, you can read our Cala en Bosch guide.
Punta Prima
If you’re wondering which resort in Menorca suits very young children – then Punta Prima could well be the ideal destination for you.
Put simply, it’s beach is perfectly suited to families with toddlers and young children. Soft white sand, typical of the southern side to the island, which very gently shelves into the sea. In addition to that, the nearby island of Isla del Aire helps to shield the beach from large waves. Although it should be noted that swimming at distance from the shore here and out of your depth here can lead to you encountering stronger currents – but always check the Beach Flag warning system – if it’s green, you’re good to go. If it’s yellow, perhaps stick closer to shore.
Punta Prima itself is also a short hop from the airport. No lengthy coach journeys after a few hours on the plane. Within minutes of leaving the airport, you’ll be at your resort. Despite being just a few miles south of the capital Mahon (Mao), it’s actually a very quiet resort in comparison to many others on Menorca.
For a more detailed look at the resort, including accommodation at Punta Prima, you can read our Punta Prima guide.
Other Worthy Mentions…
It really does need stating that you can’t really go wrong in Menorca if staying at a popular resort. Depending on the ages of your family members, what makes for a great family resort may see different requirements for your holiday for it to be a memorable one. Check out our individual guides to the resorts of Menorca for more information.
Best Beaches at a Resort
For many visitors to Menorca, access to a big beach is a top priority when booking their holiday – and if you haven’t hired a car, then a beach within easy walking distance takes on even greater significance. The good news however, is that you’ll actually be spoilt for choice, with many resorts in Menorca boasting a great beach right on their doorstep. So whilst I’ve picked out 3 resorts to consider here, there are many other notable mentions which we’ll look at later in this review.
Son Bou
There’s a simple reason Son Bou makes our top 3 for ‘resorts with great beaches’ and that’s it’s size! Although it’s fair to say that as a resort, it’s a great family destination too. At 5km long, Son Bou is the largest beach on the island, stretching all the way to Santo Tomas. The water is crystal clear and gently sloping along most of its length. It even includes a naturist section (albeit some distance from the hustle and bustle of the main resort). So whilst in the height of summer, beaches across the island can be very busy, including Son Bou, you’ll have no difficulty finding a spot to plant your sun brolley here. The further you walk from the main entrances, the more space you’ll have to relax.
There are many activities that the more energetic can pursue here at Son Bou, from water slide pontoons, kayaking and kite surfing. For more information, see our Activities Guide. One point to note, do double check the location of your intended accommodation before booking if quick access to the beach is required as some properties will require a lengthy walk around the protected wetlands to gain access to the beach. There is a huge car park at the rear of the beach, but this is often full by 11am during the peak summer months – although there are a couple of handy free showers for washing off sandy feet.
For a more detailed look at the resort, including accommodation at Son Bou, you can read our Son Bou guide.
Cala Galdana
We’ve already seen the reason why Cala Galdana is a family favourite but it’s the shear grandeur of the bay, with it’s pine fringed cliffs and turquoise blue waters tempts many to the resort. Combined with it’s good choice of restaurants, boutique shops and central location on the southern facing coastline – it’s a very popular place, not just to stay for a holiday, but for day-trippers too across the island.
The beach itself is a narrowish arc of sand that stretches from one side of the bay to the other. The sea is gently shelving, with enough of a gradual increase to get you deep enough for an energetic swim within the safety of the shore. Pedalos can be hired at the far end of the beach, although there’s no pre-booking and only cash payments accepted – so bring a few notes in change. The beach is backed by the shade of a few pine trees and a promenade that spans its length.
Along the promenade you’ll find a few beachwear and gift shops, and a couple of beachside cafe´s serving a range of snacks, ice creams and even full course meals. Cala Galdana beach benefits from an easily reached First Aid Centre – one we’ve been unfortunate to have to use years ago, but wonderfully assisted (and repaired!) by the friendly staff.
During peak times the beach can get a little too crowded – but if staying in the resort, you’re ideally positioned to get a decent spot on the beach before the day-trippers arrive.
For a more detailed look at the resort, including accommodation at Cala Galdana, you can read our Cala Galdana guide.
Arenal den Castell
Representing the northern side of the island is Arenal. The beach is one of the most beautiful on the island, with cliffs extending out into an embracing, protecting arc – protecting from winds and currents and thus providing a safe bathing environment for families. The resort itself is very commercialised and touristy, catering for the many British tourists that visit there each year. There’s no denying though that as far as beaches ‘on your doorstep’ rank, it’s amongst the best on the island.
At the far edges of the bay, the rocky territory begins which allows for some great snorkelling where a multitude of fish can be easily spotted. The sea is very gently shelving, ideal for those with young children and there’s also a lifeguard on duty during the summer months and other busy periods. Behind the beach and up higher up overlooking the bay, you’ll find a good selection of cafes, bars and restaurants with a mix of cuisines on offer.
Other Worthy Mentions…
There’s so many resorts on Menorca that fulfil this brief…all with lovely beaches on their doorstep – and of course, worth a mention.
Cala en Bosch – A delightful medium sized sandy beach within easy walking distance of the chic and popular marina. It’s sister beach of Son Xoriguer is also reachable on foot or via a short and regular bus journey. Both beaches have a beach bar/restaurant to the rear. For a more detailed look at the resort, including accommodation at Cala en Bosch, you can read our Cala en Bosch guide.
Son Parc – A wide expanse of soft, white sand means there’s plenty of room for everyone on this delightful beach. The sea is generally shallow for the most part, but there are some areas of quickening depths, especially on it’s western side. The resort itself neighbours Arenal den Castle, but is much quieter in comparison. It’s also home to the islands only golf course. Another beach with a beach bar at it’s far end.
