Things To Do in Calan Forcat

Ciutadella’s annual festival in June is a huge affair that the whole town – not to mention holidaymakers from all over the island – turns out for. Sleek black Menorcan horses are the stars of the festivities as they parade around town with their equally well-groomed riders. Fireworks and the fiesta drink, pomada – made from island-produced gin – add to the fun.

It’s about a 15-minute walk from Cala’n Forcat to the beach at Cala’n Blanes. There’s a bit more space on the palm-fringed sand here. You’ll still get the family-friendly water, plus there are beach cafés as well.

Supermarkets and souvenir shops come as standard here, but there’s some major retail therapy to be had in Ciutadella. For shopping out of the heat of the sun, head to Ses Voltes next to the cathedral – it’s all whitewashed archways harbouring trinkets and boutique places. If you’re looking for a pair of avarcas – the famous Menorcan leather sandals – try the market on Plaça des Born, on Fridays and Saturdays.

You can walk from the resort to Cala’n Blanes beach in about 20 minutes. Once there, you’ll find everything you need – there are plenty of sunloungers and a cluster of palm trees for shade. You can grab food and drink from a thatched-roof beach bar, while watching your little ones clambering over the pirate-themed playground. There's a good quota of watersports, too.

The old capital does shoppers proud. You’ve got a day’s worth of designer shops and classy boutiques to get round here. Some of these little places are worth a look just for their age – like the century-old leather specialists, Ses Voltes in Carrer Josep Maria Quandro. If you come to Ciutadella on a Friday or Saturday, you’ll get the market, too. Stalls set out their wares on the main square.

Karaoke, pubs and disco bars give a British twist to the evening entertainment in Cala’n Forcat. And as places tend to stay open late, the town is still buzzing well after dinner is over. To find the night-time hub, head for the area between Los Delfines arch and what everyone knows as ‘the John Travolta statue’ – the figure is actually of Los Delfines’ builder, Laurentino Garcia Sanz.

Menorca only has a couple of waterparks, so it’s handy that this one is right on your doorstep. There are 4 main slides, a whirlpool and a dedicated children’s area, plus you’ve got dry-side activities with a karting track, bouncy castles and trampolines. The on-site restaurant covers paella and pizza, and there’s a grassy area for sunbathing. Entry costs less after 1pm.

Set a little way back from the road, Las Brasas is easy to overlook. You’ll be glad you found it, though, when you see the huge paellas they serve here. The menu also runs to some delicious pork and lamb dishes, cooked in a traditional clay oven to seal in the flavour. You can pick from the à la carte, or there’s a 3-course set menu for just under 18 euros.

Down the road in Cala’n Blanes you’ll find this great waterpark. You get favourites like the Black Hole and Kamikaze, along with smaller water tunnels and a whirlpool if you’re just up for some lazing. The park also throws in bouncy castles, video games and a small go-karting track. And when you’re feeling peckish, you’ve got a couple of eating places to keep you in pizza and paella.

It’s worth the 20-minute walk to get to this family-owned restaurant. The place has been going for the best part of 20 years so they know their stuff. People rave about the Menorcan speciality caldereta de langosta – it’s a thick lobster casserole with tomatoes, onion, garlic and herbs. The food comes with friendly service, and of course there’s a top kids’ menu too.

You’ll find most of the restaurants on Avinguda Los Delfines, the main street that runs through the 3 resorts. Fish gets a good look-in, especially swordfish, sea bream and squid, while the kids’ menus do a good line in macaroni and spag bol. El Abuelo is the top spot for ice-cream sundaes – sparklers included.

This popular Brit-style pub is a credit to its owners Ian and Richard. They’ve laid on karaoke and quiz nights, and the multiple TV screens mean you won’t miss out on your favourite programmes. A children’s games room with pool tables bumps up the activities, plus there’s a large outdoor terrace if you just want to sip sangria and watch the world go by.

Cala’n Forcat and food go together like egg and chips. Menus here are family-friendly so children will find favourites like pasta and pizza. Meanwhile, fish lovers will get plates of swordfish, sea bream and squid. There’s a line-up of restaurants on Avinguda Los Delfines, the main street that runs through to Cala’n Blanes. Do poke around the backstreets for more authentic eating places, though.