Planning a day trip or stay in Fornells? Our guide's got you covered!
Updated January 2024
A charming little coastal town in the north of Menorca, Fornells has quite a different feel to many places you’ll find on the south of the island.
Once a fisherman's village that served as a landing site during the British occupation of Menorca, there’s no beach to speak of and its whitewashed streets are more laid-back and residential than ‘beach holiday vibes’.
Yet its appeal remains tied to the ebb and flow of the water, with locals and day trippers arriving here to set out to sail or pack out the specialist seafood restaurants. The well-heeled and the flip-flopped mix by day, whilst in the evening the waterfront and the softly lit side streets hum with romance, laughter, and the clink of cutlery.
Though small and light on ‘must-see’ sights, Fornells is a great alternative to the more mainstream Menorca. It will particularly appeals to foodies, sailors and those who would like to explore the northern coast by kayak, yacht, or windsurf. We liked it so much that we would happily have based ourselves here for a slow, very different type of Menorca vibe in comparison to several more popular accommodation hubs on the south and west coast.
In this guide, we’ve shared the best things to do in Fornells if you’re only visiting for the day, whilst we also have essential tips and recommendations for those considering using Fornells as a base in Menorca.
fornells essentials
Where / Northeast of the island (and a wonderful base)
Do / Great swimming spots and watersports (but no sandy beach). Super popular spot to do a boat tour to explore beaches and snorkelling - this one is highly-rated
Known / Famous for its seafood & abundance of excellent restaurants
Drive / Rental car is essential if using as base - check prices, availability and book here
Stay / La Palma is our hotel pick but more holiday homes & apartments - Mevamar 1 is our apartment picks but we love this townhouse for traditional charm
Is It This Fornells or The Other Fornells?
The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice that there is a resort called Playas de Fornells / Platages de Fornells on the western side of the peninsula, a relatively new development that’s popular with package holidays and self-catering apartments or villas.
As the two are only a 10-minute drive from one another, those who are staying in the resorts will definitely spend time in the village - especially if looking to head out on the popular boat trips or sea kayaking tours - but they shouldn't be viewed as the same or neighbouring.
Due to this, always double check your accommodation or reservations before deciding which Fornells you're actually staying at or booking in!
our favourite Things to do in Fornells
take in the view from torre fornells
Whilst the charming white-washed streets of Fornells are best appreciated on a slow wander around town, for the prettiest views you need to head up high to Torre Fornells, one of the largest and best preserved defensive towers in Menorca.
Built in 1801 to defend the harbour and the nearby Castell de Sant Antoni (more on that later), its construction was one of the final acts carried out by the English before they left the island, after which the tower fell into relative disrepair.
Fast forward a couple of centuries, and a restoration project means that tourists can now access the tower to learn more of its history. For most however, it’s the views over the harbour and leading out to the Balearic Sea that you’ll come for, views which - as is often the case - are best enjoyed during golden hour. If you’re based here, we’d highly recommend planning for a sunset visit during your time in Menorca.
The tower is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm and costs €2.40 per adult (concessions €1.40 and children under 8 are free). If you’d just like to admire the view, there’s no fee for accessing and enjoying the grounds outside of the Torre.
Those that have an avid interest in Menroca’s tumultuous history, and specifically the English occupation, should also be sure to stop by Castell de Sant Antoni, a previously modest fort which guarded the entrance to the harbour. Standing for 150 years, it was demolished in 1782 post the Franco-Spanish reconquest of Menorca after its defensive function became obsolete (given that the English re-took the island in 1798, this was perhaps a tad short-sighted).
This is very much a ruin, but a restoration project has seen many of the walls repaired and notices placed to tell the story of how life used to be. Find the fort here.
Top Tip // For alternative golden hour views of the Fornells coastline, consider going this small group, three-hour, sunset sailing trip - the perfect romantic adventure.
A Wander & An Ice Cream
Besides the Torre (and to a lesser extent, the castle), Fornells doesn’t have too many must-see sights.
So instead of planning your route around town to tick off various important spots, simply take an inquisitive stance and let your feet or nose lead you - Fornells is a pretty small place, so you will cover most of the main attractions in a couple of hours at most.
For a little more structure, put these in your map:
Sant Antoni de Fornells | This pretty white-washed church located in a wide, quiet square is humble but definitely worth poking your head into. Find it here.
Plaça del Forn | A lovely little community swimming spot that we cover in more detail below.
Carrer Major | The main pedestrianised street in town, with restaurants and artisanal shops. Whilst relatively quiet during the day, it really comes alive at night.
Carrer Q | Not really a road, it’s more of a man-made narrow promontory in the harbour, but if you walk to the end you’ll get lovely views back on to the town.
Top Tip // Fornells play host to a number of popular street markets during the summer months, with the weekend night market held along Calle Del Mar de Fornells (maps) being the most popular. The market runs from May to October, from 8pm until 1am every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
If you’re more of an early-riser than a night owl, consider visiting the local local flea market in the same location every Wednesday,10am to 2pm.
And now on to the most important thing - ice cream!
Having been spoiled by countless excellent scoops during our travels in Italy, we have a pretty high threshold of what good ice cream should taste like - and Ricardo Riera nails it.
All handmade on-site using local and fresh produce, our cones of goodness were perfect for cooling us down, plus probably the best ice cream we had during our month in Menorca (the chocolate and pistachio were particularly yummy).
You can find Ricardo Riera here. There are often queues out the door in the evening, but it’s worth the wait.
Go for a swim
Whilst the town of Fornells doesn’t have a proper beach, it is not short of charming little swimming spots.
Plaça del Forn | This gorgeous little local swimming area reminded us a little of Italy. The crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, and the protected nature of the inlet means it is free from waves and a calm spot to enjoy a swim (or simply bathe and relax).
Do bear in mind that this is first and foremost a swimming spot, and whilst there are a few rocks which you can sit on, it’s not really set up for sunbathers. If not getting wet, then there’s a long bench in the shade and a cafe to sit and people watch.
Cala Fornells | A little further along the coast, you'll find Cala Fornells, a small rocky cove with the signature metal steps leading down and into the blue. We unfortunately discovered the Cala a tad too late in the day for a swim, but could quite easily see ourselves spending the entire day in this pretty little spot! Find it here.
If you’re craving a day on the sand, you can take water taxis (or kayak) to the nearby beaches of Arenal Son Saura at Son Parc, or Cala Tirant in Playa den Fornells.
Read More // The 19 Best Beaches in Menorca
Embrace the water
If you love the water, but are looking for a little more excitement or a chance to venture beyond the swimmer-friendly coves and calas of Fornells, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are an abundance of water-based activities available here such as sailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and kayaking.
Although Cala Galdana is popular for boat rentals, Fornells is the undisputed watersports capital of the island. This isn’t just because of its geography, but also due to the favourable wind conditions.
Throw in the fact that a significant number of the boat tours on offer in Menorca actually depart from here, and you’ve got a lot to keep you busy!
There are plenty of watersports tour companies with offices in the centre of Fornells, but if you’d like to book an activity in advance for your day trip, the following have excellent reviews:
North Coast Beaches Boat Cruise | This incredibly popular 3.5 hour tour takes in the best of northern Menorca’s beaches (including one of our favourites, Cala Pregonda) and allows plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the sparkling blue sea! Find out more here.
This three-hour tour is a popular alternative.
North Coast Sailing Tour | If the above experience sounds great but you’re rather more partial to a yacht than a motorised boat, then this full-day tour is probably perfect - especially as it also includes typical Menorcan food and drink.
Half-Day Menorca Catamaran Trip | If a catamaran is more your type of sea-based adventure vehicle, consider this half-day, small group tour with time for snorkelling, alongside free snacks and beverages! Find out more here.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more personal and intimate experience, consider hiring a catamaran and skipper for the whole day for your group only.
Stand-Up Paddle Excursion | If you’d prefer a slightly more active seaside adventure, consider this two-hour SUP tour which includes time for a swim in the refreshing waters of S'Arenalet Beach and drinks. Find out more here.
Attend the Fiesta de Sant Antoni Fornells
The Fiesta de Sant Antoni falls on the fourth weekend in July each year and is a way for the residents of Fornells to celebrate their town and saint; it truly is something to behold, especially in the evening.
And yes, it’s the same chap the castle and the church were named after!
So if you are only spending the day in Fornells, prepare for it to be a long one as the fireworks usually don’t go off until midnight.
While the celebrations differ slightly each year, the fiesta always begins with a whistleblower, or Fabioler, asking the major for permission to start the festival before gathering all the village’s horses and parading them through the town square.
As with any carnival-type celebration, there is also plenty of food, drink, live acts and fun fairs - if you’re yet to indulge in a Pomada (Menorca’s signature drink made with gin and lemonade, and one which is traditionally served during fiestas) this is an excellent time to give it a go!
Good to know // If you are travelling with small children, bring a set of earplugs as the fireworks can get loud. Also, there are also no boundaries between you and the horses, so keep hold of your young ones.
Eat the lobster stew…Or not
Fornells is considered to be one of the island’s top foodie destinations, specifically for Caldera de Langosta, the local lobster stew. If you’ve read any other articles for ideas on things to do here, this has likely been the number one tip, something you couldn’t possibly leave Fornells without enjoying.
And yet, that’s not what we’re going to say.
As you may be aware, when we’re in the UK we’re both staunch vegetarians. However, when travelling along the coastlines of foreign lands or visiting tiny islands, we do relax this a little and indulge in the odd bit of sustainably caught seafood.
That occasional indulgence however does not extend to lobster.
We don’t want to go all PETA on you - especially when others have explained our reasoning much more eloquently and with much more scientific reasoning - but we do want to drop a few links for educational purposes.
So please, if you’re thinking of heading to Fornells, have a quick read of these articles and consider whether that famous stew is really worth it:
Consider the Lobster | Written several years ago but referenced repeatedly in recent articles on the subject, this piece by David Foster Wallace is essential reading.
How to Kill a Lobster Is As Much About Our Moral Code as Science | An interesting opinion piece in the Financial Times
Is It Wrong to Boil Lobsters Alive? | The Guardian discusses why the same welfare standards don’t apply to lobsters as they do land-based livestock.
Okay, now we’ve hopefully made you consider whether it’s worth paying for a recently boiled-to-death lobster, where should you eat? Well, the good news is that even when you omit the lobster, Fornells has a really excellent selection of restaurants, many of which you’ll find in front of the harbour on on nearby side streets.
They also won’t cost you nearly as much for a memorable meal as those lining the seafront, where the massive lobsters are on display in tiny tanks and lunch or dinner with the specialty can cost a small fortune.
The following are a selection that we particularly recommend:
Sa Taula | Sa Taula is actually two venues under the same name - there’s the cocktail bar on one side of the road, and the restaurant on the other. Based on personal experience, we can highly recommend both! The bar has a much cooler aesthetic than we’ve found to be common in seaside towns and villages across Menorca (and they make a mean negroni!) and the restaurant offered us one of the best meals we had across our entire month on the island, with a fusion menu offering modern twists on traditional recipes. For an evening meal, be sure to reserve.
La Guapa | You could easily pass by this busy little restaurant without realising it has some of the best food in Fornells and was last year's Travellers Choice on Trip Advisor.
Jordis | A great spot for lunch and close to the water.
Es Cranc is also very popular.
Fornells is a foodie hotspot in summer, and it’s sensible to arrive early or reserve a table if you have your stomach set on a particular place for lunch or dinner. Otherwise, it may involve a bit of a wait in the heat, or taking punt on somewhere that isn’t as popular.
Good to know // Though fish + seafood is very much the foodie specialty in Fornells, a lot of the restaurants have at least one or two vegetarian options on their menus, but vegans will struggle a little.
Where to stay in Fornells
The accommodation options are quite limited in Fornells and, with it being so far north, it may not be the ideal base for everyone. With that being said, if you’re looking for somewhere that is distinctly non-resort in its facilities, way of life and design, then Fornells could be the perfect choice.
For more advice on the best base for your budget and travel style, read ‘Where To Stay in Menorca’.
Hotels and Hotels
La Palma | A mixture of light, bright and modern private rooms, La Palma is right in the harbour and comes with a pool plus bar/cafe. Given the rarity of serviced rooms available in Fornells, this is a great choice. Breakfast is included for stays of more than three nights (excluding August). Find out more here.
Hostal S’Algaret| Fitting firmly within the category of ‘basic but functional’ this simple hotel has proved popular with previous guests for its clean and comfortable rooms, the outdoor pool and garden area plus the hospitable hotel staff. It’s also got a decent location, just a five-minute walk from the centre of Fornells. Find out more here.
APARTMENTS
Small Apartment | With one-beds at a premium in Menorca, this little apartment is perfect for a couple. Located in the heart of Fornells, it’s well furnished and has a balcony overlooking the sea and access to a communal pool. Find out more here.
Mevamar 1 | A bright and shiny, brand new three-bed apartment in the centre of Fornells. Good-sized rooms, well-equipped kitchen and large terrace overlooking the harbour. Find out more here.
Menorquina Ground Floor Apartment | This clean, comfortable and well-furnished two bedroom apartment is remarkably well priced (one of the budget friendly places to stay in Fornells), but still highly rated with great reviews. Excellent location and small balcony. Find out more here.
Ca na Maria | This incredibly light duplex apartment sleeps six across three bedrooms and whilst the design is a tad old-fashioned, the incredible terrace views more than make up for it! Find out more here.
FORNELLS TOWNHOUSES
Seaside Shelter | This adorable little townhouse oozes charm, is full of traditional features well matched with contemporary design features and antique pieces. and also has small interior patio. Just lovely! Find out more here.
Esglesia 4 | Situated in Church Square, this traditional house sleeps five guests in four bedrooms, comes with wifi and a private balcony. This property is one of the best if you are looking for a more authentic place to stay. Find out further details here.
Other houses to consider include: Luxury Semi-detached Townhouse and Luxury House.
FORNELLS VILLAS
Charming Villa on Seafront | Whilst a number of villas in Fornells have a slight sterile feel, this four-bed option looks super comfortable, light and bright and stylishly decorated. It also has a lovely outdoor area, and large pool that overlooks the sea. Find out more here.
The three-bedroom Villa La Plaza is also worth taking a look at.
If you’re planning a trip to Menorca as a large group the good news is that there are plenty of villas to choose from, including these two excellent options in Fornells - Charming Seafront Villa and The Perfect Retreat.
Do note that there are a number of apartment rentals and small villas located in Ses Salinas, a couple of kilometres south of Fornells. Though it's got a very popular, very carnviorous grill restaurant, we don't actually recommend basing yourself here if you're hoping to enjoy Fornells.
And we say this from experience when a combination of budget, last-minute itinerary changes, and the apartment we hoped to book no longer being available, we ended up at a functional but unremarkable holiday apartment here instead of in Fornells. Although it looks like it's a only short, relatively inconvenient walk away, the reality is that it's feels further than it is and is the last thing you'll want to do after a nice meal at midnight. It does however have lots more affordable accommodation options and general availability.
If you find something that's perfect for your travel style and budget, and using Ses Salines as a base from which to explore with a rental car, rather than viewing it as an extension of Fornells, then by all means go for it!
How to get to Fornells
// From the airport
To reach Fornells from Menorca’s only airport, you have three options:
1. Using public transport. From the airport take line 10 to Máhon bus station. It leaves every 30 minutes and costs €2.75 per person, paid to the driver. From the main bus station, pick up line 41. It leaves several times during the day and takes about 60 minutes to reach Fornells.
2. Taking a taxi. There are plenty of taxis outside the airport that will take you to Fornells. The journey is around 30 minutes and will cost between €20 - €24.
3. Rent a car and drive yourself. We recommend looking + booking via Rentalcars.com as it has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, and often has discounts and deals.
We’ve written much more in this guide about Menorca car rental, so if it’s something you are considering doing, we highly recommend giving it a read first.
We’d also recommend renting a car if you plan on visiting different parts of the island.
// By bus from elsewhere on the island
There are two bus lines that run in and out of Fornells:
Line 41 | Es Mercadal - Fornells - Tirant- Son Parc - Arenal d’en Castell - Maó
Line 45 | Fornells - Es Mercadal - Fornells
From Es Mercadal there are several other bus routes you can pick up to take you to other areas in Menorca.
// By car from elsewhere on the island
Although located in the north east of the island, it is still an easy drive to Fornells from most major tourist hubs, and just 10 minutes from Es Mercadal.
Paid and unpaid parking is available on various streets throughout Fornells, however we’d recommend that day trippers park up in one of two official carparks.
The smallest of the two carparks is located by the harbour, and is a good option if you are arriving early in the morning. You can find it here on Google Maps.
Alternatively, there is a much large car park (seriously, it’s huge!) just behind Fornell’s thoroughfare. You can find it here on Google Maps.
As is common across the island, both of these carparks are free of charge.
If you are staying in Fornells, we’d advise checking if your accommodation comes with parking.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR VISITING Fornells
// GROCERIES
There are several mini-markets in Fornells, the largest of which can be found here, all with a decent selection for beach snackers, daytrippers and basic self-catering requirements, however do note that you will pay significantly more for groceries here than you would in one of the larger supermarkets used by locals.
If you’re based here for a week and plan on doing on doing a lot of cooking, we’d recommend heading to one of the many large supermarkets in Mahón at the beginning of your holiday.
For fresh local produce, make your way be sure to stop by the Farmers Market held every Monday along Carrer Major (maps) from 7pm until late.
// ATMS
There are two ATMs in Fornells located here and here (although this second one is one of the hated Euronet machines - not sure why we hate them so much, read this article)
// CAR RENTAL AGENCY
There are no car rental companies based in Fornells however AutoValls (one of Menorca’s biggest car hire companies) has an office in Playas de Fornells from which you are able to pick up a rental car.
You can find the office here, but it is advised to book your vehicle in advance of your holiday if you’re not picking up from the airport. Otherwise availability is very poor in these satellite offices and rates can be much higher than you expect.
We recommend looking + booking via Rentalcars.com as it has the best selection of local and international companies on the island, including AutoValls, and often has discounts and deals.
For more information, including ways to save money on rental, read this post: 7 Things To Know Before You Hire A Car in Menorca.
