Fornells is a charming fishing village located on the north coast of the island of Menorca. It is part of the municipality of Es Mercadal.
It is an old fishing village with a huge bay that is part of the town. In Fornells you cannot separate from the sea. The marine reserve of the north of Menorca ends in the area of Fornells and it shows in its lively marine life.
The city was an important commercial port during the Middle Ages and was also a strategic point during the Spanish War of Independence against Napoleon. Today, Fornells is a popular tourist destination known for its port and delicious gastronomy.
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What to see and do in Fornells?
There are many things to do in Fornells, from strolling around its beautiful harbor to exploring its cobblestone streets and discovering its history and culture. You can also take boat trips, practice water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, and visit nearby places such as the Natural Park of s’Albufera des Grau.
Here are some ideas:
1. Eat in the best restaurants in Fornells:
Fornells is known for its delicious gastronomy, especially its typical dish, Caldereta de Langosta, a lobster stew with potatoes and other vegetables. Some of the best restaurants in Fornells where you can try this dish are Es Cranc, Sa Llagosta and Ca Na Marga. There are also many other restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood dishes.
2. Stroll through the village and get to the Torre de Fornells:
It is a very small town that can be visited in a short time.
You can see from almost everywhere the port of Fornells, which is the heart of the town and a lovely place to stroll and enjoy the sea view.
If you want to walk a little further you can reach the Torre de Fornells at the beginning of the harbor.
This tower is one of the largest defense towers on the island, built around 1801 during the British era. It was built to guard and protect the entrance to the port from possible enemies.
All the defense towers of Menorca were strategically designed to be able to communicate with each other and thus have the entire coast controlled against the invasion of outsiders (very common during the history of Menorca).
This tower is built in 4 levels: from the lowest one where it was destined to a food and weapons warehouse, the second floor where the soldiers in charge of guarding the area lived, a terrace where the defensive artillery of the tower was located and in an upper level a cistern, which served for the accumulation of water for the use of the soldiers.
At the top we can enjoy a beautiful view of the area, its interior does not have much charm, but there are usually temporary exhibitions which tells the history of the tower through different panels.
From Easter until the end of October it can be visited every day from 09.30 to 16.00 with a price around 2€.
3. See the Castell de Sant Antoni:
This castle located “on the way” to the tower of Fornells is another fortress of the island. The patron saint of Fornells is “Sant Antoni”.
It is the origin of the village, it was born around this castle. It had a square shape about 30 meters long and 12 meters wide. You can imagine the castle at full capacity defending the harbor entrance. It is easily reached on foot from the center of town.
4. Diving in the marine reserve:
Fornells is considered one of the best places to dive in Menorca due to its rich marine biodiversity, impressive rock formations and crystal clear water. Here are some of the reasons why Fornells is an ideal place to dive:
Marine biodiversity:
The Mediterranean is known for its marine biodiversity and Fornells is no exception. Here you can find a wide variety of marine species, including octopus, moray eels, groupers, bream, lobsters and crabs, among others.
Rock formations:
Fornells is surrounded by beautiful rock formations that offer an ideal habitat for marine life. The cliffs and underwater caves are a very popular place for divers, as they offer a unique and exciting experience.
Crystal clear water:
The waters of Fornells are known for their clarity and transparency, which allows excellent visibility for divers. This makes it easier to appreciate the beauty of the marine life and enjoy a safer diving experience.
Diving schools:
In Fornells, there are several diving schools offering a wide variety of diving courses and programs, from beginner to advanced. These schools have highly trained staff and high quality equipment, which guarantees a safe and fun diving experience.
If you are a diving enthusiast or just want to try something new, do not hesitate to visit Fornells and discover the wonders of the underwater world of Menorca.
5. Take a boat excursion:
Fornells is a perfect place for boat excursions. The bay of Fornells is breathtaking and offers spectacular scenery, making it one of the most popular places in Menorca for boat trips.
There are different companies that offer excursions in the bay of Fornells or departing to Cala Pregonda or Cavalleria.
If you want more information: Boat trips menorca.
That’s all!
If you think any activity or plan is missing, don’t hesitate to contact us!