Hotels in Mercadal

Mercadal sits almost exactly at the geographic centre of Menorca, a whitewashed farming town built around the slopes of Monte Toro, the island's highest point and topped by a monastery with views stretching to both coasts on a clear day. It's less a destination in its own right than a base: the roads to Ciutadella, Mahon and the best beaches on both the north and south coasts all radiate out from here, and Menorca Airport is a short drive away.

The town itself is quiet and largely residential, with a modest weekly market and some decent local cheese and sausage, but little in the way of nightlife or sights to fill more than an afternoon. Be honest: if you want beach-front lounging or lively evenings, Mercadal isn't it. Its real value is central position and relative calm compared to the coastal resorts. Stay here if you're renting a car and want equal access to both coasts without committing to one resort's crowd.