Horseback Heaven

Brenda Jaaback asked:


If you are planning on visiting Menorca for a family holiday, Cala Galdana is likely to be your destination of choice. The resort is stunningly beautiful, with a picture postcard horseshoe bay, golden sand, dramatic cliffs and lush, verdant greenery inland. Small but with plenty to do, the more relaxed nightlife makes it a much more peaceful place to be than some of the more active resorts such as Son Bou and Cala en Porter.

It’s a near perfect destination for a family holiday, and Cala Galdana is an even more enjoyable place to stay when you have the knowledge to make the most of it. Here are a few useful hints and tips for your holiday in Cala Galdana…

Be Careful of the Cliffs!

The natural scenery is a large part of the appeal of a holiday in Cala Galdana, with villas delicately balanced on steep stone cliffs overlooking the bay. But this can mean negotiating a large number of steps to get down to the beach – If you have very small children, or any family members with mobility problems, those steps can be problematic. So when you are booking your hotel or villa in Cala Galdana, make sure you ask about how easy it is to access the beach from your accommodation of choice.

Don’t Miss the Horse Show

The beach is always going to be the central attraction of a holiday in Cala Galdana but it isn’t the only place to spend your time. One essential trip to take is to the horse club at Club Escola Menorquina, located a short distance from the resort itself. The horses of Menorca are renowned for the quality of their breeding and training and the horse shows (held every Wednesday and Sunday in the summer) are jaw dropping spectacles. Entry is €14, and under 12s go in for free, making it a perfect attraction for a family holiday in Cala Galdana.

Bring Your Own Supplies for the Beach

Parasols, sun loungers, and pretty much every other piece of beach equipment you can think of are available for hire at Cala Galdana, but the costs can add up, especially for larger families. Naturally, packing enormous sun loungers is likely to be beyond your capabilities, but take as much as you can – you’ll make considerable savings simply by bringing along some large beach towels and parasols of your own.

Take a Day Out of the Resort

The resort may be one of the finest beach destinations in the Mediterranean, but break up your visit with a day trip or two on your holiday to Cala Galdana. Menorca is a fascinating and diverse island, and it would be a shame to miss out on some of the local highlights. Experience the cities of Ciutadella and Mahon, go horse riding along the Menorcan coast, hike through the lush forest landscapes, or even take a boat trip around the island – there’s plenty to do away from the beach and your villa in Cala Galdana.