Menorca Shopping

The quality and choice in shops in Menorca has improved hugely in the past few years particularly in Mahón and Ciutadella where leather goods, including footwear, are probably better value than anywhere else in Europe. Look out for the "rebaixes" or sales, in late August / September when genuine and often significant reductions can be found.

Good quality Menorcan and other Spanish pottery of all kinds is reasonably priced here, but for the best value avoid shops in ports and adjacent to beaches.

Wine in the Balearic Islands is well worth trying and is widely available in shops, well-stocked supermarkets and at many of Menorca's markets, where many of the delicacies can be sampled. Menorca also produces its own local Xoriguer gin made with juniper berries.

We have put together a guide to all the Menorcan markets along with when they are held.

Menorca offers a number of interesting food products specific to the region, such as delicious ensaimada pastry which comes boxed and beautifully presented, gourmet spicy sobresada sausages which you will see hanging everywhere and have added paprika to give them the red colour, the huge variety of olives cannot be avoided, both whole or stuffed, and the opportunity to purchase good quality olive oil and real saffron at reasonable prices should not be missed.

Other cooked meats include chorizo which is a red strongly flavoured meat which makes a deliciously different filing for a roll, as do any of the huge variety of salamis and cheeses. Menorca is famous for its cheese which comes in a variety of strengths and flavours. If you like mild cheddar then try Mercadal which is an excellent cheese with a distinctive but gentle flavour.

A large variety of fish and shell fish are available throughout the island with sardines, sole, red mullet, squid, prawns, lobster and mussels among the most easily recognized, but if you want to be adventurous try steaks or fillets of monkfish or rape (pronounced ra-pay), atún - tuna or mero - grouper.

The larger shops in Menorca usually open from 09:00 to 21:00, particularly in the tourist centres. Some shops in Menorca do close between 14:00 to 17:00 for the Spanish afternoon siesta.

The numerous beachfront shops stay open until late at night, and during the high season most shops in Menorca open seven days a week.

Banks are only open in the mornings, but there are cash points virtually everywhere. Visa and MasterCard are accepted throughout the island with American Express and Diners Card less useful.

If you are planning to explore the area outside of the city centre and play some golf or go to some of the more out of the way beaches then you might consider hiring a car . There are a number of car hire firms based at Mahon Airport who will be pleased to have a vehicle awaiting your arrival. This also cuts down on transfer costs for you and your family.

We have been working in Spain for a number of years and have visited the Island of Menorca several times. To make sure you get full enjoyment from your holiday on this lovely island we have written a Menorca Area Guide which includes the best Shopping Areas in Menorca, Menorca Markets, Golf Courses in Menorca, the different types of Menorca Beaches, recommended Menorca Restaurants and Menorca Local Attractions.