This central-based town on the island gets it name from the old market, which has been unfolding since the Middle Ages. Despite the passing of time, the town has not lost its most traditional charm with its whitewashed homes, stream and windmill still giving it an undeniable island feel.
In spite of there being little more than 3,000 inhabitants, the town has all types of services, including pastry shops with the most famous traditional Menorcan sweets, los carquinyols and los amargos, as well as the highly exported ensaimadas. However, we first recommend that you enjoy one of the town’s restaurants where you will come across the most typical plates associated with common island gastronomy.
Reaching an altitude of 358 m, Monte Toro sits beside the town. The entire island, and even Mallorca on the clearest days, can be divided from its peak.
It is one of the most famous enclaves of the island, with typical fishing villages of small, white houses holding unto all its charm to this day. Today it is one of the most renowned places to enjoy island cuisine signature dish–the lobster stew. However, to work up an appetite, we recommend that you first choose to practice any of the various water sports offered by companies located on its fantastic bay. If not, another option is to take a stroll to the British defense tower, which is located at the mouth of the bay, fully restored and allows for visits of the interior.
Cala Tirantes is an open beach on the sea with a wetland in the back part and flat complexes on the ends. Playas de Fornells has respected the architectural style of the island, building white apartments with beams and railings of wild olive–the same tree that is used in typical island properties to make doors.
The only golf course of the island is located in this estate. Behind it, there is a beautiful estate of homes constructed among pine trees which extend towards Son Saura beach.
Horseshoe-shaped, this beach is one of the most beautiful urbanised beaches in the island. Two boulders keep it protected from the open water. You will find all types of services and accommodations in the estate that bears the same name.
The villas mark the difference in this state with marina. It also has a small restaurant area right at the entrance.
It is part of the typical small fishing and summer enclaves of the Minorcans. There is a small beach next to the pier and is popular for its typical small houses and summer apartments for locals.
You can travel by car to Playas de Cavallería and Binimel·la. Beginning at the latter beach, you can then take the Camí de Cavalls first to the famous Cala Pregonda and later, to many other small, peaceful coves.
The distance to the airport from the farthest city centre of this municipality, Playas de Fornells, is 30 km. The distance until the port of Mahón is 25 km and to the commercial port of Ciutadella, 35 km. The distance between Mercadal and the closest beach, Cala Tirant, is 7 km.
The bus has a regular line that runs through the island from Mahón to Ciutadella throughout the year. It stops at Mercadal approximately every 40 minutes (from Mondays to Saturdays. Bus travel frequency is reduced to six times a day on Sundays and holidays).
From June 15 to September 15, the line linking Mahón with Addaia, Arenal den Castell, Golf Course, Son Parc, Playas de Fornells, Fornells and Mercadal is reinforced, coming around 40-50 minutes. This line is reduced to practically nothing during the winter season.
