Son Parc is on the north coast of Menorca, close to the fishing village of Fornells and has two main things to recommend it. The first is the only golf course on the island. An interesting course of rock bunkers and lakes, it sits alongside the Wetlands Nature Reserve and even has its own peacock colony!

The other obvious attraction of San Parc is the glorious award winning beach. Good access by road and also along a central path suitable for buggies makes this beach a popular one for families with young children. Good facilities including sun beds, parasols, life guards, pedalos and canoes for hire make for a convenient place to decamp for the day. Clean white sand and lots of shells to collect will keep the children interested, and because of its geological makeup, some of the sand here is pink! Son Parc is well serviced by an assortment of snack bars and restaurants along the main street, otherwise known as the strip. Evening entertainment at the resort is fairly low key and largely spent in friendly restaurants which welcome children. For a different pace, the larger resort Arenal d’en Castell is nearby as is the fishing village of Fornells. Mahon with its busy port and diverse nightlife is a short drive or bus ride away.

Addadia is a small development of villas on the edge of an inlet close to Arenal de’n Castell. On a natural basin, there is a small port that offers diving and fishing expeditions. A small shopping centre with bars and restaurants completes the resort, along with brilliant views across to Macaret. For the nearest beach, visit Arenal de’n Castell.

Villas to go recommended beaches…

Arenal de’n Castell - a beautiful cove where thick pine forests give way to gently sloping sands and clear blue waters. Families with young children should stay to the eastern side of the beach where the water is shallower, as parts of the beach shelve deeply once in the water. Sunbeds are for hire, and there is a selection of bars and restaurants, not to mention a variety of water sports including wind surfing, water skiing and jet skiing.

Son Parc - a large white sandy beach ideal for children. It has a beach bar and water sports.

Playa de Ferragut, Cavalleria - a beautiful unspoilt beach with a museum, toilets and a small bar 2km away.

Cala Pregonda, near Fornells - walking access only, an outstanding beach surrounded by pines and tamarish, but with no facilities.

Take time to go…

and stop at the northern fishing village of Fornells and try Caldereta a fish stew made with local lobster.

go to the centre of the island and discover Es Mercadal. Founded in the 14th century it is famous for typical island dishes particularly confectionary.

get away from the children and go for a round of golf on the island’s only course.

jump in the car and tour the island – the north coast is dotted with sleepy fishing villages and picturesque horseshoe bays. Look out for the many Bronze age ruins: taulas (massive T-shaped rock monoliths), talyots (prehistoric watchtowers on the top of hills), and navetas (prehistoric burial chambers) can be found all over the island.

visit historic Mahon, discover the thriving natural harbour, discover a diverse choice of shops and end the day in portside restaurants to enjoy the local fare and watch the sun go down.

visit Alaior on a Thursday and go to the market. Choose from a selection of local crafts, clothing, jewellery and leather goods and take a climb to the highest point of the island and view the 17th century chapel of Mare de Deu del Toro on the top of Mount Toro. Take a look north from this spiritual centre and you will be afforded impressive views of the north coast.