Located on the north-east coast to the north of Mahón, Es Grau is a charming fishing village set within a protected nature reserve with a beautiful unspoilt natural beach ranking among the most natural locations in Menorca, blessed by nature.

Es Grau is a small, sleepy fishing village that offers families an old-fashioned seaside holiday with an authentic insight into Menorcan life and cuisine. Children can enjoy paddling in its shallow crystal clear waters whilst teenagers can experience sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or snorkelling. With a handful of delicious restaurants, selling fresh fish tapas and local other specialisties, Es Grau is one of Menorca’s best-kept secrets.

Es Grau is also home to Menorca’s largest wetland, S’Albufera des Grau, a nature reserve that stretches north with a large lake in the middle rich in marine life. The area has a rich landscape of plants including shrubs, wild flowers and several species of tress. There is also a large variety of birdlife.

History

Es Grau was originally a prime location for second homes for those Menorcan’s living in Mahon or nearby towns and villages, with the majority built in a typical Menorcan style, nestled on the side of the horseshoe-shaped bay.

The island Isla d’en Colom is also home to an early Christian Basilica, where fragments dating back to IV century AD have been discovered.

Location

The resort is only 7 miles (11km) from Menorca’s airport and a great location to explore Menorca’s attractions, such as the S’Albufera national park or the Fortress of Isabel II on La Mola, as well as nearby fishing villages of Port Addaia and the picturesque village of Fornells where you can sample the local seafood.

The capital Mahón is just 15-20-minute drive away and perfect for those who enjoy wandering around narrow streets with elegant buildings, shopping in stylish boutiques and long lazy lunches.

The early 14th century hillside town of Alaior is nearby and is Menorca’s third largest city and is a fascinating place to explore with its great selection of shops, bars, restaurants and the stunning Santa Eulalia Church.

Beaches

The beach at Es Grau is one largest on the north coast and sits in a large spectacular horseshoe-shaped bay. The water stays very shallow for over 100 feet with very calm currents helped by the island S’Illa d’en Colom that lies towards the entrance of the bay. This creates a beach perfect for families with small children, who can sit and relax on the beach.

Towards the rear of the beach are low sand dunes and pines woods that lead towards a lake in the heart of the S’Albufera nature reserve. Read our guide to the Es Grau beach to find out more.

The Isla d'en Colon, the offshore island that shelters the bay has two wonderful sandy beaches located on the protected west coast, Arenal d’en Moro and Tamarells. The island is approximately 200 meters from the mainland and can be reached by kayak or water taxi from the resorts quayside.

To the north of Es Grau, along the ancient footpath Cami de Cavalls, there are more wonderful coves and beaches including Cala Rambles and Cala de sa Torreta.

Tourist attractions

Es Grau is in an ideal location to explore those Menorca attractions situated in the east of the island, such as the Favaritx lighthouse, Mount Toro and the Port of Mahon.

Sporting activities

Kayaking, has become a favourite activity at Es Grau with the natural beauty of the location providing fantastic opportunities to take to the water. Menorca en Kayak, a local company based in Es Grau offers kayak, pedalo’s, dinghies and stand up paddleboards for hire, as well as guided excursions to the islands favourite spots.

Es Grau and the surrounding area also offers a perfect location for walkers of all abilities, especially with the S’Albufera nature reserve nearby where you can find three short walks amongst the protected wetlands. There are also two stages of the Camí de Cavalls that can be used by ramblers and mountain bikes both of medium difficultly from Mao to Es Grau (6.2 miles) and Es Grau to the Favàritx lighthouse (5.3 miles).

Shopping

Es Grau is a small resort but does have the basics including a well-stocked supermarket and a small boutique near the waterfront which sells jewellery, paintings, souvenirs and individually designed clothes. There are no cash machines in Es Grau, the nearest is in Menorca’s capital Mahón.

Bars and restuarants

Bar Es Grau
A beach side restaurant serving salads, baguettes and pizza with plenty of seating places underneath trees.

Can Bernat des Grau
A wonderful restaurant located in the Menorcan countryside, about 15minutes drive from ES Grau on the Me-7 road to Fornells. Well known for its fish dishes as well as offering the famous Menorcan dish of Caldereta de Langosta (Lobster Soup). Open Tuesday to Sunday 12am-midnight (Carretera Mahón-Fornells; +34 650 974 685).

Bar Es Moll
A wonderful location next to the quay, this tapas bar has a terrace overlooking the bay and Isla d’en Colom. Serving tasty fish tapas dishes including sardines and clams.

Bar Ca’n Bernadet
A relaxed tapas bar, offering authentic Menorcan and fresh fish tapas, including tripe, octopus, cuttlefish, meatballs, mussels and prawns. Tapas from €3.75. (Carretera Mahón-Fornells; +34 650 974 685).

Tamarindos
A slightly more formal restaurant with a wonderful terrace at the water’s edge, specialising in paellas and fideua. (Pas Tamarell; +34 626 476 727).

Getting here and around

Located on the North East coast the resort is about 7 miles (11km) from the airport in Maó (Mahón), the capital.

Car hire
Cars can be pre-booked and picked up at the airport, Mompel offer some of the best rates in Menorca and costs from £110 for a week. Journey time to Es Grau is approximately 20-30 minutes.

Taxi
A taxi journey will cost you in the region of €20.00/£17.00 from the airport and takes rounds 20 minutes to reach the resort.

Bus
A regular bus service is available during high season from Mahon’s bus station, that takes around 15 minutes (€2.00/£1.70). A regular bus service is available from the airport to Mahon’s bus station.