Alaior travel information and video

Alaior

The small town of Alaior on the Balearic island of Menorca is approximately 18 minutes drive from the airport at Mahon. The town is inland, with the nearest beaches at Cala en Porter and Son Bou, both around 10 kilometres away.

Built around the old Ihalor hill, from where it takes its name, Alaior was founded by King James II of Mallorca in the year 1304. 

Dark shuttered windows set in white-washed walls peer across narrow winding streets above which the sandstone beauty of the baroque inspired church rises like a mounted monarch gazing across his lands.

Leisure & recreation
Next to the church is the Munt de l’Angel Park, with its magnificent views to the surrounding countryside.

The countryside itself is littered with pathways and routes for walkers, cyclists and runners like the route that leads from the Ermita de San Llorenç to Binixems.

Also of interest are the windmills surrounding the town: Den John Mill, Den Pujol Mill and the wells, which are still preserved within the town.

Beaches
Alaior's main beaches are: Cala en Porter, and Son Bou (the longest stretch of sand in Menorca).

Cala en Porter is a beautiful curved beach at the top of an inlet with gently sloping sand down to the sea, making it safe and fun for families. 
There is a local bus service from Alaior to Cala en Porter, or you can use the private pay to use car park if arriving by car.

At peak times the beach has a lifeguard and they have strict lifeguard regulations for using the beach. A red flag prohibits swimming or bathing in the sea; the yellow flag indicates caution, but swimming is permitted and tge green flag indicates swimming is permitted. The orange flag is used to indicate that the lifeguard is absent, if the beach does not have supervision be careful and enjoy the beach without taking unnecessary risks. Pets are not allowed on the beach
.

Shopping
There are artisan cobblers and jewellery makers in the town. These items can be purchased direct, as the manufacturers all have their own shops.

Eating out
Try a meal at the excellent Las Vegas restaurant; located in an old typical town building you can eat in the walled garden, or under the covered terrace. The restaurant offers local specialties and a “menu del dia” (daily set menu) at a very reasonable price. The bar is open from 7pm to midnight with the kitchen opening for lunch and dinner.

Cuisine


Alaior is the birthplace of the internationally renowned Menorcan cheese (Queso de Menorca), as well as homemade sausages, ice creams, pastries and liquors.

Climate
Menorca enloys a mild Mediterranean climate, with often very warm temperatures even in the winter. The summer months are long and lazy, with plenty of sunshine to enjoy.