Fornells combines a distinctive harbour landscape with a clearly visible history and Menorcan food culture. The natural harbour and historic buildings give the village different points of interest, alongside watersports, products from local producers and a well-known dish from the island’s cuisine. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus mainly on history, the sea or food—or explore these themes one after another.
Bay and protected natural area
The Bay of Fornells is one of Menorca’s largest natural harbours, measuring around five kilometres long and two kilometres wide. The marine reserve in northern Menorca covers 5,199 hectares of sea between the Bay of Fornells and the Bay of Cap Gros. Fornells itself lies in a protected natural area. Small fishing boats that fish in the waters off northern Menorca shelter in the harbour.
The bay’s natural shelter and the Tramuntana wind, which usually blows here, create favourable sailing conditions; these conditions vary with the seasons. Windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are also among the watersports for which the bay offers favourable conditions. Wind Fornells offers watersports equipment rental. As availability may vary by season, check in advance whether rentals are available on your travel dates.
A village centre shaped by different periods
The historic village centre retains a Mediterranean architectural character, with decorative elements reflecting English influence. The Church of Sant Antoni is a small 19th-century religious building, constructed over an earlier oratory. The ruins of Castell de Sant Antoni are the remains of a 17th-century fortress from which the present-day village of Fornells developed.
The Torre de Fornells had a later military role: it was built between 1801 and 1802 to monitor the harbour entrance and prevent enemy landings. The Torre is one of the island’s largest defensive towers. The buildings represent different historical functions and periods: a religious building, the fortress from which Fornells developed, and the defence of the harbour entrance.
Festivals, market and Menorcan cuisine
At the end of July, Fornells celebrates the festivities in honour of Saint Anthony, including the traditional horse Jaleo. Dates and programme may vary. If the festival is central to your trip, check the specific dates in advance.
At the Mercado Agroalimentario de Fornells, visitors can sample Menorcan produce, talk with producers and learn about the products’ history and how they are made. The market focuses on the produce and its production; a meal by the shore offers another way to experience the local cuisine.
By the shore in Fornells, you can try Caldereta de Langosta, one of the best-known dishes in Menorcan cuisine. Whether individual restaurants serve it may vary.
Explore Fornells on foot
A hiking route along Menorca’s northern coast leads to the Bay of Fornells and the fishing village there; you can explore Fornells on a detour. This makes it possible to include the village as part of a hike along the northern coast. Route conditions may vary; check the latest information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Son Parc, Port D'addaia, Cala Tirant, Na Macaret.
Return to the main travel overview: Es Mercadal.
