Location: Es Castell
Top Things to do in Es Castell
9 Things to Do in Es Castell That You Shouldn't Miss
Es Castell (Spanish: Villacarlos) is a small municipality in eastern Menorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The town was founded in 1771 by British Col. Patrick Mackellar and was originally called Georgetown in honour of King George III; however, it takes its current name from the large fort nearby, known to the British as St. Philip's Castle. Col. Patrick MacKellar (Argyllshire 1717-1778) was the chief engineer of Menorca and his house today is known as Son Granot. Es Castell celebrates its Foundation Day on 1 June with 18th-century themed festivities, in which the Municipality itself, St. Philip's Castle Foundation, Son Granot and other institutions participate.
Restaurants in Es Castell
1. Fort Marlborough
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By jamie6666 - b,ham
Decided to go there and can say that we thoroughly enjoyed visiting here .
we went on the Monday not knowing that it's free on Mondays , but the cost is only three euros per person . It is quite cool inside as basically you are walking through tunnels . there is an outside area where you can walk around in the sun .
To get the most out of your visit you must have the audio recording as this gives you all the information about the Fort and what you are looking at . there are numbers on the wall and you just press the corresponding number on the on the phone and it will give you the information relevant to where you are . You must explore every nook and cranny of this place even if it appears dark and there is nothing down there go down there , you will not be disappointed
The recording gives you all the history of the fort and all the different armies that used to occupy the area , it's especially good when you get to the top , and you use the phone as a kind of map where you can aim your phone at building surrounding the area and it will give you details on the buildings you are looking at. The head phone set only cost three euros and its worth every cent , you do have to leave behind some form of identification so that you do not run off with the phone device . If you drive past the entrance about 200 yards away there is a small carpark which looks out onto a very small cove this would be a beautiful place to live if you could afford it and some of the houses on the waters edge were stunning. There did not appear to be any refreshment area where you could get a cold drink , there was a vending machine down a few stairs but receptionist told us that it was not working. So I would suggest you take refreshments with you as there are no bars or restaurants nearby . Well worth a visit but not a place I think you would visit twice.
2. Water Taxi Menorca
Overall Ratings
5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By moc2008 - Bolton, United Kingdom
Booked Carlos & his water taxi for a 7.15pm journey to Mahon & a beautiful return at 10.45pm in the moonlight, spoilt only by a "boorish, pompous brit" prattling on to Carlos incessently! Not always available on the day as he caters for private engagements.
3. Museo Militar de Menorca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By RoamsweetRome - Norwich, United Kingdom
Didn't realise this museum was there at first. Had a tour of Es Castell from the hotel I was staying at.
It doesn't look much from the outside, up the steps though it turns out to be a fairly large 2 story museum. I think there were 19 rooms or so. The whole museum is on military history. It's not something I've looked into before but found the it fascinating. The video presentation about the island history, castle and fort is well worth watching.
And at €3 a bargain.
Small note, it's a some of the rooms walls are red, I know this is to do with the historical colour. But it makes taking photos difficult.
Please note it doesn't open every day, wouldn't want anyone to have a wasted trip.
This museum needs to be advertised more, of the 3 on island I went to, this was the most interesting.
4. Es Cau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By jonotennis
Bar located in Cala Corb harbour
-Friendly staff.
-Unique setting - premises within rock (limestone?)
-Indoor and outdoor Seating available.
-Cosy Seating with cushions and upholstered stools inside premises. Wooden tables.
-Good sound system - I heard some relaxing music during my visit.
-Live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
-Toilet.
Cons:
-None I can think of.
Notes:
-€2 = small bottle of Estralla Dam.
-€2.50 = bottle of Coronita cerveza.
5. Bar Delfin
Overall Ratings
5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By gwyn65 - Bradford, United Kingdom
We visited Bar Delfin a few times during our two weeks at Es Castell, in early June. The owners are very friendly and welcoming.The food tasted great and the prices were really good too. English cider on tap so hubby was very happy. Would definitely recommend a visit.
6. Cala Fonts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By FitWenchDidYell - Poynton, Cheshire
Pretty little place with plenty of eateries around the harbourside which we find relaxing. We have only eaten lunch at Cala Fonts but often take a stroll around in the evening when it is much busier and the restaurants are mostly full.
There are some shops to browse - these are not typical holiday/seaside trinket places and not particularly cheap. Well worth a look at the quirky offerings all the same. There are also one or two stalls selling jewellery and other 'craft' stuff so it's easy to pass an hour in the cool of the evening.
Although lively in the evening, the atmosphere is not at all threatening or intimidating and visitors are there to enjoy the ambience. In fact the whole of Es Castell feels safe
7. Castillo de San Felipe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Brayford - Lincoln
If you think building the walls of this castle would have been difficult enough, journey underground and see from where all the rock was hewn.
After an introductory film, unfortunately only with the Spanish soundtrack at the present time (English one in preparation),
we then visited some of the miles of tunnels underground. We saw the stables where the horses and pack animals were kept, together with the stone mangers. On the ceiling were the marks of the hand tools used to create the tunnels.
There is a chapel where they have found burials of all the different nationalities involved in the various wars.
Going down steps underground you pass an underground well that goes metres down into the rock and then see where the gunpowder was stored. In addition there is a dark room where the soldiers dying of scurvy were laid out.
The tunnels are lit, but not very well in places, and the floor has an irregular surface, some of the steps are irregular too; so you have to be careful when walking round.
The castle above ground was demolished by the Spanish in about 1800.
The guide is bilingual in Spanish and English and has extensive knowledge of the site.
We walked from Es Castle but most visitors seem to come by car.
Well worth a visit and you have to marvel at the human endeavour that went in to creating it.
Still a military site hence access is limited to a very strict timetable - the guide has to report to a Captain in the Spanish military!
8. Tutti Bar Cockteleria
Overall Ratings
5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By stephen f - Whitley Bay, United Kingdom
Overlooking the port with great staff and great drinks. We tried the sangria which was very very good
9. The Teapot Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Friendly British run sports and music bar with a great atmosphere, full sky sports package as well as ESPN and BT sport. Beers from just €2.50 a pint served in a frozen glass, free WIFI and a summer Terrace at rear, all just meters from Callas Fonts.
Reviewed By bullbird - east yorkshire
Cheap excellent lager served in a frozen glass!!!!! Just what I needed....... Joanne (Jo) is the friendliest barmaid going...... Lovely little suntrap at the rear where we sat most of the afternoon....... Even met hubby and homer the dog....... Great little bar and welcoming to..... No airs and graces. Proper folk xxx thanks again
