Shopping

Most of the towns, and particularly the resorts, in Minorca are full of the usual gift shops selling tourist tat, but exciting shopping opportunities abound in Mahon. Visitors should head towards the centre of town where the cobblestoned streets are lined with boutiques, clothing shops, jewellers, ice-cream parlours and shoe stores.

The popular tourist areas are also loaded with shops. Mahon has a wonderful market every Sunday where anything from clothing to fresh food and produce can be bought, and there's good shopping to be had in Ciutadella and Mao. Ses Voltes street is the place to head in Ciutadella; the area around Carrer Ses Moreres in Mao is a good bet for designer gear. Both towns have artisan markets, which are open on Friday evenings in Mao, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings in Ciutadella.

Great souvenirs to bring home from Minorca include traditional leather sandals called Albarques leather goods, jewellery and the Minorcan gin, Xoriguer. Most shops open between 9am and 9pm, but close between 2pm and 5pm for siesta. Tourist shops are sometimes open during siesta hours.

Nightlife

Unlike its Balearic neighbor, Ibiza, which offers wild parties where party people can dance the night away, Minorca's nightlife is laid-back and centred round hotels, quiet bars, restaurants and the occasional nightclub. In the capital, Mahon, there are a few live music bars, pubs and tavernas that are perfect for soaking up the views and atmosphere while sipping on a cocktail, but even these are easy-going.

Resort towns, such as Cala En Porter, offer visitors themed bars, but most of them close before midnight. Minorca is ideal for holidaymakers who want to combine a beach holiday with excursions to picturesque historic towns and outings into the charming rural interior, and is unlikely to impress young party animals. The island is well-equipped with venues for the enjoyment of cocktails, local live music and some dancing, but it's not considered a great nightlife destination.