North from Mercadal, off the Maó-Ciutadella highway, a branch road leads straight to the sleepy fishing village of Fornells. It's a picturesque resort of low-whitewashed cottages, fishing boats adorning the harbour and restaurants on the palm-lined promenade. This village, whose large, shallow bay is one of the biggest natural harbours on the Balearic Islands (5km long and 2km wide), is very popular among windsurfers. Fornells is definitely a Menorcan village not to be missed.
There's a series of small beaches around the bay. You'll also discover the island of Las Sargantanes, boasting a fort that was built under the English rule. Fornells has inspired many artists and is within a protected nature area. It is an ideal area for sailing. You may even be able to hire a boat to take you to one of the secluded little beaches nearby.
Fornells is renowned for the excellent local 'Caldereta de Llagosta' (lobster casserole), which is served in almost every restaurant. Each has it's own secret recipe, that the chefs guard carefully. You can't visit the village without trying one of those Menorcan culinary specialties.
At the end of July the Sant Antoni fiestas take place. You can't miss the traditional 'jaleo' with horses jumping up and down to the sound of music.