Alaior
Alaior (Alayor) is about 8 miles from Mahon and is the third largest town in Menorca with a population of around 8,000. The typically Menorcan courtyard town houses and narrow streets that lead to the Gothic-style parish church at the top of a hill are worth exploring, and it is here you will find many small shops selling a wide range of gifts, pottery and leather goods. Alaior is one of the most important cheese producing regions in Menorca and you will also find a selection of factory shops on the outskirts of the town.
Es Mercadal
Es Mercadal is one of Menorca’s most interesting working towns and worth a closer inspection if you have time. Situated almost in the centre of Menorca and in the shadow of Monte Toro, the island’s highest point, Es Mercadal was founded in the fourteenth century as a centre for agriculture but is now also renowned for it’s pastries and biscuits, together with the traditional Menorcan sandals, abarcas, that are made from recycled car tyres! You will find a good selection of shops and restaurants serving authentic Menorcan food, and Es Mercadal is certainly worth a stop-off if travelling across Menorca.
Ferreries
Situated on the main road that runs through the middle of Menorca, and in the heart of the countryside, is the small town of Ferreries. It is a working town and not renowned as a tourist destination but does have some good bars & cafes. The industry around Ferreries is based on the manufacture of furniture, shoes and leather goods, examples of which can be bought from the nearby factory shops.
Sant Lluis
In the south east of Menorca lies the small town of Sant Lluis. Founded by the French, Sant Lluis was built up around a church and comprises of (very) narrow, mainly one-way streets. There is a small, attractive town square with a children’s playground and a working windmill which now houses a folk museum. Sant Lluis has one main street where you will find various shops and cafes and has a selection of good quality restaurants, many serving authentic Menorcan food. Worth a visit if you are in this part of Menorca.