A Nappy Adventure, Destination: Menorca

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“Ever since I found out I was having Mateo I always had this perfect image in my head of him running around naked in a white sandy beach with clear crystal water and me chasing behind him.. and this dream came true on his 16 month of age.”

 

“Where to go this summer?” I asked myself all the time between the months of May and June, July was soon approaching and everything seemed to get more and more filled and expensive, searching for destinations was a new task, I wasn’t alone anymore and looking for a good place to get a great tan and amazing mojitos would certainly not do the trick anymore, I had to search deeper, making sure it was toddler friendly and a good memory maker.

After 4 intense days of google searching, travel magazine flipping and severe moaning, there it was,what I was looking for…. Menorca.

Menorca is the eastern most island of the archipelago that sits just east off the Spanish mainland. This Island differs from the latter two islands well-known for their party hospitality of Ibiza and Mallorca, which suited our family vacation just fine, as we discover Menorca had more to offer.

 

3 am alarm went off, why is it that when its an early start to go on holiday you feel no pain to wake up? Yet it’s a totally different story waking up to go work! Ouch!

 

Got up and got myself ready, the night before I had showered and dressed Mateo with comfortable clothes for the journey ahead, as this wasn’t Mateos first trip I had little worries of what to expect.

 

My must haves for the plane while flying with Mat:

• His blanket (if they have one) my little one is attached to his blankets and I find that he settles down as soon as he touches it.

• Healthy snacks and plenty of water, babies and toddlers can become really thirsty during a flight, I find it easier to take his own water bottle rather than asking for a plastic cup (a less messy experience)

• Favourite toy.

 

2 hours, 15 minutes , and an amazingly fuss free baby later ,we had landed on Mahon airport (only airport on the island) and instantly the Mediterranean  hot summer sea breeze was hitting our faces, incredible how you can experience this weather without having to travel too far from home.

We hired a car online prior to our arrival which was waiting for us right outside the airport parking slots, very convenient.

 

Driving on Menorca

Driving is generally easy. The road system is small consisting mostly of a few major roads (connecting to a single east to west main road the ME-1) and delightful smaller roads. There are no motorways and very few dual carriageways. Seat belts are compulsory front and rear and there is a no tolerance to drink driving

 

Things to keep in mind about hiring,

Highs:

• You can literally get up and go whenever you want without having to wait for public transport.

• Pack as many belongings as you want in the car.. if you’re travelling with a baby/ toddler and are as cautious with their needs as I am with my boy then it comes in handy to hire a car and pack extra essentials.

• Menorca is a small island and can be explored easily whilst driving.

 

Lows:

• If you don’t have a credit card, you will be forced to pay for the excess insurance which it can be up to £100.

• Some of the most famous beaches like Macarella can only be reached by public bus.

• Many of the beaches in Menorca can get crowded during the busy summer months. Smaller beaches may also only have small car parks, and on occasion, finding a space to leave your vehicle can be a tricky exercise

 

It took us roughly 35 minutes from the airport to the Blue Beach hotel/apartments which were located in a great spot in Cala'n Blanes , finding a parking spot was easy as the area was not crowded, we had a mini tour of our place and was settled down 20 minutes later.

First thing ,Unpacking,  if you’re like me, and like to pre select everything in advance, including what clothes , shoes , underwear and even hair band to wear each day then you will agree the first thing to do when arriving at a new destination is .. To unpack

Packing for a baby:

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• Plenty of Outfits (Extra clothes) babies and toddlers can get dirty easily, always take extra clothes for the days that you are actually staying…
  Cool clothes

Choose long-sleeved tops, and long trousers or dresses to keep the sun off your baby, also include hats.

• Towel – most if not all hotels and rental apartments provide towels, however I find that for hygiene sake I always take Mateos towel as you don’t know who else has used it or how the towels have been washed.

• Medicine & Essentials – I carry with me a small bag with potential things that I might need such as paracetamol, thermometer, sunscreen..

• Blanket- Not only will this be useful on the journey for comfort, shade and warmth, but if it smells of home it may also help to comfort your baby/toddler.

• Nappies and nappy supplies
  Pack lots of nappies for the journey. If you're worried about being able to buy them at your destination, you may want to take enough for the whole trip. Also pack rash cream, nappy bags and wipes. You may like to take a travel mat for on-the-go changes

 

 

 Cala' n Blanes ..The Cosy Cove

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The beach at Cala’n Blanes is an easily accessible, small cove sprinkled with fine sand and edged with calm, shallow water situated on the West Coast of Menorca. Distinguished by the tall palm trees that shade a newly developed BBQ & picnic area.

After we had settled down and had feed our little munchkin we headed straight to the nearest beach like good old tourist! We decided to take the easy way and drive there, but to be fair it could have easily been walked.

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Parking:

•  Free street parking is available next to the cove at both access points.

• Bus: Bus Stops next 5 min walk from the main road Avinguda Símón de Olivar or the block of shops beforehand.

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     ..The wonder of warm sand under little feet…

This beach would have to be Mateo’s favourite if we measure it on how much he played, and it will always be in our memories, it was the first time Mateo was touching and enjoying the feel of the sand and small pebbles on both his hands and feet, the salty water in his mouth and the touch of the Mediterranean sun on his shoulders..

On a scale of preference, Cala n Blanes would not get my top points, but partly because I was not “beach ready”, I had left my bikini at the hotel so done no swimming or tanning, also even though the water is clear the sand had tiny little rocks . still beautiful nevertheless.

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Perfect for: Families with little ones or groups to enjoy a BBQ, also one of the few coves that has a kiosk and plays loud music giving it a cool and friendly atmosphere with a wonderful view of the cove. There is a children’s play area in the form of a pirate ship that can come handy when your little one gets tired of drinking salt water.

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