Es Grau Travel Guide: Things to See, Do and Where to Eat in Es Grau
Located on the north-east coast to the north of Mahón, Es Grau is a charming fishing village set within a protected nature reserve with a beautiful unspoilt natural beach ranking among the most natural locations in Menorca, blessed by nature.
Es Grau is a small, sleepy fishing village that offers families an old-fashioned seaside holiday with an authentic insight into Menorcan life and cuisine. Children can enjoy paddling in its shallow crystal-clear waters whilst teenagers can experience sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or snorkelling. With a handful of delicious restaurants, selling fresh fish tapas and local other specialities, Es Grau is one of Menorca’s best-kept secrets.
Es Grau is also home to Menorca’s largest wetland, S’Albufera des Grau, a nature reserve that stretches north with a large lake in the middle rich in marine life. The area has a rich landscape of plants including shrubs, wild flowers and several species of trees. There is also a large variety of birdlife.
Es Grau was originally a prime location for second homes for those Menorcan’s living in Mahon or nearby towns and villages, with the majority built in a typical Menorcan style, nestled on the side of the horseshoe-shaped bay.
The island Isla d’en Colom is also home to an early Christian Basilica, where fragments dating back to IV century AD have been discovered.
Things To See & Do in Es Grau
Es Grau is in an ideal location to explore those Menorca attractions situated in the east of the island, such as the Favaritx Lighthouse which for the journey is well worth a visit!, there’s also Mount Toro just down the road and the Port of Mahon.
Kayaking, is a popular due tot he wonderful and safe location. From the company Menorca en Kayak, you can hire a range of kayaks, stand up paddleboards and pedalo’s with slides. During high season they are located on the beach and during low season just behind on the main street. You can also book numerous excursions, check out their website information.
Es Grau and the surrounding area also offers a perfect location for walkers of all abilities, especially with the S’Albufera nature reserve nearby where you can find three short walks amongst the protected wetlands. There are also two stages of the Camí de Cavalls that can be used by ramblers and mountain bikes both of medium difficultly from Mao to Es Grau (6.2 miles) and Es Grau to the Favàritx lighthouse (5.3 miles).
Shopping in Es Grau
Es Grau is a small resort but does have a well-stocked supermarket selling all the basics including inflatables and sun umbrellas. There’s also a nice boutique store Sa Botigueta d’Es Grau near the waterfront which sells jewellery, paintings, souvenirs and individually designed clothes.
There are no cash machines in Es Grau, the nearest is in Menorca’s capital Mahón.
Es Grau Beach
The beach is one of the largest on the east coast and sits in a large spectacular horseshoe-shaped bay. The water stays very shallow for over 100 feet with very calm currents helped by the island S’Illa d’en Colom that lies towards the entrance of the bay. This creates a beach perfect for families with small children.
Towards the rear of the beach are low sand dunes and pines woods that lead towards a lake in the heart of the S’Albufera nature reserve.
The Isla d’en Colon, the offshore island that shelters the bay has two wonderful sandy beaches located on the protected west coast, Arenal d’en Moro and Tamarells. The island is approximately 200 meters from the mainland and can be reached by kayak or water taxi from the resorts quayside.
To the north of Es Grau, along the ancient footpath Cami de Cavalls, there are more wonderful coves and beaches including Cala Rambles and Cala de sa Torreta.
Where to eat and drink in Es Grau
Bar Es Grau
A beach side restaurant serving salads, baguettes and pizza with plenty of seating places underneath trees.
Can Bernat des Grau
A wonderful restaurant located in the Menorcan countryside, about 15minutes drive from ES Grau on the Me-7 road to Fornells. Well known for its fish dishes as well as offering the famous Menorcan dish of Caldereta de Langosta (Lobster Soup). Open Tuesday to Sunday 12am-midnight (Carretera Mahón-Fornells; +34 650 974 685).
Bar Es Moll
A wonderful location next to the quay, this tapas bar has a terrace overlooking the bay and Isla d’en Colom. Serving tasty fish tapas dishes including sardines and clams.
Bar Ca’n Bernadet
A relaxed tapas bar, offering authentic Menorcan and fresh fish tapas, including tripe, octopus, cuttlefish, meatballs, mussels and prawns. Tapas from €3.75. (Carretera Mahón-Fornells; +34 650 974 685).
Tamarindos
A slightly more formal restaurant with a wonderful terrace at the water’s edge, specialising in paellas and fideua. (Pas Tamarell; +34 626 476 727).
Bar Es Grau
Beach side bar with shaded outside seating, offering a good range of lunches and snacks.
How To Get To Es Grau
By Car
Cars can be pre-booked and picked up at the airport, Mompel offer some of the best rates in Menorca and costs from £110 for a week. Journey time is approximately 20-30 minutes to the resort.
By Taxi
A taxi journey will cost you in the region of €20.00/£17.00 from the airport and takes rounds 20 minutes to reach the resort.
By Bus
A regular bus service is available during high season from Mahon’s bus station, that takes around 15 minutes (€2.00/£1.70). A regular bus service is available from the airport to Mahon’s bus station.
Tips & Good To Know
Language: While Spanish and Menorcan (a variant of Catalan) are the official languages, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Euro (€) is the currency used throughout Menorca.
Credit Cards and Banks: There are no ATM machines in Es Grau the nearest is Mahon.
Local Etiquette: Menorcans are known for their warmth and hospitality. A simple “Hola” (Hello) or “Gracias” (Thank you) in Spanish goes a long way in making connections.