Menorca has a history going back thousands of years. During that time, it has been influenced by peoples and cultures from across the Mediterranean and Europe.
Over time, Menorca has developed a thriving arts and craft industry with local artists and artisans producing a range of handicrafts representing the island’s rich history and culture. These are the ideal mementoes of a summer holiday in Menorca!
So, rather than browsing through the souvenir shops, perhaps consider exploring one or more of the many arts & crafts fairs that are open during the summer months. They are the perfect way to meet the artisans themselves, talk to them, discover how they painstakingly craft their wares and then buy that perfect souvenir of a perfect holiday.
You can also visit many of the craft markets at night, so you don’t have to miss any of that gorgeous, warm sun. We’ve put together a brief list and description of our favourite Menorcan arts & crafts markets.
Ferreries Night Market
Ferreries, dating back to the 14th century, is located in the centre of Menorca. From June to early September, this ancient town hosts a night time crafts fair every Wednesday from 19:00 to 23:00. As you wander through the stalls, you’ll find examples of local wood carvings, clothes, leather goods and much more. There are also plenty of bars, music and things for the kids to do, so a great night out is guaranteed for all during your Menorcan summer holiday.
Ciutadella Markets
Located in Menorca’s former capital in the north of the island, Ciutadella has not one, but three different craft markets making it a town that all shopping lovers must visit during their summer holiday:
The city’s night craft market, specialising in handmade local jewellery and gifts, is held every evening of the week from June to September on the steps of Carrer de Pere Capllonc leading down to the harbour. It is open from 17:00h to 24:00h and until 02:00h on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Firac street market, which specialises in fine art and cultural artefacts, is open from Monday to Saturday nights at the Portal de la Mar (on Ciutadella’s harbour front) from 20.00h until midnight between June to September. Open every night in August.
In the Cathedral Plaza, every Monday in August and September from 19:00h to 24:00h there is a wonderful artisans’ market with much to see and buy.
Fornells Night market
Yet another location with three craft markets is Fornells, on the north west of the island. This village, which during the off season only has a population of some 1000, swells during the summer months thanks to its beaches and sheltered bay.
Located on the Calle del Mar de Fornells on the harbour front, it sells homemade handicrafts, jewellery, souvenirs and more. It’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from May to October.
Also on the Calle del Mar de Fornells, but every Wednesday from May to October, you’ll find a colourful flea market. It’s not really a night market, more like a late afternoon, since it is open from 10:00h to 14:00h.
If it’s local food and produce that you’re interested in buying on your summer holiday, then try Fornells’s Farmers Market. It’s open most of the year and you’ll find a mouth-watering range of fresh local produce, cakes, meats and much more to inspire your cooking skills. Open between June to September, every Monday until 23:00h on the Carrer Major, and between October and May from 10:00h to 14:00h.
If you want to find out more about Menorca’s rich arts and crafts tradition during your summer holiday, visit the Menorca Craft Centre at the old military barracks at Recinte Firal.
Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine – no secret of the island remains hidden to her. If you're planning a summer holiday to the Balearics, Brenda personally selects the finest properties for her clients and is the go-to person for anyone planning a relaxing holiday in Menorca. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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