Fornells, Minorca

The bay of Fornells casts a spell over whoever contemplates it for a second too long. A shelter for fishermen returning from the rough seas, its protective role has been extended to the summertime overcrowding: it fires emotional phrases to fill postcards, rocks the efforts of beginners facing the winds on surfboards or in small boats and distracts the digestion of the gourmets. It is like a huge saltwater lake purposely placed to relax the senses. It is the scenery and soul of this small town that transmits peace and calm and which, however, arose from the shelter of a fortress, the Sant Antoni Castle. Like the Sant Felip Castle, at the entrance of Port de Maó, and for the same strategic reasons (contrary, of course, to those who had recommended its construction), it succumbed to the pickaxes. Only some of its storehouses remain, appearing alongside the shore when we enter the town, and which cannot be confused with the solidity communicated by the restored British watchtower that guarded over the entrance to the bay (in the photo at the top of this page). From its privileged position, Fornells is ideal as an operational base for sea trips along the north coast, a coastline where delightful little corners alternate with very hard coastal furrows. It is also the destination of all good food lovers, who sometimes even arrive from the other islands, drawn by the steaming aroma of delicious calderetes de llagosta (lobster stews, many restaurants are commissioned to promote this dish). The tiny hidden coves on the shore opposite the town – from where you can also try and walk along the Mola de Fornells, protected as a natural space – or the old saltworks, at the innermost point of the bay, are others among the many attractive possibilities offered by the area. To reach these spots you need to cross the watery stretch, which can be made on boards or kayaks for hire, because the water is usually calm and navigation is easy here.