Hostal La Palma

About Hostal La Palma

Hostal La Palma suits travellers who want a straightforward, independent stay in a traditional fishing village on Menorca's north coast. Fornells is known for its sheltered bay and the local lobster stew, and the guesthouse puts you within a short walk of the waterfront. The property is an unrated hostal, which means it offers basic comforts without the extras of a larger resort: a garden, a terrace, an outdoor pool and a bar or snack café are listed among the facilities. It is not a beachfront property, but the coast is close by.

This is a good choice for couples or families who prefer a quiet village base over a busy resort. The listed facilities include free car parking, free wifi, air conditioning, a safe, a cot and laundry service, which makes it practical for longer stays. The guesthouse does not have a star rating or a guest score, so you should check recent descriptions or photos when booking. The atmosphere is relaxed and low-key, in keeping with Fornells itself.

Location: Fornells

Hostal La Palma is on Plaza S'algaret in Fornells, a fishing village on the north coast of Menorca. Fornells sits on a long, sheltered bay and is best known for its restaurants serving caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) and for its calm waters for kayaking and windsurfing. The village is compact and walkable, with a small harbour, a few shops and a handful of bars. The guesthouse is listed as 0.1 km straight line from the centre, so the waterfront and the main square are within a few minutes on foot.

Arenals d'en Castell, a near-circular sandy bay, is 6.2 km straight line away, and Es Mercadal at the foot of Monte Toro is 7.9 km. These distances are straight-line, so the road journey will be slightly longer. A car is useful for exploring the north coast and the rest of the island, and the guesthouse has free car parking. In July and August Fornells is busy but not as crowded as the south-coast coves; in May, June, September and October it is quieter, and many seasonal businesses close from roughly November to April.

Rooms and facilities

The rooms at Hostal La Palma are listed with air conditioning, a balcony, a desk, a TV, a safe, a hairdryer and toiletries. Some rooms have a balcony, though the exact distribution is not specified. The property also lists non-smoking rooms and a wake-up service. The guesthouse is a hostal, so rooms are likely simple and functional rather than luxurious. Free wifi is available throughout.

For families, a cot is listed, and the outdoor pool and garden provide space for children to play. Late arrivals should confirm check-in times directly with the property, as the hostal may not have a 24-hour reception. The listed facilities include housekeeping, luggage storage and laundry service. If you need a specific room configuration, such as a ground-floor room or a balcony, it is best to ask when booking.

Getting there

Menorca Airport (MAH) is 22.7 km straight line from Hostal La Palma. A taxi from the airport to Fornells takes about 25-30 minutes by road. Buses run from the airport to Maó, and from Maó there are seasonal buses to Fornells (more frequent in summer; check the island bus operator for current timetables). A hire car gives you the most flexibility for exploring the island, and the guesthouse offers free car parking.

Maó port, where ferries from Barcelona and Palma arrive, is 21.8 km straight line. From the port, you can take a taxi or a bus to Maó bus station and then a bus to Fornells. Ciutadella, the old capital in the west, is about 30 km by road. In winter, flights and ferries are fewer, and some bus services may be reduced or suspended. The Camí de Cavalls, the coastal bridleway, passes near Fornells, so walkers can access it from the village.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Fornells itself is the main attraction within walking distance: the bay, the harbour and the restaurants that serve lobster stew are 0.1 km away. Arenal d'en Castell, a sandy bay with a circular shape, is 6.2 km straight line. The north coast has darker, reddish sand and is windier than the south, which makes it popular for windsurfing and kayaking. Kayaking along the north coast is listed as 2.6 km straight line from the guesthouse.

Monte Toro, the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, is 7.9 km straight line. From the sanctuary at the top, there are views of both coasts. The Favàritx lighthouse, on a dark slate headland inside S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, is 13.3 km straight line. The park has a lagoon, dunes and birdlife. The Camí de Cavalls runs along the coast near Fornells, and walkers can follow it east towards Favàritx or west towards Cala Tirant. Mahón-Menorca cheese, with a protected designation of origin, is available in local shops.

A day from Hostal La Palma

A day from Hostal La Palma could start with breakfast at the guesthouse or at a café in Fornells. The morning might be spent kayaking along the north coast, starting from the bay. The sheltered waters of Fornells are calm, and the coastline has small coves and rocky headlands. After a few hours on the water, you could walk back to the village for lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to Monte Toro, 7.9 km straight line, for the views from the sanctuary. The road climbs from Es Mercadal to the top. On the way back, stop at Es Mercadal for a coffee or to buy local cheese. The evening could be a walk around the Fornells harbour, followed by dinner in one of the village restaurants. The pace is slow and relaxed, suited to the character of the north coast.

Practical tips

Much of Menorca's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check Hostal La Palma's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with higher demand and warmer sea temperatures. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the type of accommodation and the season, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the Govern de les Illes Balears site for current rates.

Questions about Hostal La Palma