Fornells is a fishing village that has also become a tourist destination. Situated on the north-west coast of Minorca in the municipality of Es Mercadal, it is the largest population centre on the Tramontana Coast and is famed for being one of the best places for sampling the island’s best-known dish, caldereta de langosta, lobster stew.
Fornells has a natural harbour that is one of the few refuges for vessels on the north coast, which is often hit by spells of rough weather. It is also the main sports centre on Minorca, in particular for windsurfing thanks to the strong north winds. Boat rides set out from the port, taking passengers to the beaches and the breathtaking north coast of the island.
Some 3 kilometres to the east of Fornells is the exclusive resort of Platges de Fornells, which has a small beach to the east and a broad stretch of sand to the west. Between them, these make up Cala Tirant, a 570-metre-long beach with dunes, behind which is a small area of wetland. The resort consists of apartment complexes and houses, as well as the essential amenities required by visitors such as shops, restaurants and bars.