The lobsters which come to the Balearic coasts are renowned for being the tastiest ones, especially those caught between Majorca and Minorca. These are used to make one of the typical dishes of these Islands, caldereta de langosta or lobster stew, praised by the most discerning palates. The stew which is prepared at Fornells is a delicacy which delights King Juan Carlos I.

This exquisite lobster is queen of the sea in the Balearics. It belongs to the species of European lobsters, known scientifically as Homarus Gammarus, and comes to the rocky coasts to feed on small animals, such as small cuttlefish, mussels or sea urchins. It can grow up to 50 cm long and its shell is reddish or lilac-coloured, with spines to defend it. It is caught the traditional way, with baskets placed like traps on the sea bed and its weight ranges from 400 to 600 grams. This crustacean is protected in the Balearic Islands and can only be caught from the 1st March to the 31st August. During this time, it is forbidden to catch specimens which have not yet reached 19 cm.

Lobster is the basis for this delicious stew which can be eaten in most of the seafood restaurants which exist along the coast. It is similar to a French fish stew called Bouillabaisse. Many of the restaurants keep their lobsters on display in large fish tanks and clients can choose the one they like most for their dish. In order to know if the lobsters are fresh, they should be lifted up by their front antennae to see if they move their tail energetically. If they don’t, they are not recommendable.
 
Any spot along the Balearic coast can be recommended, although there is one place which stands out above the rest. This is Fornells, in the north of Minorca. Here in this small, charming fishing village, they prepare the lobster stew which is most famous among the “gourmets”, one of whom is King Juan Carlos, who has even said that it is his favourite dish. In fact, on more than one occasion during his holiday visits to the Islands, he takes the opportunity of enjoying this delicacy in one of the few but special restaurants in the bay, some of them with a terraza or outside terrace overlooking the sea and fantastic views.

There are few things which can beat a tasty evening meal in such a romantic spot, making one want to stay there forever. Fornells provides both things. Its lobster stew is supreme and its scenery idyllic.

Fornells is a place which is well worth visiting. As well as its caldereta de langosta, nature lovers, surfers and sailing enthusiasts will really enjoy themselves here. From the Torre de Fornells (Fornells Tower), built by the English in 1802 at the entrance to the bay, you can enjoy an unequalled panoramic view of the open sea and cliffs, and can even see as far as the headland called Cap de Cavalleria, which has been declared an area of special interest. There you can find Minorca’s first open-air museum, with archaeological remains dating from different periods.

Who:
Restaurante Es Pla
Pasaje des Pla s/n
E-07160 Fornells
Menorca
T +34 971 376 655

Length: 2´32 min.

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