travel guide to menorca

Menorca Holidays

Know before you go - find your perfect resort, holiday must see and dos.

Beaches , Coves

Recommendations

In-depth Beach Guides facilities - bus routes

Menorca Experiences

What to See and do...

Romantic Stays

Boutique Hotels

City and Country

Beach Resorts

Family,Couples

Which's best for you?

Menorca, a Carribean style Beach Paradise yet so close to home. Mymenorca helps plan , book and experience your BEST Holiday.

Popular Resort Guides

Inspirations - to ensure the Holiday resort is perfect for you

Guides you can trust, Photo Tours and brilliant tourist Maps. Find Hotels, eats, treats and things to see and do.

larger Menorcan beach resort, Son Bou has lots to offer for the perfect beach holiday along a beautiful coastline...

With a Photo perfect Bay. Boat trips and walks to nearby amazing Virgin Beaches...

Family resort, Hotels and Villas for the perfect beach holiday, beautiful Ciutadella close by...

Set in dramatic and beautiful coastline with capital Mahon close by...

Featured personal insights to help you discover Menorca

Insightful and Extensive Guides

35+ years of loving Menorca - to make your Holiday even better

Accommodation Choices

• Choose from a range of Hotels, Aparthotels, Villas and Apartments in Menorca complete with detailed descriptions and resort guides Hotels
• Country and Rural Hotels - Idylic settings often with rural chic and coastal views.
• Agroturisme - Menorca's Agroturisme Hotel offerings.

Holiday Experiences

Inspiration for sights and activities

• Riding and Horses
• Active Holidays
• Mountain Biking
• Cycling Menorca
• Cami de Cavalls
• Days out Ideas
• See and Do Inspiration
• Family and Kids Activities
• Active Adults
• Menorca Zoo
• Watersports
• On the water
• Kayaks and Hire

Holiday Planning Guides

• Travel Guide Directory
• Tourist Tax on Menorca 2024
• Food and Drink
• Vegetarians, Special Diet Restaurants
• Gluten,Lactoses Free on Menorca
• Holiday Budgeting Price Guide
• Getting Around
• Mobility, Scooter-Hire

Menorca's Attractions

Beaches,Sights,Landmarks

Activity Providers

Diving,WaterSports,Riding

Tours & Excursions

Kayak,Cycle,Jeep

Boat Excursions

Large and Small

Where to stay in Menorca?

Possibly a difficult choice for first timers but there are clear favourites for Families and Couples Where to stay - start here , Best Family Beach Resorts

Which are the best Adults Only Hotels on Menorca?

Barcelo Hamilton in Es Castell, All Adults Only Hotels

May Season Start

Lastminute May May Holidays

Don't delay Summer Holidays 2024

Menorca Peak Season - no Car Parks at selected Virgin Beaches,Bus only

Menorca Transfers

Reliable Menorca Shuttle Services Quotes and All you need to know

Weather Guide

With forecast, tips and practical advice. What is the weather in April and October like?... Weather Forecast

Menorca Weather Now 05:54 AM

NO Resorts direct - must change to in-frequent buses in Mahon/Ciutadella

Transfers from/to Mahon Airport

Transfer Choices - Airport Buses, Taxi or Shuttle?

There are no direct Airport buses to any beach resorts

Daytime Taxis are plentiful outside arrivals - best value for 4 or less to Holiday Resorts within 25km. Airport Taxis do not provide child seats - required by LAW

Transfers made easy

Hotels,Villas and Aparments in Menorca

You will receive an email containing a link allowing you to reset your password to a new preferred one.

Share with Family and Friends

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest

Arrive on the sun-bleached shores of Menorca after a spell on Mallorca or Ibiza and notice the drop in volume – here it's more birdsong than Pete Tong. The easternmost Balearic island moves to its own mellow beat. Its twinset of sea-splashed cities, eastern Anglo-Spanish Maó and western maze-like Ciutadella, are delightfully low-key and distinctive, and the white- and golden-sand bays that stud its 216km coastline are among the loveliest in the Mediterranean. Inland, the island remains distinctly rural, with an estimated 70,000km of dry-stone walls criss-crossing fields and rolling hills between whitewashed villages.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parc Natural S’Albufera des Grau

This freshwater lagoon and its shores form the ‘nucleus zone’ of Menorca’s protected Unesco Biosphere Reserve. It's a haven for wetland birdlife …

Ca n'Oliver

Built in the early 1800s for the prominent bourgeois Oliver family (who lived here until 1920), this magnificent mansion has been exquisitely restored…

Bodegas Binifadet

At Menorca’s top winery, 500m northeast of Sant Lluís, you can amble around vineyards at your own pace, or book in a one-hour guided tour that concludes…

Cala en Turqueta

One of Menorca's most beautiful and sought-after coves, salt-white Cala en Turqueta gets its name from the turquoise-hued waters that tumble onto its…

Plaça des Born

Ciutadella’s main square is a gracious affair, framed by handsome 19th-century buildings like the neoclassical Palau Torre-Saura and fortress-like…

Castell de Sant Felip

On the north side of Cala de Sant Esteve, 4km southeast of Maó, the Castell de Sant Felip was originally constructed in the 16th century and, under…

Museu de Menorca

This 17th-century former Franciscan monastery has been a nautical school, a library, a high school, a children’s home and, now, Menorca's main museum. Its…

Fort de Marlborough

Britain occupied Menorca principally to gain possession of Maó’s deep natural harbour, captured by the Royal Navy in 1708, and built Fort Marlborough (5km…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Spain

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Menorca

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Sep 24, 2020 • 6 min read

Menorca, the easternmost of Spain’s Balearic Islands, has a fierce commitment to sustainability. Here's how it has approached low-key, responsible tourism.

Menorca and beyond

The Ultimate Menorca Travel Guide

Whatever your holiday interests, in this Menorca travel guide you will find everything you need to know for an enjoyable stay on the second largest of the Balearic Islands.

Having noted the tourist development of its busier neighbours of Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca has taken a different route. All its economic development is based on minimum disturbance t o the island’s environment and nature.

In recognition of this work, in 1993, the island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to maintain and safeguard its heritage while developing its tourist economy. A plan it fiercely protects to this day.

Not only that, Menorca is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a true open-air archaeological museum with over 1,500 prehistoric Talayotic Culture sites.

My favourite of the Balearic Islands , Menorca sits basking in the west Mediterranean sunshine, and is an island that attracts all ages and holiday preferences.

Sparkling blue sea s, warm sunshine and child-friendly powder sand beaches draw young families and those looking for relaxing beach holidays. 

In contrast, its lush green interior, sleepy villages, bustling towns, nature reserves, archaeological sites and enticing cuisine, offer culture seekers plenty to see, do and enjoy on their days and evenings out.

Certainly, you can enjoy a late-night pint or a little karaoke in the summer months, but Menorca has deliberately steered away from attracting large groups of 18/30 party people. 

They prefer instead to cater for singles, couples, and young and older families who enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere . Visitors who arrive not just to enjoy the bars, but the beaches, coast, countryside and heritage of this beautiful island.

So, without further ado, welcome to my version of the ultimate Menorca travel guide.

Table of Contents

When is the best time to visit Menorca

Winter – October through April:

• Menorca is often classified as a ‘seasonal’ holiday island, with many bars, restaurants and attractions in the main resorts closing from mid October to April. Nonetheless, if your holiday preferences aren’t all about suntans and sea, a visit during this period will provide a whole new experience.
• Accommodation is often cheaper, but the big plus, for me at least, is the relaxing tranquillity – far fewer tourists . I can stroll the towns and villages at my own pace, enjoy scenic walks (in a warm jacket) on the almost deserted beaches, and browse the shops, bars and restaurants at my leisure.
• Average temperatures from December through February are a mild 50F to 60F (10C to 15C) with eight to ten hours of daylight.

Low season – May through June, and September – October:

• With accommodation often cheaper than high season, May, June and September and mid October are popular visitor times with older families, senior citizens and short break visitors.
• In May, many facilities are re-opening, and beaches are getting busy, with average temperatures around 25C.

High season – mid-July and August:

• Busy, busy. But not as busy as Mallorca or Ibiza. The kids have broken up from school, and university students begin to party away their gap year.
• Young groups and families enjoy this period, with daily temperatures around the mid to high thirty centigrade.

How much time do you need for your holiday in Menorca

How much time you need will depend very much on your holiday plans. On your first stay you may want to get an idea of what this enchanting island has to offer, with a view to future visits.

In this case, a seven-day break will allow you to combine beautiful beaches with exploring some of the countryside, archeological sites, villages and towns at a reasonably leisurely pace.

Consider hiring a car or using guided tours to make the most of your time.

How to get to Menorca

Several airlines fly direct to Menorca’s Mahon Airpor t from various national and international airports. Mahon Airport is just 4.5km outside the city of Mahon and is the only airport in Menorca.

Ferries to the island are available from Valencia, Barcelona and Mallorca in Spain, and Toulon from France.

How to get to your hotel or resort from the Airport

If there’s one thing I like more than a relaxing, hassle-free flight, it’s a relaxing, hassle-free transfer from the airport to my hotel or resort complex.

Transfer options from Mahon Airport include metered airport taxis, shuttle buses to a limited number of resort complexes, resort shuttles, public buses , hire cars and a range of private hire vehicles.

Public buses

With line L10 Maó-Aeroport, you can reach the bus station in less than 10 minutes. The frequency changes in summer and winter, but, in general, there are 1-2 buses per hour. The ticket costs 2,75 euros.

Once at the bus station, you can take another bus to your destination. The lines and schedules of Menorca’s buses vary depending on the season. 

Check fares and schedules here: https://menorca.tib.org/es/autobus

Airport Taxi

If you’re staying in Mahon City, an airport taxi will do the journey in around 10 minutes, average cost less than €20. To other destinations such as Fornells €40, Cala Galdana €50 and Ciutadella €60.

Resort Shuttle or Private Hire

For transfers to beach resorts and destinations further out, consider pre-booking a resort shuttle or private hire vehicle to meet your requirements (number of people, baggage, etc). You can book online, and, if you choose private hire, an English-speaking driver will meet you at the arrivals exit.

If you intend to tour the island, pre-book your airport hire car online prior to your trip for the best deals, and to ensure you have a vehicle waiting at the airport.

Getting around on your holiday

If you’re staying on one of Menorca’s beach resort complexes and want a day away from the sand and sea, your transport options are.

Metered taxi: You will only find registered taxis in Menorca; no private cabs or Uber operate on the island. Cabs are white, signed and metered and can be flagged down or found on taxi ranks around your resort.

You can also book a taxi by phone or online:   https://www.taxismenorca.com

Public Transport: Buses from the towns and resort areas are a good, cheap and reliable way to get around. Enquire at your resort information office which route number you need to get to where you want to be.

More info: https://menorca.tib.org/es/autobus

Car Rental: All resort complexes and hotels have car hire facilities where they can organise a rental for a day (or longer). Or you can book one online, which may well be cheaper. In the high season try to book it well in advance.

Costs range from around €13/day for economy, €16/day for intermediate and €50+/day for a premium model in low season. In high season prices skyrocket.

For the younger generation or old bikers, motorbikes and scooters are also available for hire if you still enjoy the feeling of wind in your hair.

Where to stay

A Menorca travel guide wouldn’t be a travel guide without highlighting places to stay. In this section, I’ve selected different areas where you may prefer to book an apartment, aparthotel, hotel or villa.

Beach resorts:

• If the sand and sea are your ideal holiday preferences, then you’re spoilt for choice in Menorca. With some of the best beach resorts of the four islands, you can choose from: Cala ‘n Bosch – Cala ‘n Porter – Cala Galdana – Punta Prima – Arenal den Castell – Son Bou – Santo Tomas – Son Park and Cala en Blanes.
• A few of the most popular: Son Bou has one of the longest beaches on the island. Cala Galdana sits in a picturesque horseshoe bay. 
• And if you want the best of both worlds (city and beach), Cala den Bosch is close to the city of Ciutadella and Cala en Porter is close to Mahon.

Country and Rural Retreats:

• Why not enjoy a romantic spring break in the Menorcan countryside? Hotel pool, first-class restaurant, blissfully quiet with country or coastal walks and plenty of hiking and biking trails. If this is you, check out Menorca Rural Hotels to get a real taste of local culture.

Towns and cities:

• Be close to all the amenities in Mahon or Ciutadella : shops, businesses, markets, attractions, bars and restaurants. Choose from boutique hotels – Airbnb – guest houses – hostels – economy hotels – adult-only hotels – 5-star luxury hotels or sumptuous villas.

Read my guide about accommodation and best areas in Menorca: Where to stay in Menorca

Best beaches in Menorca

There are over 100 beaches spread around Menorca . 

Many are large white or gold sand resort beaches with all facilities. Others have retained much of their natural ruggedness with the barest of essentials, while others are known as virgin beaches. Still as nature intended, and only reachable by boat or a tough walk through the countryside.

The north is more rugged and sparse , with darker cliffs and beaches that tend to have coarser, golden sand rather than the white powder sand of the south . Both coasts have beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Along the South Coast:

• Son Bou – Cala Galdana – Santo Tomás – Cala en Porter – Binibeca – Punta Prima – Cala Macarella – Cala Mitjana – Cala Blanca – Cala Turqueta – Cala Escorxada – Cala Fustam – Cala Trebaluger.

My favourites: Binibeca, white sand beach, clear turquoise waters with a nearby snack bar and restaurant, Cala en Porter , stunning white sand beach with restaurant and a couple of bars encircled by cliffs and pine forest, and Cala Turqueta , on the south-west coast. Close to Ciutadella and easy to reach by car, taxi or bus. Beautiful white sand and clear blue waters.

Along the North Coast:

• Cala Pregonda – Cala Tortuga – Cala Viola – Cala Mica – Cala Pilar – Arenal d´en Castell – Son Parc – Cavalleria – La Vall

My favourite: Cala Pregonda . Golden sand, azure blue waters and fabulous views. Untouched (almost) by human hand, so be sure to take snacks and drinks.

Read also: Best beaches in Menorca

What to see and do in Menorca

To give you an idea of what life in magical Menorca is like away from the beaches, I have tried to include things to see and do in the towns, villages, and nature parks.

I have included viewpoints for the photographers, and pointed you in the direction of o ld fortresses, lighthouses and prehistoric monuments.

For the foodies , I have mentioned some of my favourite bars, restaurants and local dishes you can enjoy that make up the famous Mediterranean diet.

Pay a visit to Menorca’s capital Mahon

Who doesn’t like exploring ancient cities in the warm Mediterranean sunshine? Mahon was founded as far back as 200 BC and became the island’s capital in the early 1700s.

Besides its narrow streets, squares, and historical buildings, it has the longest natural harbour in Europe at over five kilometres. 

Along its wide harbour promenade , you will find chandlery stores, businesses, shops and bars, with several of Mahon’s most popular eateries and seafood restaurants open till late evening. You can also enjoy a number of boat trips around the harbour and further afield.

Other places to explore around Mahon include the Trepuco , a prehistoric Talayotic settlement on the city outskirts, La Mola Fortress guarding the harbour, the Museum of Menorca and for the walkers, the Cami de Cavalls, a 116-mile (186km) hiking trail offering stunning views of the island’s coastline.

Read also: Best things to do in Mahon

Menorca’s most beautiful city – Ciutadella

Ciutadella was Menorca’s major port city and capital until the British gave that honour to Mahon in 1722.

Like Mahon, it is a tight, compact city, ideal for leisurely exploring on foot. And like Mahon, it has a picturesque harbour where you can browse the shops and businesses, before picking a table at one of the numerous bars and restaurants, or booking a harbour boat trip.

Other places to enjoy in Ciutadella include Plaza des Born , the city’s main square with its many historical buildings close by, including the Theatre des Born, t he Salort Palace, the Torre Saura Palace and the San Francisco Church.

The Cathedral of Menorca , the Convent of Saint Augustine, the Olive Grove House and the Local Fish Market are all easily reached.

Read also: Best things to do in Ciutadella

Head for Menorca’s favourite fishing villages

While cities have their own historical elegance, there’s a certain something about traditional fishing villages that seems to take you back in time, and Menorca has a number. You just have to find them.

Binibeca Vell:

• Sitting on the northeast coast, around one kilometre from the beach of the same name, Binibeca Vell is a popular visitor attraction with its traditional fishing boats, small harbour and whitewashed cottages. It also has a few letting apartments for those longer stays.

Fornells Village:

• Another pretty north-coast village. Pleasant harbour, whitewashed apartments and an island-wide reputation for its seafood restaurants and famous lobster stew.

Es Grau Village:

• Is situated at the northern end of the east coast with the S’Albufera des Grau nature reserve to the rear. Semi-secluded and unspoilt , it has three bars and a waterfront restaurant.

Visit the Tombs and Prehistoric Monuments of Menorca’s Talayotic Period

With over 1500 Talayotic sites dotted across Menorca, professional and amateur archaeologists from across the globe arrive to study these prehistoric sites and artefacts – and you can too.

Most sites comprise Taules, the T shape made by balancing one large stone block across the top of another and are thought to have some spiritual significance, Talayots , defensive towers and look-out points, and Navetas , known to have been communal burial tombs.

Some of the best examples can be found at:

• The Trepuco Settlement – Two kilometres outside Mahon
• Biniai Nou, Megalithic Burial Site – five kilometres outside Mahon
• Taula of Torralba d’en Salord – Talayotic village located between Mahón and Alaior
• The Settlement of Talatí de Dalt –  close to Mahon
• The Necropolis of Calescoves – Calascoves Beach
• The Naveta des Tudons – close to Ciutadella
• The Taula de Torretrencada – also close to Ciutadella
• The Torre d’en Galmés – the best-known and largest Talayotic settlement

There are numerous ways to visit the sites, including organised tours, public transport, taxis, or hiring a car.

For the twitchers and nature lovers

The Island of Menorca’s biosphere comprises a nature park, five nature reserves, a marine reserve and nineteen nature areas of special interest. With the jewel in the crown being the Albufera des Grau Natural Park.

The Albufera des Grau Natural Park: Covering over 5,000 hectares in the island’s northeast, it contains several fincas run by Menorcan artisans producing traditional products, wetlands, numerous hides for bird watching, forest and a two-kilometre-long lagoon.

Guided tours are available to see megalithic buildings , Roman artefacts, forests, fields and cliffs. And of course the wildlife and birds.

Ornithologists flock here year-round to spot resident and migrating species that arrive to feed and breed in the park, such as cormorants, fish eagles, herons, common coot, whistling duck, royal duck, vultures, peregrine falcons, kite and numerous wading species.

For the Photographers – Some of the Island’s Best Viewpoints

Whether standing on the peak of a mountain, clifftop, high hill, minaret or a rooftop terrace, the surrounding views are often breathtaking. Menorca has incredible viewpoints , and I’ve picked out four to give you a taste of what to expect.

Mount Toro:

• Sitting in the middle of the island and with the 1670 convent and sanctuary dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Monte Toro on its summit, it is one of Menorca’s most important spiritualist structures.
• It is also the highest point on the island, at 365m above sea level . From the car park, it is a ten-minute hike to the top and provides stunning 360° views of the island.

Cavalleria Lighthouse:

• Located atop cliffs on the north coast, Menorca’s oldest lighthouse was built in 1857. At over 100m above sea level , it provides striking photo opportunities of the island’s rugged north coast. From the car park it is an easy ten-minute walk to the clifftop.

Macarelleta Viewpoint:

• Sitting in the district of Ferreries on the south coast, the viewpoint is reached with a therty-minute walk from Cala Galdana. It is a clifftop viewpoint, and the views looking down into the bays are exceptional.

Cala Morell Viewpoint:

• Located on the west coast close to Ciutadella. This viewpoint is not so much about height but more about sunsets , and is a lovely setting to enjoy a cocktail or cold beer as you get that perfect sunset shot. Access is easy from the car park.

Water sports for the whole family

Although the island focuses very much on its marine environment, you can still find plenty of places to enjoy a wide range of water sports , from paddle boarding to kayaking, jet-skiing, scuba diving, and sailing.

Most of the popular resort beaches offer water sports,have pedalos and boards for hire, and a number hire out scuba gear. One of the most popular places to practice water sports is Fornells.

Here, you can practice an extensive range of water sports for adults and kids, including paddle boarding, kayaking, dingy sailing, and windsurfing .

Hike the Cami de Cavalls

The Camí de Cavalls in Menorca is a scenic coastal path stretching 185 kilometers, encircling the entire island. This ancient trail offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure. Originally established for defense purposes by the British in the 18th century, it’s now a beloved hiking route.

Make the kids’ day – with a visit to one of Menorca’s Water Parks

Sometimes, a change is as good as a rest. Menorca has three main water parks, and all are open from May to October.

Aquarock Waterpark Menorca: Located in Cala en Bosch, Ciutadella. Aquarock has a wave pool, slides and flumes to suit all ages, jacuzzi, sunbathing areas, restaurants, snack shacks and much more. Open 10.30 to 18.00. from May 7th to 29th September. Aqua Centre Park Acuatico Menorca: Located at Cala en Blanes , offering numerous slides, kamikaze, black hole, water shuttles, water castle, jacuzzi, bar, snack bar, eatery, sunbathing areas and gardens. Open 10.00 to 18.00 from May 1st to October 15th. Splash Sur Menorca Waterpark: Located i n Urb. Biniancolla, Sant Lluis. Splash Sur Waterpark has an excellent range of slides suitable for the young to adults, a lazy river and a unique water play area for the very young.

Facilities include sunbathing areas with free sun loungers and parasols, toilets, lockers, shops, medical teams, lifeguards, restaurants and buffet. Open 10.00 to 18.00 from May 1st to October 14th.

Take the pressure off, and consider using Organised Tours

Many people prefer to have their days pre-planned, and choosing to book organised tours you can do just that. As you would expect staying on a small island, a lot of Menorca’s organised tours involve boat trips.

But you can also book tours of the towns, villages and cities, book tours to different beaches, and tours to explore the island’s prehistoric Talayotic sites.

To give you an idea of what’s available, I’ve highlighted a few of the most popular trips available.

• Mahón: Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting & Appetizers
• Mahón: Explore Mahon harbour on a glass-bottom boat . Duration one hour.
• From Ciutadella: Natural Coves and Beaches Boat Trip & Paella Lunch . Explore the southern coast of Menorca and enjoy a Mediterranean paella for lunch with sangria.
• Menorca: Island Discovery Jeep Tour . Enjoy some of the most scenic landscapes of the island. Duration three hours
• From Fornells. A half-day trip sailing a catamaran through part of the north marine reserve. Maximum ten people. Duration three hours.
• From Fornells. Sail the north coast , anchor on virgin beaches and enjoy a swim in clear blue waters. Duration three hours.
• Full day island tour . Visit Ciutadella, Fornells, Monte Toro and Torralba. Hotel pick-up and return. Duration seven hours.
• Menorca: Kayak and Marine Reserve Snorkeling Adventure .
• Ciutadella: Wine tasting and guided winery tour . Duration one hour.
• From Cala Galdana: Hidden Gems of South Coast Cruise . Sail through Cala Macarella and Macarelleta, Turqueta, Mitjana, Mitjaneta, Trebalúger and more. Swim into the blue waters.

This is just a small selection of available trips, and many come with hotel/resort pick-up and drop-off, and English-speaking guides.

Enjoy your downtime in bars with a view and fine-dining restaurants

Wherever you stay in Menorca’s towns, villages or beach resorts, you’re never that far from a bar or restaurant that will become your favourite.

Whether it’s a drink with a view or a little fine dining, here is the Menorca travel guide’s take on a few well worth a visit.

Bar Peri: Located in Migjorn Gran : Varied menu including tapas, fish, calamari, lasagne, crepes, pancakes and sandwiches. They do a good Sangria and the usual beers and spirits. Open 7.00am to 11.00pm

Sunset Beach Bar: Situated in Playa de Son Bou on the south coast. Primarily a bar with a view of Menorca’s longest beach selling all the usual drinks, including cocktails and Sangria. Open 9.30am to 11.45pm.

Cova d’en Xoroi bar and disco: Located at Cala en Porter, it is a unique bar carved out of the rocks. Daytime entrance costs €12.90, and €15 sunset time. In the evening, disco entrance is €30.

Sa Falua Cocktail Bar, Mahon harbour: A great little bar for those after-dinner drinks. There is an indoor terrace and a small outdoor terrace so be quick, and grab a waterside table to watch the harbour light up as the sun goes down.

Es Cranc, Fornells village: A famous, highly popular seafood restaurant alongside the beach specialising in lobster dishes, including the famous caldereta de langosta menorquina (lobster stew).

Café Balear Restaurant, Ciudadela harbour: Café Balear is a popular, well-known seafood restaurant where you can dine al-fresco beside the water. Specialities include tapas starters, lobster with onion, fried crayfish, monkfish, swordfish carpaccio and lobster stew.

Smoix Restaurant, Ciutadella: Smoix is a pleasant, boutique hotel restaurant open to non-residents and highly thought of by local and visiting gastronomes. Only local, seasonal produce is used, with legumes added when products are scarce.

El Rais restaurant, Mahon harbour: Mentioned in the 2023 Michelin Guide, El Rais is a restaurant with a difference, specialising in fusion dishes of rice, seafood and meats. You can enjoy starters, sharing plates, raw seafood or beef dishes, rice dishes, mains, and desserts.

Nightlife in Menorca

Although Menorca is certainly quieter than its louder sisters across the water, it still has enough lively bars and clubs where you can party until the late early hours.

Most of the late bars and clubs can be found around the harbour areas of Mahon and Ciutadella, with a few scattered around the resort areas of Cala en Porter ( the most famous club in Menorca, Cova d´en Xoroi , is located here) and Son Bou.

In the most popular bars and club venues you can expect everything from House and Garage, to the 70s, 80s and 90s classics for the young at heart, to Salsa and Latin beats. One word of warning, these venues don’t start getting busy until eleven or midnight.

Menorca travel guide daily itineraries

If daily organised trips make too big a hole in the holiday finances, you may prefer to hire a car and do things in your own time . The daily hire rate should reduce the longer you hire the vehicle.

Maps of the island will be available from tourist offices, hotels and apartment reception. My advice is, don’t try to cram too much into each day . Keeping the itinerary loose gives you greater flexibility should you decide to spend not one hour at a stop, but two.

Secondly, jot down your travel plans on a daily basis. That way, if rain or inclement weather is forecast for the following day, it’s easy to change your plans. Who wants to be trudging round an archaeological site in a downpour when they could be enjoying a coffee in a village café.

The following are just a couple of examples of daily itineraries, assuming I based myself in Cala Galdana, a popular resort area on the south coast.

Daily Itinerary 1

• Head for the beautiful beaches of Macarella and Macarelleta and get your feet wet in the shallows
• Drive to Ferreries town. (Inland, the highest town in Menorca)
• Pay a visit to the Naveta de Tudons, 3 miles out from Ciutadella
• Head for Cala Morell beach and its red cliffs
• Make your way to Ciutadella for a leisurely stroll around the old town
• Enjoy sunset at Pont d’en Gil
• Head back to Cala Galdana. Park up the car and jot down tomorrow’s route over a couple of beers.

Daily Itinerary 2

• Take a drive up to Binibeca Vell, a pretty village by the sea.
• Visit Mahon.
• Explore Mahon’s harbour, enjoy an hour’s boat trip around the harbour, and enjoy a meal at a top seafood restaurant.
• Pay a visit to La Mola Fortress
• Visit the Poblat Talaiotic de Trepucó, one of the island’s most significant prehistoric settlements.
• Enjoy the sunset in Cova d´en Xoroi
• Return to Cala Galdana, and end the evening with a beer in your favourite bar.

Daily Itinerary 3

• Head up to Monte Toro, the highest mountain on the island and enjoy the view.
• Drive to Torre d´en Galmés, the most famous and best-preserved prehistoric settlement
• Head north to see the Faro de Favaritx
• Enjoy a caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) in Fornells
• Spend the rest of the day in Cala Pregonda

Getting a hire car with GPS will make the touring much easier, and your supplier should be able to set the language to give instructions in English.

What to buy in Menorca

Finally, wherever you choose to holiday, plenty of souvenir shops will offer pens, lighters and fridge magnets, with the usual ‘product of’ or ‘love from’ logo printed on the product. Or, in the case of Spain and her islands, castanets, little black bulls and fans.

But what about those gifts for the special people in your life. Family, or friend who looks after the pets or keeps an eye on your house while you’re away?

You will find an extensive range of genuine Menorcan products in markets, towns and cities that make unique gifts. Leather goods , bags, shoulder bags and accessories. Pottery, ceramics, Avarques or Abarca sandals , and designer and costume jewellery.

You can browse all these products and more at Menorca’s main craft centre, the Centre Artesanal de Menorca, in Es Mercadal, which has a permanent display and holds temporary exhibitions of new products. The centre also has a small retail shop.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

The Guide to Menorca

How to get there, what to see, where to stay

Island of contrasts

A beautiful coastline, enchanting scenery, vibrant cities – Menorca has it all and more besides

Beach paradise

There are more sandy beaches in Menorca than in the rest of the Balearic islands put together

Holiday homes

In Menorca, there’s an apartment or pool home to suit every budget or requirement

Whether a first-timer or an island regular…

Discover the beauty of Menorca

The Balearic island of Menorca, less well-known, less busy and infinitely more attractive than its sisters Mallorca and Ibiza, has been attracting the discerning tourist for the best part of a century. We’ve gathered together the best of Menorca in one handy web guide to help you to plan your visit and to get the best out of your stay, whether it’s a beach holiday, city break or activity holiday

Accommodation guide

Beautiful villas and apartments from Travel Menorca

Sports, sights and style

What does Menorca have to offer?

Restaurants

Attractions

For news and offers

Subscribe to our newsletter

• About Menorca
• Accommodation in Menorca
• Attractions in Menorca
• Beaches of Menorca
• Cities of Menorca
• Getting to Menorca
• Restaurants in Menorca
• Site map & privacy policy
• Shopping in Menorca
• Sports in Menorca
• Walking in Menorca

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Cookie and Privacy Settings

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.

Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.

Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.

We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.

We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.

If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Google reCaptcha Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.

MENORCA TRAVEL GUIDE

Menorca (or Minorca ) is the second largest island of the Balearics and the less visited compared to Majorca and Ibiza , but it’s a perfect destination for a more quiet and relaxed holiday with a great number of amazing beaches to choose from.

This guide will tell and also show you with photos everything you need to know about planning your trip to Menorca, the best places to visit and things to do and also provide detailed maps and itinerary .

INTRODUCTION TO MENORCA (MINORCA)

Why shall you visit Menorca ?

Menorca is one of the less touristy islands of the Balearics with stunning beaches and some beautiful coastal scenery.

An ideal destination for a relaxed holiday in the sun , but also for people looking for something more adventurous or cultural, as it combines beach activities with hiking opportunities, archaeological sights , seaside villages and two beautiful main towns (Cuitadela & Mahon or Mao) .

It has a lot of prehistoric structures : the navetas, the defensive towers called talayots and the taulas (T-shaped structures).

It is an appealing green island, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , and over forty per cent of it enjoys official protection.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MENORCA

The tourist season starts from May to mid-October

For a beach holiday , the best time to visit the island of Menorca is between June and the end of August . It’s dry, sunny and hot. Also, most of the tourist amenities will only be open during these months.

However, I would avoid the very high season: mid-July to late August, as the island tends to get very crowded with most prices tend to be higher. Weather can also get very hot, with temperatures over 25°C. However, due to its refreshing sea breeze, it never gets too hot during the summer. 

May can be a bit cold to swim in the sea and sunbathe, but it is usually dry and sunny. September & October are considerably more cloudy and can be quite wet.

During the “winter season” most of the hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants, especially in the tourist resorts close in October and do not open until April.

For me, the best time to visit is June with more acceptable temperatures, fewer crowds and lower prices but still possible to swim in the sea.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN MENORCA

Menorca is quite a big island (about 690sqkm), so I would recommend staying on the island at least for 5 days to a full week if you would like to explore it and visit most of the sights at a relaxed pace. Despite its size, driving around the island is quite easy as it is mainly flat.

WHERE TO STAY IN MENORCA

There are many resorts on the island of Menorca where you can spend your holidays. Some of the main beach resorts in Menorca are Cala Galdana , Cala ‘n Bosch Cala ‘n Porter , Son Bou, Santo Tomas, Punta Prima , Arenal d’en Castell , Son Park and Cala en Blanes .

Great places to stay are also Ciutadella and Mahon , the two main towns on the island if you are not bothered by having a beach within walking distance and you prefer city life with plenty of choices for restaurants, bars and shopping. If you want to explore the island by public transport, Mahon or Ciutadella are also the best places to stay in Menorca without a car.

My recommendation is to stay in Cala Galdana as it has a beautiful setting within a horseshoe bay and a beautiful beach, a nice little marina and lots of bars and restaurants. There are also a lot of hotels and apartments to rent and it’s the best base to explore the neighbouring beaches on foot if you don’t have a car.

Cala ‘n Porter is a long-established resort on the south coast ideal for families because of the beach with shallow water. The resort is up on the hill overlooking the beach so it is a bit of a steep walk up.

Cala ‘n Bosch is one of the most popular purpose-built resorts close to Ciutadella, with lots of bars, restaurants and things to do for families and close to a nice beach.

Santo Tomas & Son Bou are another two popular resorts on the south coast with a long stretch of white sandy beaches.

Cala ‘n Blanes, north of Ciutadella is another resort popular with mainly British families. The beach is not one of the best.

Punta Prima & Binibeca are two popular resorts close to Mahon.

Son Park & Arena d’ en Castell are two alternative resorts on the north coast of Menorca.

Best hotels in Menorca

• ARTIEM Audax-Adults Only : This hotel is located at the resort of Cala Galdana, 2min walk from the beach. It offers an outdoor pool overlooking Cala Galdana Bay.
• Meliá Cala Galdana : This luxurious hotel is located on the beachfront of Cala Galdana Beach offering outdoor swimming pools and rooms with sea views.
• Hotel Cala Galdana & Apartamentos d’Aljandar : Another great hotel in Cala Galdana with an outdoor pool, only 3min walk from the beach.
• Hotel Playa Azul : This hotel is located on a cliff above Cala’n Porter Beach. It offers outdoor pools and sun terraces with fantastic sea views.
• Catalonia Mirador des Port : A great option in Mahon, this hotel offers beautiful views over Mahon Bay, 5min walk to the centre of town.
• Hotel Port Mahón : Another great hotel in Mahon, a 10min walk from the centre of town offering an outdoor pool and nice views overlooking the harbour.
• White Sands Beach Club By Diamond Resorts : It is situated in Arenal d’en Castell. Just 200 yards from the beach, this luxurious resort features a restaurant, a swimming pool and spacious apartments with balconies or terraces.
• Comitas Tramontana Park :  This aparthotel is close to Fornells Beach and has an outdoor swimming pool, a buffet restaurant and a gym. Suitable only if you have a car as Fornells main village is 3.5km away.
• Hotel Port Ciutadella : This hotel is located close to Platja Gran (a small beach) and 15min walk to the centre of Ciutadella.
• Barceló Hamilton Menorca Adults Only : A 4-star hotel at the nice seaside village of Es Castell offering great views towards Mahon Bay.
• Grupotel Tamariscos : This aparthotel is located in the resort of Cala ‘n Bosch, overlooking the beach.

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole island.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

No visas are required for visits up to 90 days for most nationalities. You can check entry requirements on this website .

Menorca is a safe place and you shouldn’t come across any issues during your stay. However, it’s worth being vigilant in crowded places and tourist areas for any pickpockets or scammers.

Travel Insurance

It’s always recommended to get travel insurance before you travel even if a destination like Menorca shouldn’t pose any safety concerns. You never know what might happen; better to be fully covered in case of an accident or flight delays etc. SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

The climate in Menorca is Mediterranean , with mild winters and hot, sunny summers.

Summer (June to Sept) : Dry, sunny and hot. Average temperatures between 23 to 35 degrees. July is the hottest and driest month.

Autumn (mid-September to November) : It starts to get cloudier, colder and also rainier as the days progress. Average temperatures between 18 to 25 degrees.

Winter (December to mid-March) : It can get quite cold and windy and also rainy but very rarely snows. Average temperatures between 12 to 16 degrees. February is the coldest month.

Spring (mid-March to May) : It starts getting warmer and sunnier with average temperatures between 15 to 19 degrees.

You can check historical weather data here .

Internet/Mobile Phone

Arrivals from EU countries can enjoy free roaming.

If not part of the EU, you can buy a SIM card in one of the shops of either Orange , Vodafone or Movistar (the three main mobile providers).

Catalan is the main language as well as Menorquin, which is a local dialect of Catalan, but everybody speaks Spanish and various levels of English.

The currency is the euro. It’s worth having some cash with you as a lot of small shops and cafes or restaurants won’t accept cards. The best place to exchange some money is through an ATM that can be found in most villages. More tips about exchanging money can be found here .

Menorca is more expensive than mainland Spain and prices are higher during July and August, especially for accommodation. An average double room will cost 100 euros per night and a meal at a restaurant around 60 euros for 2 people.

The power plugs and sockets are of type C and F (with two round pins). The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Packing List

If you visit in the summertime like most tourists, you won’t need to pack very much, mainly summer clothes & shoes , a hat , sunglasses , flip flops , the essential sunscreen and a swimming suit . However, I will recommend having a light summer jacket , as it can be quite chilly at night, especially in September and May when the wind blows.

For more information on travel gear and what to pack click here .

HOW TO GET THERE

Menorca-Mahon Airport is connected to many cities from mainland Spain all year round and also to the Island of Majorca with regular flights. During the summer season, the airport receives charter flights from many European countries.

For the best website to book your flights, check the link below. Always check prices in advance for the best deals.

Getting from/to the airport

The airport is located about 4km away from Mahon. Upon your arrival, you can rent a car (highly recommended) in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

There is a metered taxi service outside the terminal building. The journey to Mahon is about 10min and to Ciutadella about 40min.

There is also a daily bus service (15min trip) that connects the airport with Mahon City Center (Mahon Bus Station), every 30min, from 6am to midnight at high season. The bus stop is located at the ground level of the main terminal, outside arrivals. More information about the bus service can be found here .

There are ferries from the port of Barcelona to Ciutadella (10 sailings per week in high season & a 6h journey) and Mahon (7.5h journey).

Menorca is also connected with Majorca with fast and frequent ferries from Alcudia (a 1.5 to 2h journey to Ciutadella ). The ferry tickets can be quite expensive.

For a good website to book your ferry ticket that doesn’t charge admin fees, check the link below.

HOW TO GET AROUND

I would definitely recommend hiring a car if you would like to explore the island .

I always try and rent a car whenever I travel as it just gives you the freedom to plan your trip as you like it and stop wherever you like, as I usually do with too many photo stops along the way.

Car rental for a day is usually 40-60 euros in high season. There are car rental offices at the airport and in the main resorts of the island, but it’s always better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season, there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive. Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

Be aware that during July and August, parking at the most popular beaches can be an issue because of the limited spaces.

By Scooter/Motorbike

A cheaper alternative to the car is renting a scooter or motorbike if you are comfortable with it, but you need to be more cautious on the road. The big advantage of renting a motorbike is that there will be no need to worry about parking.

There are taxi stands in most towns. There are only licensed taxis in Menorca, painted white and use meters; no private taxi companies or Uber. Taxis have fixed rates for longer distances and are considerably more expensive compared with bus service.

Indicative fares of taxi routes :

• Airport to Mahon €15
• Airport to Ciutadella €55
• Airport to Cala Galdana: €45
• Airport to Fornells: €40

Bus Network in Menorca connects the main towns and villages as well as some of the beach resorts, but only in the summer season. It is run by three different companies operating in different areas of the island (TMSA, Torres & Autos Fornells). Travelling by bus is a cheap alternative and it is quite comfortable but appropriate planning is needed. More information regarding bus routes, timetables and prices can be found on the following websites:

• Autos Fornells

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Best places to go for a meal are Ciutadella and Mahon for the best choices in a beautiful setting. For good seafood restaurants by the sea, you can also visit Port de Fornells, the best place to taste caldereta de llagosta. Below you can find a sample list of some of the best restaurants and bars in Menorca. For more information and reviews of restaurants on the island, you can check TripAdvisor .

Nightlife in Menorca is low-key compared with the neighbouring islands of Majorca and Ibiza but there are still some nice bars to enjoy a drink, especially by the sea.

Best restaurants & bars in Menorca

• Restaurant Cafè Balear : Best seafood restaurant in Ciutadella. Very busy.
• Ulisses: Located in the centre of Ciutadella for great tapas
• Restaurante El Rais : One of the best portside restaurants in Mahon
• Es Moli d’es Raco: Traditional menorcan food in Es Mercadal
• El Pescador : Seafood seaside restaurant at Fornells
• Cova d’en Xoroi: Menorca’s most popular bar built in a cave on a cliff overlooking the sea . One of the few nightclubs in Menorca
• El Mirador in Placa d’Espanya : A nice bar by the walls above the harbour offering views of Mahon bay.
• Sa Falua: A nice bar on Mahon waterfront for cocktails

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map .

Local Specialities

• The island’s signature dish: caldereta de llagosta or lobster stew
• Fish & Seafood
• Sípia amb fesols (Cuttlefish with peas)
• Albergínies al forn (stuffed aubergines)
• Sobrassada (cured sausage)
• Local gin from the Xoriguer   distillery (produced since the British Occupation)
• Pomada (gin and cloudy lemonade)
• More information about the best spanish dishes you can find here

BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MENORCA

• Swim and relax on one of the best beaches on the island
• Explore the two pretty towns of Ciutadella and Mahon
• Admire the views from Monte Toro
• Visit some of the traditional fishing villages: Binibeca Vell, Fornells and Es Castell
• Take a boat trip to Mahon Harbour
• Visit some of the prehistoric monuments
• S’Albufera d’es Grau
• Visit one of the Lighthouses of Menorca
• Cova d’ en Xoroi
• Visit one of the military fortresses of Menorca
• Visit some of the museums of Menorca
• Líthica, Pedreres de s’Hostal
• Visit the Xoriguer Gin Distillery

BEST TOWNS & VILLAGES IN MENORCA

• CIUTADELLA DE MENORCA
• MAHON (MAO)
• FORNELLS PORT
• BINIBECA VELL
• ES MERCADAL

BEST BEACHES IN MENORCA

Menorca has some amazing beaches to choose from. The most popular beaches are on the south coast of the island, mainly small white sandy coves with crystal clear turquoise waters.

I recommend visiting at least the two popular beaches on the south coast Cala Galdana & Cala ‘n Porter and two of the best coves Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana.

Do not forget to visit some of the equally beautiful beaches on the north coast like Cala Pregonda and Platja de Cavalleria with the amazing red cliffs.

Below is a list of the 30 best beaches on the island.

• Cala Galdana
• Cala en Porter
• Cala Mitjana & Mitjaneta
• Cala Macarella & Macarelleta
• Cavalleria Beaches
• Cala Pregonda
• Platja de Son Bou
• Platja Arenal d’en Castell
• Platjes de Son Saura
• Cala en Turqueta
• Playa des Talaier
• Arenal Son Saura
• Santo Thomas
• Cala Trebalúger
• Platja de Binigaus
• Cala Escorxada
• Punta Prima
• Playas de Fornells
• Cala del Pillar
• Platja Sa Mesquida
• Platja Es Grau
• Cala Algaiarens
• Cala Binibeca
• Cala en Bosc & Platja de Son Xoriguer
• Cala Presili
• Cala en Blaines
• Cala Morell

MENORCA TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best sights, restaurants & hotels, as well as the best villages and beaches to visit in Menorca.

PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs and slideshows from the island of Menorca here .

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations on the island where you enjoy great views .

• Mirador Cim del Toro
• Mirador Sa Punta (Cala Galdana)
• Mirador of Cala Galdana
• Mirador Cala en Porter
• Mirador Del Passeig Maratim
• Mirador puerto Ciutadella
• Mirador Sa Albufera des Grau
• Arena d’ en Castel Mirador
• Mirador Arenal d’en Castell
• Mirador Cala Trebaluger
• View of Playas de Fornells
• Fornelles Tower fortress.

You can check these viewpoints locations and the best photo spots on the island in the following map .

There are lots of centres for watersport s and other activities on the island for the more adventurous.

F ornells is probably the best place as there are two dive centres and a surf centre.

Kayaking is quite popular and kayaks can be rented on the following beaches:

• Es Grau: From there one can reach Illa d’en Colom, a small island 200 meters from the mainland and its beaches.
• Cala en Porter: Cales Coves can be reached from there
• Cala Galdana: Plenty of caves and some of the most famous beaches of Menorca can be reached from there.

Horse riding

Menorca a Cavall is a company that offers horse riding excursions to different beaches and locations around the island. The farm is located near the town of Ferreries.

There are numerous hiking trails but the most famous one is Camí de Cavalls .

This is an ancient path of 185km that encircles the whole island of Menorca. You can also cycle part of the route or even horse ride.

Activities for kids

Lloc de Menorca is a small zoo where you can enjoy a variety of animals between native breeds and exotic species. Open from April to October (10am to 6pm) with a general price for adults of €14 & €9 for kids. It is located between Alaior and Mahon.

Splash Sur Menorca is probably the best water park in Menorca, located in Punta Prima. Price for adults €23.

Aqua Centre is another water park situated in Cala en Blanes, north of Ciutadella. Great for smaller kids, but a bit overpriced for what’s on offer. Price for adults €22.

Wine Tasting

Bodegas Binifadet : The winery is located near Sant Lluis and offers wine-tasting tours. The experience lasts for about an hour and includes strolling through the vineyards, a visit to the winery to see all the stages of production of the wines from harvesting to bottling and finally wine tasting. Price of tour: €12. The restaurant is really nice too where you can enjoy dinner and wine in a beautiful location.

EXCURSIONS & TOURS

• Boat tour of Mahon Harbour

This is a good 1h tour of the Mahon harbour offering some great views of the surrounding coastline and the town of Mahon.

There are two companies ( Yellow catamarans & Rutas Maritimas de la Cruz ) offering cruises around the harbour at €13.5 per adult.

During the trip, you can listen to a commentary in English on the history and points of interest of the Port of Mahon and Menorca, but there are no stops during the trip.

Boat tour along the coast of Menorca

This is a very good way of seeing the non so easily accessible beaches of the south coast. The best tours on offer are the ones below:

• Half-Day Boat Tour along the South Coast of Menorca : This tour starts from Cala ‘n Bosch (€35 per adult & 3.5h duration).
• Half-Day Boat Excursion 6-8 South beaches of Menorca : This tour starts from Cala Galdana (€70 & 3.5h duration)

Ferry trip to Majorca

If you have plenty of time on the island, you can take the ferry from Ciutadella to Alcudia (1.5h to 2h journey) in neighbouring Majorca and enjoy this beautiful coastal resort.

Difficult to be done as a day trip, but it’s definitely worth visiting Majorca as part of a longer trip.

More information about excursions & tours in Menorca can be found here .

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

It is worth staying on the island for at least 5 to 7 days if you want to explore it. The following itinerary includes things to do for 6 days on the island, but if you have more time to spend, you can change this itinerary to allow a more relaxed pace. I have taken Cala Galdana as a base & overnight stay for the duration of the holiday; this itinerary might work slightly differently if you stay in other parts of the island.

• Hike to Cala Mitjana from Cala Galdana (15min walk) & enjoy a swim in this beautiful cove
• Optional: Continue to Cala Trebaluger (another 20min walk)
• A quick visit to Ferreries village
• Visit Naveta de Tudons
• Drive to Cala Morell for a photo stop
• Visit Ciutadella & walk the narrow streets of the old town
• Evening stroll at beautiful Ciutadella harbour & dinner
• Back to Cala Galdana
• Total drive time: 1.5h
• Quick visit of Es Mercadal
• Drive up to Monte Toro to enjoy the views
• Visit Far de Cavalleria for a walk around the lighthouse
• Swim in the scenic Cavalleria Beach
• Hike to Cala Pregonda for another swim in this beautiful setting
• Photo stop at Playa de Fornells
• Evening stroll and meal at Fornells port
• Total drive time: 2h
• Hike to Macarella & Macareletta for a swim
• Optional: Poblat talaiòtic de Talatí de Dalt
• Visit Binibeca Vell
• Optional: Bodegas Binifadet winery
• Evening walk and meal at Mahon
• Total drive time: 1h 45min
• A quick visit to Alaior
• Visit the historic site of Torre d’en Galmes
• Swim in Son Bou
• Optional: Torralba d’en Salort
• Cala en Porter for another swim or kayaking
• Cova d’en Xoroi for a drink while enjoying the sunset
• Go to Arena d’ en Castell or Son Saura for a swim
• Drive to Far de Favàritx for a walk to the lighthouse
• Stop to enjoy the view at the Mirador Sa Albufera des Grau
• Visit Es Grau for some kayaking
• Drive to Mola Fortress for a visit
• Evening stroll and meal at Es Castell
• Total drive time: 2.5h
• Visit Cala en Bosc & take a boat tour along the south coast of the island (3.5h)
• OR take a boat tour from Cala Galdana (3.5h)
• Enjoy your last day relaxing at Cala Galdana

You can find the driving routes for the above itinerary on the flowing clickable map.

VIRTUAL TOUR

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Menorca 🙂

THINGS TO BUY

The best destination for souvenir shopping is either Mahon or Ciutadella with lots of souvenir shops as well as shops with handmade crafts and typical menorcan products.

A unique souvenir to buy is a pair of avarques, a typical sandal from Menorca exported around the world. S’Avarca de Menorca in Mahon has a wide selection and the most unique designs.

Queso de Mahón (Mahon cheese) or sobrassada (cured sausage) can be bought in the markets of Mahon.

FURTHER READING

You can check the following posts :

• Menorca Beaches & Resorts
• Town & Villages of Menorca
• Best things to do in Menorca

Other useful websites for more information about Menorca:

• Menorca Island : The official tourist website of Menorca
• MyMenorca : The most detailed independent website about Menorca

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit Menorca:

• Insight Guides Pocket Menorca : Compact, concise, and packed with essential information about Where to Go and What to Do. The cheapest pocket guide for Menorca.
• Menorca Marco Polo Pocket Travel Guide : Another affordable option. Explore Menorca with this handy, pocket-sized guide, packed with Insider Tips
• The Rough Guide to Mallorca & Menorca : This comprehensive guide also includes information about Majorca.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Momondo is another very good search engine as well as Google Flights .
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. TripAdvisor and Trivago are the best search engines to check deals from different websites; however not as good for checking the actual properties & rooms. Airbnb is a great alternative to find out homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.
• Ferries : Ferryhopper is one of the best websites to check ferry schedules and buy the cheapest ferry tickets.
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options.
• Public Transport : There are 3 different companies with their own website for checking public transport in Menorca: TMSA , Autos Fornells & Torres .
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. TripAdvisor is also a great place to search for tours & activities to do.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

Sharing is caring!

You may also like

Malaysia travel guide and things to do, helsinki travel guide and things to do, antalya travel guide & things to do, wroclaw travel guide and things to do, things to do in kefalonia, kefalonia travel guide, turin travel guide and things to do, madeira towns & villages, things to do in jersey, madeira beaches, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Visit Menorca: Top 17 Things to Do and Must See Attractions

The 17 best things to do in menorca (bucket list).

You want to visit Menorca and you’re looking for  the best places to visit?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 17 best things to do in Menorca , with all the must-see attractions of the island.

In this article, I will tell you everything about Menorca’s must-see attractions, the most beautiful beaches , the best boat trips , and all the activities you can do on the island.

In addition, I will also give you all my best tips as well as my list of the best accomodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Menorca? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

2. La Mola Fortress

3. ciutadella, 4. the most beautiful beaches and coves of menorca, 5. boat trip in menorca, 6. diving in menorca, 7. best activities to do in menorca, 8. the cami de cavalls – hiking in menorca, 9. the monte toro lookout, 10. the most beautiful villages of menorca, 11. the lighthouses to see in menorca, 12. s’albufera des grau natural park, 13. pont d’en gill, 14. visiting menorca: the talayotic sites, 15. cycling in menorca, 16. sampling menorca’s gastronomy, 17. the best hotels in menorca, best things to do in menorca: the tourist map, rent a boat in menorca, you’re traveling to menorca these articles will help you , visit menorca: the 17 best places to visit and must-see attractions.

Let’s kick off this tourist guide to Menorca with the capital: Mahon .

The city, nestled in the southeastern corner of Menorca , is particularly charming, especially its historic heart . It’s just a treat to amble through its adorable pedestrian-friendly streets . You’ll be spoiled for choice with all the boutiques, cozy cafes, and dining spots that you’ll come across.

I particularly recommend a stroll through Carrer de ses Moreres where you’ll also find the Menorca tourism office, Carrer de Hannover, and Carrer Nou .

Places of interest to visit in Mahon:

• The Mercat del Claustre: a really cute market with shops located under arcades and a terrace in the old church cloister
• The Fish Market (“mercat des Peix”): divided into 2 parts, it has stalls of fresh fish and a gourmet market selling beautifully presented and very appetizing tapas
• The Museum of Menorca on the history of the island. It is located in the old Sant Francesc Church.
• The portal of Sant Roc: built in the 14th century, it’s the only remaining gate of the old city walls. It is flanked by two towers of different heights.
• The Santa Maria Church and its rather impressive organ made up of over 3,200 pipes
• The Ca’n Oliver : This remarkable art and history center, housed in a beautiful 1800s house, presents a collection of maps and period furniture that vividly depict the story of the city.

Departing from the port located below the old town, you should make the most of your stay in Menorca by taking a one-hour mini-cruise in Mahon Bay .

You’ll get beautiful views of the colonial houses, coves, small islands, and the Mola fortress (I’ll talk about it next). You’ll enjoy historical and cultural commentary to enrich your understanding of the area.

Book your boat trip to Mahon by clicking the green button below:

How to get to Menorca?

If you’ve chosen to fly to Menorca (from Mallorca, Barcelona or another country), you’ll be landing in Mahon since the airport is just 5 km from the city center .

For those who’ve opted to take the ferry to Menorca from Valencia, Barcelona or Mallorca, the boat terminal is at Port Mahon, on the opposite side of the bay from the city .

The La Mola Fortress is one of the absolute must-sees in Menorca .

It was built in 1850 , at the very tip of Mahon port, to defend it against various European powers when they realized that the island had become a real strategic enclave , both commercially and militarily.

Today, you can fully visit this huge, well-preserved fortress and explore the many underground passages . Throughout your visit, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views of the coast .

It’s even become one of the main tourist attractions in Menorca!

Practical information for visiting La Mola Fortress:

• Entry fee is €8 per person.
• You can choose to rent an audioguide for an extra charge or scan the QR codes scattered around (free) for all the explanations about the fortress’s history and the buildings you’ll see.
• Allow about 2.5 hours for the visit because the site is really big and be prepared to walk in full sunlight.
• You can also rent golf carts to explore the outdoors.

Opening hours can be found on the official website .

For your itinerary in Menorca (and especially to visit the fortress which is not served by any public transport), you should not ask yourself too many questions and just rent a car . It’s clearly the most convenient way to get around Menorca to access all the beaches and tour the island .

To compare rates from all car rental companies in Menorca and book your vehicle, you should use Booking.com Cars . All you have to do is click on the green button here :

To continue with the list of the most beautiful places to visit in Menorca, head to Ciutadella .

Once the capital until the 18th century , the island’s second-largest city rests on the western coast, facing Mahon .

It has a really lovely historic center with beautiful quaint buildings, several squares and churches , and bourgeois houses with beautiful facades .

Must-sees in Ciutadella during your trip to Menorca :

• Es Born Square where you’ll find an obelisk and one of the most beautiful buildings: the city hall
• The viewpoint (mirador) located behind the town hall offering a superb view of the port
• Ses Voltes: the main shopping street with its lovely shops under the arches
• The Cathedral of Ciutadella in typical Catalan Gothic style
• The many palaces and manor houses : the Olivar palace, the Casa Squella, the Vivo palace
• The small fish market where you can taste fresh fish and seafood
• The port of Ciutadella for the view of the city and the monuments.

If you’re wondering what to do in Menorca with children, I recommend taking them to the old Lithica quarry , located on the road before arriving in Ciutadella.

The quarry visit includes a workshop for carving stone and a giant labyrinth dug into the quarry itself. The place is undeniably one-of-a-kind . I personally found it refreshingly original .

If you’ve decided to visit Menorca as a family , I assure you, it’ll be a hit with everyone!

Wondering where to go for a beach day in Menorca ?

That’s an easy one: pretty much anywhere.

The 200 km Menorcan coastline boasts no less than 100 beaches and coves ! With white sands and turquoise waters , they’re all simply stunning and provide a slice of paradise for a swim.

Unlike Mallorca , which is much more urbanized, most coves are wild and untouched , free from any visible construction, and we all absolutely love that.

I’ll spare you the list of all 100 – that would be a bit of a bore – but here’s my selection of the most beautiful beaches to enjoy a swim in Menorca :

• Cala Mesquida : A lovely sandy beach bordered by a small cape. It’s the nearest beach to Mahon.
• Es Grau beach : Its calm, shallow waters make it the ideal beach for families with children in Menorca.
• Sa Caleta : A beautiful cove with turquoise and shallow waters. Absolutely breathtaking with a great view of the tower.
• Cala en Brut : A fantastic place, but there’s no actual beach here. There are several concrete platforms built for sunbathing, jumping directly into the water, or accessing the water via ladders. Popular with the local younger crowd.
• Son Bou beach : The longest beach on the island.
• Cala Algaiarens : A lovely wild beach in the shape of a double cove bordered by dunes and pine trees. Just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.
• The 4 coves of Binimel, the most famous of which is Pregonda . A beautiful walk takes you through the coves with striking color contrasts between the red rocks, trees, ochre sand, and blue water.
• Cala Mitjana : A superb beach in a cove with very clear water. Easily accessible via a 1.2 km trail from the parking lot. This beach easily made it into my top 5 most stunning spots during my Menorca road trip!
• Cala en Turqueta : Nestled in the pine forest and accessible after a 1 km walk, it’s also one of the prettiest in my humble opinion.
• Cala Macarella and Macarelleta : Very similar to Cala en Turqueta.
• Cala de Binidali : A very small, peaceful cove with crystal clear water.
• Es Calo Blanc : A tiny cove with fine sand and turquoise water, with a few rocks to lounge on.
• Cavalleria beach bordered by clay hills.

You can’t possibly plan a trip to Menorca without at least one boat excursion .

A sea trip with swimming stops is the best way to access some coves and discover the most beautiful corners of the island .

Since there are a lot of different outings, I’ve prepared my selection of the best boat excursions in Menorca to help you choose.

But remember, you’ll need to book well in advance to secure a spot as these cruises are among the most popular tourist activities on the island . You can make reservations by clicking on the orange links or the green buttons .

The most beautiful boat outings in Menorca (south coast):

• A full-day cruise to discover the most beautiful coves on the south coast of Menorca: Son Saura, Cala en Turqueta, Cala Macarella, and Cala Macarelleta .

Departing from Ciutadella port , you’ll first head to Son Saura for 2 hours of swimming . Then, you’ll enjoy a delicious paella served on board accompanied by a glass of sangria, before setting off for a second 1.5-hour swimming stop at Cala Turqueta .

For me, this is the best boat excursion in Menorca because it allows you to see all the most famous coves in the area in one day, something that isn’t really possible by car or on foot.

Don’t wait any longer and book directly by clicking the button below :

• 3.5-hour cruise to Son Saura, Es Talaier, Turqueta, Macarella, Macarelleta, Mitjana, Trebaluger, Fustam, and Escorxada + 2 stops of 30 min for a swim + tapas – Departing from Cala Galdana.
• 2-hour glass-bottom boat excursion from Cala Galdana + 1 hour of swimming.
• 2-hour sea trip on a small boat that can accommodate a maximum of about ten people – Passing by the South coves and a short break for a swim. Also departs from Cala Galdana.
• 3.5-hour boat trip from Cala’n Bosch including 1 hour of snorkeling.
• Sunset boat trip with a complimentary cocktail – From Cala’n Bosh – An excellent choice of activity to do in Menorca as a couple!

The best boat excursions in Menorca (north coast – all departures are from Fornells):

• Catamaran cruise along Menorca’s north coast . Small-group excursion that accommodates up to 10 passengers and offers a friendly crew, a refreshing snorkeling stop, and complimentary unlimited drinks.
• Full-day sailing excursion to beaches only accessible by boat + lunch included – Paddle and snorkeling equipment provided.
• 3.5-hour cruise on the beaches of the north coast , towards Cap Cavalleria + swimming at Cala Pregonda.
• Fast boat excursion – 3h – 2 snorkeling stops + aperitif featuring local cheese and cold cuts.
• Llaut Cruise , a traditional wooden boat from the Balearic Islands – Small group – If you’re wondering what to do in Menorca with friends or family , this is the perfect boat excursion! Local appetizers and drinks are included!
• 3-hour sunset sea trip – Fast boat.
• Sunset sailboat cruise
• Private boat excursion in Menorca at sunset

Make the most of your Menorca getaway and embark on an incredible adventure: scuba diving .

Just like Malta , Corsica , Greece or Sardinia , the Balearic Islands are among the best places to dive in the Mediterranean .

If you’ve never dived before, I highly recommend using your visit to Menorca to do a dive initiation. You’ll take a brief theory lesson before choosing your equipment and boarding the boat to go diving in the marine reserve located in the North of the island .

The reserve is home to a variety of species including groupers , scorpionfish , octopuses , and lobsters .

The initiation I’ve selected for you is a real proper dive initiation , meaning you’ll spend about an hour underwater with your instructor .

The diving center is located 20 minutes north of Mahon.

Book your diving initiation in Menorca by clicking on the button below:

If you’d rather try this activity in the southern region of Menorca , you have a variety of exciting excursions to choose from:

• Dive initiation from Cala Galdana
• Dive initiation from Ciutadella

For those who are already certified divers, here is a list of the most beautiful diving spots in Menorca :

• Cagaires : a set of natural galleries on 3 levels
• S’Embut de S’Algar and its 2 connected caves
• Cap del Bisbe to spot barracudas
• Llosa dels Ocellers filled with tunnels and caves
• Pont d’en Gil: a 200-meter long cave full of stalactites and stalagmites
• The wreck of Francisquita , a Spanish cargo ship that sank in 1952
• The wreck of the steamship, the Malakoff.

Discover my selection of the best activities you’ll find in Menorca !

If you want more details about each of them (prices, duration, reservations), feel free to click on the orange links below :

• Jet ski excursion on the north coast of Menorca – Duration 1h
• Snorkeling trip to the caves of Macarella and the stunning cove of Cala Trebaluger , in the south of Menorca. You will be taken to the snorkeling sites by boat from Cala Galdana.
• 2-hour snorkeling trip in the marine reserve 
• Kayaking excursion with an instructor from Fornells (north). Pass under the cliffs, into the caves, and stop for a swim at S’Arenelet beach.
• Kayak tour of the cliffs and caves of the south , from Cala en Porter
• Guided kayak excursion at sunset from Fornells
• Kayak rental (from 1 hour to a full day)
• 2-hour paddle board trip with an instructor , in the bay of Fornells
• Paddle board rental
• One-day 4×4 off-road excursion that takes you both on established tracks and off the beaten path.
• Horse riding : several riding centers organize rides along the Cami de Cavalls.

Visiting Menorca on foot is also one of the best ways to discover stunning landscapes and reach the most beautiful coves on the island .

The most famous hiking trail in Menorca is the Cami de Cavalls (or GR223) which allows you to go all around Menorca on foot along the coastline.

Stretching across a length of 185 km , it is divided into 20 stages, ranging from 5 to 14 km each . For those aiming to hike the entire route, it typically requires 10 days of walking* when commencing from Mahon and following the trail counterclockwise.

Of course, you don’t have to walk the whole trail, you can also explore it on shorter hikes in Menorca and reach your favorite coves .

I had a wonderful time strolling along the section that stretches from Binimel to Pregonda and also the one from Son Saura beach to Cala Trebaluger .

*Note that the Cami de Cavalls can also be explored by bike or on horseback.

One of the key highlights of Menorca is the highly recommended ascend to the Monte Toro viewpoint .

The highest point on the island , at 358 meters high, offers a wonderful panorama over much of Menorca and Fornells Bay. And if fortune favors you with a clear sky, you might even catch a glimpse of Menorca’s sister island, Mallorca .

The Monte Toro viewpoint is located in the center of the island and is a quick 5-minute drive from the village of Es Mercadal.

On-site, you’ll discover complimentary parking , a charming restaurant/café with a terrace offering splendid views, a souvenir shop , and the sanctuary of the Virgin (the patron saint of Menorca).

You simply cannot miss some of the charming and picturesque villages in Menorca, such as:

• Sant Climent with its cute little church sporting a yellow and white facade
• Es Castell and its fishing harbor lined with some of the island’s top restaurants to enjoy fresh fish and seafood
• Sant Lluis also home to cracking eateries for dining in Menorca: pop into La Caraba and Sa Pedrera des Pujols. I’d also recommend a stop at Bodegas Binifadet, where you can take guided tours of the winery and enjoy wine tastings.
• Alaior for a leisurely wander through the medieval city’s winding streets. Make sure to visit the church of Santa Eulalia, the Salort Palace and the San Diego convent where you’ll find the tourist office.
• Ferreries , where you can stroll along the narrow streets of the historic center.
• Es Mercadal : an absolute charmer with its traditional Menorcan whitewashed houses and the main square surrounded by cafes and two superb bakeries: Cas Sucrer and Forn de sa Plaça.

Last but not least, Fornells, an authentic village with its fishing boats by the water’s edge serving one of the most famous traditional Menorcan dishes: caldereta de langosta , a kind of lobster stew.

The two top-notch restaurants serving this dish in Fornells are Sa Llagosta and Es Cranc (booking is essential).

I’d also recommend a trip to the tower of Fornells to admire the view of the village and the Cavalleria lighthouse .

Continuing with this list of the best things to do in Menorca , let’s go lighthouse spotting .

The seven lighthouses scattered across the island continue to serve their primary purpose of guiding ships, and interestingly, three of them have also evolved into significant tourist attractions in Menorca. So much so, that today it is referred to as the Menorca Lighthouse Route.

If you’ve decided to visit the north of Menorca I recommend:

• The Cavalleria lighthouse : built in 1857 following over 700 shipwrecks, it’s the oldest lighthouse on the island. The site offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire north coast and also features an interpretation center that delves into the history and construction of the island’s lighthouses.
• The Favaritx lighthouse on the northeast coast. During my visit, the weather was incredibly windy. Surrounded by gray rocks and devoid of vegetation, it felt like the end of the earth. A landscape quite unlike the rest of the island.

In the southern region of Menorca , don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Artrutx lighthouse , renowned for the spectacular view it provides of Mallorca . While you’re there, why not grab a drink on the terrace of the bar set up in the old keeper’s house?

These three lighthouses are among the most beautiful places in Menorca to watch the sunset .

If you’re still wondering what to see in Menorca , head on over to the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park .

This protected natural area is famous for being a haven for a diverse range of bird species , including herons, cormorants, coots, ospreys, and even eagles.

To explore this area, you can take advantage of three designated walking routes (the map is available at the visitor center located near the parking lot, and the routes are also clearly marked with signs):

• Mirador de Cala Llimpa – 1,700 meters – 40-minute walk 
• Santa Madrona – 2,800 meters – 75-minute walk
• Sa Gola – 2,200 meters – 40-minute walk

To be honest, although there are a few viewpoints offering glimpses of the water, I personally didn’t find it exceptionally captivating, and unfortunately, I didn’t come across any birds. However, it’s worth noting that the day I visited was scorching hot, and the trails were fully exposed to the sun, which somewhat diminished the enjoyment of the walk.

But by all means, let me know in the comments if you enjoyed your visit.

To beat the heat, why not make your way to the exquisite Es Grau beach? From there, you also have the option to take a shuttle boat to the nearby island of en Colom , just across the waters.

The boat will transport you to one of the island’s two beaches: Els Tamarells beach or Arenal d’en Moro beach . Once there, all you need to do is unwind and savor the pristine, crystal-clear waters .

You can book your boat taxi transfer from Es Grau to the island of Colom by clicking on the button below:

If you’re passionate about birdwatching , the tourist office provides a map outlining various routes for birdwatching in Menorca.

In addition to the Es Grau lagoon , you’ll discover birdwatching routes around Son Bou beach , the Cap de Favaritx (including the Mongofre cliffs and Addaia salt pans), the Cap de Cavalleria , La Vall , and in the Barranc d’Algendar .

For the latter, you might spot several birds of prey. And even if there aren’t any, I found the walk along the bottom of the Gorges to be easy, enjoyable, and rather nice as it’s quite shaded.

I’ve already let you in on a little secret that lighthouses are one of the most spectacular spots for sunset viewing .

But if you’re keen on catching this magical hour while you’re exploring Menorca, I suggest you make your way to Pont d’en Gil .

This stunning stone arch , just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot along the Cami de Cavalls, becomes a photographer’s paradise when the sun starts to set.

What to see in Menorca if you’re into history and archaeology ?

Check out the Talayotic sites!

If you’ve never heard of this term before, don’t worry, neither had I before I set foot in Menorca. The Talayotic era is a prehistoric period dating from 1050 to 123 BC .

The Talayotic sites in Menorca boast a unique architecture, consisting of large limestone blocks stacked on top of each other without anything to hold them together.

There are mainly three different types of monuments: the talayots, the taulas, and the navetas. The last two are considered to be unique in the world . Even in Mallorca, nothing similar has been discovered.

The main Talayotic sites to visit in Menorca include:

• The Talayotic village of Talati de Dalt : one of the best-preserved on the island
• Naveta des Tudons : a funerary monument housing dozens of skeletal remains
• The necropolis of Cala Morell ; a collection of caves carved into the rock, used as a necropolis
• The Talayotic village of Trepuco , one of the largest in Menorca
• The Talayotic village of Torre d’en Galmés is home to several talayots, funeral caves, houses, and a taula.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s possible and even great to explore Menorca by bike , particularly along the Cami de Cavalls trail .

Most of the routes are not particularly challenging, because unlike its sister Mallorca, Menorca doesn’t have high-altitude peaks (the apex being Monte Toro, towering at a height of 358 meters), so the gradients are never too steep.

The Menorca council has also established a cycling route (ruta cicloturistica), a signposted itinerary that allows you to cross the island by bike from Ciutadella to Sant Lluis .

The route covers 69.9 km, which is roughly 6 hours and 10 minutes . You can do it in a day, but you could also split it into several stages ranging from 6 to 19 km.

Let’s continue our Menorca guide with a few local specialties you absolutely must try :

• Mahon-Menorca cheese, the only one in all of the Balearics to have received a PDO (Protected Designation of Origin). It’s recognizable by its square shape with rounded corners and its orange rind. If you’re in the mood, you can take part in a cheese-making workshop by clicking here !
• Sobrassada : a pork sausage
• Carn-i-xulla : a sausage made from pork meat and fat + spices
• Crespells : jam-filled cookies dusted with powdered sugar
• Ensaïmadas : spiral-shaped pastry dusted with powdered sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, you definitely shouldn’t miss the versions filled with chocolate or cream. They’re absolutely delightful!
• Rubiols : meat or fish empanadas
• Caldereta de Llagosta : a lobster stew. The top spots to taste it can be found in Fornells.
• Oliagua : a soup made from tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, water, and olive oil
• Stuffed carabassons : usually eggplants and zucchinis stuffed with a mix of tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, bread crumbs, and eggs
• Arros de la terra which is actually made not from rice but from wheat semolina accompanied by potatoes and pork meat
• Wine : the local production carries the “Vi de la Terra Illa de Menorca” guarantee label
• Xoriguer Gin : a distinctively flavored gin produced exclusively in Menorca. Can’t wait to hear what you think of these!

To round things up, I’ve put together my top hotel picks in Minorca tailored to your budget.

Even if you’re planning a one-week itinerary in Minorca or more , there’s no need to switch accommodations repeatedly. The island’s not massive, making it pretty easy to get around .

Best hotels near Mahon

• Eurohotel : Nestled in the heart of Mahon, this unassuming little establishment offers fairly basic but spotless rooms from €110 a night. Strong points: the friendliness of the staff and the location near the city center.
• Catalonia Mirador des Port : Situated not far from the Menorca Museum, in the center of Mahon. Spacious and comfortable double rooms with a lovely view from €130 a night. Strong points: the pool, the jacuzzi, the varied breakfast.
• ARTIEM Capri : Modern, well-equipped double room with comfortable bedding, from €160, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop pool and jacuzzi, free refreshments and snacks served in the Green space, and the hearty breakfast. One of the best hotels to stay in Mahon !
• Bordoy Casa Ládico – Hotel Boutique Adults Only : This 5* hotel offers superb suites with a terrace and refined decor from €330 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: attentive staff, intimate hotel, the pool, and the homemade, cooked-to-order breakfast. The best hotel in Mahon for a luxury stay !

Best hotels near Ciutadella and surroundings

• Hostel Menorca : A youth hostel located in the center of Ciutadella. Dormitory bed from €30 per night. Ideal for budget-friendly accommodation in Ciutadella .
• Prinsotel La Caleta : Located a 5-minute walk from the beach. Super comfortable and bright double room or apartment with a balcony, from €150 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the beautiful pool and garden area, the setting, the tranquility, and the excellent breakfast. My favorite for its value for money !
• Aparthotel Ferrer Skyline : Located just opposite the sea and 1 km from the historic center of Ciutadella. 1 to 3 bedroom modern, very spacious apartment with a terrace that can accommodate up to 6 people, from €180 a night. Strong points: the pools, the view, cleanliness, and tranquility. A great hotel for an unforgettable family vacation in Ciutadella !
• Hotel Playa Santandria Adults Only : Located 5 meters from the Cala Santandria cove. Double room with a balcony, some with sea views, from €180, breakfast included. Strong points: the exceptional location on the beach, the great breakfast, and tranquility.
• Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux : A superb luxury hotel located in a beautiful 17th-century building. Everything is elegant, refined, and cared for. Double rooms from €400 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the decor, the quality of the food, the pools, the spa, the concierge service. The best hotel in Ciutadella for a luxury stay !

Where to sleep on the south coast of Menorca

• Son Bou Playa Gold : Located a 10-minute walk from the large Son Bou beach. Several small houses divided into apartments. The upper apartments have been tastefully renovated and furnished, starting at €80 a night. Strong points: the quietness, the pool, well-equipped, plenty of parking spaces. It’s my favorite for value for money in south Menorca !
• Seth Mestral & Llebeig : Located 100 meters from the Santo Tomas beach. Recent, functional, and well-equipped 1 to 3 bedroom apartments starting from €120 a night. Also possible to book half board. Strong points: the large well-maintained pools, the children’s games, the beach right next door. If you’ve chosen to visit the south of Menorca with children, this is the perfect place to stay !
• Menorca Binibeca by Pierre & Vacances Premium Adults Only : Located in the village of Binibeca. Warm double room with kitchenette, jacuzzi tub, and large terrace from €160, breakfast included. Strong points: the breathtaking sea view, the superb setting, the pools, the good breakfast buffet.
• ARTIEM Audax – Adults Only : Located in Cala Galdana, a mere 2-minute walk from the beach. Double room from €240, breakfast included. Strong points: the spa area with its indoor pools and saunas, the outdoor pool, the magnificent view.
• Melia Cala Galdana : Located on the beautiful Cala Galdana beach, this 5* hotel offers very cozy rooms, with large bay windows and a balcony with a sea view from €310 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the indoor and outdoor pools, the friendliness of the staff, the excellent quality of the breakfast, the incredible view. The best hotel in south Menorca for a luxury stay !

Accommodation in the north of Menorca

• Hostal La Palma : Located on the Fornells marina. Spacious double room with a balcony overlooking the pool and the garden from €110. Strong points: the 2 pools, the great location, the calm and the complimentary parking facilities.
• TRH Tirant Playa : Located a 5-min walk from Cala Tirant, in Fornells. Pleasant apartment with kitchenette from €130 a night. Strong Points: the tranquility, the sea view, cleanliness.
• White Sands Beach Club By Diamond Resorts : Located in Arenal d’En Castell, on the beach. 1 to 2 bedroom apartments, modern and well-equipped from €185 a night. Strong points: the quality of the reception, the pool with a view of the bay, the comfort.
• Comitas Tramontana Park : Located in Fornells, right by the sea. Aparthotel offering spacious 3-bedroom accommodations with a fully equipped kitchen and living area, starting from €200, breakfast included. Strong points: the beautiful pool, the stunning sunset from the terrace, the good restaurant buffet, the entertainment.

To help you visualize the island a bit better, I’ve made a tourist map of Minorca listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 17 things to do in Minorca. You can display the map legend by clicking the button with a small arrow at the top left corner.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Menorca, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Menorca? 😊

What destinations are enticing you the most for your trip to Menorca?

Discover all my articles about Mallorca and the Balearic islands : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Menorca are listed there.

• The 17 Best things to do  in Menorca
• Itinerary: One week in Menorca  – The ideal itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• Where to stay in Menorca? My guide of the best accommodations for a perfect stay
• The 23 best things to do in Mallorca
• Palma de Mallorca: the 20 best places to visit
• Itinerary: 4 or 5 days in Mallorca – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in Mallorca
• Itinerary: One week in Mallorca – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mallorca – Our recommended itinerary for visiting Mallorca in 9-10 days
• Mallorca road trip: The best itineraries for 4, 5, 7 and 10 days

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

3 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

2 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

Travel Safe

Minorca (Island)

Cala Galdana

Es Mercadal

Ciutadella de Menorca

Places not to be missed

Minorca Biosphere Reserve

The island of Minorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO…

Talaiotic settlement of Torre d'en Galmés

A prehistoric settlement from the pre-talaiotic period.

Es Tudons Prehistoric Burial Site

The 'Naveta' was a collective tomb from the pre-talaiot period.

Talaiotic settlement of Trepucó

Trepucó is one of the finest megalithic archaeological sites.

Beach: Cala Blanca

This is a small, quiet cove set in pleasant surroundings.

Other ideas for your trip

Discover the Talayots of Minorca

Beyond its lovely coves, Menorca has other treasures for the curious-minded. The talayots, taulas or navetas: unusual megalithic constructions scattered…

3 reasons for visiting the Balearic Islands – and all 3 of them are World Heritage Sites

Kilometres of beaches, shining coves, an infinity of natural landscapes and thousands of hidden secrets just waiting to be discovered.…

Life without rushing in Menorca

Sustainability is a way of life in Menorca. The landscapes, coves, gastronomy, local atmosphere...…

10 ideas for a trip to Menorca for two

Sunny days in coves of turquoise waters on the Mediterranean Sea. A getaway in a place where nobody is in a hurry, nature offers spectacular landscapes, and you…

Kilometres of beaches, shining coves, an infinity of natural…

Sustainability is a way of life in Menorca.…

Sunny days in coves of turquoise waters on the Mediterranean Sea.…

Beyond its lovely coves, Menorca has other treasures for the…

Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

Menorca Travel Guide

Menorca is one of the most beautiful islands in Europe! Below is my Menorca Travel guide to help you plan your ideal itinerary including:

• the best places in Menorca (especially villages, beaches, mountains, cliffs, viewpoints…),
• my best tips to make the most of your time,
• plenty of photos to make you dream of your next trip!

Make the most of your time in Menorca!

Most beautiful places in Menorca

• Best things to do in Menorca
• Most beautiful landscapes in Menorca
• Most beautiful villages (and towns) in Menorca
• Best museums in Menorca
• Markets in Menorca
• Most beautiful villages
• Secret places in Menorca
• Most beautiful beaches in Menorca
• Most beautiful coves in Menorca
• Most beautiful caves
• Talayot and archaeological sites
• Where to stay in Menorca
• Best luxury hotels in Menorca
• Best family hotels in Menorca
• Best boutique hotels

Useful tips

• Minorca driving tips
• Rent a car in Menorca
• Planning a road trip in Menorca
• Minorca in winter
• Best things to do in Port Mahon
• Best hotels in Port Mahon
• Best things to do in Ciutadella
• Best hotels in Ciutadella

Other places to see

• Cala Galdana
• Cala N Porter
• Punta Nati lighthouse
• Village of Allaior
• Village of Fornells
• Village of es Castell
• Illa del rei
• Botanical garden

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr LoireLovers.fr CorsicaLovers.fr Provencelovers.fr

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

• 2.1 History
• 4.1 By plane
• 4.2 By ferry
• 5.1 By taxi
• 5.2.1 Companies
• 5.2.2 Roads
• 5.4 On foot
• 7.1 Beaches
• 7.2 Cruises

Menorca (Minorca) is the second largest of the Balearic Islands , located to the northeast of Mallorca and is the least overrun and most tranquil of the Balearics. With a population of around 92,000, the island is dominated by tourists, particularly during the summer tourist season of May - October. Due to its unspoilt beauty, it allows the more adventurous the opportunity to discover new charms and experiences. Despite its smaller size among other Spanish islands, being just around 48 km (30 miles) long and around 16 km (10 miles) wide, the number of beaches that Menorca has equals the number of beaches that can be found in Mallorca and Ibiza combined.

Regions [ edit ]

The island is split into eight administrative divisions: Maó, Es Castell, Sant Lluis, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn Gran, Ferreries and Ciutadella. Each division is responsible for the beaches and resorts within it.

Understand [ edit ]

The harbour at Maó , the island capital, is the second largest natural deep water port in the world - the largest being Pearl Harbour. The whole island is a European Biological Reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve aiming to preserve environmental areas. More than 75% of the territory is protected. You can watch some of the last turtles of the Mediterranean, birds and protected species.

The main tourist area is along the south coast and includes the resorts of Santo Tomas, Son Bou, Cala en Porter, Binibeca, Punta Prima and S'Algar. Menorca is a relatively quiet island, which means more wholesome, family fun holidays. If you prefer a more vibrant night scene, head to nearby Ibiza or Mallorca for a bustling city atmosphere.

An identifying sign of Menorca is its fascination with horses. All things centre around horses and the people love them. Menorca has its own race of black horses. In all the festivities the horses and their "caixers" (riders) are the centrepieces. The "Cami de Cavalls" is a pathway surrounding the island for horse riding and it was used in the past for defense of the coast by horse, literally translating to horse path .

If you do take time to explore the interior you will discover a wealth of interesting and historic landmarks from El Toro (the highest point on the island) to the most significant prehistoric sites at Trepucó and Torre d’en Galmés.

To this day no one is certain of the significance of these prehistoric monuments in the form of Taules, T-shaped stone formations thought to be spiritual sanctuaries; Talayots which are stone towers that local people believe were once used as look-out points. There is little evidence to support these theories about Menorca’s prehistoric past nor the original function of these breathtaking creations . Taules are named after the Menorquí word for table. (Menorquí is the local dialect of Catalan which is widely spoken on the Island). Menorca is by far the richest place in Europe for sites of prehistoric settlements, mostly dating from the Talaiotic Period, which was the period of civilisation between 2000 and 1000 BC. The term Talayot is believed to originate from the Arabic atalaya meaning “watch tower”.

History [ edit ]

Since prehistoric times, the Island has been controlled by the Romans, Moors, Catalans, Spanish, French and English. All these nations have left their mark on the Island and monuments to visit from Sanisera, the archaeological site close the port of Sanitja on the north coast of the island to the ruins of the 5th century Bascilica on the beach at Son Bou.

During the 18th century, Menorca was a bone of contention among the British, French and Spanish powers. This was due to the Port of Maó, the finest natural harbour in the Mediterranean, and one of the best in the world, which could protect the largest fleets of the time in their entirety. The Utrecht Treaty, signed in 1713, gave place to the first British presence on Menorca, which lasted until 1755. The first British Governor was John Campbell (Argyll) nominated by the Queen Anne. Richard Kane, from County Antrim in Ireland, the second British Governor, is still fondly remembered for his effective support of agriculture on the island; he introduced the cultivation of the apple, promoted cattle breeding and built roads and reservoirs which are still in use today. The Scottish Col. Patrick Mackellar (Argyll) was the chief engineer of Menorca and responsible for the main constructions of the British legacy. The main contribution of Mackellar was the design and construction of Georgestown (Es Castell) near to Sant Felip fortress at the entry of Mahon harbour.

There were two later periods of British presence on Menorca, from 1763 till 1781 and 1798 to 1808. The British left more than their earthworks and ramparts behind. This included things as varied as the growth of Maó, which enthusiastically accepted the opportunities for trade and the abolition of the Inquisition, the traditional woodworking and boat building techniques and designs and Menorca's most popular drink, gin.

Talk [ edit ]

The locals speak a form of Catalan language called "Menorquí", which is itself a sub-dialect of the regional "Balear". It is a language not easily understood by Spanish speakers, but most inhabitants also speak Spanish. Most also speak English to a reasonable standard, especially in the tourist areas and resorts.

Get in [ edit ]

Menorca is a member of the Schengen Agreement . See Travelling around the Schengen Area for more information on how the scheme works, which countries are members and what the requirements are for your nationality. In summary:

• There are normally no immigration controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats entering the Schengen Area. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• A visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.

By plane [ edit ]

39.864706 4.22624 1 Menorca Airport (Mahon Airport MAH  IATA ) There are regular flights available to Menorca Airport (sometimes known as Mahon Airport) from mainland Spain and the sister islands of Ibiza and Mallorca through Iberia and their subsidiary Air Nostrum . Flights from Spain are also available from Barcelona with Vueling . If travelling from the UK , various airlines offer regular scheduled services during the summer tourist season. Airlines Jet2 , TUI Airways , and EasyJet all fly from various regional and main UK airports direct to Menorca. British Airways offer services from London Heathrow , Gatwick and City airports.

To get to your resort, Menorca's airport is served by buses to Maó (€1.50, 15 min) every half hour from around 06:00 to 22:00 and then hourly to midnight. The bus stops at the bus station, the Estacio Maritima and a couple of other intermediate points. Buses are then available to various resorts and towns across the island from the bus station.

Taxis are available directly in front of the airport terminal and there is a range of car hire options to get to your resort. There are also various services (bookable online) that allow direct coach transfers to resorts across the island.

By ferry [ edit ]

39.891101 4.265236 2 Maó Harbour ( Mahon Harbour ), Moll De Ponent, 0 S N, 07701 Mahón . Regular ferries from both mainland Spain and Majorca are also available to Maó from Palma de Mallorca , Valencia , and Barcelona . Modest-sized cruise ships occasionally visit. They use Maó 's deep harbour, which offers highly scenic views of homes, hotels/resorts and historic structures and fortifications. ( updated Jun 2018 )

39.988337 3.826989 3 Ciutadella Harbour , Via Mestre Vives 07769 Ciutadella de Menorca ( If in Ciutadella, head down the ME-24, then turn right onto the RC2 which takes you directly to the port. ). Regular car ferries from Alcudia and Barcelona are also available to Ciutadella . Some cruise ships also do visit Ciutadella, but most use the port of Mahon. ( updated Jun 2018 )

Get around [ edit ]

By taxi [ edit ].

Taxis are a popular form of transport for those not looking to move as much. They can be somewhat expensive if using them a lot, so be careful! A taxi can be booked using Radio Taxis, which is an English speaking service. Call +34 971 367 111 and state your current location and destination.

By car [ edit ]

Companies [ edit ].

There are numerous agents and companies, both international and local, specialising in car hire in Menorca - both at the airport and in resorts - although it may be important to organise it from home before you arrive to avoid disappointment during peak periods. Scooter hire is also possible at some of these agencies. Car Hire companies include the International Firms, that usually cost a little more but have dedicated desks and a separate pickup facility directly at the airport, which means there's no shuttle bus and you can just drive away. Companies based at the airport are: Hertz , Avis , Europcar , and Enterprise . There are other firms dedicated to Menorca, which will often be cheaper than the main firms, but have no dedicated desk at the airport and require a shuttle bus to their offsite destinations.

A word of warning on Car Hire: If possible, do not get a ' full to empty ' fuel policy; there is no way that you will use a full tank of fuel on the tiny island of Menorca. Instead, opt for a ' full to full ' policy wherever possible. It does mean you'll have to use a petrol station before your return, but you'll save the over-the-top cost of a full tank of fuel from the rental agency.

Roads [ edit ]

The roads on Menorca are very simple: there is one main road, the ME-1. It connects Ciutadella and Mahon and every other major road on the island branches off it.

By bus [ edit ]

If you're planning to travel around by bus, then there are three main public bus companies in Menorca: TMSA , Torres , and Autos Fornells .

• Transportes Menorca (TMSA) , who run buses throughout the island, including to Ciutadella, but operate mainly around the east coast (including Maó and the Airport), as well as to many of the southern resorts. Their buses leave from the Bus Station in Maó and from Placa de Menorca in Ciutadella.
• Torres run buses from Ciutadella to locations and resorts on the west coast. Their buses leave from the main plaza (Placa des Pins) in Ciutadella.
• Autos Fornells run buses from the major towns to the northern resorts, including Fornells.

The main bus route which serves Maó, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Ferreries and Ciutadella runs along the centre of the island. Most buses leave hourly and are very inexpensive, at around €4 to €5 to travel between Ciutadella and Maó.

You can always find the latest timetables for every route on each operators' website.

On foot [ edit ]

The Cami de Cavalls footpath encompasses the entire island, and is a popular walking route along the coastline. It is a fully signposted long distance Spanish walking route around the edge of the island, and is a part of Spain's network of paths, the Gran Recorrido (GR) Network. If you're planning to visit a nearby beach or resort, it's often quicker to use the Cami de Cavalls due to the island's road structure; you can walk directly to your destination instead of travelling all the way inland only to head back down to the coast again.

See [ edit ]

El Toro , east of Es Mercadal , is the highest point on the island. Visit for a fantastic panoramic view of the island.

In Maó , the Xoriguer Gin Distillery makes gin that is distinctively aromatic and very tasty. You can sample and purchase on-site gin and the many other types of liquor that the Xoriguer Distillery manufactures. The Museu de Menorca is in a 15th-century former Franciscan monastery. It exhibits the earliest history of the island, the Roman and Byzantine eras and Muslim Menorca, and includes paintings from more recent times. La Mola Fortress is a magnificent, mid-19th-century Spanish fortress set over Maó harbour.

In Ciutadella de Menorca, enjoy the Plaça d'Alfons III , a plaza lined with restaurants and cafés that are worth more than a passing glance. Outside of the town, you will find Líthica , a sandstone quarry you can explore. It has wonderful gardens, a sandstone maze, and brilliant views of the quarry and the surrounding greenland. Naveta des Tudons is an ancient megalithic chamber tomb and the final resting place for 100 skeletons buried up to 750 BC. The exterior is open to visits.

Nine Prehistoric Sites of Talayotic Menorca were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. These are remains of settlements from about 1600-100 BCE. The sites are known for monuments of large stone blocks, possibly erected for astronomical observations (like Stonehenge).

Do [ edit ]

Beaches [ edit ]

Resorts, particularly on the north side of the island, are generally built on cliffs and so have either very small beaches or very full beaches. As a result, it's best to rent a car (see 'Get around' ) and get out to explore some of the great beaches, or else you will be fighting for space. Moreover, the larger family resorts have beaches that, again, do fill up quickly, so go and explore some of the more obscure beaches listed below.

Menorca has its share of beautiful coastline that deserves recognition. Non-resort Menorcan beaches are generally not crowded, so finding a nice relaxing spot of your own is not hard to achieve, provided you have access to a car or scooter.

Es Grau is a great, long beach north of Maó with shallow water ideal for families that is very close to a nature reserve that has some great walks. Punta Prima Beach , southeast of Maó, is a relatively small beach with some great facilities in Punta Prima.

Cala Macarella , west of Cala Galdana , is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on Menorca, with crystal clear blue waters, a brilliant natural cove and a small cafe/bar. Cala en Turqueta also west of Cala Galdana, is a brilliant beach with great soft sand and the same turquoise water (where it gets its name from) as Macarella.

40.056562 4.040672 1 Cala Pregonda , Son Ametller 07740 Es Mercadal ( access is via a long road up from Es Mercadal town ). Pregonda is a medium-sized beach on the north side of Menorca with golden fine sand. It has clear, blue, inviting water, and is unparalleled on Menorca, with its island in the middle of the bay that is definitely worth a climb, and the golden rocky sea beds behind the island. There is a smaller, quieter sister beach to the east of Pregonda called Pregondó. Free . ( updated Jun 2018 )

39.871503 4.132129 2 Cala en Porter , Platja de Cala en Porter, 07730 Cala en Porter ( head down the ME-12, then follow signs for the beach; there's a car park at the beach ). 24 hr . Cala en Porter is possibly one of the best beaches for families, with a playground, great sand and shallow water. The beach itself is stunning too, being at the end of a great bay surrounded by cliffs, with pedalo hire and sunbed hire. Gets busy but it's a wide beach, so there's plenty of space for everyone. Popular with families. Free . ( updated Jun 2018 )

At Son Bou , the longest beach on Menorca means there's plenty of space for everyone if you don't mind walking a few minutes from the crowd. Pale sand and loads of room make this beach great for kids: sunbeds and pedalos are available at the resort end of the beach. Brilliant for families.

39.916621 4.034185 3 Santo Tomas ( Playa San Adeodato, Binigaus ), Urbanizacion Santo Tomas, 07749 Menorca ( head down the ME-18 from Es Migjorn Gran, then turn right just before the mini-roundabout at the bottom of the road to enter a large car park perfect for the beaches ). Santo Tomas has three very long beaches; the first, Playa de Santo Tomas, is a long winding strip of sand near the resorts' hotels, and so is popular with families. San Adeodato, west from Playa de Santo Tomas, is thinner and strewn with pebbles with a shallow shore, ideal for sun-worshippers and those looking to spend a few hours there. The third, Binigaus, is further west still, and is only accessible by a long path from the west of Santo Tomas. As a result, it is not suitable for those with young children and so is a brilliant spacious beach for adults looking to unwind away from the noise. ( updated Jul 2018 )

Cruises [ edit ]

Glass-bottomed catamaran cruises from Maó offer a chance to view the underwater marine life.

Scuba [ edit ]

There is a scuba centre at Son Bou.

Buy [ edit ]

Avarcas , the traditional Menorcan sandal, is available in shops and markets throughout the island. They are now a fashion icon and can be found around the world, but were originally designed as a shoe for farmers. Only the original Avarca manufacturers are allowed to sell shoes with the label "Avarca de Menorca". This is only given by the local Balearic Government as a guarantee that the avarcas accomplish minimum quality standards and that they have been really manufactured on the island.

You can find companies that manufacture Avarca de Menorca in Ferreries , Es Mercadal and:

39.943349 4.050457 1 MIBO Cosits, S.L. ( Abarcas Menorquinas MIBO Cosits ), Polígono Industrial, Nave, B-6, 07749 Es Migjorn Gran ( enter the industrial area by turning left from the ME-18 (if approaching from the main road) and the shop is on your right ), ☏ +34 971 37 05 62 . M-Sa 09:30 - 14:00 , 16:00 - 18:00.Su 10:00 - 14:00 . A small store that sells products directly from the factory behind. Sells official avarcas de Menorca, in a range of adults and children's sizes and colours. Shoes range between €40-60 for an adult pair . ( updated Jun 2018 )

Eat [ edit ]

Menorca is packed with good restaurants whose menus especially feature fish and seafood. Menorca also has a great variety of bars and cafes, with some open for 24 hours a day.

Drink [ edit ]

Nightlife in Menorca is low key compared to nearby Mallorca or Ibiza. For a drink with a waterside view, head to the waterfront which is where the majority of bars are situated.

Menorcan Gin

On Menorca there were a great many junipers, (there still are), and in the harbour lay the British fleet. The twain met and Ginet was the result, a spirit far removed from the Spanish and Mediterranean traditions and with notable difference from the English Gin.

It is a kind of cross between London Gin and the Mediterranean spirit, invented in Menorca. It was very successful and was drunk throughout the British Fleet and it surprised more than one distinguished visitor to declare "the best of the sprits found in Europe today" was historian Vargas Ponce's opinion on visiting Menorca in 1781.

The major difference between London Gin and Menorcan Ginet, is that Menorcan Ginet is based on a spirit distilled from the grape, as is usual in the Mediterranean, and not on a cereal based spirit. The juniper now comes from the mainland, but the distilling continues to be done in old copper stills. The spirit rests in oak barrels cured in gin so that the end product does not take the colour of the wood.

Gin is found all over Menorca, drunk neat or in a mix. One such mix, named Pomada, is created by adding bitter lemon. It's the drink of choice during the many fiestas which take place throughout the summer on the island.

You can find information about how to visit the distillery shop in the Maó article.

Go next [ edit ]

• Balearic Islands

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• UNESCO tag to be fixed
• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Has mapframe
• Has Geo parameter
• All destination articles
• Outline regions
• Outline articles
• Region articles
• Bottom-level regions
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Ultimate Travel Guide to Menorca

Menorca is found in the Mediterranean and is one of the Balearic Islands which are located off the east coast of Spain. This sunny, popular island is a favourite for summer vacationers across Europe because Menorca boasts a beautifully rugged coastline and a multitude of white sand beaches.

Compared to the other Balearic Islands, Menorca is a quieter place to visit, and you’ll find that the clubs of Ibiza and the rowdy bars of Mallorca haven’t exactly made their way over here yet.

Instead, you can enjoy a more authentic side of the Balearic Islands, and on Menorca, you can visit prehistoric standing stones, you can explore the historic streets of the capital, Mahon, and you can venture into the countryside in search of the island’s rural charms.

To inspire your Spanish getaway, here’s our ultimate travel guide to Menorca.

This ultimate travel guide to Menorca will show you all the most beautiful places in Menorca, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Menorca and things to do in Menorca which will help you in planning a trip to Menorca.

Plan your trip?

Avoid hidden fees in the exchange rate while withdrawing from millions of ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights using the Wise Card . You can hold up to 40+ currencies at once to spend in in over 150 countries, and convert them in real time with the free Wise app.

Need help planning your trip from start to finish? Check out these helpful links:

• Cheap flights
• Savings on accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels
• Affordable car rental options
• Affordable sightseeing tours and day trips
• Travel Adapter – All in one so you don’t have to carry a bunch around
• Don’t be silly and forget Travel Insurance ! Get hurt and you’ll regret it…

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also read our content/editorial policy here .

Table of Contents

How to get to Menorca

Menorca has a small airport which is located a few kilometres away from the island’s capital city, Mahon. Menorca is very much a summer destination and the majority of flights to the island are only run seasonally, during the most popular months of the year.

During summer, you can find budget flights from many European cities with airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet offering multiple routes, from countries such as the UK, France and Germany. Package holiday companies such as TUI and Thomas Cook also offer seasonal charter flights.

There are also domestic flights available from major Spanish cities, as well as the neighbouring islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, which are just a short hop away.

The Spanish airlines Vueling and Iberia offer more consistent flights to Menorca through the year from Spain and are a good bet if you are travelling offseason.

You can also catch a ferry from Mallorca, which is just one hour away, or from Barcelona on the Spanish mainland, which is a journey of around 7 hours.

What to expect in Menorca 

Compared to Mallorca and Ibiza, the other major islands in the Balearics, Menorca has a reputation for being a quieter getaway. This doesn’t mean it’s not a busy place in summer of course, but it does mean that it’s still possible to find secluded beaches, while you won’t have as much raucous nightlife in the towns.

Most Menorcans speak several languages, with the local dialect being a form of Catalan similar to that which you find in Barcelona. People will also be fluent in Castilian Spanish, while those working in the tourism industry will certainly speak English.

The main currency in use, as with the rest of Spain, is the Euro , and you can find ATMs and money changers at the airport and in Mahon, the capital.

How to get around Menorca

The main transport hub for the island is Mahon, where you find the airport and the ferry port. If you’re arriving by plane, then you can arrange transfers in advance with local taxi companies, or if you are staying in package accommodation, these may be included.

If travelling independently, you can also catch a public bus outside the arrivals terminal, which can transfer you to the main bus station in Mahon.

From Mahon, you can use the public bus lines to get around much of the island, with most major towns and touristy areas linked to the capital.

Bus schedules are fairly regular, however, for absolute freedom and flexibility, you will want to consider renting a car instead, especially if you want to discover more secluded and hidden spots across the island.

The best time to visit Menorca

Menorca is a very seasonal travel destination, however, given the warm Mediterranean climate, it can be a pleasant place to visit all through the year, even out of the summer high season.

The island is most popular between May and September, and the busiest periods are generally July and August when many countries in Europe have school holidays.

This can be a busy time to visit, but given the island’s seasonality, it’s also when you can rest assured that you’ll find regular flights and ferries, and also when businesses are open across the island.

Things start to close down come October, and there are fewer flights to the island and fewer package deals.

Outside of high season is a good time for independent travel, and while the temperatures won’t be as high, Menorca weather is always good, and there’s still lots of sunshine well into winter, and almost no other tourists around.

Things to do in Menorca 

Mahon is the capital and largest city in Menorca, and even if you don’t stay here you’ll be transiting through to get on and off the island.

Mahon though is well worth a stay, or at the very least a day trip if you are heading off to stay at a resort because this is a truly historic destination.

You can enjoy excellent restaurants and local taverns overlooking the sea, or the ramshackle streets, and Mahon is well known for its wonderful culinary scene.

Explore the harbourfront, and admire the superb blend of architecture, which has influences from Spain, from France, and notably from the 18th century British occupation of Menorca.

Museum of Menorca

For history buffs, one of the Menorca things to do that you can’t miss is a visit to the Museum of Menorca . Located in the capital, Mahon, at the museum you can delve deep into the island’s past.

You’ll find archaeological finds on display in the galleries here, as you’re taken on a journey from prehistoric times, through to the Roman colonisation, the Moorish days and finally to the British and Spanish eras. There’s a lot to learn about Menorca, and this is the place to do it.

Taulas of Menorca

To see first hand just a small piece of Menorca’s long history, then head to the Taulas of Menorca .

Found in the centre of the island, the Taulas are prehistoric monoliths which were raised thousands of years ago by the local inhabitants of Menorca. The Taulas are ancient structures and are often seen as being Menorca’s Stonehenge.

On the opposite side of the island to Mahon, you can find the town of Ciutadella, which is the second-largest settlement on Menorca.

Ciutadella has a rich history and you can stroll through the pleasant streets admiring the different influences that are visible, from Arab and Moorish designs to Italian architecture.

The harbour here is beautiful too, while you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the local cuisine.

The highest point on Menorca is Monte Toro, but don’t expect too much, because it only rises to a height of 342 metres.

Although it’s more of a hill than a mountain, Monte Toro is still high in comparison to the surrounding landscapes, and it rises dramatically on the skyline, close to the town of Es Mercadal.

You can hike to the top of Monte Toro, or there’s a four by four-track leading to the summit if you’re feeling lazy. The views from the top stretch across the island and far out into the Balearic Sea.

Beaches and Bays

History, culture, heritage and food aside, the best reason to visit the island is really for the outstanding Menorca beaches.

The coastline is rugged in places, with the north being particularly renowned for its blustery weather and high winds, which together with the surf have carved the cliffs and beaches into a spectacular wilderness over time.

There are also more pristine, white sand beaches across the island too, and plenty of protected and calm turquoise bays glistening in the sun.

In high season, the beaches closest to the towns will always be busy but head further afield and you can always find a quiet spot in Menorca.

Some of the best beaches to visit include Cala Macarelleta and Cala Macarella, both iconic destinations where you can find white sands and clear water.

Calas Mitjana is a lovely, and beautiful cove to visit, but in peak season, it can be one of the busiest spots on the island.

What to eat in Menorca

Menorca has a great culinary scene, and you can find a wide range of restaurants and cuisines from around the world in the resorts and in the towns and cities.

There’s a rich culinary tradition in Menorca, and it’s even claimed that Mahon is the birthplace of Mayonnaise.

The cuisine is very typical of the Mediterranean, with plenty of olives, fish and cheese to sample. Mahon Cheese is a local speciality, and you’ll recognise it by the distinctive orange peel.

You can find fresh seafood everywhere, but a particular local favourite is seafood meatballs . Lobster Stew, or Caldereta de Langosta , is another must-try dish when you are in Menorca, while you’ll find local cured meats for sale everywhere.

Where to stay in Menorca

Budget – Menorca isn’t a big backpacking destination and you won’t find so many hostels on the island. There are some in Mahon and Ciutadella, but budget travellers may find it’s easier to rent out local apartments or rooms on AirBnB.

Mid Range – If you’re wondering where to stay in Menorca, then there’s plenty of mid-range accommodation across the island, and you can find good value resorts complete with pools all along the coast, while you can score excellent deals if you book a package holiday.  

Luxury – Menorca has some lavish luxury offerings, and some of the best on the island include the 16th-century rooms of the Hotel Can Faustino or the boutique, countryside climes of the Hotel Torralbenc .

Tours to do in Menorca

With a beautiful, long coastline to explore, one of the best ways to get around the best of Menorca’s natural sights is to join a boat tour.

From Mahon and other harbours around the island, you can join a variety of boating excursions that take you to both popular beaches, and secluded bays. There are a variety of boats on offer too, from fast, sleek catamarans to rustic sailing vessels.

Try to join a tour that stays out until sunset, so you can enjoy a fiery end to your Menorcan day trip from the water of the Balearic Sea.

Kayaking Tours

Another great way to explore the coastline is to hire a kayak or canoe for the day or to join an organised kayaking tour of Menorca.

It’s a fantastic way to get some exercise while you are on holiday, and it’s a beautiful way to experience the best of Menorca’s great outdoors at the same time.

Many kayaking tours will take you to hidden spots along the coast, that are otherwise inaccessible, while you’ll also have plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and swimming too.

Jeep Safaris

Menorca’s rugged interior is another great part of the island to explore, but much of it is off-limits unless you are driving an off-road vehicle.

Popular jeep safaris will whisk you away from your hotel and into the heart of Menorca’s most dramatic countryside, where the roads end and there’s little around you except wilderness and wildlife.

Day trips from Menorca

North coast marine reserve.

Off the north coast of Menorca, you can find a protected marine reserve that’s well regarded for its high level of biodiversity.

Part of the wider Menorca Biosphere Reserve, which recognises and guards this high level of biodiversity, the North Coast Marine Reserve makes for a fantastic snorkelling or diving destination.

Take a day trip out into the Balearic Sea , and join a boat tour into the marine reserve, where you can find an abundance of underwater life.

You don’t necessarily need to pick between Menorca or Mallorca, because you can actually enjoy the best of both worlds.

Stay on peaceful and relaxed Menorca, but take a day trip over to Mallorca to experience the busy beaches and rowdy bars, or to take in the history and architecture of Palma, the island’s largest city.

Mallorca just just a one hour ferry ride away Mahon, and you can easily make a day trip across from Menorca in the morning, and return late afternoon.

Recommended tours in Menorca

• Private Tour with SUP and Snorkel along the coast of Menorca
• Around the island of Menorca
• Jeep Safari
• Sail Boat Sunset Trip in Menorca
• Hiking Trail Menorca Transfers Stage 6 Son Bou to Cala Porter/ Es Canutells
• Jet Ski trip in the North of Menorca
• Visit and explore Ciutadella
• Guided Visit to Binnisues Natural Sciences Museum of Menorca with Live Entertainment and Food Tasting

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

Similar Posts

Guide to Madrid with Kids

Madrid is a city that is now growing as a tourist destination, an up and coming rival for the…

14 Things to do in Bilbao

Bilbao is a city with much to offer its visitors. Nestled in the Basque Country of Spain, Bilbao is…

Where to stay in Marbella [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

At the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol lies the resort destination of Marbella. With dramatic mountain peaks against…

48 hours in Madrid – 2 Day Itinerary

Madrid is an energetic and dynamic city that never sleeps and with gourmet food from all over the world…

Where to stay in Granada [Best Places to Stay for 2024]

Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain’s Andalusia region is the city of Granada. Known…

3 must do things in Menorca – Spain

Menorca or Minorca is the little Spanish island that doesn’t have to fight for attention against its larger sister…

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

Menorca Travel Guide: things to see and do on this Balearic island

• ARTICLES : 4

Welcome to our page dedicated to the beautiful little island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. We spent 5 weeks on this beautiful island and we share with you here all our advice to visit the island and enjoy the most beautiful beaches.

This page summarizes all the practical information you need to prepare your trip. At the end of the page you will also find all our blog articles, which are more visits-oriented. Feel free to share our information with others, and if you are leaving soon for Menorca , all we have to do is wish you a wonderful holiday!

Menorca Map: all our posts on a map

Menorca: the small pearl of the balearics, menorca climate - the best season to go there, rent a car in menorca - all the information you need to know.

• Where to stay in Menorca - our advice

Coming to Menorca - cheap flights

Travel budget to menorca, useful resources to prepare your trip to menorca.

• All our blog posts about Menorca

At the end of the page you will find all our articles written about Menorca in "chronological" order. If you prefer to see all our items on a map then you can open the map below and select the item of your choice according to your destination.

Show the Map

Before I talk to you about the practical aspects, I would like to give you a short presentation of Menorca and especially the reasons why we decided to move there for 5 weeks.

Menorca (also called Minorca) is a small island in the Balearic Islands that is barely 700 km2. Much less known and popular than its neighbours Mallorca and Ibiza, this island has, over the years, become a favourite destination for lovers of nature and beautiful landscapes. Tourism has grown rapidly in the Balearic Islands since the 1960s, but from the beginning Menorca has always been very careful to preserve its landscapes by not allowing the construction of major roads along the coast.

Then I wouldn't hide from you that for us the choice of Minorca was made a bit "by accident".... At the beginning we wanted to go to Tenerife (edit: we will finally have gone there at the end of 2018 - see our articles ). The problem is that at the time of our research the flights were very expensive. In short, it was while browsing on Skyscanner that we found a good offer for a flight.

Menorca we didn't know much about it. We knew where it was, we knew that Mallorca and Ibiza were too touristic for our taste but nothing more... A couple of Google Image searches later, we we were already booking our flights!

There are 4 blog articles about Menorca:

• An article on the most beautiful beaches in Menorca and hikes along the coast
• Our favorite hikes on the north coast of the island and our sunset spots
• An article 100% dedicated to our roadtrip in Menorca with our itineraries and tips
• A detailed budget article and an assessment of our adventure in the Balearics.

Minorca has so to say 3 main seasons:

• The low season which extends from November to March : prices are the lowest at this time of the year but on the other hand it should be known that the island is running a little slowly. Less public transport, fewer restaurants/bars open (there are still some) and a cooler climate (12°C to 15°C during the day). In short, it is a very beautiful season for hiking but not so much for swimming.
• The high season which goes from June to August : the summer holiday period! Not surprisingly, it is the period with the most activities and atmosphere on the island. The sun is almost always shining, the beaches are stormed (even if it is still reasonable compared to the neighbouring islands) and of course this is the period when prices take the elevator for accommodation or car rentals.
• Between seasons: from April to June and from early September to late October . In our opinion these are the best seasons! The temperatures are mild (20° to 25°), the prices are reasonable and above all there are not too many people. If you come for a swim, aim for September or October because in spring the water is still a little cool!

Car rental is probably the easiest and most comfortable way to visit Menorca. And the good news in this regard is that the price of rentals is quite reasonable.

To rent a car we advise you to test Rentalcars.com.

Rentalcars is not a rental agency strictly speaking but a comparator! This means that you have a good chance of finding the best prices online (that's how we found our car) Tip: Always try to vary the departure/return times a little. If an agency closes its doors at say 8pm and you want to return at 8.30pm then the latter does not even appear.... However, by talking to the agency it is often possible to make arrangements!

In Menorca itself, and especially in tourist areas, you will also find many agencies directly on the streets and you can easily rent a car on the spot. In our case, we never did so because the prices found online were systematically lower than those observed on spot. When we rent a car we generally prefer to ignore additional insurance (which is often more expensive than the rental itself) and prefer to pay a deposit. We knock on wood, but for the moment we have never had a problem during a rental.

See on Rentalcars

Where to stay in Menorca

Find all our recommandations on hotels in Menorca in our detailed budget blog post . But if you want to save yourself a bit of reading, we suggest you take a look at the hotels in Menorca at Booking (with a small preference for the city of Ciutadella) or just have a look at the map below.

See hotels in Menorca on Booking

Alternatively, you can also take a look at the map below to find your perfect accomodation based on location. Add your dates and use the filters such as price to narrow down your search results.

Regarding flights you have several options. In high season many companies offer direct flights from many cities in France or from Geneva. During the off-season the cheapest option is often to fly with a stopover in Barcelona. To find a cheap flight to Menorca the easiest way is still to compare fares on Skyscanner .

Enter your favorite departure airport and compare!

• As there are no direct flights or low-cost connections every day it is worth comparing prices over 2-3 days... sometimes adding a holiday can save you some money ;)
• The offers vary a lot depending on your departure airport and the companies that serve it... so always remember to compare prices with those of local airports. For example, there are often significant differences between Lyon and Geneva (one way or the other) and between the two cities there is just over 2 hours by train and tickets are available from 16€...

Find a flight on Skyscanner

Each budget is of course different, but here is what we spent during our 5 weeks in Menorca 2017. The budgets below are per day and for 2 people, so if you prefer this corresponds to a global budget of 22€ per day and per person.

• The budget is for 2 people who have "lived" in Menorca for 5 weeks, out of the main season. (we were there between October and November). The figures are averages over our entire stay.
• This does not include flights. For your information we found a round trip for 130€ on skyscanner from Geneva (with a stopover in Barcelona)
• The season will have a big impact on your budget! The more you travel in high season, the more expensive flights, accommodations and car rentals will be.
• Note: we did not rent a car for the entire stay. We rented on the moment to make excursions over 2-3 days.

For more details on our budget, please refer to our special budget article.

See the article

• A Menorca Travel Guide
• Hiking guide of the Cami de Cavalls (the stunning trail that goes all around the island)
• Skyscanner to find a cheap flight to Menorca
• The offical Menorca Website (tourism board)
• The official Cami de Cavals website

Note: This page contains affiliate links to partner sites. By using our links to make a reservation you don't pay anything more but on the other hand we get a small commission that helps us to make this site live and keep it advertising free.

Menorca: all our blog posts

Menorca: Our travel budget and impressions of our stay in the Balearic Islands

We spent a little over 5 weeks on the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. Here is our assessment, all the practical information and our budget

Road trip in Menorca: rent a car and go explore the island!

Ideas for itineraries to do a small roadtrip in Menorca. Renting a car is the best way to visit Menorca. More information in the article

Menorca: our complete guide to discover the northern Coast and the best sunset spots

Hiking idea on the beautiful island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands: walk from Val Algaierens to Cala Morell on the cavalry truck

Best Beaches in Menorca and stunning hikes in the south

Hiking idea on the beautiful island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. A hike to discover the most beautiful beaches of the island.

The Travel Hack’s Guide to Menorca

By: Author Amy Stewart

Categories Europe , Spain

From the first day, Menorca surprised me. For some reason, I’d had the impression that it was a typical tourist destination – beautiful, but where everywhere you look there are restaurants selling pizza and chips. But wow – was I wrong.

The little island of Menorca is a gloriously wild, green and unspoiled place. It’s full of hidden coves and ancient towns, winding sand roads and historic monuments. There’s unexpected treasures at every corner, and unlike many of its neighbours, it actually feels Spanish .

I visited Menorca with the Spanish Tourist Board, to celebrate the new EasyJet flight route from Southend to Mahon. I was so impressed and inspired by Menorca that I couldn’t wait to share it with you!

Why everyone should visit Menorca

Menorca’s chilled vibe means that it’s the perfect place for a relaxed couple’s getaway, or a family holiday. I think our tour guide summed it up when he told us that Menorca has a unique energy – it felt familiar and friendly, even though I’d never been there before. The locals believe that the island offers something spiritual which is healing for travellers or troubled souls.

No matter what you think about that, I had to agree that Menorca was calming, quiet and unassuming, characterised by a patchwork of dusky browns and olive greens. It has the weather and beauty of busier tourist destinations, but feels so much more undiscovered. If you love the sea and beaches you’ll be spoiled for choice.

And the best part? You can be in Mahon (Menorca’s capital) in just two hours from Southend.

Top things to do in Menorca

As an island, Menorca offers plenty of options to get out on the open ocean.

Mahon Harbour is considered the longest natural harbour in the Mediterranean, and there are plenty of boat trips and opportunities to get out and explore it yourself. Or, hire a catamaran  for a blissful half day at sea and explore the north coast of Menorca. You’ll get to swim in some of the most pristine water I’ve ever seen, in majestic-looking coves that appear out of nowhere.

There’s also plenty of history in Menorca to sink your teeth into. You can head up to Fort Marlborough to take a look at the island’s old military fortress, or check out the megalithic monument La Naveta Des Tudons near Ciutadella, a collective grave dating back to around 1000 BC.

If that sounds a bit grim for you, hit the gin. No, really. Gin is a big thing in Menorca, and you’ll find the local specialty, Pomada (gin with cloudy lemonade), in most restaurants and bars. The gin from local distillery Gin Xoriguer is popular throughout the island, and you’ll spot the distinctive bottles everywhere.

Unusual things to do in Menorca

If you want to wander away from the popular beaches and tourist towns, you’ll find that Menorca has plenty of surprises in store.

Unexpectedly, one of my favourite things about Menorca were the Reserva La Concepcio salt marshes (bear with me) near the town of Es Mercadal. To be honest, I didn’t expect much. But as our minibus rumbled along the uneven road, a ramshackle farmhouse loped into view – and I was intrigued. We then met Isabelle, the owner of the land, who gave us a tour of the project. They mass produce salt here in a natural way with little or no power, and it’s fascinating to learn how such an ordinary product (one that I now know we take for granted) comes into being. You can visit the marshes and also take part in hikes and horse-riding.

Menorca isn’t known for its wine – but it’s an up and coming industry. Charming, family-run vineyard Binifadet are pioneering the way, and visiting their picturesque vineyards will give you a fascinating insight into how wine is made and produced here (clue: it’s a lot more labour-intensive than you’d think!)

Free things to do

Menorca is full of free things to do. You could spend a week just exploring the many beaches of the island – which range from vast sandy strips to hidden coves. Two of my personal favourites were Sa Caleta , and Santandria . Stroll along Mahon Harbour to nosy at the incredible yachts!

Many of the museums and monuments are free, too – and as the island is relatively small, you can cover a lot in a day. Head up to Monte Toro – Menorca’s highest point– and you’ll get dazzling views of the island. I was amazed at just how much preserved green space there is – Menorca feels anything but industrial or commercial. You can also see water on all sides, giving you a unique perspective.

The towns of Ciutadella and Mahon are the main places for shopping, and are so picturesque that you can easily spend a day wandering their streets.

Top places to eat

As Menorca is an island, the fish is divine. Lobster stew, cuttlefish, battered calamari, mussels… I could go on! For this reason the restaurant food in Menorca tastes like the sea (although there are plenty of options for non-fish eaters too).

La Josefina (Mahon) – This little restaurant on Mahon Harbour feels authentic and serves up some pretty incredible seafood. Sit outside for changing views of the harbour as dusk turns to night.

El Trebol-Cales Fonts (Es Castell) – This might not be the cheapest restaurant in Menorca, but it’s position on Es Castell’s picturesque harbour makes it a pretty special place to have lunch.

Ses Voltes (Ciutadella) – Take a break from exploring Ciutadella’s golden streets to pick up some lunch in Ses Voltes – a reasonably priced and charming restaurant with a pleasant rooftop terrace.

Top places to drink

Menorca has one real showstopper of a bar – Cova d’en Xoroi . It’s a network of caves set in a dramatic cliff-face, and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. It has an ultra-chilled, Ibiza vibe, and transforms into a nightclub as darkness falls. Try the sangria – it’s incredible!

Where to stay

If you’re looking for…affordable luxury– Barcelo Pueblo Menorca

The Barcelo Pueblo Menorca Hotel in Punta Prima is the perfect option if you’re looking for a dash of luxury at a great price on your Menorca holiday. It’s in a great location (just 20 minutes’ drive from Mahon, and 25 minutes from the airport), has three swimming pools and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Rooms from £225 per night.

If you’re looking for… mid-range – Hotel Port Mahon

It’s spacious, comfortable and friendly – but the main draw of this hotel is the stunning views out over the marina. It’s a great base to explore the island of Menorca, particularly Mahon and Es Castell. Rooms from £105 per night.

If you’re on a budget… Son Triay

Close to some of Menorca’s best beaches and surrounded by countryside, this gorgeous neo-colonial mansion is an eclectic yet budget-friendly choice. Rooms are available from £85 a night, and much of the produce served at meal times is actually grown on the estate.

What to pack

• Light, loose layers – the island has a Mediterranean climate so temperatures are often in the high twenties and early thirties degrees Celsius.
• A sunhat – no one needs a sunburnt scalp!
• Comfy sandals – unless you’re doing some serious treks, Menorca doesn’t call for serious walking shoes.
• Bikinis – you won’t be able to leave those hidden coves without jumping in at least once.

<- Pin this and save it for later.

Have you been to Menorca? We’d love to know what you thought!

Friday 9th of November 2018

Great post about Menorca! Your photos just took me back there. I love the island, it's really worth visiting. There are so many places to see and so many things to try. I hope to go back one day.

Tuesday 6th of February 2018

Hi Amy, nice review of Menorca. I love this little paradise. It is one of my favourite places on the world. I have just written a post on how to get to some of the best beaches on Menorca that complements your article.: https://www.groovytraveler.com/amazing-beaches-menorca/

Graham Thompson

Tuesday 11th of July 2017

Nice to see less cut and paste travel writing about Menorca finally! I really do wonder if half of the articles I see written are by people who actually been. Glad you liked it . The current developments are huge increase in French money to build 5 star retreats with high end restaurants on site. Come back sometime ...it just gets better Graham

Phil Grimshaw

Saturday 21st of January 2017

Been to Menorca over a dozen times and I love the place! Especially Ciutadella, such a beautiful little city. If I'm lucky enough to win the lottery, I'll be retiring there, with no hesitation whatsoever. Check out the Xoriguer gin distillery on Mahons waterfront if you go, free samples of all their products, but leave the car behind! Can't recommend this little jewel of the Mad enough!

Saturday 5th of November 2016

I was fortunate enough to work there for 3 years with a UK tour operator. It is such a blissful and authentic island. Some of the beaches are like paradise long haul destinations ( Son Saura) and there are lovely walks through forests from cove to cove ( either direction from Cala Galdana ). It's a truly wonderful and special island to visit and I agree with the locals about the unique energy of the island ! Driving around used to be simple too, though I've not lived there for some years. Im now daydreaming of another holiday visit in the next year or two... absolute magical bliss for me...

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Travel Guide To Menorca

The beautiful Balearic island of Menorca has been bypassed by mass tourism, leaving its virginal good looks intact. It is a place of calm and charm, with magical landscapes, turquoise seas and deserted beaches, many of which can only be reached on foot. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, it is protected against the scourge of development which has overrun its neighbours and is instead home to untouched coastlines and deep gorges, or barrancs , where you'll find some of Europe's rarest flowers.

Leaving aside the package-holiday hotels and self-catering villas in Anglocentric resorts such as Cala'n Bosch, Cala Galdana or Sant Tomàs, the main option for those who want to explore the more authentic side of the island are the hotels rurals - mostly conversions of Menorcan llocs (traditional farmhouses).

Where to stay in Menorca

For an island so keen to offer an alternative to high-density package tourism, Menorca suffers from a surprising shortage of high-quality accommodation - though this is changing fast.

Avenida Fort de L'Eau 13, Maó (00 34 971 362 600; fax: 351 050). The island's most famous hotel housed in a beautiful 18th-century building in the harbour, with excellent views. The interior has unfortunately been redecorated in dreadful taste. £

HOTEL RURAL SANT IGNASI

Outside Ciutadella (00 34 971 385 575/481 686, fax: 971 480 537; email [email protected] ). One of the island's two best hotels, this converted lloc (Menorcan country house) was once the summer home of an aristocratic family. The house, dating from 1777, is now exquisitely restored and furnished in the Anglo-Menorcan colonial style. The hotel's restaurant, Es Lloc, serves the most glamorous haute cuisine on the island, courtesy of Barcelona-born chef Oscar Riera. Try the escupinyas de la isla , a Menorcan seafood speciality that is a cross between oysters and clams. £

HOTEL RURAL BINIARROCA

San Luis (00 34 971 150 059). The other excellent hotel is Hotel Rural Biniarroca, a former farmhouse, beautifully renovated, whose decoration (books, flowers, paintings) reflects the fastidious taste of its English owners. The staff offer discreet but friendly attention. One room has been specially designed to meet the needs of disabled guests. Children are not admitted. £

HOTEL MORVEDRA NOU

Outside Ciutadella (00 34 971 359 521; fax: 359 174). Deep in the countryside near the hamlet of Sant Joan de Missa, this hotel is a stone-built lloc with 18 comfortable though simply-furnished rooms. £

Other options are the island's seven agroturismo establishments, working farms offering bed and breakfast; including:

Near Cala Morell (00 34 971 383 113; fax: 482 829; email: [email protected] ). A 500-year-old menorquín farmhouse with its own chapel. The farm now specialises in Charolais beef cattle but also makes superb unpasturised-milk cheese. £

LLUCMAÇANES GRAN

Next to the church in the village of Llucmaçanes (00 34 971 352 117). Llucmaçanes does not boast such beautiful surroundings as Biniatram, but the accommodation (in the old kitchen of the farmhouse, recently converted into rooms and an apartment) is comfortable and immaculately clean. £

ALCAUFAR VELL

3km from San Luis (00 34 971 151 874/93 675 1278; fax: 971 151 874). A fine old country house with a seigneurial air. £

SON TRIAY NOU

Ferreries (00 34 971 155 078/360 446; fax: 971 368 600). Another handsome lloc , its façade painted plum red and white in traditional Menorcan style. £

Where to eat out in Menorca

IN FORNELLS

ES CRANC & ES CRANC PELUT

Escoles 31E, Fornells (00 34 971 376442); Paseo Marítimo 98, Fornells, Menorca (00 34 971 376 743). The one Menorcan dish that most people know about is caldereta de llagosta , a gutsy and flavoursome spiny-lobster stew served most famously in the little fishing port of Fornells in the north-east. If you have €100* per person to blow (€60 for the caldereta, the rest for wine, service and one or two other nibbles), head for Es Cranc or Es Cranc Pelut, the acknowledged temples of the dish.

IN ES MERCADAL

CA N'OLGA

Pont Na Macarrana, Carrer d'Es Sol, Es Mercadal, Menorca (00 34 971 375 459). Es Mercadal, a sleepy, likable town almost in the dead centre of the island, is a local gourmet magnet, and will understand why if you book a table at Ca N'Olga. This lovely, family-run restaurant with a pretty garden terrace serves simple but spot-on dishes based on fresh, local produce. The menu might include unshelled baby broad beans tossed in a pan with mushrooms and prawns, or oven-roasted cabrito (kid) with herbs. About €35 for two without wine; open mid-March to mid-December; closed Monday lunch and all day Tuesday

IN ES MIGJORN GRAN

S'ENGOLIDOR

Carrer Major 3, Es Migjorn Gran, Menorca (00 34 971 370 193; www.sengolidor.com ). South of Es Mercadal, in Es Migjorn Gran, an even drowsier market town on the road to Sant Tomàs, is S'Engolidor. This is a gem of a restaurant - a country kitchen with a sprinkle of tables in a pretty, art-filled house towards the end of the main street. It's a great place to sample the Menorcan peasant dish oliagio , a light, purifying broth of tomatoes, onions, garlic and green pepper. But everything is good, and it's fantastic value for money. If you feel like staying, there are four unshowy but comfortable guest rooms upstairs. About €30 for two without wine; open April-October, evenings only; closed Monday

IN CIUTADELLA

Carrer Josep María Quandro 22, Ciutadella, Menorca (00 34 971 381 498). In the old town, Ses Voltes is a sprawling tapas bar on the colonnaded main street, offering everything from sandwiches to full meals. About €50 for two without wine; open April-October

ES MARIVENT

Moll de Llevant 314, Maó, Menorca (00 34 971 369 801). The dining scene in Maó is concentrated on its seemingly endless harbourside drive: lined with restaurants and bars, it's a lively place for a stroll, but many of the restaurants are tourist traps. Among the exceptions is Marivent. With its panoramic terrace and creative seafood menu (tuna tempura; octopus salad with toasted almonds), this is a great place to come to watch your ship come in. About €70 for two without wine; open all year; closed Sunday

By Jahnavi Bhatt

By Anna Prendergast

By Connor Sturges

By Olivia Morelli

S'ESPIGÓ

Moll de Llevant 267, Maó, Menorca (00 34 971 369 909; www.sespigo.com ). At S'Espigó, a small, serious, bottle-lined place, the freshest fish is served with a minimum of fuss. About €100 for two without wine; open February to mid-December; closed Sunday night and Monday

SES FORQUILLES

Rovellada de Dalt 20, Maó, Menorca (00 34 971 352 711; www.sesforquilles.com ). up in the old town, this is a very appealing restaurant and tapas bar. It's a great place for lunch (when there's a €16.50 menu) or for perching at the bar and sampling gourmet snacks such as red-tuna tempura with baby beansprouts, accompanied by a glass of Menorcan wine - perhaps a peppy Merlot from the Binifadet winery. Open all year

Carreretera Mahón-Fornells km 3, Es Grau, Menorca (00 34 971 377 294). Don't miss a trip to Es Grau to eat at Can Bernat, a bustling, great-value bar-restaurant just back from the beach, where grilled fish, veal tongue with peas and spicy sausage are among the specialities. But book ahead: this place is very much in demand. Open all year

* Prices correct in May 2010

How to get to Menorca

Menorca's airport is located just 20 minutes from the centre of Maó; there are buses from the town and back, as well as a taxi stand (the journey costs around €15).

EasyJet ( www.easyjet.com ) has seasonal flights from Gatwick, Luton, Bristol, Liverpool and Newcastle to Maó airport; Spanair ( www.spanair.com ) and Vueling ( www.vueling.com ) offer low-cost connections with Madrid and Barcelona.

Approaching by sea, you can take the fast ferry (about three hours) or the slow one (about eight hours) from Barcelona to Maó or Ciutadella; there are also ferries from Mallorca.

Where to Stay on Menorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Heading to the Spanish island of Menorca this year? This resort guide will help you decide which part of the island to choose, which town, resort or beach is for you, and where to find the best beach hotels and rentals. This resort guide will cover:

• which part of Menorca  to stay in
• where to stay in the cities Mahon and Ciutadella
• Menorca main resorts ; the best places to stay for families, cheap packages and a lively crowd
• a rundown of Menorca’s  quieter resorts and villages; the best places to stay for couples, families and nature

MENORCA OVERVIEW

Menorca is perfect for lazy, relaxed beach holidays. Low key and family-friendly, it has a smattering of historic towns and cute fishing villages with traditional boathouses. Not to mention some of the best sandy beaches in Europe, with stunning turquoise waters, and flanked by limestone cliffs and pine forests. The pace here is unhurried. And thanks to reserved development, it’s managed to retain its natural beauty.

The entire island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993 – meaning strict planning regulations. There are a few large resort hotels, but nowhere near as many as on neighbouring Balearic island Mallorca.

However, most of the beach resorts are purpose-built and can sometimes feel identikit with their rows whitewashed apartment complexes. What they lack in traditional charm, they make up for with spellbinding scenery, short transfers, and bags of convenience. Lots of fine sand, shady pines, and shallow seas round out the appeal for families of small children. The most popular beaches can get incredibly crowded during July and August, particularly at weekends.

Tourism here is geared towards families and active travellers, Menorca is a delight for bird spotting, walking, eco-tourism, agro-tourism, and fans of intriguing prehistoric monuments. The Cami de Cavalls (The Way of the Horses) path runs around the entirety of the island – you can walk, cycle, or ride it. 

It’s a small island and everything is within easy reach. The landscape is agricultural and hilly rather than mountainous, with good roads. For wilderness head to the wetlands and dunes of the S’Albufera Nature Reserve on the north coast. 

Menorca is not a party island – nightlife is limited in most resorts, head to the cities and harbours for a (relatively) lively bar scene.

In 2016 an island-wide sustainable tourism tax was introduced; it’s usually payable on arrival at your accommodation. The rate depends on the class of the hotel and time of year.

GETTING AROUND

Airport : Menorca Airport (MAH) is 5km southwest of Mahon and is served by domestic and international flights, including a wide range of budget carriers over the summer season. I recommend using Skyscanner to find cheap deals.

Bus : Buses from the airport to Mahon run frequently throughout the day and cost €2.65 – for more info see the Airport Website .

Menorca has reasonable – though not extensive – bus network, with services to resorts dropping off in the winter. See TMSA for island-wide services. For airport transfers see Shuttle Menorca .

Ferry : Ferry services connect Menorca with the mainland (Barcelona, Valencia) and the other Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza,). You can buy tickets through Direct Ferries .

WHERE TO STAY – THE HIGHLIGHTS

• BEST LUXURY HOTELS : Melia Cala Galdana , Jardi de Ses Bruixes Boutique Hotel , Hotel Can Faustino
• BEST INFINITY POOL : Melia Cala Galdana
• BEST HOTELS ON THE BEACH : Melia Cala Galdana ,  Hotel Xaloc Playa , Hotel Xuroy
• SWANKIEST VILLAS : Torre Bes , Villa Alakala
• BEST HOTELS FOR FAMILIES : Royal Son Bou Family Club , Carema Club Resort
• BEST PLACE FOR FAMILIES : Cala Galdana, Arenal d’en Castell, Cala en Porter
• BEST ROMANTIC HOTELS FOR COUPLES : Artiem Audax ,  Tres Sant
• BEST BOUTIQUE TOWN HOTELS : Sindic Hotel , Casa Ladico , Tres Sant
• BEST PLACE FOR NIGHTLIFE : Cala en Porter, Mahon, Ciutadella
• BEST QUIET BEACH RESORTS : Es Grau, Binisfuller, Cala Morells
• BEST CHIC RURAL ESCAPES : Cugo Gran , Torral Benc  
• BEST APARTMENT : Divina Suites

WHICH PART OF MENORCA TO STAY IN?

Menorca has two main cities/towns – the capital Mahon on the east coast, and Ciutadella on the west.

• NORTH : The north coast is quieter and less developer, with a wilder coast and fewer sandy beaches. There are pockets of fishing villages, particularly around the large nature reserve of S’Albufera.
• SOUTH : The best sandy beaches are on the south coast, so it’s here you’ll also find most of Menorca’s beach resorts as well as its most beautiful coves.
• EAST : Capital Mahon is on the east coast, at the mouth of a natural river, as is the airport so for short transfers stay east. Resorts tend to be functional rather than beautiful, with local life found in inland villages.
• WEST : Menorca’s second town Ciutadella is at the opposite end of the island to Mahon, on the west coast, along with some of the island’s prettiest scenery – with a few purpose-built resorts and hidden gems.

Known as Mao in Menorca’s local dialect, Mahon is Menorca’s capital city. It’s a small and atmospheric harbour town with tidy shuttered houses and charming cafes. It sits at the end of a long natural harbour (the largest in the Mediterranean) that once attracted the British Navy, who moved the capital here in 1722 and left a rich naval history (and a British feel – complete with gin). Don’t miss a boat trip around the bay to take the harbour’s small islands and significant sites.

Mahon is increasingly home to swish boutiques, seafood restaurants, and shops selling local crafts and artisanal goods – Menorca is particularly well known for its avarca traditional leather shoes as well as cheeses and sobrasada sausage. It’s a popular yachty spot and it buzzes in the summer season.

The historic centre sits on a clifftop that overlooks the port and harbour – head to Cafe Mirador for a drink with a view.

Top things to do in and around Mahon are:

•  Sant Francesc d’Assis
• Ca n’Oliver art centre
• Food Market and Fish Market
• Museum of Menorca
• Teatro Principal opera house
• Xoriguer gin distillery
• Boat trip with Don Juan or Yellow Catamarans

There’s also a tourist train (the Mahon Express) which does a circuit of the town.

Transfer time : 20 minutes from Menorca Airport

STAY IN MAHON

Top spot in town is the beautiful 5-star renovation Jardi de Ses Bruixes Boutique Hotel sports turquoise shuttered windows, roof terrace hot tub, with a small underground spa and courtyard restaurant.

The adults-only Sindic Hotel blends history and minimalism and has a small heated rooftop plunge pool. Casa Ladico is also adults-only and has modern rooms and comforts.

4-star Casa Alberti Boutique Hotel is located in an elegant townhouse, managing to be both homely and chic at the same time.

More stylish rooms can be found at Petit Mao and Casa Telmo .

A comfortable 3-star with central location, San Miguel has a sunny roof terrace. Some of the rooms come with excellent balcony views.

If the townhouse vibe doesn’t appeal to you, then the traditional 4-star Hotel Port Mahon is on the edge of town with sweeping views of the port. It has an old-fashioned resort feel with a large pool and plenty of space.

The 3-star Catalonia Mirador des Port also has panoramic views, an outdoor pool, and an indoor hot tub.

On a budget? Jume Urban Rooms is a simple guesthouse with appealing airy rooms and comfortable beds.

The harbour town of Es Castell continues the British feel of Mahon with its Georgian-inspired architecture. A former garrison town, it was once one of the most important cities on Menorca.

Es Castells area is home to a host of military history sites:

• Military Museum
• Fort Sant Felip
• Mola Fortress
• Fort Malborough

Its glory days may be over, but it makes a charming base for couples – there’s a good range of relaxed restaurants and bars for the evenings, and it’s within striking distance (a 35-minute walk) of the capital. Es Castell has fresh seafood, good amenities, a pleasant waterfront area servicing both fishing boats and visiting yachts, and a traditional vibe that attracts returners to the island. The delights of the southeast coast are only 10 minutes in the car.

Transfer time : 15 minutes from Menorca Airport

There’s more space than in Mahon so you’ll find a few big resort hotels here. The adults-only Barcelo Hamilton Menorca is cream of the crop with its roof terrace hot tubs and sun loungers.

The Pardela Menorca has modern boho decor, and Hotel Sa Torre des Sol has lovely rooms in a historic mansion.

There is a small selection of rentals on  VRBO .

S’ALGAR

The first major resort you come to as you wind your way along the east coast is S’Algar, a low-rise purpose-built resort. There’s no beach here, instead, there’s a paved promenade snaking along a rocky coastline. It’s a quiet resort with a fishing village feel, some excellent diving and snorkelling, and is mainly popular with holiday-homers and returners who are happy to sit by the pool and explore by car.

The nearest proper beach is a 20-minute walk at Alcaufar.

There are 2 big Portblue resort hotels offering all-inclusive accommodation and big pools: The Hotel San Luis and the adults-only Salgar Hotel . Use of the facilities is also available to guests staying at the adults-only BlueRooms Rafalet bungalows.

Apartments are also available at the large complexes Los Naranjos and BlueRooms Palmeras . There are lots more whitewashed villas and apartments available if you hunt the booking sites.

Cala Alcaufar is a pretty resort that has sprung up around a cove beaches at the end of a long inlet flanked by cliffs. The area is filled with whitewashed boat houses perched on rocky platforms, with small fishing boats bobbing in the teal seas.

Alcaufar is picturesque and sleepy, with a smattering of shops and restaurants, and a good selection of self-catered accommodation. It’s the first of many small resorts like this along the southeast coast.

Sant Lluis is the closest town for amenities (and further accommodation options), and it’s only a 20-minute drive to Mahon.

Hotel Xuroy has a prime seafront location with steps leading right onto the beach.

The town of Sant Lluis is inland, right in the middle of the east coast and equidistant between all of its attractions. Its a quiet rural area but there are two standout hotels here – Biniarroca Hotel Rural , the Hotel Alcaufar Vell Hotel Rural & Restaurant , and the Agroturismo Binissafullet Vell . 

At the other end of the budget scale is the Hostel & Gym Relise which has dorms.

PUNTA PRIMA

Popular Punta Prima is a medium-sized resort curving around a Blue Flag sandy beach that’s a hit with families. It’s the first of the beach resorts along the coast that attract package tourists and you’ll find a range of accommodation here, from all-inclusive resort hotels to quiet studios and backstreet villas. It also has amenities – including car hire and small supermarkets – but for a wider range head to nearby Sant Lluis. 

The surrounding scenery is fairly flat but has walking trails, and the beach itself is as popular with local families as it is with tourists. It’s not sheltered though and can get windy and waves. Beach bums are probably better off further along the south coast. There are some small play areas for children, and plenty to explore in the wider area including a waterpark. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly.

STAY IN PUNTA PRIMA

3-star Hotel Xaloc Playa has the best location, just a matter of steps from the beach and also has an outdoor pool and shady pine garden.

You can rent studios at Insotel Punta Prima Resort and Spa which has 5-star facilities including a sports club and indoor pool. 

Villa Lola has 3 bedrooms and an infinity pool. See VRBO for more villas.

Just around the coast from Punta Prima is Binibeca, the first in a trio of small resorts with a fishing heritage and scenic position. Binibeca is the largest and most popular of the three, largely thanks to its sandy Blue Flag beach and shallow waters. It’s popular with families and has a few more bars and international eateries than Puna Prima. The wider area has lots of coves perfect for snorkelling.

Binibeca is divided into three sections – central Binibeca Nou which is right on the beach, Binibeca Vell which is home to a 1970s mock fishing village, and Cala Torret where many of the cheaper apartment complexes are located. It’s a 20-minute walk end-to-end. 

Binibeca’s accommodation is almost all self-catered, mainly in whitewashed villas and apartment complexes – the ones closest to the beach are in high demand. Try Booking and VRBO .

BINISSAFULLER

Binibeca merges into dreamy Binissafuller (also spelt Binisafua ), a secluded inlet cove with crystal clear water, fragrant pines, and a small beach. It’s quieter and more picturesque than Binibeca, and also lacking its commercialisation. If you’re searching for an off-the-beaten-track treasure, peace and quiet, and to be amongst nature, then you might well be happy here.

There are one or two restaurants in the area but no amenities to speak of. Its an easy 5-15 minute walk (depending on which end you start from) along the coast to Binibeca, however, be aware that the path is not lit at night.

Binissafuller and Binidali are both south of the airport runway and get occasional aircraft noise, depending on wind direction.

Transfer time : 16 minutes from Menorca Airport

There are a handful of vacation rentals – see Booking and VRBO . 

Binidali is a quiet village in a ruggedly pretty area with a small enclosed sandy beach. The even more secluded Cala de Biniparratx is just around the corner.

The village itself consists of a small grid of low lying streets with villas and restaurants tucked away behind oleander bushes. It’s very relaxed and best suited to those who can entertain themself, and who have a car (although a bus does run along the coastal road). There are a few larger supermarkets in the wider area.

Transfer time : 10 minutes from Menorca Airport

There are no hotels in Binidali – check VRBO for rentals.

ES CANUTELLS

The last in this series of small cove hamlets, Es Canutells is similar to its neighbouring south-east coast resorts  – a small village of whitewashed houses perched on cliffs surrounding two cove beaches. It’s quiet, with one shop and a bar or two. The beaches boast some dazzling turquoise waters but are quite short on sand space.

Transfer time : 15 minutes from Menorca airport

As is typical of these small villages, accommodation here is mainly private rentals that wind along a shallow hill. VRBO has a number of villas with pools available. 

And there is one package hotel in Es Canutells – the family-friendly TUI Grupotel Mar de Menorca , where you’ll also find an on-site shop for beach essentials. 

CALA EN PORTER

Cala en Porter is the first of the blockbuster resorts along the south coast and is arguably the best resort on Menorca for families. It has a similar cove-beach landscape but is on a bigger scale. Here, there is room to stretch out on the beach – and enough space for an organised section of loungers, pedalos, and a lifeguard. The calm waters slope gently and are a dazzling turquoise. The beach itself is backed by parking, toilets, a few cafes, and a nature reserve.

Cala en Porter is a relaxed resort, with enough to keep the kids and adults entertained. The resort itself is up on the hill overlooking the beach. This is the downside of Cala en Porter – it’s a steep walk between its Blue Flag beach and the town. There’s a choice of 200 steps or a walk down the road which is less steep but longer. In high season there’s a tourist train to help you out. There is also parking at the bottom of the road though in summer months – it helps to get there early.

The intriguing Cales Coves are nearby, and the area is packed with great walks, snorkelling, and cliff jumps. And the cliffside Cova d’en Xoroi is one of the most Instagrammable bars that you’re likely to visit, and at night it morphs into the island’s main club.

STAY IN CALA EN PORTER

Cala en Porter is a solid favourite with the package holiday crowd, and you’ll find a wide variety of accommodation catering to the couples and families with small children that the resort attracts.

Fans of a good view will appreciate the clifftop Old House which is not far from the Cova d’en Xoroi.

Hotel Sa Berrera is an adults-only 3-star with spacious pool area. If you’re bringing the family then the Nelva Resort will look after you, or you can book the Playa Azul through TUI .

Inland, Torral Benc is a smart rural hotel with 4-star facilities. Decor is whitewashed traditional chic, and there’s an emphasis on local food and wine in its restaurant. It’s a 10-minute drive to Cala en Porter.

Son Bou is one of Menorca’s most popular resorts and is slap bang in the middle of the south coast. It’s also where you’ll find the longest beach on Menorca, with over 2km of impeccable sands and Blue Flag waters.

Unlike the island’s many cove beaches, this endless beach is backed by dunes. As it’s one of the larger beaches, you can also find a good range of watersports and activities here, making it ideal for families with older children. There’s plenty of parking available behind the beach, and more deserted beaches to discover in the wider area.

The resort of Son Bou is medium-large (at least for Menorca) and spread out. Son Bou itself is behind the eastern end of the beach. Most of the resort’s accommodation is in an area called San Jaime which is separated from the beach by a conservation area. Expect a 5-10 minute walk to the beach. The Torre Soli Nou area is behind San Jaime and further from the beach.

The town has a small commercial centre where you can find amenities and a lively selection of cafes, bars, and international cuisine. It’s the best spot on the island for beach amenities and is also well connected by road. There are a few large hotels but, like most places on Menorca, it’s not overly developed.

For families, the Royal Son Bou Family Club is an established 4-star resort hotel which has one of the best locations close to the beach and is one of the best places on the island if you have kids in tow, with ample pool zones and entertainment.

For aparthotel facilities try Apartamentos Mar Blau . There is a good selection of self-catered accommodation on VRBO .

Camping Son Bou offers pitches, tents, and bungalows in a pine forest setting.

SANTO TOMAS

A few miles further down the coast is the similar resort of Santo Tomas, which occupies a similar stretch of dune-backed beach. The resort is relaxed and popular with mature travellers as well as families and has a more intimate feel than Son Bou. However, buggies or wheelchairs might struggle with the number of wooden boardwalks. 

One plus of being located in Santo Tomas is that you can catch the bus in either direction to Mahon or Ciutadella. You’re also very close to the untouched beach of Binigaus, which is popular with naturists. There is no coastal road linking Santo Tomas with Son Bou, but it’s a popular activity to walk from one to the other and taxi back.

Transfer time : 25 minutes from Menorca Airport

STAY IN SANTO TOMAS

Several large resort hotels are located by the sea, slightly uphill and behind the hills but with direct beach access via pleasant boardwalks. They’re tucked in amongst vegetation which lends the resort a pleasant feel.

The Hotel Santo Tomas and Sol Beach House (adults only) are both clean and airy 4-stars overlooking the beach.

But the adults-only Globales Lord Nelson  has the best location if you want to be close to the beach.

Apartamentos Mestral is an apartment complex set around a pool.

If you don’t mind being further from the beach then the spacious Valentin Sou Bou is also an option.

Of the villas, Lucia B17 has appealing grounds and a pool.

CALA GALDANA

Straddling what is arguably Menorca’s most beautiful beach, Cala Galdana is a deservedly popular beach resort. It’s located in a particularly scenic bay at the end of a gorge, with a graceful and general crescent of fine sand, irresistibly clear sea seas, and a fragrant pine forest setting. The Blue Flag beach is popular with families and couples and you’ll find all sort of watersports and activities in the bay.

It’s not a noisy resort though, and those looking for lively evenings will be disappointed entertainment is mostly in-hotel. There’s a wide range of accommodation and amenities here, and enough. But the main attraction is the beach and the scenery.

Cala Galdana is also a great base for exploring the stunning coastline without a car. Menorca’s other most beautiful beaches – the coves of Mitjana, Turqueta, and Macarella – are a short boat trip away, or you can hike along the cliffs. Snorkellers will not be disappointed either.

The main drawback of staying at Cala Galdana is that during the summer it gets extremely crowded.

Transfer time : 35 minutes from Menorca Airport

Melia Cala Galdana is one of the best beachfront hotels in Menorca, sitting in a plum position in the middle of the bay (it was built before current planning restrictions). It has recently refreshed itself with 5-star facilities including hot tubs and an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the sea (though you will need to purchase a VIP package to access). Families are not forgotten though, with child-friendly pools and rooms available.

If you prefer an adults-only environment, the Artiem Audax has soothing minimalist interiors and a well-equipped spa.

For packages check TUI and Jet2 .

3-bedroom Miramar I is perched upon a hill and has epic views from its pool – perfect for sunsets.

CALA EN BOSC

Sitting on the south-west tip of Menorca is the popular purpose-built resort town of Cala en Bosc which sports two beaches and a marina.

The main town beach is a deep cove beach, and within a few minutes you can also be at the secondary beach of Son Xoriguer which has excellent watersports facilities.

But life in Cala en Bosc centres around its marina, which is ringed with palms and laid back cafes and eateries. If you get easily bored in the evenings without a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment then this is one of the better resorts in Menorca for you. Its range of facilities for all ages makes it popular with those looking to stay longer than one week, as well as with its regulars. There’s also a frequent bus service to Ciutadella.

Transfer time : 45 minutes from Menorca Airport

There are a number of resort hotels are centred around the beach:

• La Quinta Menorca by Portblue Boutique – 5-star adults only
• Valentin Star Menorca (adults-only) – adults-only with a large lagoon pool
• Grupotel Aldea has the best spot in town, overlooking the main beach
• Lago Resort (adults-only) – 4-star adults-only with spa near the harbour
• Hotel Cala’n Bosch – 4-star with direct beach access and family facilities

For self-catered look to the area west of the marina. 

CALA BLANCA AND CALA SANTANDRIA

Just a few kilometres south of Ciutadella, Menorca’s charming and historic second city, you’ll find the twin resorts of Cala Blanca and Cala Santadria. Both have popular cove beaches in pretty bays with fine sands and blue seas, and could almost be considered beach suburbs.  

Cala Blanca has a larger beach with beach bars, cliffside trails and some family facilities, whereas Cala Santandria is more of a local area and has a quieter beach and a peaceful atmosphere. However, there are more restaurants at Cala Santandria, which is more residential and merges into Ciutadella as you head north.

Both beaches can get very crowded in July and August due to their proximity to the city. It’s a 15-minute trip by bus into the city, and there’s also a bus route south to Cala en Bosc.

You’ll find a choice of resort hotels in Cala Blanca, and the highest-rated are:

• Globales Mediterrani
• Cala Blanca Sun Hotel

In Cala Santandria, the adults-only Hotel Playa Santandria Menorca is right on the beachfront and has a modern feel.

Cales de Ponent Apartamentos has fresh white rooms not far from the beach.

Tucked away in the hills you will find many villas and apartments  –  check VRBO for rentals

Mahon may be Menorca’s capital now, but once that title was claimed by charming west coast city Ciutadella. Arguably it’s most beguiling. Until the 18th century, this was the most important city on Menorca, and it still bears a Baroque and Gothic grandeur that the current capital lacks.

It has quite a distinct look, with honeyed hues, ornate brickwork, green shutters, and labyrinthine backstreets reminiscent of Sicily and Malta than the clipped mansions of Mahon. It’s one of the loveliest small old towns in the Mediterranean (and one of the least-known).

These days Ciutadella is a weekend break destination for Spaniards and the chicest place to stay on the island. It’s becoming something of a hotspot for boutique abodes. The areas to the north and south of the city are prime package tourism destinations so it also gets its fair share of daytrippers. It’s a short bus ride fro Ciutadella to Menora’s most exquisite (though hardly undiscovered) coastal scenery.

STAY IN CIUTADELLA

The city has an excellent selection of lovely boutique hotels:

• Hotel Can Faustino – impeccable 5-star in a historic conversion with spa and beach shuttle bus
• Tres Sant – stylish 4-star with hammam spa
• Smoix Hotel – chic boutique townhouse
• Hotel Boutique Can Sestre – Pinterest-worthy townhouse hotel
• Divina Suites Hotel Singular – arty and comfortable adults-only 4-star
• Sodium Boutique Hotel – modern design vibes
• Hotel Nou Sant Antoni – calming neutrals in a converted mansion
• Hotel Boutique Abranca – Balearic chic 4-star in converted stable buildings
• S’Esparteria – rustic minimalist design
• Hotel Romantic Los 5 Sentidos – small and friendly townhouse with modern decor

On a budget? Check out Hostel Menorca which has dorm beds and private rooms. The Hotel Cala Bona-Mar Blava is a seafront hotel close to the beach with budget rooms, a small pool.

CALA EN FORCAT AND CALA’N BLANES

To the north of Ciutadella is a family getaway set in a picturesque area of inlet cove beaches, a resort which mushroomed in the 80s. It encompasses several areas which have merged into one – Cala en Forcat, Cala’n Blanes, Caka’n Brut, and Los Delfines – so there are a few beaches to choose from (although none are particularly big and get very crowded in high summer).

This is not the place to come if you’re looking nightlife or shopping – or for a slice of authentic Menorca. It’s pretty much a British enclave, calmer than it used to be, but there is a focus on British food and bars. 

But it’s popular with families that have young children and you’ll find hotel activities, amenities, restaurants and play areas catering for the little ones, shady beaches, and a generally flat area that is easy to whizz around with a buggy (although some of the beaches involve a few steps).

For package deals to Cala’n Forcat:

• Check LoveHolidays

For apartments and villas, see VRBO .

CALA MORELL

One of a handful of small resorts on Menorca’s north coast, the white cube houses of Morell are surrounded by craggy scenery and glistening turquoise waters that look like they’ve been borrowed from Greek islands or Malta. It’s a hidden gem and has a (sometimes windy) wilderness that’s missing on the south coast.

The rocks have a reddish tinge and the sand is stonier and darker than the southern beaches. But as well as the cove beach there are numerous rocky platforms that are popular with swimmers, snorkellers, and sunbathers. 

Cala Morell is best suited to those looking to escape the crowds. It’s popular with daytrippers and locals, but is otherwise quiet, with just one bar and restaurant and a cluster of apartments and villas. Walking trails run through the village, and there are intriguing prehistoric cave tombs nearby.

Transfer time : 40 minutes from Menorca Airport

  Apartamentos Sa Cala is a traditional low-rise aparthotel with a pool and snack bar.

There’s family-run country house charm at Agroturismo Biniatram which is 1 mile inland.

Check VRBO for villas.

The next stop is halfway along the north coast at fishing village Fornells (not to be confused with Cala Fornells on Mallorca ), a charming village of white houses with orange tiled roofs set around a harbour. Its waterfront promenade is lined with palms and cafes.

Fornells has a traditional Menorquin feel and is renowned for its seafood restaurants (it’s a great place to try the local speciality lobster stew).

The beach (Playa Fornells) It can get windy on this part of the north coast, but Fornells is located on a peninsula at the entrance to a natural harbour (Fornells Bay) – which makes it ideal for fans of windsurfing and dinghy sailing. There is plenty of unspoilt coastline to discover, with some of Menorca’s most beautiful untouched beaches in the wider area.

On the other side of the peninsula is Playa de Fornells, a smart landscaped resort complex on the beach of Cala Tirant. It’s peaceful and upmarket, consisting of a few all-inclusive hotels and apartment/villa blocks. The beach is a wide crescent of sand and shallow waters, suitable for small children.

It’s a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk between Fornells and Playa de Fornells.

Transfer time : 30 minutes from Menorca Airport

In Fornells :

The clean modern rooms at the Hostal La Palma guesthouse are good value, with harbour views and an outdoor pool.

In Playa de Fornells :

• Carema Club Resort – 4-star resort hotel for families
• Carema Garden Village – aparthotel with access to family facilites
• TRH Tirant Playa – 4-star aparthotel
• Tramontana Park – 3-star aparthotel
• Villas Playas de Fornells

Son Parc has two obvious appeals. The first its beach – long, sandy, and backed by dunes. It’s spacious and has an organised section with watersports available.  The other attraction here is its 18 hole golf course. 

There’s not much to the village itself beyond a handful of restaurants and shops along one small road, and a warren of purpose-built tourist accommodation in landscaped grounds. Son Parc is quiet in the evening – the aparthotels have in-resort entertainment – but there are a few bars.

There are 3 large aparthotel complexes:

• Son Parc Beach Club

You can also find studios and villa rentals:

ARENAL D’EN CASTELL

Arenal d’en Castell (or simply Arenal )  is a contender for the best family beach resort on Menorca is thanks to its sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay. It’s a hit with little ones thanks to its golden Blue Flag beach, watersports, boat trips and resort hotels with waterparks. 

There is an increasing number of all-inclusive hotels pitching mainly to a British crowd.

The resort is on a hill, with most shops and restaurants at the top and buildings cascading down to the beach in an amphitheatre effect. This makes for some great views. There’s enough to keep you occupied for a week or so, and there are frequent buses to Fornells and Mahon.

The golf course at Son Parc is a short drive away, and within walking distance over the hill are the traditional harbour villages Na Macaret and Port d’Addaia which are popular with second homeowners, yachties, and older couples.

The big family-friendly resorts to check out in Arenal are:

• Palladium Hotel – sleek 4-star at the top of the hill
• White Sands by Beach Club by Diamond Resorts – 3-star apartment complex with infinity pool
• Club Hotel Aguamarina – 3-star with water slides

For self-catered accommodation:

A fishing village on the edge of the wetlands of the S’Albufera Natural Park, Es Grau is a little pocket of traditional Menorca. There is a small beach of dark sand and extremely shallow waters which attract local families for paddling and seafood suppers. It’s a roll-your-trousers-up kind of place, with a small quay and whitewashed fisherman houses.

You’ll only find self-catered accommodation in tiny Es Grau.

Where to Stay on Mallorca: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Ibiza: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay in Spain: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Sardinia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Corsica: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Sicily: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

10 Most Beautiful Beaches on the Balearic Islands

Where to Stay on Crete: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Corfu: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Kefalonia: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Lefkada: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Zakynthos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Skiathos: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on Rhodes: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Where to Stay on the Turkish Coast: Ultimate Beach Resort Guide

Enjoyed this post? Follow us on Facebook or Twitter .

Click to save to Pinterest:

Image credits:

Cala Turqueta: © tuulijumala / Shutterstock

Cala Macarelleta: © Paolo Gallo / Shutterstock

Cala Presili: © tuulijumala / Shutterstock

Cal Mitjana: © Naeblys / Adobe Stock

Cala en Porter boardwalk: © Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock

Map of Menorca: © The Mediterranean Traveller

Mahon: © kite_rin / Adobe Stock

Es Castell: © Rulan / Adobe Stock

 Punta Prima: © photobeginner / Adobe Stock

Cala en Porter: © lunamarina / Shutterstock

Cova d’en Xoroi: © DoKuPiX / Adobe Stock

Son Bou beach: © lunamarina / Shutterstock

Cala Galdana: © pkazmierczak / Adobe Stock

Cala en Bosc: © Ibfotomotor / Adobe Stock

Cala Santandria: © Gareth Bevan / Adobe Stock

Ciutadella: © tuulijumala / Shutterstock

Ciutadella harbour with boat: © Kite_rin / Shutterstock

Cala Morell: © Anibal Trejo / Adobe Stock

Arenal d’en Castell: © Pawel Kazmierczak / Shutterstock

Share this post:

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• the-balearic-islands
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Maureen C, USA

The hotels were fabulous and we were greeted and treated with care. The itinerary proved outstanding. The drivers were wonderful. He was always on time, ma...

The second largest of the Balearic Islands, boomerang-shaped MENORCA is the least plagued by unsavoury development. An essentially rural island, it features rolling fields, wooded ravines and humpy hills filling out the interior in between its two main – but still notably small – towns of Maó and Ciutadella. Much of this landscape looks pretty much as it did at the turn of the twentieth century, and only around the edges of the island, and then only in parts, have its rocky coves been colonized by sprawling villa complexes. Neither is the development likely to spread: determined to protect their island from the worst excesses of the tourist industry, the Menorcans have clearly demarcated development areas and are also pushing ahead with a variety of environmental schemes – the island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and over forty percent of it now enjoys official protection.

Menorca is also dotted with prehistoric monuments, weatherworn stone remains that are evidence of a sophisticated culture. Little is known of the island’s prehistory, but the monuments are thought to be linked to those of Sardinia and are classified as examples of the Talayotic culture, which is usually considered to have ended with arrival of the Romans in 123 BC. Talayots are the rock mounds found all over the island – popular belief has it that they functioned as watchtowers, but it’s a theory few experts accept. The megalithic taulas – huge stones topped with another to form a T, around 4m high and unique to Menorca – are even more puzzling. They have no obvious function, and they are almost always found alongside a talayot. Some of the best-preserved talayot and taula remains are on the edge of Maó at the Talatí de Dalt site. The third prehistoric structure of note is the naveta (dating from 1400 to 800 BC), stone-slab constructions shaped like an inverted bread tin.

Book tickets and tours for Menorca

Travel ideas for Spain, created by local experts

9 days  / from 2491 USD

Andalucía Explored

Discover the best of Andalucía's breathtaking palaces, churches, museums, vineyards, and more, as you travel through spectacular scenery dotted with pueblos blancos and bordered by rugged mountains and coast en route to Granada, Seville, Ronda and Jerez de la Frontera.

4 days  / from 649 USD

A culinary experience in Seville

Explore the cuisine and surroundings of Seville in Andalucia. From Iberian ham over sherry wines to the production and secrets of olive oil, this tour is an ideal weekend getaway. Decide yourself if you prefer a rental car or a chauffeur-driven car to explore the beauty of Andalucia.

10 days  / from 3826 USD

Spanish Honeymoon

Discover Andalusia, starting with the cultural city of Seville, then on to Córdoba and Granada, home of the stunning Alhambra Palace. Next you'll visit Granada and the Albayzin Arab quarter, then enjoy a stunning hot-air balloon ride, before ending your trip with a luxury boat trip from Marbella!

MAÓ (Mahón in Castilian), the island capital, is likely to be your first port of call. Perched high above the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean, the town’s compact centre is no more than ten minutes’ walk from one end to the other. Its architecture consists of an unusual hybrid of classical Georgian townhouses, which reflect a strong British connection, and tall Spanish apartment blocks shading the narrow streets. Port it may be, but there’s no real gritty side to Maó, and the harbour is now home to a string of slick – if rather sedate – restaurants and cafés that attract droves of tourists. Wandering the maze of alleyways and peering into the gateways of the city’s collection of handsome old mansions are its charm, rather than any specific sight, and you can explore the place thoroughly in a day.

From near the ferry terminal, set beneath the cliff that supports the remains of the city wall, a generous stone stairway, the Costa de Ses Voltes, leads up to the series of small squares that comprise the heart of the old town. The first, Plaça Espanya, offers views right across the port and bay, and houses Maó’s bustling fish market, in operation since 1927.

Mayonnaise and food influences from abroad

Maó has a place in culinary history as the eighteenth-century birthplace of mayonnaise (mahonesa). Various legends, all of them involving the French, claim to identify its inventor: take your pick from the chef of the French commander besieging Maó; a peasant woman dressing a salad for another French general; or a housekeeper disguising rancid meat from the taste buds of a French officer. The French also changed the way the Menorcans bake their bread, while the British started the dairy industry and encouraged the roasting of meat.

Like Maó, CIUTADELLA sits high above its harbour, though navigation is far more difficult here, up a narrow channel too slender for anything but the smallest of cargo ships. Despite this nautical inconvenience, Ciutadella has been the island’s capital for most of its history, the narrow, cobbled streets of its compact, fortified centre brimming with fine old palaces, hidden away behind high walls, and a set of Baroque and Gothic churches very much in the Spanish tradition.

The main plazas, accommodation and points of interest are all within a few strides of each other, on and around the main square, Plaça d’es Born, in the middle of which a soaring obelisk commemorates the town’s futile defence against the marauding Turks in 1558. To the northwest, the square is bordered by the steep harbour walls, and in the northeast lies the vast nineteenth-century Palau Torresaura. Like many of the city’s grand aristocratic mansions, it is still privately owned and off limits to visitors.

Allow at least a couple of days, more if you seek out one of the charming cove beaches within easy striking distance of town – Cala Turqueta is the pick of the bunch.

Discover more places in Spain

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Travel Guide Puerto Rico
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Spain and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 27.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Spain?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

• CONTENT FOR BUSINESS
• [email protected]
• Español
• Français
• Português

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

Limited time: €2

• View on map
• Do & See
• Restaurants
• Bars & Nightlife
• Tourist Information

Nearby guides

Section in Menorca Do & See Many visitors immediately head east through the flower-freckled meadowland of the interior to the resorts of Cala en Forcat, Cala en Bosch and Cala Galdana. However, step off the beaten track and you will be rewarded — Mahón (or Maó), an interesting capital with a turbulent history, saw many sea conflicts as the Spanish, British and French grappled for control of this strategically important naval base. The influences of all three cultures, as well as the native Balearic one, can be seen here today. Read more

Fort Marlborough

Pedreres De S’hostal

Xoriguer Gin Distillery

Cap de Cavalleria

Cala Morell

Cathedral of Ciutadella de Menorca

Torre d'en Galmés

Lloc de Menorca

Menorca a Cavall

Aqua Center

Jeep Safari Menorca

Bodegas Binifadet

Welcome to Menorca!

This guide will introduce you to the beautiful Balearic Island of Menorca, including the resorts and accommodation, places to visit and of course, a look at it's stunning coastline.

Your Guide to Menorca

Discover why this jewel of an island in the Mediterranean is much quieter than it’s Balearic neighbours and makes for a perfect holiday destination for families and couples alike. Whether you’re looking for a popular Menorcan resort or something a little quieter and off the radar, our guides to the resorts of Menorca and the accommodation on offer will help you plan your holiday.

There are many resorts in Menorca, all offering something a little bit different for the traveller. Whether you prefer to be catered for throughout your stay or prefer to go it alone, self catering – our guide will help you choose where to book.

We’ll be taking a look at some of Menorca’s beaches in more detail, historic towns and visitor attractions plus we'll be providing information on not only getting to Menorca, but how to get around once you are there.

We hope you enjoy our guide.

Resorts in Menorca

Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana, ‘the queen of the Calas’, is a popular resort on the southern,central coast of Menorca. Set within the Algendar Gorge, it’s gorgeous horseshoe beach is backed by high, limestone cliffs...

Cala Blanca

Cala Blanca Cala Blanca is a small resort on the western coast of Menorca. Built in 1990, it is just 3 miles from Ciutadella and is home to some of the best sunsets in Menorca. Catch the evening...

Cala’n Bosch

Cala’n Bosch (Cala en Bosch) is a large resort on the far south western point of Menorca and built around an attractive marina. Lined with a plethora of restaurants, it a great place to dine out in...

Punta Prima

Punta Prima is a medium sized, but still essentially a quiet resort on the far south eastern coast of Menorca. Located in the municpality of Sant Lluis, it’s just a short hop from the capital Mahon...

Son Bou’s biggest draw is it fabulous beach. Over 3 miles of soft, golden sand that shelves gently into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Holding the award for Menorca’s largest...

Cala’n Porter

Cala’n Porter is one of the largest resorts in Menorca and located on the south coast of the island and is just a 15 minute drive from the airport. It is situated on the eastern side of a beautiful...

Son Parc is a small resort on the northern coast of Menorca. Famed for being home to the only 18 hole golf course on the island, it’s also got a great beach that’s family friendly and with a limited...

Best Places to Stay in Menorca

Best Resorts for Families Menorca is quite simply a family friendly location, wherever you stay. That’s what makes the island a favourite for many. But, since you’re curious, let’s take a little look...

Accommodation

How To Get There

Places To Visit

• 100 Beaches ...and more!
• 29 ˚C Average Summer High
• 22 ˚C Average Spring High
• 2.5 . Hours from UK (approx)
• 47 Kilometres wide

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

Vogue ’s Guide to Menorca, This Summer’s Buzziest Balearic Island

By Michaela Trimble

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

Just 130 miles off the coast of Spain, the Balearic island of Menorca holds an immediate charm with its rocky coves, white-sand beaches, and rolling valleys unrivaled in their beauty. For decades, the island was long overlooked in favor of its glitzier neighbors Ibiza and Mallorca , veritable European hotspots known around the world. But it’s now Menorca’s laid-back appeal and sense of spaciousness that’s attracting travelers to the island.

Renowned for its restored farmhouses, sophisticated vineyards, and whitewashed medieval villages, travelers seeking the tranquility of its tucked-away coves and relaxed eateries are drawn to this low-profile paradise, where a bygone era of Balearic charm still persists. Documenting this change over the years have been Natalia Wilmanski and Sandra Roters, owners of Islanders , a concierge travel-planning service for visitors to Menorca. The co-founders consider the island’s slow growth as its best asset, which gave the island time to create tourism in its unique way—what Roters considers the right way. “Sustainable, ecological, and cultural, all while being chic and charming,” in her words. 

They believe this is in part thanks to the island’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which encourages both locals and visitors to maintain a more conscious approach, both in the prevention of invasive tourism and from uncontrolled building and development. “Our outlook is a little different than our neighbors,” says Wilmanski. “It’s our hope that the island will continue to stay as it is now, only with more year-round demand.”

Whether you explore the island’s more rugged northern landscape with its golden beaches and rolling hills, or venture through its southern bounds awash with pine forests and white-sand beaches, you’ll quickly discover why Menorca is fast becoming one of the most appealing escapes in the Mediterranean.

Here, Vogue ’s guide to the best of the island’s spoils.

Where to Stay

By Marie Bladt

By Hannah Jackson

By Hannah Clugston

Due to the island’s UNESCO designation, there are limits to new construction. As such, many of Menorca’s finest hotels are set in former farmhouses, including Son Blanc Farmhouse , a 19th-century structure made of limestone, clay, and wild olive wood. Husband-and-wife duo Benedicta Linares Pearce and Benoît Pellegrini lovingly restored the property over several years with the help of the Parisian architecture firm Atelier du Pont and the Mahón-based agency ARU Arquitectura. Now, it’s host to 14 guest rooms set amid a sprawling 320-acre farm overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. A stay here grants guests the chance to walk through fields of olive and almond trees, a medicinal garden, and fruit orchards. 

Closer to the coast, near the turquoise bay of Cala Llucalar, is the vibrant Menorca Experimental , a lively and convivial property set in a restored 19 th -century farmhouse. The whitewashed compound offers 43 rooms—including nine private bungalows, each with a private dipping pool — and is surrounded by pine groves, fragrant juniper shrubs, wildflowers, and over two acres of cabernet, white grenache, and malvasia vines to supply its in-house wine program. 

The latest property to open on the island is the regal Son Vell , an 18 th -century Venetian manor house now host to 34 rooms. With views of the Mediterranean Sea, this property is all about being outside amidst its nearly 450 acres, whether to take a yoga class at the outdoor platform with views of the limestone mountains or to watch a film at the open-air theater.

Where to Eat and Drink

While most hotels in Menorca offer decadent breakfast spreads perfect for a leisurely start to the day, you’ll likely be ready to venture off-property come the afternoon. For seaside alfresco dining, Sa Punta in the harbor of Cales Fonts offers stunning views and fresh seafood dishes. Across the island, tucked within the cobbled streets of Ciutadella, is Smoix , where chef Miguel Sánchez crafts dishes inspired by the island’s seasonal bounty within a restored shoe factory. Though the menu is constantly changing to reflect what’s fresh and available, a few beloved dishes include bacalao meatballs in a warm garbanzo soup, potatoes made decadent with sea urchin cream, and the house classic: ravioli stuffed with langoustine and topped with a mustard-honey boletus sauce. 

On the outskirts of Ciutadella is another Menorca hotspot, Nonna Bazaar . Within a restored farmhouse that adjoins nearly 1,000 acres of gardens and orchards, this eatery is the ideal locale to enjoy slow-food meals with bright Mediterranean flavors of the island—but be sure to carve out time for the evening thrills. At night, the island’s top DJs come to play their best sets for guests to dance well into the night. 

Menorca is home to a thriving wine scene, and there’s no better place for a tasting than at Torralbenc , a boutique hotel and vineyard producing some of the island’s best bottles. When you arrive for a tasting, you can first walk through the property’s grounds to get the inside scoop on its production before going back to the restaurant to try a trifecta of vintages: a velvety white blend, pinot noir rose, and a deep merlot, all served with made-in-Menorca charcuterie, cheese, bread, and olive oil. After a wine tasting, a night can be topped off at the nearby Cova d’en Xoroi , a bar built into the cliffside that offers some of the best sea views on the island.

This island paradise is all about being outside, which is most evident in its famed Camí de Cavalls . This nearly 115-mile system of paths rings the entire island and is believed to have first been constructed in the 13 th century by King James I of Aragon as a means to defend the island and connect its watchtowers and fortresses. The path is now used by adventurers, cyclists and hikers, who take to the path to explore Menorca’s rugged wilds, from its rocky ridges and forested limestone hills in the north to the sequestered beaches and sandy coves in the south.

If you prefer a more leisurely exploration of the island, enjoy a day on a traditional Menorcan fishing vessel with Menorca Yachting, visit the white-sand beaches of Cala Mitjaneta and Cala Turqueta, or take to one of the area’s best cliff-jumping coves such as Cala en Brut near Ciutadella. 

For a deep dive into Menorcan culture, be sure to visit some of the island’s nearly 1,600 prehistoric monuments. Known as talayots, these fortress-style megalithic structures were built by the Talaiotic Culture beginning in the 9 th century B.C. While their original use is still somewhat mysterious, researchers believe that these stone towers were used for defensive purposes—acting as lookout towers due to their height, at around 16 feet—as well as ceremonially, serving as temples for fertility rituals and animal sacrifices. Be sure to visit Trepucó , one of the island’s largest settlements: across 12 acres, you can tour the site’s talayot structures, as well as the former homes of the island’s earliest inhabitants. 

For a foray into the island’s modern art scene, take a short boat trip to Hauser & Wirth Menorca , an art center and conservation project set in a renovated 18th-century naval hospital on the 1.6-square-mile Kings Island, just off of the Port of Mahón. Stroll the space’s eight galleries and its outdoor sculpture trail, where you can see works by the likes of Eduardo Chillida and Laia Estruch and a garden of native perennials developed by the landscape designer Piet Oudolf. After viewing the art, be sure to enjoy fresh, local fare at the olive-lined on-site restaurant Cantina.

More Great Living Stories From Vogue

The Best Places in the World for Solo Travel

Candice Bergen on What It Was Really Like to Attend Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball

The Curious Case of Kate Middleton’s “Disappearance”

Sofia Richie Grainge Is Pregnant! And It’s a….

Never miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month.

Flights to Menorca

The second largest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is known for its pristine and relaxing beaches. From miles of sand to rocky bays, its turquoise water is a beautiful sight all year round. Here you can swim or take it easy in the summer months or enjoy hikes and sightseeing when it’s no longer beach weather.

Our cheapest flights to Menorca

Flights from

Explore Menorca’s endless beaches

Fly to Menorca with British Airways and explore the island’s capital, Mahon.

It has one of Europe’s biggest natural harbours and is full of historic sites and trendy boutiques to explore. Then pay the historic Ciutadella a visit and explore its narrow streets by foot.

Stroll along palm tree-lined Avenida Negrete before walking into Plaza de Los Pinos and Plaza Borne Ciutadella. Then head inland and tour some of the island’s wineries where you can take a walk through the vineyards and enjoy wine tasting accompanied by tasty local cuisine. Book your  Menorca holiday  now.

Flight time

2 hours 30 mins

Menorca flight FAQs

A flight from London to Menorca takes around two hours and 30 minutes.

Use our  low fare finder  to discover the cheapest time to visit Menorca. The most popular time to visit the island is in the summer, so book your flights in spring or autumn to save while still enjoying the Mediterranean climate of sunshine and temperate weather.

With a bit of forward planning, you can make your trip to Menorca fit your budget. The island’s weather means that you can spend plenty of time outdoors, wandering its white and gold sand beaches or exploring its rural inland of fields and rolling hills. You can also find reasonably priced eateries, where you can enjoy the local cuisine alongside some Spanish wine.

Once you land in Menorca Airport, you can easily travel to the capital, Mahon, using the frequent airport bus which takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can catch a ride in a taxi from outside the airport to the city centre or hire a car to explore more of the island’s hidden beaches and secluded locations.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what Menorca has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

From its sun-drenched shoreline to its whitewashed villages, Menorca is the easternmost – and quietest ¬– Balearic Island. If you’re looking to unwind and enjoy a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca is the perfect destination. From exploring the Parc Natural S’Albufera des Grau wetlands or wandering the winding streets of Ciutadella, the island has plenty of slow-paced charm and activities on offer.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children .

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit Spain. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of these areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the  IATA Travel Centre .

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Choose to fly with hand baggage only or pick a price that includes a 23kg checked baggage allowance and free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you'll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.

All our cabins offer the same great – and uniquely British – experience. Choose your perfect way to fly, from economy to business.

Our Euro Traveller cabin offers all the touches you need to enjoy your flight at an affordable price.

Work or relax in our Club Europe cabin and enjoy lounge access, a dedicated check-in area and more personal space.

Discover more of Europe

Barcelona flights, benidorm flights, corfu flights, crete flights, faro flights, ibiza flights, kefalonia flights, lanzarote flights, malaga flights, majorca flights, tenerife flights, terms and conditions.

• Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
• Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
• Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
• Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
• One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
• Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
• Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
• Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through BA outlets or travel agents.
• Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does  not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
• Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
• Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply