Menorca

Menorca may be the least touristic of the Balearic Islands, but it is also the one with the most beautiful sea. Menorca’s charm lies in its many beaches and coves, mainly located along the south coast, and in its wild and barren hinterland, made up of narrow streets bordered by dry stone walls, farms in the midst of Mediterranean vegetation and typical whitewashed villages.

Choosing Menorca as a destination for a summer holiday means spending days lying in the sun, bathing in Caribbean waters, and strolling along the harbour in the evening, dining in a typical restaurant or drinking a waterfront cerveza. Menorca is light years away from the excess and discos of Ibiza, the hipster charm of Formentera and the international influences of Majorca. It is a world apart, to be visited at least once; and then you will definitely look forward to returning.

When to go to Menorca

Visiting Menorca in summer is the most natural choice, as it is primarily a seaside destination. We know it is not possible for many, but if possible avoid July and August and visit in June: the temperatures are a few degrees cooler, the days are very long (the sun sets after 9.30pm!) and above all the beaches and coves are not too crowded.

September, or at most May, are also good choices, while April and October are months when you might find perfect weather, but also some bad days. In any case, many hotels, shops and restaurants are closed during these months, as the island is preparing to welcome summer holidaymakers.

Finally, assuming you can get there as there are very few flights and ferries, it is also possible to visit Menorca in winter, but you will find it almost completely deserted as it is inhabited by only 90 thousand people. You will, however, find a very mild climate compared to the rest of Europe, with average temperatures never below 10 degrees Celsius and little rainfall.

Before you leave, have a look at Menorca’s weather forecast.

Beaches of Menorca

Less famous than Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca is an island with over 200 km of coastline and plenty of beautiful beaches where you can spend days of pure relaxation. If you love basking in the sun and then bathing in crystal-clear waters, Menorca is definitely the place for you.

Few people know that the island is a true natural paradise with beaches that cater for all needs. In addition to well-equipped and easily accessible beaches such as Cala Galdana and Cala en Turqueta, there are small coves hidden by high cliffs and coves that can only be reached via steep paths such as Cala Pregonda.

Soft fine sandy beaches alternate with pebbly ones, city sandy shores alternate with secluded coves: each visitor can find the most suitable beach in Menorca. In addition, many beaches are often surrounded by lush pine forests that make the surroundings really special. The sea, which has nothing to envy from the Caribbean, is clean and crystal clear and ranges in colour from deep blue to green with turquoise hues.

To plan your Menorca tour, discover the most beautiful beaches in Menorca in the dedicated section.

Menorca boat tours

If you want to admire Menorca’s beaches from the sea and reach them comfortably and quickly, take part in a boat tour. This is a must-do activity during a stay in Menorca, at an affordable cost.

Things to do in Menorca

In addition to its paradisiacal beaches, Menorca also boasts many sites of interest that allow you to learn more about the island, its history and traditions. The island’s main city is Mahon, which according to legend was founded by Magon, Hannibal’s brother, but in reality these territories were already inhabited centuries before the arrival of the Carthaginians. The city port played a very important role in Mahon’s economic growth and is now one of the city’s most vibrant areas.

Also not to be missed is a visit to Ciutadella, the second centre of Menorca and the island’s capital until the 18th century. Ciutadella boasts a beautiful centre, wonderful beaches and a wide choice of accommodation. In the city, a stop at the Cathedral and Plaça d’es Born, the old square with an obelisk commemorating the victims of the Turkish invasion of 1558, is recommended. Other typical towns to visit on the island are Es Fornells, Binibeca Vell and Ferreries.

Lovers of nature activities can plan time at the Park of s’Albufera des Grau, a lagoon in the north-eastern part of the island that has been proclaimed a Natural Park and has therefore been able to preserve its ecosystem almost intact. Trekking enthusiasts, on the other hand, should not miss the Camí des Cavals (Trail of the Horses), a 185-km-long itinerary along the island’s coastline, crossing sand dunes, fields, pristine beaches and high cliffs.

Finally, few people know that Menorca also harbours a rich archaeological heritage that tells a lot about the island’s most ancient history. In particular, Torre d’En Galmes is a prehistoric village near Alaior where places of worship, houses, warehouses and other buildings have been preserved, while the Naveta de Tudons is a collective tomb dating back to the pre-Talaiotic period.

For a breathtaking sunset, head to the Cova d’en Xoroi, a cave carved out of a cliff overlooking the sea that is now home to a wonderful late-night club.

What to eat in Menorca

Savouring Menorcan cuisine is definitely one of the things to do on a trip to the island. Meat specialities, fish, vegetables: the typical cuisine of this region is very varied and conquers all who taste it. As on the other Balearic Islands, the cuisine in Menorca is a testimony to its long history and traditions, combining Mediterranean products with those typical of this land. Stop at some traditional inn or tapas bar to taste typical tapas (small portions of local dishes) or enjoy some bocadillos, which are bread croutons that can be topped with tuna, cheese or ham.

During a stay on the island you can try numerous fish dishes such as sole, red mullet, rays, sea snails, stuffed squid and mussels. One of the most popular fish dishes is the Caldereta de Langosta, a soup made with lobsters and served in a ‘caldereta’, an earthenware pot. Also popular are escupiñas, which are clams baked au gratin with breadcrumbs, parsley and garlic. The island’s most famous products include Queso de Mahon, made from unpasteurised cow’s milk, and sausages such as sobrasada, cuixot or carn-i-xulla.

In addition, you will often find aubergine dishes as this vegetable grows in large quantities on the island. Don’t miss the baked stuffed aubergines that can be filled with meat and vegetables or just with vegetables and spices. In addition to paella on the island you can also try fideuá, which is a type of short, thick pasta that can be served with meat, fish and seafood or mixed.

As a dessert you can try ensaimada which is typical of all the Balearic Islands but in Menorca it is often made with a variation: the use of potatoes. The cake is shaped like a spiral and in most cases is served ’empty’, without filling, and covered with icing sugar.

Where to stay in Menorca

Choosing where to stay in Menorca is not so easy. There are two main urban centres, Mahon and Ciutadella, but unfortunately they are located at opposite ends of the island, so both are off-centre. Of the two, it is perhaps best to choose Mahon, as this is where the international airport is located.

Best beaches in Menorca are located along the south coast, so this is where you should stay if your intention is to spend a whole day in the sun and sea. Cala Galdana, for instance, could be a good compromise: you have the beach of the same name at your fingertips, you can walk to Cala Mitjana, and the town is big enough to give you a number of alternatives in terms of bars and restaurants.

The resort of San Jaime Mediterráneo is also suitable for beach lovers, as it is very close to the beautiful Son Bou, which can also be reached on foot. If, on the other hand, you want to be equidistant from everything, choose to sleep in Ferreries, Es Mercadal or Alaior. These towns are located in the interior of the island, away from the sea but with all the amenities, situated along the Me-1 highway and therefore well connected; on average, prices in these towns are cheaper than in the rest of the island.

Recommended hotels in Menorca

How to get to Menorca

Menorca is easily reached by a flight in a short time. If you are in Spain, you can also reach it by ship, thanks to the ports of Mahon and Ciutadella.

By plane

Minorca airport is located 5 kilometres away from the centre of Mahon, the island’s capital. It is small but because of its size it is very busy, handling around 3.5 million passengers a year.

In the summer many airlines fly there, but during the winter season only a handful of flights to and from Spain remain active. As for international connections, these are provided by several airlines, including Easyjet, Ryanair, Volotea and Vueling, with routes to most airports.

By ship

During the high season, there are more than 60 connections to Spain every week, operated by the companies Balearia, Transmediterranea and Corsica Ferries, with departures and arrivals from Ciutadella and Mahon.

From Ciutadella there are routes to and from Alcudia (Mallorca) and Barcelona, while from Mahon ships depart and arrive to and from Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Valencia.

Getting around the island

Menorca can be easily travelled around with a hire car, which can be picked up directly at the airport or ports. Getting around the island independently is very easy, as there is only one road that crosses it from east to west, the Me-1. Moreover, renting a car provides the necessary freedom to visit all the coves and beaches: public transport efficiently connects the towns and villages, but does not stop at most of the beaches.

Also not to be underestimated is the possibility of renting a scooter or motorbike, especially a large one, as it is easier to park in Mahon or Ciutadella, but also in the car parks of the beaches.