10 Of The Best Towns In Menorca

Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and the least developed. The two main cities – Mahón and Ciutadella – are at opposite ends of the island, with a sprinkling of rural villages tucked into the folds of rolling hills in between. Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, it’s protected from the ravages of tourism and, today, remains an unspoiled Mediterranean haven with only a few seaside resorts. These reasons and more are why we have a unique collection of villas in Menorca. Here are some of our favourite Menorca towns and villages.

Es Mercadal

In the shade of El Toro (Menorca’s tallest hill), Es Mercadal is a sleepy village in the heart of the island and an emerging gourmet destination. You’ll discover a cluster of pastry shops and coffee bars (be sure to try the almond macaroons), and there are a number of excellent restaurants rustling up the finest Menorcan food. We recommend the family-run Ca N’Olga, which serves wonderfully simple dishes on their garden terrace. Visit on the third weekend of July for the festival of San Martín, when Es Mercadal goes big on celebrations – dancing horses are a highlight.

Ciutadella

The former capital of Menorca, Ciutadella, is another city with a beautiful old town. Cobbled streets are lined with sandstone mansions and elegant palaces. There’s a striking Gothic cathedral and the grand Placa d’es Born, along with a little harbour. Try authentic Menorca food at the cavern-like La Guitarra or Cas Ferrer de sa Font.

Fornells

Fornells is a traditional fishing village in the northeast, with some of the best seafood restaurants on the island. This is the place to try Menorca’s signature dish: caldereta de langosta (lobster stew). Pick one of the quaint waterside eateries for dinner with a view; if you want to splash out, the renowned Es Cranc serves a version for a whopping €60. It’s also a good spot for water sports enthusiasts, with several PADI diving centres. The Bay of Fornells is one of the top beaches in Menorca for learning how to sail and windsurf; Wind Fornells offers lessons.

Mahón

While the capital is technically a city, its enchanting old town is worth a mention. Spread across a clifftop, Mahón overlooks the harbour. We think getting lost in the streets is one of the most interesting things to do in Menorca. Small plazas are lined with 18th-century buildings in the historic core, and lofty miradors (viewpoints) offer panoramic views. Don’t miss the Museum of Menorca, housed in the monastery of San Frances. Ask any foodie what to do in Mahón, and they’ll suggest visiting the local market in the cloisters of the Carme church.

Sant Lluís

One of the quaintest Menorca towns, this glorious huddle of sun-bleached buildings hugs the southern tip of the island. Beyond its charming architecture lies an untouched coastline, where craggy cliffs plunge to flour-fine beaches. A trio of coves – Binissafúller, Biniancolla, and Binibeca – are edged by whitewashed fishermen’s houses.

Alcaufar

Sitting pretty on the east coast, Alcaufar is a tiny fishing village where the pace of life slows. Local fishing boats bob in the shallows, just offshore from a slender beach with powder-soft sand. You’re a 15-minute drive from Trepucó, a well-preserved Talayotic village dotted with megalithic monuments – once a centre of power in eastern Menorca. Splash Sur, the island’s largest waterpark, is 10 minutes away by car and one of the best things to do with kids in Menorca.

Es Grau

Es Grau is a tourist resort that feels like a traditional village and is one of the most popular Menorca towns. Within the cluster of whitewashed buildings, only a handful are occupied by bars and restaurants. S’Albufera des Grau nature reserve brims with wildlife and is a great birdwatching spot; look out for booted eagles, Egyptian vultures, and osprey. You can kayak or paddleboard across the calm bay or go snorkelling in the shallows. From the beach, follow the ancient Camí de Cavalls bridleway northwards to stumble across a necklace of secret coves, the most stunning of which are Cala des Tamarells and Cala de sa Torreta.

Cala en Porter

Clinging to the sheer cliff face, this seaside town overlooks a picturesque cove lapped by sparkling waters. A handful of bars and restaurants create a buzz in the summer months, and we recommend sipping on sundowners at Cova d’en Xoroi. The cliffside bar with terraces cut into the rock is the best spot to catch the sunset (book ahead to reserve a spot).

Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana is probably the most well-known resort, unfurling from the south coast of Menorca. Despite its popularity, it retains the quiet vibe of classic Menorca towns. The scent of pine drifts from the forested cliffs to a coastline peppered with calas (beaches). The finest beach is Cala Macarelleta, just west of the town, with untouched sand and crystal-clear water. There are several restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels here, with family-friendly activities such as crazy golf, water slides, and a park.

Alaior

Whitewashed facades punctuated by shuttered windows, narrow streets clinging to steep hillsides, and tapas bars humming with chatter – welcome to the pretty town of Alaior. The third largest of Menorca’s towns, it’s located inland, about 12 kilometres from Mahón. Shop for classic avarcas leather sandals from artisan cobblers and savour hand-made ice cream from tiny parlours. The surrounding countryside is a hiking and cycling hotspot, with trails winding through the bucolic landscapes.

Some of our handpicked villas in Menorca are situated close to these villages, so you don’t need to travel far to explore. And if you’d like to make your stay extra special, our friendly concierge team can help sort out any added extras (like local in-house chefs.)

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