The mellow island of Menorca drums to a slower beat than its glitzier siblings, Mallorca and Ibiza. This makes it the perfect choice if you’re looking for a holiday of rest and relaxation, complete with golden expanses of sand, tranquil hidden corners and charming boutique villas. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean line the easternmost Balearic Island, with long areas of fine sand leading to rocky bays that are lapped at by azure water. Its capital overlooks a boat-speckled harbour, while inland, whitewashed villages are tucked into the folds of rolling hills. Elsewhere, Bronze Age sites dot the landscape. Our Menorca travel guide is here to give you the low-down on this lesser-known Balearic gem.
Best time to visit Menorca
The sun-drenched Balearics are balmy year-round, but spring is the best time to visit Menorca before the crowds hit the beaches.
How to get there
A number of airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair, run direct flights between the UK and Menorca. The flight takes about two hours and 30 minutes.
Why go?
Festivals
Several festivals take place throughout the year in Menorca, celebrating everything from arts and culture to jazz music. If you can only see one, make it Fiestas de La Mare de Déu de Gràcia de Maò on the first weekend of September, when horses parade through the streets of Mahón in time with live music.
Food and drink
Think fresh seafood – and lots of it. Caldereta de llagosta, or lobster stew, is Menorca’s signature dish; try it in the traditional fishing village of Fornells. Tapas is also popular, and you can sample the local favourite sobrassada (paprika-seasoned cured sausage on toast) at one of Mahón’s many tapas restaurants. Gin has long been a Menorcan classic, so look out for island speciality pomada (gin and cloudy lemonade) in local bars. And the waterfront Xoriguer distillery is a great spot to try the spirit.
Beaches
Menorca’s beaches are some of the finest in the Mediterranean. With a beautiful coastline that wraps around the pocket-sized island, the beaches range from rocky bays to blonde sand coves. The south of the island plays host to some of the best beaches in Menorca – all white sand and turquoise waters. Further north, the coastline is more rugged and dotted with red-tinged coves. Our top pick is the remote and seashell-shaped Cala del Pilar on the island’s north shore. Take a look at our Menorca villas near the beach…
Fauna and flora
From rolling dunes to dense forests and wetlands, the varied habitat of Menorca is home to over 220 species of bird and 1,000 varieties of plants. UNESCO bestowed Biosphere Reserve status on the island in 1993 to protect its natural beauty and wildlife. Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau is a prime bird-watching spot; keep your eyes peeled for booted eagles, red kites, or Egyptian vultures.
History
Menorca is something of a Bronze Age mystery. The island’s early inhabitants from the Talayotic era (around 1500 to 123 BC) are behind the prehistoric monuments that pepper the landscape. From conical talayot rock mounds to intriguing T-shaped taula stone structures, the ancient ruins are evidence of a sophisticated culture. Learn more at Museu de Menorca, which traces the island’s history from ancient beginnings to modern-day industries.
Hidden gems
- Cala Escorxada is one of the island’s best-kept secrets: a white-sand cove surrounded by topaz waters. It’s not easy to get to, but it’s worth the effort. Tackle the hour-long walk from Santo Tomas along Camí de Cavalls to discover this secluded spot.
- Most people hotfoot it to the mirador (viewpoint) by St Francis’ Church for sweeping harbour views, but there’s a lesser-known perch with equally alluring vistas. To find it, walk east from St Francis’ church on Calle Isabel II and look for a gate marked 2000.
- Menorca is famed for its shoe industry. While you can pick up some classic avarcas leather sandals at shops across the island, the new Homers store is one of the most stylish in Mahón.
- The port city of Ciutadella is home to a number of authentic Menorcan restaurants, with farm-to-fork menus that champion locally sourced, organic ingredients.
What to do in Menorca
Visit the pretty capital of Mahón (Maó)
To the east of the island, the capital city of Menorca – Mahón – is perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the harbour, which also happens to be the biggest natural port in the Mediterranean. Take the long flight of stairs down to the waterfront to discover the city’s restaurants, bars and boutiques. Make sure to stop by Mahón Fish Market in Plaça de Espanya, at the heart of the historical centre, for classic Spanish snacks and live music. From the harbour, you can also take a boat trip to Isla del Rey, home to the old British Military Hospital.
Get lost in the cobbled old town of Ciutadella
Over to the west, Ciutadella is an alluring mix of Spanish and Moorish influences. The old town comprises a web of cobbled lanes and pink-tinted sandstone houses, while the 14th-century Santa Maria of Ciutadella Cathedral mixes Gothic and Neoclassical architecture. The city’s picturesque harbour is also worth a visit, and if you’re all about exploring local towns, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best towns in Menorca.
Hike among natural beauty on the Camí de Cavalls
Cami de Cavalls, or “Way of the Horses”, is an old bridleway that circles the entire coastline. Walk, cycle, or horse ride along the ancient path to see wild flora and fauna, as well as some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Dating back to the 1300s, the 185 km-long trail is punctuated with watchtowers and fortresses – a nod to its days as a defensive circuit.
Discover mysterious prehistoric monuments
Archaeological sites across Menorca reveal the island’s historic Talayotic culture, which is believed to have ended when the Romans arrived in 123 BC. While the best-known site is Torre d’en Galmés, our favourite is Cornia Nou, a beehive-shaped structure on the edge of Mahón. Nearby, the Talatí de Dalt site has some of the most well-preserved taula, curious T-shaped stone structures with no obvious function, while Naveta dels Tudons outside Cuitadella is also well worth a visit.
We’ve put together a list of the top 12 things to do in Menorca, outside of these 4 activities. From watersports to paragliding.
We love the warmth and charm of Menorca, which is why we’ve got an extensive collection of villas in Menorca. Handpicked by experts, you can find a place in the beautiful countryside or near the coast… whatever floats your boat! We also have a concierge team on hand to help make your stay extra special.
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