Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Menorca beckons travelers with its natural beauty, rich history, turquoise waters, and relaxed pace of life that exists in perfect harmony with the stunning landscapes that surround it. Often overshadowed by its more bustling Balearic island siblings, Mallorca and Ibiza, the Spanish island of Menorca is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
With its pristine white sand beaches, hidden coves, charming villages, and wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, this beautiful island offers relaxation and adventure. In this travel blog, I’ll uncover the best things to do in Menorca from my personal experience.
The beauty of Menorca’s coastline (Credit: Pexels)
From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in local cuisine, let’s ensure that your visit to this paradise of the Balearic islands is nothing short of unforgettable. This UNESCO biosphere reserve is an experience you would not like to miss.
So, pack your bags, and let’s go on a journey through the enchanting island of Menorca.
How to get to Menorca
Now that we’ve ignited your curiosity about Menorca’s treasures, the next step is charting your course to this Balearic paradise. In this section, we’ll unravel how to get to Menorca. Whether you’re arriving by air or Menorca is a destination for your boat trip, we’ve got you covered with all the essential information to kickstart your adventure on this enchanting island.
By Air:
- Menorca Airport (Mahon Airport): The main gateway to the island is Mahon Airport (MAH), which connects Menorca with various European cities. You can find direct flights from major airports in Spain, the UK, Germany, and other European countries. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Iberia often operate routes to Menorca. For a full list of direct flights, take a look at Home Menorca’s helpful list.
- Transfers: Once you arrive at Mahon Airport, you can easily reach your destination on the island by taxi, rental car, or public transportation. My preference is always for rental cars. I like to have control over where I’m going and the freedom to travel as I wish. My number one choice is always Hertz!
By Sea:
- Ferry: If you prefer a scenic sea voyage, you can take a ferry to Menorca from several Spanish ports, including Barcelona, Valencia, and Mallorca. The ferry journey offers stunning views and the chance to bring your own vehicle. I’d suggest visiting the Direct Ferries website for a more in-depth look at this option.
By Cruise:
- Cruise ships: Menorca is a popular stop for cruise ships exploring the Mediterranean. If you’re on a cruise vacation, you might have the opportunity to visit Menorca as one of your ports of call. If this is something you’d be interested in taking part in, my best advice would be to visit the MSC Cruises website to see what they have to offer.
By Private Yacht or Boat:
- Yacht and boat charters: Menorca’s picturesque coastline and pristine waters make it a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts. You can charter a yacht or boat to reach the island, and there are various marinas and harbors available for docking. One that I’ve personally enjoyed has been The Black Marlin run by Martin and Maria.
I’d always suggest booking in advance, no matter what you plan on doing. This way, you save yourself the hassle of having to deal with higher prices and any unforeseen circumstances! The more prepared you are, the better.
Where to Stay in Menorca
One of the joys of traveling to Menorca is the abundance of accommodation options that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious beachfront resort, a charming boutique hotel, or a rustic countryside villa, Menorca offers a wide array of choices to suit your needs. Here are some of the best places to stay in Menorca:
Beachfront Resorts
For travelers who crave opulence, laying about on a sun lounger, and direct access to crystal clear waters of a beautiful beach, Menorca boasts a selection of world-class beachfront resorts. Enjoy the amenities, dining, and breathtaking views right off of dramatic cliffs right from your room.
No matter where you go on the island, you’re guaranteed to find a beachfront resort to suit your needs. If you were looking for a little help in you’re selection though, here are my 4 favorite picks:
White Sands Beach Resort in Arenal d’en Castell features an infinity pool, spa, and restaurant with sea views. Apartments have kitchens and private bathrooms. You can also explore the Camí de Cavalls coastal path for outdoor activities.
Grupotel Tamariscos located in Cala’n Bosch. Apartments with living room, kitchen, double bedroom, and amenities. There are two pools, sports activities, a mini club, and dining options. Services include babysitting, rentals, medical care, currency exchange, and internet access.
Insotel Punta Prima Resort & Spa is near Punta Prima Beach and offers family-friendly amenities. It has 3 pools, 4 restaurants, a spa, and sports facilities. The renovated Superior Apartments include separate bedrooms, lounge areas, and kitchenettes. Free Premium Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, which is conveniently located 10 km from Mahon airport.
Globales Apartamentos Lord Nelson is located by Santo Tomás beach. They offer spacious, well-equipped apartments suitable for couples and families. The complex features a large pool, kids’ pool, dining options, and entertainment facilities. It’s perfect for your stay in Menorca.
Boutique Hotels
Menorca’s charming villages are dotted with boutique hotels that capture the essence of the island’s history and culture. Expect personalized service, unique decor, and a cozy atmosphere.
My absolute favorite place to stay on the island if I’m in the mood for a bit of luxury is Casa Ládico Boutique Hotel. This 19th-century townhouse is located in the old town and is a 9-minute walk from the Museum of Menorca, a 10-minute stroll from the Port of Mahón, and only 7 km from the Menorca Airport.
Glamping (Glamorous Camping)
Adventurous souls can embrace the outdoors by glamping in certain areas, allowing you to connect with nature in a unique way, and believe me, Menorca has a lot to offer when it comes to nature. I grew up in South Africa, so I know a thing or two about the wilderness and Menorca is right up there with the best.
If you’re into the idea of glamping then I’d recommend Camping Son Bou. They’ve got everything you need to feel completely at home and enjoy your stay in the peace and quiet of the Balearic nature.
Hostels and Guesthouses
Backpackers and budget travelers will find hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable accommodations without sacrificing comfort. I mean that genuinely, you will literally find jaw-dropping accommodation for a fraction of the price in Menorca, whether on the north coast or the south coast of this Mediterranean island.
No matter where I go in the world, I always use the trusty Hostelworld to point me in the right direction, and Menorca has plenty of directions in which to be pointed across the whole island.
There is so much to choose from and so much to enjoy in Menorca. Whether you’re aiming for the ultra-luxurious or something a little more budget-friendly, you’ll be able to find it in a heartbeat and you’ll enjoy every second of it.
What to do on this beautiful Balearic island?
Secluded beaches, marine life, scuba diving, olive groves, art galleries, seven lighthouses, and a horseback tour. Where do I even begin?
When visiting Menorca you quite literally have an unlimited amount of things to choose from. If walking the narrow streets of the historic Mahon port or visiting the Cova d’en Xoroi cave bar is your thing, then make sure you read this whole section!
Let’s just say, the entire island has something for you to enjoy.
Visit La Mola Fortress
La Mola Fortress is one of Europe’s biggest fortresses. The fortress’s history dates back centuries, with strategic importance for various European powers, including when Menorca was under British rule. It played a pivotal role in Mediterranean naval operations, making it an essential part of the region’s history.
Perched on the shores of Mahón harbor close to the south coast of the island, the fortress offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean through the main vantage point. Its strategic location and well-preserved structures make it a fascinating place to explore.
Visiting the La Mola Fortress is like stepping back in time. You can explore the architecture, fortifications, and defensive structures that once protected this vital harbor.
Go sightseeing at Monte Toro
Monte Toro (also known as El Toro), is the tallest hill on the island of Menorca, rising to 358 m above sea level. The mountain is home to the Sanctuary of the Verge del Toro which has been a pilgrimage site for hundreds of years. It has some of the best views you are likely to see of Menorca.
Located almost in the middle of the island, Monte Toro allows you to see all around the island all the way around the island’s perimeter. Be warned, it’s a fair amount of travel to get there, but there is ample parking in any of the car parks at the Sanctuary.
Monte Toro was one of my favourite places on the entire island! You see pretty much everything. I was lucky enough to go around sunset and was blown away by the dramatic scenery of the orange hues bathing the pine forests in gorgeous light!
I wouldn’t recommend going for more than a few hours though. It does get slightly busy and one can only imagine how hot it gets under the Spanish sun! However, visiting Monte Toro is definitely something to do to soak up the natural beauty of Menorca.
Visit Cavalleria Beach
Nestled in northern Menorca, you’ll discover the serene beauty of Cavalleria Beach. Secluded from bustling urban areas, it stands as one of the island’s best beaches.
During the summer months, its shores come alive with visitors, yet finding convenient parking remains quite easy. Stretching over 500 meters, the beach boasts ample space to welcome numerous sun-seekers.
In the peak of summer, particularly in August, it’s a common sight to witness a multitude of tourists enjoying this pristine, easily accessible, and free-to-park virgin beach.
The beach is a short walk away from Cape Cavalleria lighthouse which is an absolute must for anyone visiting Menorca.
Take a tour of S’Albufera des Grau
S’Albufera des Grau is a conservation area of marshland that offers a few walk trails as well as picnicking, kayaking, wildlife watching, and snorkeling.
It’s very easy to find and is not far away from Mahon Port or the town of Es Grau which has one of the island’s most beautiful beaches nearby. It’s advised to start at the Rodríguez Femenias Reception Center for information.
There are a couple of routes you can take to explore the area. There are a few more interesting routes you could take which last roughly an hour or so.
I’d advise being careful on this one. If you’re an outdoors type of person, you’ll love it. If not, probably best to give it a skip.
Sunset picnic at Pont d’en Gil
Located on the westernmost side of the island, Pont d’en Gil is a unique and incredibly worthwhile visit. It’s basically a natural bridge-like natural formation that branches out into the ocean.
It’s amazingly unique! The views are incredible, and the sunsets are out of this world. It gets slightly crowded at peak times so get there a bit early and enjoy the sounds and smallest of the ocean.
There is a dedicated car park for the unique piece of natural architecture, so parking is not a problem. If you’re not a fan of waiting around for the sunset, you could always venture into the town of Ciutadella de Menorca. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants specialising in Menorcan cuisine or enjoy some smaller delicacies at one of the many tapas bars that Ciutadella de Menorca has to offer.
Visit jaw-dropping beaches
Whether you’re on the southern coast or the northern coast of the island, you will always be guaranteed one thing: AMAZING BEACHES!
First off, you’ve got Cala Macarelleta. This beach is by far my personal favourite of all the beaches on the island with crystal clear blue water and an environment that’s usually not so crowded.
Only a short walk away from Cala Macarelleta is Cala Macarella. When you think of a picture-perfect Mediterranean island beach, this Cala Macarella fits the description perfectly.
Cala Galdana is next! With the impressive Melia Cala Galdana sitting on its shores, this beach is a firm favourite with tourists from all over the world. Cala Galdana is an unforgettable beach.
Cala en Porter is undeniably one of the most incredible beaches on the whole island. Surrounded by a dramatic cliffside and has an incredible beach cove. I’d highly recommend visiting Cala en Porter to get your own little piece of pure Mediterranean magic.
Cala Turqueta is another of the beaches that Menorca has to offer which are truly breathtaking. Cala Turqueta is located within driving distance of Cala Macarella and is often regarded as one of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches by locals.
Lastly, be sure to check out Cala Pregonda! It’s slightly different from the other beaches on the island given its golden and red sand colour. Cala Pregonda is located on the north side of the island and is one of the most appreciated beaches in Menorca.
The Cave Bar – Cova d’en Xoroi
A vibrant bar that is built into the side of a cliff with some of the best views of the Balearic sea you are ever likely to have. Cova d’en Xoroi is a bar unlike many others in the world.
It has an incredible backstory that is bathed in legend. As the story goes, a sole shipwreck survivor named Xoroi took refuge in the cave and made it his home. A few years later a young girl from the town nearby disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
Nothing was ever heard from the girl again until a few years later there was a snowstorm that caused suspicious footprints to appear. Some frightened citizens took weapons and tracked the footprints to the cave where Xoroi lived. The girl was found with Xoroi and their two children.
Seeing that the people were so angry and Xoroi had no way of escaping, he jumped into the ocean with his eldest son never to be seen again.
The myth surrounding the cave made it well-known around the island and eventually Cova d’en Xoroi, the cave bar was born. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in the Balearic Islands with its magnificent views, white tones, and wooden balconies.
Take on the Camí de Cavalls trail
The Camí de Cavalls hiking trail encircles the island and takes some 10 to 15 days to complete it. It is definitely something that outdoor lovers would love to do and provides an unrivaled perspective of the island.
It is possible to do the Camí de Cavalls trail in parts on horseback to make it more manageable, however, the ancient path used by the … to patrol the island is definitely challenging, so make sure you are up for the challenge when setting out to complete this path.
Enjoy a local wine tasting or visit a gin distillery
Menorca is an island blessed with a multitude of natural luxuries. The local wine is outstanding here with wine farms like the Binifadet bodega producing more wine than any other on the island.
If you’d like to enjoy an amazing wine-tasting experience you can find just that at Binitord Bodega in Ciutadella de Menorca.
There is an unforgettable experience to be had for gin lovers at the Xoriguer distillery located in Mahon. It’s a fascinating look at what Menorca produces in terms of gin.
Finishing off in Menorca Spain
It’s important to note that this gem of the Balearics is home to many people who love the way of life that Menorca has to offer. I always find it important to show as much respect to the people I encounter as possible.
Often as visitors, we tend to get wrapped up in what we’re doing and we don’t take a minute to appreciate the surroundings properly. Menorca is not the place for this. I wouldn’t recommend having a jam-packed schedule filled with things to do.
Take your time in this special place. Enjoy the food, the drink, the company of the locals, and the uniqueness of Menorca.
It’s a place that will stay with you forever.
