Menorca is a very approachable, laid-back island but there are some key things to keep in mind when planning your time in this special place...
Menorca is a peaceful Mediterranean island in Spain’s Balearic archipelago, known for its natural beauty, relaxed vibe, unspoilt countryside and rich history. Unlike its busier neighbors Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca is quieter and less developed, and has a spectacular coastline full of hidden coves and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Menorca is ideal for swimming, hiking, boating, eating out and exploring charming towns like Ciutadella, Mahón, Alaior and Es Mercadal. The island also has pre-historic open air museums, quaint villages with lovely shops, and a strong local culture. It’s a perfect place if you’re looking for nature, calm, and authenticity.
Arrival
Be sure to rent a car when visiting Menorca as public transportation is limited, there is no Uber and taxis are busy and expensive. It is best to pay extra for a car that is already in the airport terminal to avoid having to make the extra, time-consuming step to take a shuttle to an off-site rental company.
Lay of the Land
Menorca is a small island (about 50 km long and 16 km wide), with France to its north, Algeria to its south, Sardinia to its east, and mainland Spain to its west. There are two main cities, Mahón (pronounced ma-own) and Ciutadella (pronounced see-u-ta-dayah). Mahón is the island's captial, where you will fly into. From the airport, most of Menorca is reachable within a 40 minute drive.
There are eight municipalities in Menorca, each with their own charm. They are, in order of size: Ciutadella, Mahón, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Ferreries, Sant Lluís, Es Castell and Es Migjorn Gran. While Menorca has many summer resort areas, visiting or staying in one of her lovely villages is when you can really familiarize yourself with Menorcan culture, cuisine and rhythm.
Villages in Central Menorca - Dive into the Heart of Menorca
- Alaior: a historic town with charming, tranquil streets, a beautiful cathedral, boutique hotels (Encant de Alaior), agroturismos (Llucasaldent and Rafal Rubí), designer shoe-making (Pons Quintana), one of Menorca's top restaurants (Restaurante Llucasaldent), and home to Torre d'en Galmés, the island's prehistoric village.
- Es Mercadal: near Monte Toro, the island’s highest point. An inviting, traditional village, known for historic bakeries selling traditional sweets, iconic restaurants (Mesón Can Jaume and Molí d'es Racó), boutique hotels (Hotel S'Antiga) and casual, laid-back restaurants (Tomàtic).
Villages on the North Coast - Seaside Tranquility
- Fornells: a picturesque seafront fishing village with a large natural bay, full of boats and buzz in the summer months and having some of Menorca's best restaurants (Ca na Marga, Sa Fonda, La Guapa, and Es Cranc) and best north coast beaches (Cavallería, Pregonda, Pilar).
- Es Grau: a picturesque village overlooking the bay dotted with boats and kayakers, with direct access to hiking on the Camí de Cavalls and next to the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, Es Grau also has one of the island's best seaside restaurants and chiringuitos: Tamarindos.
Above: Tamarindos in Es Grau
Villages in the South - Amenities and Proximity to Great Beaches
- Sant Lluís: originally founded by the French in the 18th century during their brief occupation of the island and named after King Louis XV, this authentic village is not far from the airport and capital city of Mahón, has many traditional shops, is home to Binifadet winery and restaurant, and is close to some of the southeast's most iconic beaches: Punta Prima, Binibeca and Binidalí.
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Cala Galdana: technically part of the municipality of Ferreries, here you will find a crescent-shaped bay sheltered by pine-covered cliffs, soft white sand and calm, shallow turquoise waters, making it ideal for families and swimmers of all ages. Cala Galdana serves as an excellent starting point for exploring nearby coves via the Camí de Cavalls trail: Cala Mitjana (20 minute walk to the east) and Cala Macarella and Macarelleta (45 minute walk to the west).
The Westside
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Ciutadella: a must-visit gem of Menorca, this gorgeous port town is home to the Cathedral de Menorca, terrific shops, and some of the island's most famous restaurants (Cafè Balear, Pins 46, Pizzería Roma, Es Tast de na Silvia), in addition to boutique hotels (Sodium), rural hotels (Son Vell) and close to gorgeous beaches: Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella on the south (accessible by bus only) and Algaiarens on the north.
The Eastside
- Mahón: the capital of Menorca, located on the eastern coast, it’s best known for its spectacular natural harbor — one of the largest in the world — and its laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. Great for shopping, dining out (Pipet, Ses Forquilles, Ses Culleres, El Rais), relaxing (Spa Ses Bruixes), boating and accessing Isla del Rey. Staying in the old city is a wonderful way explore the city (Can Albertí 1740 and Ses Bruixes are excellent choices).
The North and South Coasts of Menorca: Yin and Yang
You can expect a distinct experience on north and the south coasts of Menorca. Getting to know both is essential. Check the wind on your phone's weather app first. When the wind blows from the north, go to the south. When the wind blows from the south, go to the north. This ensure you will have calm waters and overall most pleasant conditions.
- North Coast: rugged, wild, and less developed, characterized by red sandstone cliffs, golden sands and secluded coves (like Cala Pregonda and Cala Cavalleria). Often windswept by the notorious Tramuntana wind, it is rich in biodiversity and has some of the island most stunning landscapes.
Above: Cavalleria beach on the north coast of Menorca
- South Coast: gentler terrain, white limestone cliffs, pine trees and turquoise bays. Famous for sandy beaches and coves like Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana, and Son Bou.
Above: Cala Turqueta on the south coast
The Local Language
The language of Menorca is Menorquí, a dialect of Catalan. Catalan is the official language if Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands, and is spoken by roughly 5–6 million people. Catalan shares more vocabulary with French and Occitan than Spanish in some areas, making it a bridge of sorts between Iberian and Gallo-Romance languages.
You will hear locals saying bon dia, meaning good day, and adeu (a-day-u), meaning goodbye. Signs are in Catalan, the official language of the Balearic Islands (platja means beach and platges means beaches). Poc a poc (little by little) is the island's unofficial motto.
The Local Rhythm
There are essentially two chapters to the day in Menorca: the morning (la mañana) and the afternoono/evening (la tarde). Shops are typically open from 9am until 1 or 2pm. They then close for the big mid-day meal (la comida) and siesta. Shops re-open for chapter two around 5 or 5:30 pm and close again at 8 or 8:30pm.
Restaurants typically serve lunch from 1 until 3pm and dinner from 8 until 10 or 11pm. Sometimes restaurants will open for dinner at 7 or 7:30 - it is always a good idea to check opening times in advance and make a reservation.
Top 5 Musts When in Menorca
- Visit a north coast beach and a south coast beach.
- Walk on the Camí de Cavalls.
- Visit one of Menorca's prehistoric sites.
- Try a traditional Menorcan dish at one of the restaurants in our collection.
- Go to one of the traditional fiestas (see the schedule here).
Feeling overwhelmed Contact us and we can make you a customized itinerary for your time in Menorca.
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