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Holidays in Menorca

Small and serene, Menorca is the Balearics at its laid-back best. Not an island of endless high-rise hotels and all-night super clubs, holidays to Menorca are about unspoiled sandy beaches, rolling acres of farmland, and family-run restaurants. If you’re looking to relax, this is your island.

It’s the beaches though, where Menorca really shines. The island’s golden coastline is jam-packed with tempting coves and sweeping sandy bays. For beautiful Blue Flag beaches, the southern coast is strewn with some of Menorca’s best, such as Son Bou, Cala Galdana, and Cala'n Porter.

Heading outside the main towns, Cala en Turqueta has sugary white sand and a pristine turquoise sea, while the north hides some of Menorca’s best untouched beaches if you want to avoid the crowds; try Cala Pregonda, Cala Algaiarens or the coves around Punta Cala Blanca.

Largely undeveloped, Menorca’s preserved natural good looks have made it a magnet for hikers and cyclists. Whatever your ability, the relatively flat interior is easy to navigate and has many miles of waymarked pathways that also weave around the sun-bleached coastline. The lagoon at Parc Natural S’Albufera des Grau, a UNESCO-preserved wetland, is a highlight for walking, pretty scenery and fascinating wildlife.

But it’s not all about nature. Traditional towns and villages dot the island, all whitewashed walls, medieval old towns and orange-tiled rooves. Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is home to a historic harbour, the island’s gin-making legacy and claims to be the birthplace of mayonnaise.

On the opposite side of the island, pretty Ciutadella resides high on a hillside looking down on to a sparkling harbour. It’s primed for a few days strolling in the sunshine, exploring the cobbled streets to discover the town’s picturesque gothic churches and handsome central square.

For those who crave Balearic beauty but want to steer well clear of the party scenes of Majorca and Ibiza, Menorca is an obvious choice. It boasts the same climate and culture, but with a large dose of tranquillity that also makes the island an excellent family getaway.

When to go to Menorca

Menorca is one of those glorious holiday destinations that peaks in the summer but also has plenty to offer during the surrounding months.

Mid-July to mid-September is the busiest time to visit, coinciding with the school holidays. These months bring lots of sunshine, barely any rain and, of course, higher prices than other times of year.

If you have flexible travel dates, early spring is cheaper and sees the island bedecked in colourful wildflowers and almond blossom. For many, this is the best time to visit Menorca, as the weather is pleasantly warm and you’ll have more space to yourself on the beaches and coastal paths.

Later, as autumn unfolds, there’s still plenty of sun around and holiday prices drop. However, there’s a little more chance of rain than earlier in the year.

What to do in Menorca

While loafing on white-sand beaches is the number one activity in Menorca, tourist attractions abound. Even the most committed beach bums will be lured off their sun loungers to check out the island's sights at least once during the holiday.

S'Albufera d'Es Grau National Park

If you are looking for outdoor activities in Menorca, this nature park should be top of your agenda.

Comprising wetlands, sand dunes and scrubland, it is home to more than 100 species of animals and birds. Take the mile-long Sa Gola trail from the village of Es Grau for beach breezes and ocean views or head inland towards the lagoon on the vista-filled Mirador de Cala Llimpa path.

Naveta d'Es Tudons

If you're at all interested in history, you won't be at a loss when deciding what to do in Menorca, as the island is dotted with captivating remnants of the ancient peoples who once lived here. At Naveta d'Es Tudons, human remains, jewellery and weapons have been found, leading experts to believe it was an area where funerals took place, dating back 3,000 years.

Punta Prima Defence Tower

The best surviving example of the defence structures built on the island to ward off pirates, this sturdy tower dates back to the 17th century.

It is one of the most recognisable tourist attractions in Menorca, and can be found right beside the beach at Punta Prima.

Fort Marlborough

Between 1713 and 1781, the British mostly held Menorca (despite losing the island to the French for a short period) and Fort Marlborough is a reminder of this turbulent era.

It's located on the southern side of Mahon and is one of the best-preserved historical sites on the island.

Cala Macarella

When most visitors think of what there is to do in Menorca, activities based around the beach are often the first to spring to mind – and with good reason.

There are plenty of water sports available, while those looking for a lazier time can head to beaches off the beaten track, such as those at Cala Macarella.

Where to stay in Menorca

For food and drink

For the biggest range, look to Mahon and Ciutadella. Stay in the former for its namesake speciality, a paprika and oil-rubbed cow’s cheese. Be sure to visit the Xoriguer gin distillery in Mahon’s port where gin is still made with traditional techniques established more than 100 years ago. Ciutadella’s old town, meanwhile, is excellent for tapas. Fresh fish dominates the menus here.

While seafood is a staple all over the island (try caldereta de langosta – a lobster stew), fishing village, Fornells, has a reputation for serving some of the best.

No visit to Menorca would be complete without trying sobrassada, a slightly spicy sausage that is one of the most widespread cured meats in Menorca. You’ll find it pretty much everywhere on the island.

For nightlife

Nightlife in Menorca is quieter than neighbouring Ibiza and Majorca – it’s all about relaxation, good wine, and watching the sun setting over the Mediterranean.

Mahon has the biggest mix of bars and restaurants on the island, particularly around the harbour and the old town. Along the coast, you’ll find that most towns have a couple of bars and maybe the odd club.

Cala’n Forcat and Cala’n Porter are known for their sunset bars, while Ciutadella, the island’s other major town, has a varied nightlife (in Menorcan terms) – you’ll find jazz bars, clubs and plenty of cocktail bars here.

For culture

Being so small (you can drive end to end in under an hour), you’re never too far from Menorca’s cultural quirks.

Again, Mahon and Ciutadella have the most to offer. In Mahon, you’ll find art at Centre D'art I D'historia Hernandez Sanz, and island history at Museo de Menorca. Ciutadella, on the other hand, has a handful of small galleries, such as VidrArt Gallery, as well as a couple of larger museums, like Museu Diocesà de Menorca.

Stay inland and you’ll see more of Menorca’s traditional side. Es Mercadal and Ferreries sit in the island’s rural centre, surrounded by farmland and is the primary cheese production region.