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Q: Is Menorca an expensive place for a holiday?

According to cost-of-living website Numbeo , you should expect to pay around €4 for a pint of domestic draft beer and €30pp for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant.

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Holidays in Menorca

If you’re looking for a peaceful holiday destination with unspoilt beaches, pretty villages, archaeological sites and fresh seafood served waterside, put the Balearic island of Menorca at the top of your list.

Quieter than its neighbours Majorca and Ibiza, Menorca has limited development and the whole island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993. Its sustainable tourism industry and conservation of its ecosystems, heritage and landscape make it feel special.

It’s an island with secluded coves, Bronze Age stone monuments and sleepy fishing villages that feel refreshingly untouched. British families have been coming here for decades, drawn by shallow bays perfect for paddling, peaceful coastal walks and a pace of life that refuses to be hurried.

Visit for a quiet slice of Spain and return home refreshed.

Best hotels in Menorca

Good to know

Flight time

2 hrs 20 mins

(from London)

Currency

Euro (€)

Language

Spanish

The best beaches in Menorca

Menorca has more than 70 beaches, ranging from wide stretches of sand with facilities galore to tucked-away coves backed by pine trees. The south coast tends to offer calmer, clearer water, while the north coast is wilder with red-gold sand. These are the sandy spots you need to know about in Menorca.

Cala Macarella

On the south coast near Ciutadella, Cala Macarella is the star of many a postcard or holiday snap. The water here is a vivid turquoise, the sand is powdery and white, and there's a beach bar to relax in. Its smaller neighbour, Cala Macarelleta, is a short walk further along the cliff path and tends to be quieter.

Son Bou

Near Alaior on the south coast, Son Bou is Menorca's longest beach at 2.5km (1.5 miles) and holds a Blue Flag award for water quality. It’s a popular stretch of sand with sunbeds to hire and beach bars. It’s a favourite with families.

Cala Pregonda

On the northeast coast, Cala Pregonda has distinctive ochre-gold sand and is one of the best spots on the island for snorkelling. It's a 20-25-minute walk from the nearest car park, so bring water and everything you’ll need for the day. The upside of this is that it rarely gets busy.

Es Grau

Next to Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau on the east coast, Es Grau offers exceptionally calm, warm water that’s barely even knee deep even around a hundred feet from shore. There are restaurants, bars and shops in the nearby village for a relaxed lunch after a morning swim.

Santo Tomás

Just along the coast from busy San Bou, Santo Tomàs is a stunner, backed by sand dunes with gin-clear water. For little ones, there’s a playground and places to eat with kids’ menus. There are also lifeguards and a picnic area if you’d like to bring your own food.

The best things to do in Menorca

There’s plenty to do in Menorca beyond the beach, from prehistoric monuments and a working gin distillery to dramatic quarry gardens and one of Europe's most scenic coastal walking trails. And, as a bonus, all attractions all within easy reach of Menorca’s main resorts.

Camí de Cavalls

The 185km (115-mile) Camí de Cavalls coastal path circles the entire island and can be split into manageable day-walk stages. You can pick a stretch that suits your walking style, whether you’d like to explore clifftop sections, pine-shaded tracks or dip into pretty coves.

Líthica – Pedreres de s'Hostal

This network of restored sandstone quarries on the outskirts of Ciutadella has been turned into a recreational area with gardens and a stone labyrinth, which visitors of all ages will love.

Cova d'en Xoroi

On the south coast, Cova d'en Xoroi is carved into the cliffs above Cala en Porter. It’s a bar and viewpoint during the day and a bar and nightclub in the evening with live music shows. Arrive for sunset and you'll get unobstructed views across the sea from the terrace – it’s a must-do one evening.

Hauser & Wirth Menorca

The contemporary art centre, Hauser & Wirth Menorca, is on Illa del Rei island and can be reached by a short ferry across Mahón harbour. Set within a beautifully restored historic building, entry is free.

Binibeca

The whitewashed village of Binibeca in the southeast of Menorca charms tourists. Surprisingly, it was only built in the 1960s and 1970s and was designed to resemble a traditional Mediterranean fishing village. There’s a lovely sandy beach here plus shops, restaurants and bars.

Best activities for families in Menorca

Menorca is one of the most family-friendly islands in the Mediterranean, thanks to its calm, shallow bays and varied outdoor activities. Here are some of the best family activities in Menorca for children of all ages.

Yellow Catamarans

Younger children will love setting sail around the Port of Mahon with Yellow Catamarans. On its harbour cruise, all of the family will enjoy watching the underwater world through the boat’s glass bottom as well as looking out for birds and learning more about the island’s history.

Menorca en Kayak

Based at Es Grau on the east coast, Menorca en Kayak offers guided kayak trips with beginners firmly in mind. All equipment is provided, including life jackets in children’s sizes, and guides share knowledge about local wildlife and coastal ecology as you paddle.

S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park

Mini wildlife lovers will enjoy walking through the forests and fields of S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. In the wetlands, set an I-spy challenge for little ones – you may spot birds including eagles and swallows. End at Es Grau beach for a dip afterwards.

Cova des Coloms caves

The vast caverns of Cova des Coloms have been called Menorca’s second cathedral as they are 24 metres high and 15 metres wide with towering stalactites and stalagmites. The echoes of your family’s voices will be a highlight here. They are a 30-minute walk from the town of Es Migjorn Grau.

Fortaleza de La Mola

On the headland above Mahón’s harbour, Fortaleza de La Mola is a vast 19th-century fortress with underground tunnels, a military prison and spectacular views across the Mediterranean. As well as guided tours, golf buggy tours are available, making it accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

Where to eat and drink in Menorca

Menorca's food scene is dominated by fresh, local produce – think just-caught seafood, renowned cheese and slow-cooked stews shaped by centuries of Catalan, Moorish and British influence. The island is also widely credited as the birthplace of mayonnaise. From harbour-front restaurants in Mahón to relaxed village kitchens near Ciutadella, eating well here rarely means spending a lot. Here’s what you need to know about eating and drinking in Menorca.

Caldereta de langosta

The rich lobster stew, caldereta de langosta, is Menorca's signature dish. It’s slow cooked with tomatoes, onions and local spices. You'll find it on menus across the island, particularly in Fornells on the north coast, where fishing boats bring in the daily catch and restaurants have been perfecting the recipe for generations.

Xoriguer Gin Distillery

Gin Xoriguer was one of the first gins made in the Mediterranean, dating back more than 300 years. The distillery was created in 1945 when Miguel Pons Justo recovered an original 18th-century recipe. Destilerías Xoriguer (Xoriguer Gin Distillery) is in Mahón's working harbour. Drop in for a free tasting and pick up a bottle of Pomada – the island's classic mix of gin and lemonade that you'll see on every bar menu.

Mercat des Claustre

The Claustro del Carmen Market (Mercart des Claustre) is a covered food market where local producers sell cheese, charcuterie, pastries and more. Cultural events are also held in the market building and there’s a variety of shops, too. It’s a relaxed spot where you can work your way through Menorcan delicacies or stock up on picnic supplies for a beach day.

Bar Nou

This no-frills tapas bar in the old town of Mahón draws a loyal local crowd with generous portions and low prices. Order the locally-cured sobrasada sausage on bread and a cold draught beer.

Es Cranc

Es Cranc, a long-standing seafood restaurant in Fornells on the north coast, keeps things simple with traditional grilled fish and shellfish platters made from the day’s catch plus stews and rice dishes. Its lobster stew, caldereta de langosta, is a must-try.

Your Menorca questions answered

FAQs

Do UK travellers need a visa to visit Menorca?

No visa is required for tourists travelling to Menorca from the UK on a full British passport for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave and have an issue date of less than 10 years before the date you arrive.

Find the most up-to-date entry requirement advice on the FCDO website.

Which is the best month to visit Menorca?

May, June, September and October offer warm weather, quieter beaches and lower prices than the peak summer months. July and August are the hottest and liveliest months, but also the busiest and most expensive to visit.

Is Menorca an expensive place for a holiday?

According to cost-of-living website Numbeo, you should expect to pay around €4 for a pint of domestic draft beer and €30pp for a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant.

Is Menorca safe to visit?

Menorca has low crime rates and a well-established tourist infrastructure. As in any destination, keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas and protect yourself from the sun on the beach. Check the FCDO website for the most up-to-date safety and security travel advice.

Which is nicer, Majorca or Menorca?

Generally, Menorca is quieter, greener and less developed than Majorca, with a more relaxed pace. Majorca offers a greater choice of nightlife, shopping and attractions. Which suits you best depends on whether you're after peaceful days by the sea or a busier, more varied break.

What adapters do I need in Menorca?

Spain uses Type C and Type F plugs (two round pins), so you'll need a standard European travel adapter for your UK devices. The voltage is 230V, the same as the UK, so your devices will work without a converter.

When is the cheapest time to go to Menorca?

According to booking data from TravelSupermarket, the cheapest months to visit Menorca are January, February and March, though many restaurants and attractions close during winter. April, May and October are the sweet spot as they offer mild weather, with most attractions open and lower prices than during the July and August peak.