You’ve most likely heard of Mallorca. However have you ever heard of Menorca, its little sister, which is not any much less stunning? Once I looked for details about this place in a sure group, the solutions I received had been that I had a spelling error.
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I admit that till I moved to Spain, I didn’t know in regards to the existence of this place.
And the way fortunate we had been to satisfy!
An exquisite trip on an island that’s not significantly massive, however filled with wonderful seashores, tiny cities with picturesque alleys, and an environment of everlasting freedom—is it best for you?
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Right here’s an summary:
Menorca is a part of the archipelago of the Balearic Islands, which additionally consists of vibrant Ibiza, elegant Mallorca, and tiny Formentera. Along with the 4 important islands, there are others within the Mediterranean Sea, solely about 80–90 km from the Iberian Peninsula.
The official languages are Spanish and Catalan.
As of 2025, about 100,000 individuals reside on the island, which is roughly a tenth of the inhabitants of Mallorca.
Arrival to Menorca
There may be no direct flights relying on the place you’re coming from. I at all times verify Expedia for the newest choices, so be at liberty to do the identical!
Nevertheless, there are flights with a brief connection to all kinds of factors in Europe.
From Barcelona, there’s a flight that takes about half an hour or a ferry that may take you and your automobile by sea in about eight hours.
When to Go to?
We had been there in early–mid-April. The climate was fantastic: not too scorching, not too chilly. Simply nice.
As for swimming within the sea, effectively, the courageous ones amongst us swam, regardless of how chilly it was. The swimming season formally begins on Could 1st and lasts till October thirty first.
When you have time, I’d suggest visiting in June, when the water is heat sufficient and the island just isn’t but flooded with vacationers from northern Europe.
A buddy informed me that she got here with a buddy on a bike in August and there have been seashores the place they’d no place to park.
Associated learn: The Greatest Seashores in Barcelona (Together with the Nude & Homosexual Seashores)
Automobile Rental in Menorca
To get round comfortably on the island, despite the fact that it’s not very massive, I extremely suggest renting a automobile.
There are a number of auto rental firms that function at Mahón Airport, plus these that aren’t positioned on the airport however will come to ship the automobile to you there upon touchdown.
I’ve had good experiences with PAAPM, which is value testing.
Public transportation is accessible—use the under map or Google Maps.
The place To Keep In Menorca?
Like in Mallorca, discovering a lodge room for a pair + two youngsters may be no straightforward job. Fortunately, we had been touring with my dad and mom, so we cut up into a pair + one in every room.
The lodge I stayed in is that this one:
Lodge Gran Sagitario
Small, comfy, and offers honest worth for the value.
The meals was not thrilling, however that was our impression of the meals on the island usually. What was handy was the indoor pool, which we frequented for just a few days.
The factor I preferred most was the cove, a two-minute stroll from the lodge—small and so picturesque. It was my view for my morning run.
Town, which I actually preferred, Ciutadella, is a couple of seven-minute drive away. So, every part is shut sufficient, however not crowded.
Different Nice Locations To Keep In Menorca
As regular, I’ve lists from the US to the UK of all of the locations I need to keep.
Listed below are among the ones I picked that weren’t out there on the time and that I might have liked to remain at in Menorca.
Alcaufar Vell Lodge Rural & Restaurant
The place that I used to be most disenchanted wasn’t out there for us. Precisely my style—rustic with a restaurant. That’s all you want, I feel.
Ses Sucreres Small & Gradual Lodge
I’ve a particular fondness for sluggish locations, and after they are available in an outdated Nineteenth-century constructing it’s an actual deal with. Easy rooms however with a contact of stylish and a neighborhood breakfast.
Lodge Hevresac Singular & Small
A 4-star lodge and 250m from the capital, it’s small, delightfully embellished, and nice worth for cash. It has a really excessive ranking on the totally different reserving plattforms.
Carema Backyard Village
A 3-star lodge we handed by and it simply regarded actually beautiful. The world can be stunning and quiet.
Barceló Nura
A 5-star lodge, very near Splash Water Park, with an outside pool, indoor pool, and spa. It’s nice for households.
The Cami de Cavalls, a coastal path that encircles Menorca, permits energetic hikers to discover the island’s rugged shoreline and secluded spots. For water-sports fanatics, there are many alternatives for kayaking, browsing, and snorkeling.
The Capital Metropolis, Mahón
Nicely, Mahón didn’t depart any important impression on me. Other than a cute promenade and a distillery that we’ll discuss quickly, I don’t assume it’s a must-see on a vacation in Menorca.
Perhaps I missed one thing, however I actually didn’t discover something thrilling right here.
The Distillery Xoringeur Gin Distillery
The distillery has been right here for the reason that seventeenth century (!), when it was based by the Xoringeur household, whose origins are in Italy. Since then, conventional methods have been used, handed down from technology to technology.
However wait—gin is British. How did it get right here?
Menorca was below British rule (under no circumstances shocking that they had been in search of some sunny island and didn’t need to give it again). Sailors from the Royal Navy introduced the artwork of manufacturing to the island.
To at the present time, as talked about, the distillery proudly continues this custom, utilizing solely the best substances and conventional copper stills.
Take a guided tour right here and see all the normal instruments that had been used again then. On the finish of the tour, you possibly can style all kinds of gin flavors, from the basic London Derry to particular variations fermented with native vegetation.
Presently, greater than half 1,000,000 bottles are produced right here per yr, that are bought not solely in Spain but additionally in america, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand.
We got here right here spontaneously and there was no guided tour out there on the time. We walked across the place independently, tasted the various kinds of gin, and acquired just a few bottles to take residence. 😋
To ebook a guided tour, go to their web site.
Handle: Moll de Ponent, 91, 07701 Maó, Illes Balears
In case you do go to, hop to the opposite facet of the highway; perhaps you’ll be fortunate and a fishing boat will dock and you’ll observe the ocean catch.
The Cardamom Menorca Indian Restaurant
Meals that at all times makes the human coronary heart joyful, particularly vegetarians.
I extremely suggest this restaurant, which satisfied even my mom and younger son who will not be actually into Indian meals.
Handle: Moll de Llevant, 267, 07701 Maó, Illes Balears
Ciutadella
Ciutadella was as soon as the capital and dates again to the thirteenth century. It has an outdated city with a formidable cathedral and alleys lined with boutique outlets and eating places.
At this time it’s a port metropolis and an essential business middle for all the island.
Of the seashores, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta are two gems with turquoise waters and fantastic white sand.
Café Central
A heavenly cafe, and one thing I’ve not seen wherever else. It has the environment of a monastery with Jesus on the wall.
The tea was poured with a picket stick that jogged my memory of a matcha home in Tokyo.
The dishes had been particular and exquisite. The thick meaty cookie we ate was bursting with peanuts and taste. Tender and a little bit crispy on the sides.
Don’t miss this place!
Handle: Carrer de Ca’l Bisbe, 1, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Illes Balears
Gelateria Deliri DeLaCrem
We all know DeLaCrem ice cream from Barcelona and couldn’t be happier to seek out out that they’ve a Menorcan department. Similar excessive customary, identical glorious service.
It’s the most effective I’ve had lately. Really, in my life.
Nibs Wholesome Bar
This can be a good spot for lunch and is vegetarian-friendly. It’s in a first-rate location—in an exquisite central sq..
Handle: Plaça d’Artrutx, 7, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Illes Balears
Self-Crusing From Ciutadella
This was one among our most memorable experiences from our trip. No license is required—you possibly can lease a small motorboat for self-sail.
In April, we had a tough time discovering a spot to lease it to us, although, because it was earlier than the season. Nevertheless, we didn’t hand over and located the final man who miraculously had a ship out there for us.
Once we arrived, joyful and cheerful, with chilly drinks we purchased on the way in which, hats, swimsuits, and sunscreen in case the solar broke out, it turned out that the engine was damaged.
“I’ll be again in half an hour with a brand new boat.” Nicely, effectively. So it was clear that it wasn’t half an hour. And fortuitously so. As a result of we had time to take a look at the close by heavenly cafe (there’s no different definition).
After an hour and a half, the man returned with a brand new boat in tow. It even managed to start out. And so, we set off into the guts of the ocean, joyful and cheerful nonetheless.
Wind in our hair, the roar of the struggling engine, the bounces on the waves, the intoxicating views. The 11-year-old in our group rapidly mastered the steering and was joyful to be the captain for 4 hours, whereas we rested and drank chilly drinks.
What a pleasure. I might enterprise to say that it doesn’t actually matter the place you sail, you’ll positively discover stunning seashores—loads of them. We had been joyful to succeed in locations we already knew from earlier than.
A few of us whose lineage is rooted in Jap Europe had been excited to leap into the water when there have been grey clouds and it was 16 levels outdoors. An particularly worthwhile expertise.
Listen:
- Don’t go too removed from the coast.
- The ferries depart from Ciutadella (and in addition from Mahón). They’re extraordinarily massive and make excessive waves.
Beneficial Seashores in Menorca
Cala en Brut
Virtually the first seaside we visited. How stunning it’s!
Very straightforward to get to, however there are just a few steps to go down. Clear, crystal water. There isn’t any actual entry to the seaside, simply concrete with steps to the water.
Cala Mitjana/Mitjaneta
If there’s a spot I’d like to remain, it’s right here. A chunk of paradise, my expensive. A seaside definitely worth the kilometer stroll to get to.
Park within the lot and begin strolling alongside the trail. After fifteen minutes (or much less, for those who don’t have youngsters 😊) you’re there.
A scorching tip: Proceed alongside the trail to Cala Mitjaneta, the tiny bay farther on. It’s going to take you some time to get there, not as a result of the highway is lengthy, however as a result of each step is a chance for one more mesmerizing picture.
There are not any seaside companies right here, so carry every part you want with you.
Merely a dream of a spot.
North of the Island: Fornells and the Space
One of the vital stunning cities value a go to is Fornells on the northern finish of the island. It has a small port, just a few eating places and cafes and a few small, picturesque streets.
In between are white homes with inexperienced shutters. It’s merely beautiful to wander round right here.
From there, drive to the seaside of Fornells: Platges de Fornells, park your automobile there, and stroll to Cala Tirant. The view right here is solely beautiful.
Whenever you get drained, drive to the Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse. Whenever you depart the automobile park, you’ll see a kiosk. Purchase one thing chilly to drink, some ice cream, and stroll across the lighthouse space.
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South of the Island
Binibeca
The important city right here is Binibeca, and it’s tremendous cute. It’s value hopping onto the Bufador de Binibequer seaside and strolling there for some time.
Cala en Porter
A phenomenal view of a small however spectacular bay—Mirador Cala en Porter.
Simply park your automobile and stroll 10 meters till you see this stunning seaside, then proceed right down to the sand.
Cova d’en Xoroi
A spot we didn’t get to, sadly, as a result of we arrived with drained youngsters and much more so dad and mom, simply because it was closing within the afternoon.
I’m additionally undecided how appropriate the place is for youngsters. It’s a music bar-club. Anyway, take a look at the photographs on Google Maps and also you’ll see what a cool little nook it’s. It’s a bit harking back to Rosh HaNikra.
There’s a payment to enter right here—see the place’s web site. In case you go, tag me on Instagram and inform me the way it was.
Associated learn: The Greatest Seaside Bars in Barcelona
Visiting a Dairy
So not solely does Manorca dabble in conventional gin, it’s pleased with its cheese, too, known as—you guessed it—Mahón cheese.
This dairy, which is true within the middle of the island, makes the cheeses on web site. You possibly can take a guided tour or order a tasting platter with snacks. We toured independently (how did we miss all of the guided excursions?) and sat right down to eat.
I admit, there are higher cheeses than this, principally in northern Spain. For cheese followers, I like to recommend you at the very least strive it, although.
Within the air-conditioned manufacturing facility retailer, it’s also possible to buy different delicacies.
Handle: Carretera Alaior a Arenal d’en Castell s/n, 07740, Balearic Islands
