Menorca
The quiet island, a biosphere reserve in its entirety: unspoilt coves with turquoise water in the south (Macarella, Turqueta and Mitjana), Ciutadella, which was the base of the Islamic “Madinat Minurqa”, and prehistoric remains everywhere. No noise, no high-rises.
- When to go
- June to September
- How long you need
- 4–6 days
- For whom
- Families and couples seeking quiet
Chapter One
The story of Menorca
“Minūrqa” stayed under Islamic rule until 1287 CE, longer than Mallorca, and then passed between British and French rule in the 18th century. Its ancient “Talayotic” culture is inscribed on the World Heritage list.
Figures of Menorca
- 1204–1282
Said ibn Hakam
A scholar and man of letters who ruled Minūrqa for about half a century, and whose court there was a destination for scholars.
- 1265–1291
Alfonso III de Aragón
The king who took Minūrqa from the Muslims in 1287 CE.
- 1662–1736
Richard Kane
The British governor of Menorca, who cut a road across the island that still bears his name (Camí d'en Kane).
- 1787–1853
Mateu Orfila
Founder of modern toxicology, born in Mahón.
Chapter Two
Places in Menorca
23 places I chose, arranged in chapters. A gold star marks one of my favourite picks.
Heritage and monuments
5Cathedral Basilica of Ciutadella de Menorca
· Ciutadella
It was built on the site of the great mosque of the Islamic city of “Madīnat Minūrqa”, and it sits in the old town of Ciutadella with its stone lanes and the Plaça des Born overlooking the harbour.
My tip
Afterwards, stroll the old town and go down to the small harbour. A street market is held in the Plaça des Born on Monday and Friday mornings.
Naveta d'Es Tudons
· Ciutadella
A stone communal tomb shaped like an upturned boat, more than three thousand years old. It is the most famous monument of Talayotic culture, which makes Menorca an open-air prehistoric museum.
My tip
On the road between Mahón and Ciutadella. Entry is a symbolic fee, and the walk is 5 minutes. Visit in the morning, before the coaches.
Castell de Santa Àgueda
· Ferreries
The ruins of a fortress on the island's second-highest peak, where the last Muslim rulers of Menorca took refuge in 1287 CE. It is reached by an old paved path, and from it the whole island comes into view.
My tip
A walk of about 1.5 km uphill from the Ferreries–Santa Agueda road. There are not many parking spaces and no shade, so take water.
Fortaleza de Isabel II (La Mola)
· Maó
A huge military fortress (1848–1875 CE) on a peninsula guarding the entrance to the Port of Maó-Mahón, one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Tunnels, passages and cannons that were never used in war.
- Moderate effort · needs a car
- A large site with a long walk in the sun; electric buggies for hire.
My tip
Allow two to three hours, and hire an electric buggy if you are with older people. Combine it with the glass-bottomed boat tour in the harbour.
Torre d'en Galmés
· Alaior
The largest Talayotic village in Menorca (from around 1000 BCE), with its stone towers, courtyards and carved storerooms. It is part of the “Talayotic Menorca” site inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2023.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- Exposed dirt tracks, and the car park is small; suitable for a family walk.
My tip
One hour is enough; entry is free on Mondays. Come in the morning, as there is little shade.
Restaurants and cafés
3Es Cranc
A reference for “caldereta de langosta” in Fornells for decades; closed on Wednesdays.
- Fornells is the home of Menorca's most famous dish, the lobster soup “caldereta de llagosta”, and this restaurant is one of its most respected addresses. The lobster is chosen alive from the tank.
Signature dishMenorcan lobster caldereta
Booking essential · Suits families and children, couples and friends and groups
Sa Fonda Fornells
A restaurant on the Fornells bay promenade specialising in lobster caldereta and rice; closed on Wednesdays.
- A terrace over the calm waters of the bay and multilingual service: an excellent alternative place for lobster caldereta, with a sea view.
TryCaldereta de langosta, seafood paella, mussels, grilled fish
Booking essential · Suits families and children, couples and friends and groups
Arjau Maó
A rice and fish restaurant on the Port of Maó-Mahón quay; lunch only, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- It overlooks one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean and is known for its single-portion paella and prawns. One of the highest-rated restaurants in Mahón.
TrySingle-portion seafood paella, red prawns, fresh fish
Booking essential · Suits families and children, couples and friends and groups
Nature and walks
10Cala Macarella
· Ciutadella
The most famous cove in Menorca: soft white sand and calm turquoise water, surrounded by cliffs and pine forest, with its smaller sister “Macarelleta” beside it.
My tip
In summer (June–September) cars are not allowed, so take the bus from Ciutadella or walk 40 minutes from Cala Galdana; boats also run from there. Come before 9am.
Plaça des Born y casco antiguo de Ciutadella
· Ciutadella
The historic capital of Menorca. Its square is ringed by an obelisk commemorating the resistance to the 1558 invasion, noble palaces, and the town hall built on the site of the Islamic palace. From the square, the vaulted lanes of “ses Voltes” lead to the cathedral and the narrow harbour.
What to see
The Plaça des Born and the obelisk · the cathedral · the narrow harbour · the “ses Voltes” arcades · the Sant Nicolau tower and sunset · the archaeological site of “Naveta d'Es Tudons”
My tip
Walk in the afternoon down to the harbour; the whole old town is pedestrian-only.
Hotel Torralbenc
· Cala en Porter
A 19th-century Menorcan farmhouse restored with its whitewashed limestone walls in the fields near the sea: a quiet hotel with an elegant rural character.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- By car on the Alaior–Cala en Porter road; few summer buses. The cove and its services are 5 minutes away by car, and Alaior is 10 minutes.
My tip
Close to the Cala en Porter cove; some of the cottages have private pools. Menorca itself took an Arabic name (“Minūrqa”) and was Andalusi until 1287 CE.
Cala en Turqueta
· Ciutadella
A charming small cove of clear turquoise water between limestone rocks and pine trees, one of the most beautiful beaches on the unspoilt south coast.
My tip
Parking is limited and closes at the summer peak, so the seasonal bus is easier. There are no umbrellas for hire, so bring your own shade and food.
Cala Mitjana
· Ferreries
A fairly wide cove with white cliffs and clear water, reached by a shaded walkway through the pine forest near Cala Galdana.
My tip
The walk from the car park takes about 15 minutes over rocky ground, so wear suitable shoes. It is most beautiful early in the morning or just before sunset.
Cala Galdana
· Cala Galdana (Ferreries)
A shell-shaped cove on the south coast of Menorca between pine cliffs and turquoise water. It has the best services of any cove on the island and is the most suitable for families, and it is the starting point for a walk to Cala Mitjana and the unspoilt Macarelleta. The water is warm (24–26°C in summer).
My tip
Come before 10am in July and August; there are umbrellas, restaurants and a supermarket. Boat trips to the neighbouring coves are fun for families.
Binibeca Vell
· Sant Lluís
A white “fishermen's village” of clustered houses, built in the 1960s in the style of Mediterranean villages, with narrow lanes and green doors overlooking the sea. It has become one of Menorca's most photographed places.
What to see
The winding white lanes · the small cove and its boats · Binibeca beach · the “Cala Torret” cove
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- By car (few summer buses); the village is small and its lanes are level, with some steps. Visiting hours 10:00–22:30. Cafés and restaurants.
My tip
The village is inhabited, so keep quiet and respect the visiting hours (10:00–22:30). An hour is enough; combine it with the nearby Binibeca beach.
Fornells
· Fornells
A white fishermen's village on a wide, calm bay in the north of Menorca, guarded by a 17th-century defensive tower. It is the home of the island's most famous dish, the lobster stew “caldereta de langosta”.
What to see
The Fornells defensive tower and its view · the quiet bay and fishing boats · the Cavalleria headland and its lighthouse · the “Cala Tirant” beach
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- By car (few summer buses); the village is flat. Many restaurants. The climb to the tower takes 10 minutes.
My tip
The sheltered bay is ideal for families to learn kayaking and stand-up paddling. Climb the Fornells tower for the view.
Camí de Cavalls (Cala Galdana – Macarella)
· Ciutadella / Ferreries
The historic path that encircles Menorca. Its most beautiful section lies between Cala Galdana and the two coves of Macarella and Macarelleta, with their turquoise water among the pines.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- Start from Cala Galdana (car park). My route: return on the same path, or take the seasonal bus from Macarella to Ciutadella.
- Distance
- 3 km · 100 m climb · 1 hour (one way)
My tip
In summer the Macarella car park closes when it is full; walking from Galdana or taking bus 68/69 is best.
Cala Pregonda
· Es Mercadal
A bay on the north coast of Menorca with golden-red sand, volcanic rocks and clear water, one of the island's most remote beaches. It is reached by a walk along the horse path “Camí de Cavalls”.
- Moderate effort · needs a car
- A 20–25 minute walk from the car park along a dirt track; not suitable for buggies.
My tip
Come before 10am. There are no facilities and no shade on the beach, so bring an umbrella and water. Excellent for snorkelling.
Experiences and family
5Port of Maó-Mahón
· Maó
One of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, stretching five kilometres inland and lined with houses and historic forts. A boat trip there is the best introduction to the island's history.
My tip
A glass-bottomed boat tour takes about an hour. Use the glass lift between the harbour and the town instead of the long stairs.
Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Toro (Monte Toro)
· Es Mercadal
The highest point in Menorca (358 m), topped by a 17th-century shrine. From it the whole island is visible, with its northern and southern coasts, and on clear days Mallorca appears.
My tip
The road to it from Es Mercadal is winding but short. At the top there is a café, and the view is best early in the morning or before sunset.
Camí de Cavalls
A historic circular route of 185 km around the whole of Menorca, which horsemen used to patrol the coast against pirates from the 14th century. Today it is a walking trail (GR-223) divided into 20 stages that link the most beautiful coves.
- Moderate effort
- The stage Cala Galdana–Macarella–Turqueta takes 3 hours one way on rocky paths and through forest with little shade. Summer buses run to Galdana and Macarella for the return. Plenty of water in summer; not suitable for older people.
My tip
The most popular stage for beginners: Cala Galdana, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta (about 3 hours). Bring plenty of water in summer.
Far de Cavalleria
· Es Mercadal
A lighthouse from 1857 on a red rock headland at the northernmost tip of Menorca, one of the island's first lighthouses. The keeper's house holds a small museum on the history of the coast. Its sunset is one of the most beautiful in the Balearic Islands.
My tip
The car park is small, so arrive an hour before sunset. Combine it with the nearby red Cavalleria beach.
Lloc de Menorca
· Alaior (Menorca)
A zoo and wildlife rescue centre in the middle of Menorca, where visitors walk through the enclosures for lemurs and birds, with a playground and a simple restaurant. A break from the beach.
- Ages
- 2–12
- Setting
- Outdoors
My tip
The ticket is for a full day, with the option to leave and return. Allow two to three hours. Free for children under 3.
Chapter Three
When to go to Menorca
My view in brief: June to September. Pick a month to see its weather and events.
Among my best months An event or holidayBars: lowest and highest temperature
May14° to 23°
Warm and calm (14–23°C), ideal for families. We recommend the turquoise coves of Cala Macarella and Macarelleta.
No events listed in May. A quiet month, and prices are often lower.
Chapter Four
What to bring home
What deserves to come home with you from Menorca: the genuine article, and what carries a protected origin.
- DOP
Mahón-Menorca cheese
Queso Mahón-Menorca DOPA square-shaped cow's milk cheese whose rind is brushed with oil and paprika, from soft “tierno” to sharp, aged “añejo”. A symbol of Menorca.
almond biscuits
CarquinyolsA thin, crisp almond biscuit, a Menorcan tradition.
bitter almond sweets
AmargosA small almond sweet with the flavour of bitter almond, one of the island's sweets.
lobster stew
Caldereta de langostaThe famous Fornells dish of Mediterranean lobster; luxurious and expensive.
Menorcan honey
Miel de MenorcaIsland honey from mountain flowers and rosemary.
Chapter Five