Menorca

Where to Stay On Holidays To Menorca

Cala Blanca

Despite being a fairly large resort, Cala Blanca manages to maintain a pleasant sense of quaintness and peacefulness.

You’ll be wowed by beautiful scenery, a stunning beach, crystal-clear waters and glorious sunsets in this magical getaway.

The resort has a great choice of bars, restaurants and shops and popular activities including hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, snorkelling and sailing.

Binibeca

This small fishing village is truly beautiful with its dun-backed sandy beach, turquoise waters and glorious scenery.

The resort has two areas – Binibeca Vell with its narrow cobbled streets and quaint buildings, and Binibeca Nou, a quiet residential area near the beach.

The resort has a small commercial centre with a range of bars, shops and restaurants, while the capital Mahón is a short drive away.

Cala n Blanes

This is a lively resort on Menorca’s rocky west coast which is home to vibrant nightlife and a myriad of wonderful bars and restaurants.

A charming beach with calm waters and golden sands is perfect to children craving some fun in the sun. Snorkelling, diving and a range of thrilling water sports are popular pursuits in Cala n Blanes.

Other attractions include a traditional local market, an excellent water park and an impressive range of shops and up-market boutiques.

Cala n Bosch

This is a magical little resort with an inviting sandy beach in a quaint cove, crystal-clear waters and glorious sunshine.

A focal point in the resort is the delightful marina with its impressive selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

The resort bursts into life after dark with plenty of pulsating nightclubs where you can dance till dawn. Daytime attractions include Aquarock Waterpark and dolphin watching excursions.

Cala n Forcat

The fabulous resort of Cala n Forcat has everything you need for a feast of family fun in the sun.

Charming little sandy coves, calm turquoise waters and beautiful landscape typify all that’s great about this place.

The town area has some lovely shops, glitzy boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs for dancing from dusk till dawn. There are also amusement arcades and activity centres for the children.

Cala Galdana

This horseshoe-shaped bay is a picture of beauty with awe-inspiring landscapes, towering limestone cliffs, pine-covered hills and crystal-clear waters.

This purpose-built low-rise resort is divided in half by a river and boasts a range of shops, bars and restaurants. It’s also home to a small water park.

Popular activities in Cala Galdana include cliff-top walks, sea kayaking, scuba diving, horse-riding, snorkelling and mountain-biking.

Cala Santandria

The dreamy resort of Cala Santandria is the perfect place to chill out and unwind in the invigorating Mediterranean sunshine.

This delightful little bay boasts a lovely palm-fringed sandy beach, child-friendly calm waters and quaint restaurants for enjoying a delicious meal.

If you want to venture outside Cala Santandria for a bit more action, the resort is close to the island’s old capital of Citadella where there’s plenty going on.

Ciutadella

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Menorca in the old capital of Ciutadella. The town oozes medieval charm and is home to the island’s only cathedral.

You won’t find a beach here but you will discover superb waterside restaurants, beautiful palaces, Gothic churches and picturesque squares.

Ciutadella also has quaint pavement bars and cafes, a delightful harbour and mesmerising sunsets to take your breath away.

Es Castell

The picturesque harbour at Es Castell truly reflects the character and atmosphere of this magical resort, a former British colonial town.

It is a charming place for a romantic meal under the stars in a laid-back restaurant or a relaxing evening stroll at the water’s edge.

You’ll discover some lovely shops, quaint bars and a former parade ground square in Es Castell, while the island’s capital Mahón is a short drive away.

Playa de Fornells

This delightful resort in the horseshoe-shaped bay of Cala Tirant is a haven of peace and tranquillity.

Close to the quaint village of Fornells, this place is home to beautiful beaches , crystal-clear waters and selection of coastal bars and restaurants.

The gently-sloping beach makes the waters shallow and safe for children. Snorkelling, scuba diving and a range of water sports are popular pursuits in Playa de Fornells.

Punta Prima

This endearing resort – one of the oldest on the island - oozes charm and character with its unspoilt countryside, winding lanes and quaint beach bars and restaurants.

It boasts a beautiful Blue Flag Beach which is ideal for some fun on the sands and shallow azure waters for swimming and snorkelling.

Punta Prima is within easy reach of the island’s magnificent capital Mahón and the nearby Splash Water Park provides a great day out for families.

Santo Tomas

This delightful escape on Menorca’ south coast is a little gem, away from the crowds and steeped in natural beauty and charm.

Santo Tomas boasts a stunning sandy beach with a fabulous tree-lined promenade, child-friendly shallow waters and plenty of water sports action.

Within easy reach of the lively towns of Ciutadella and Son Bou and a pleasant short walk away from the postcard-perfect little town of Es Migjorn.

Beach Holidays in Menorca

You’ll discover a myriad of inviting sandy expanses in Menorca which will ensure any beach holiday is an unforgettable experience. The island boasts an incredible 700 square kilometres of beach.

Beach lovers will be wowed by what this magical island has to offer, from glorious long sandy stretches with shallow waters which are perfect for families with small children to secluded coves and bays which are popular escapes for romantic couples.

Son Bou is the longest beach in Menorca, extending for almost 4kms, and is a popular choice for families with many amenities, rolling sand dunes and loads of water sports activity.

The beach as Cala Mesquida is truly magical with its golden sands, glistening waters, rocky headlands and low-lying dunes. Platja Es Grau is great for children, with the inviting waters still only knee-depth 50 metres out.

Calas Mitjana is a beautiful sandy cove on the south of the island with shallow turquoise waters and verdant pine-topped cliffs, while Cala Pregonda on the north coast is a secluded escape with red sands and rocky cliffs.

Other magnificent sandy beaches on the island include Cala Turqueta, Cala d’Algaiarens, Son Saura and Cala Trebalúger.

Food and Drink in Menorca

Menorca has many traditional local dishes which will tantalise the taste buds of any visitor to this wonderful island.

Fresh fish, delicious cheeses and tempting sweet pasties are among the delights you’ll encounter during your stay here.

The island's most famous dish is Caldereta de Langosta, a hearty lobster stew served at many restaurants and cafes. Local spiny lobster is cooked to perfection in an onion, garlic and tomato sauce and served with fresh bread.

Cabrito Lechona es forn is roast goat or sucking pig which is cooked in a wood fire oven and served with a rich gravy and potatoes. A great vegetarian choice is tumbet which consists of layered potato, aubergine, courgette and tomato sauce.

Popular sweet offerings include Buñuelos which are ball-shaped fritters, stuffed with various sweet fillings and Flan Casero which is similar to caramel custard.

Calent is a much-loved liqueur in Menorca which is made from aniseed, wine, cinnamon and

saffron.

Highly-regarded restaurants in Menorca include Sa Llagosta in Fornells, El Rais in Mahón and Café Balear in Ciutadella.

Things to do on a family holiday in Menorca

Lloc de Menorca Zoo

A trip to the zoo provides a great family day out and Lloc de Menorca Zoo near Mahón is a superb choice. This small zoo has species from around the world as well as many which are native to the island including goats, tortoises, horses, birds and fish. This attraction features wetland areas, a lemur forest, a museum, a children's play park and a picnic area.

Aquarock Waterpark

This place guarantees a splashing time for all with a host of daredevil slides and chutes. There's also a massive pool with a wave machine, a splash pool for younger kids with smaller slides and a relaxing whirlpool for parents to chill out and soak up the sun. Trampolines and a go-karting track are among the other attractions.

Glass-bottomed boat ride

Take a trip around the island’s many beautiful coves and bays in a glass-bottomed boat, gazing in awe at the abundance of amazing marine life beneath the waves. You can even don a mask and flippers for some closer examination in the crystal-clear waters.

Things to do on a couples holiday in Menorca

Explore the Cales Coves

This mesmerising location in the south of the island is home to more than 90 enchanting prehistoric caves and coves. There’s plenty of exploring to be done and the opportunity for some sunbathing and a refreshing swim in the turquoise Mediterranean waters.

Horse riding on the bridle path

Setting out on horseback is a great way for couples to explore the ancient bridle paths or cami de cavalls which extend 185km around the Menorca coastline. These charming paths have been beautifully restored and include excellent signposting. Couples will be wowed by the jaw-dropping scenery and some riding packages include food and drinks.

Visit a Menorcan vineyard

This gives you the chance to try some of the island’s superb wines. S’Hort de Sant Patrici Winery and Cheese Farm is an excellent place to visit and you'll learn all about the production side of things, as well as savouring a few samples.

Things to do on a group holiday in Menorca

Jeep Safari

This is a great way to discover parts of the island off the beaten track in a robust 4x4 vehicle. Many types of jeep safari are available to choose from including those which take in woodlands, hills, coastal areas and visit ancient ruins and historical landmarks. Transport to and from your accommodation is normally included in the price.

Visit a nature reserve

A visit to Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau, the main nature reserve on the island, is a great day out for groups of friends. It boasts more than 200 species of birds, plenty of animals and many exciting walking trails for a relaxing time in the glorious Menorcan sunshine. This fabulous attraction on the east coast of the island covers more than 5,000 hectares.

Catamaran half day drip

Taking to the waves aboard a catamaran is a fantastic way to discover the magical coastline of Menorca. You’ll enjoy a meal and drinks during the trip and get the chance to swim and snorkel in secluded coves and bays.

Things to do on a solo holiday in Menorca

Visit Ciutadella Old Town

A visit to the island’s charming original capital is highly recommended. You’ll be impressed with its delightful Mediterranean-style buildings, cobblestone lanes and beautiful plazas. You’ll also discover plenty of quaint bars and restaurants for a delicious meal and a refreshing drink.

Museum of Menorca

You can get a revealing insight into the history of the island in this museum which is housed in a Baroque convent building in capital city Mahón. Among the delights you’ll discover are archaeological artefacts from the Byzantine, Talaiotic and Roman periods.

Walk up Monte Toro

A two-hour walk from the town of Es Mercadal to the top of El Toro, the island’s highest mountain, is well worth the challenge. The panoramic views at 354m above sea level are truly awe-inspiring. There’s a beautiful 13th century church at the summit and a café for having a refreshing drink.

Activities

There’s an endless list of things to do in Menorca, including cultural pursuits and fun water sports, where you can test your skills - and nerve - on the Mediterranean’s azure waters! Read on to see what you can expect to get up to on your Menorca break.

Explore one of Menorca’s 120 beaches

The beaches in Menorca are famous in the Balearics. You’ll be spoilt for choice with around 120 beaches to choose from, including tourist hot spots and hidden coves. We recommend the stunning coast of Son Bou which measures 3 km in total!

Sit back and watch the world go by, play volleyball, make an epic sandcastle or go for a swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea, the choice is yours.

Water sports

The island is dotted with places to enjoy brilliant water sports activities, including kite surfing and wakeboarding. Prefer scuba diving? Head to one of the island’s many dive centres to learn the ropes.

Most Menorca hotels will be able to help you find the best destinations and tour operators on the island for water sports.

Spend a day in Menorca’s vibrant capital of Mao or the town of Ciutadella

If you’ve got time, we recommend seeing both of Menorca’s main cities.

Situated in the east of the island, the Anglo-Spanish city of Mahon, with its spectacular cathedrals, boutiques and quaint cafes, where you can sit and watch the world go by. Enjoy tapas and speciality wines in this superb city.

If you’re staying in the west, you may want to make a trip to the fabulous harbour town of Ciutadella, with its breathtaking ancient buildings and unique landmarks.

If quaint villages are more your speed then head out to Alajor and Ferreries while Es Marcadal is worth a trip because you can get to Monte Toro, the island’s highest point, and enjoy the wonderful views.

Horse riding, golf and boat tours

When you’re not exploring Menorca’s colourful history or sipping sangria in the sun, book yourself onto one of the many fun activities that take place around the island.

Horse riding and golf are just a few of the many pastimes available to tourists, boat tours of the Mediterranean are also very popular among holidaymakers.