The best travel guide to Menorca with recommendations on where to stay and eat, top sights and insider tips
Ibiza is one the magical islands of this archipelago. Ibiza is party central. If you are looking to just have an uninhibited good time, there is no place like Ibiza: Ibiza has some of the best discotheques in the world, amazing restaurants and bars, un-paralleled nightlife and spectacular secluded beaches. But a Ibiza holidays is much more than partys. Ibiza provides amazing vaction opportunities for everyone, families, couples and friends!
Mahón is the Capital of Menorca and one of Spain´s cities with larger British influence.Today it holds a population of around 30,000 and its main highlight is with no doubt its beautiful harbour; one of the Mediterranean most impressive natural harbours.
Find here our top 5 highlights to enjoy in Mahon:
Its natural harbour
One of the jewels of the Mediterranean. The harbour is best enjoyed in the evening after a long day of sailing! On the right side of the harbour is the San Antonio estate (the Golden Farm), where Admiral Lord Nelson lived. The whole town has a definite English air.
The fish market
This will be a top sight for any foodie, but it is in any case worth-seeing and a perfect place to enjoy local atmosphere and purchase top quality ingredients.
The Santa María la Mayor church
Work began on building this church as early as 1287 although it was not finished until the 18C, in neoclassical style. The church boasts one of the finest organs in the world.
Shopping in old Mahon
Narrow streets and a great atmosphere. There are many shops with local artisan products. You will find many gift ideas!
Mola fortress
Built in the XIX century, it is one of the largest European fortresses of tat century. There are many fantastic view-points of the port of Mahon.
Ciutadella is (After Mahon) the second largest town in Menorca and until 1722 the island´s capital. It is today the seat of a bishop but above all a beautiful, attractive and appealing city.Its port is full of restaurants where you will enjoy fish with fantastic views.
Ciutadella was founded by the Carthaginians and was later occupied by the romans. During the Muslim rule it was known as Jamma and it had lots of power in the island, being held as the capital. The Moors conquered Menorca in 903 and it was under the rule of the Caliphate of Cordoba. The role and love of people from Menorca to the horses dates back to these days. The Island became part of the Almohade Empire and Jaime I conquered it for the Aragon Kingdom, though stayed Menorca (and Ciudatella as its capital) stayed as an independent Estate for some years.
In Cala en Forçat, near Ciutadela, there are Moorish remains (a minaret and a mosque). Ciutadella was almost totally destroyed during the Turkish 1158 invasion and the city was restored in the XVIIth century. It was at that time Menorca´s capital, but when the British invaded the island it lost this privilege in favor of Mahon.
Enjoy the Port of Ciudatella
The port is very lively, specially during summer. It extends for over 1 kilomter with a width that varies from 15, to over 100 meters. The mixture of traditional sailing boats (Llauts), luxury sailing boats, and crowded restaurant terraces make of this port one of the most attractive ones in Spain. You will be able to enjoy a drink, or a typical caldereta at one of the restaurants here: Es Forat, des Forts, Payesa or Tritón among others. At the entrance of the port you will be able to enjoy the beautiful castle of San Nicolas.
Plaza des Born
You will enjoy great views on your way to the square of Born from the port. Some of the best views are next to the town hall, which was an old moorish Alcazar. The main highlight at the square is the obelisk, built in the XX century in honor to those who fought for the city.
Cathedral of Ciudatella
Single-aisled Gothic church which work begun at around 1300. Classical main portal dates from 1814.
The historical quarter
with the Carrer ses Voltes, the fish market, the street of Josept María Quadrado where you will find the best shops in Ciutadella.
Archeological ruins near Ciutadella
The Naveta of Tudon, the most important megalithic monument on the island, probably dates from the Minorcan Bronze Age. It is shaped like an upside-down ship. Archaeological ruins of Ciudadela: Many natural Stone Age caves; troglodytes in Cala Morell, Terreta Saura and Sant Juan Gran wall paintings; cyclopean walls of Alfurinet, Torre Llafuda and Santa Rosa. There are numerous Roman remains (tombs, burial niches) in Cala en Forcat;
The Balearic Islands are home to some of the best beaches in Spain. The climate and waters surrounding the islands creates the perfect environment for laid back beaches. The Islands are famous for their secluded coves. Ibiza in particular is home to many spectacular coves and beaches. These are the top in our list, but there are many more!
This beach can get pretty crowded in summer, so make sure you get there early.
Cala Galdana is a beautiful, secluded, resort-style beach, with all the amenities you would ever want.
A tucked-away crescent bay, surrounded by a Mediterranean pine forest and sheer cliffs, with a long stretch of white sand. You are likely to find yachts bobbing in the stunning blue waters.
It might not feel “hidden” or “undiscovered” as other beaches on the island, but that isn’t a bad thing. You will find a number of excellent restaurants and bars, the beach is clean and safe, with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, toilets, lifeguards and water sports.
It’s a great choice if you are travelling with kids A great place for families, but it can get crowded during the summer months.
Son Saura is popular with local families. It is a sheltered little beach in the southwest of the island. The water is shallow and clear and there is plenty of space to accommodate beachgoers.
Son Saura is technically two beaches, Banyul and Bellavista. Together they form the largest cove of the island. The two beaches are separated by a rocky outcrop.
The nearest parking area is 10 minutes away on foot.
The two prototypical Balearic coves are two of the most beautiful (and popular) beaches on the island of Menorca.
The two are located in the south of the island, protected by sheer cliffs and Mediterranean pine trees. The water is vividly turquoise, shallow, and calm.
The beach can get crowded in summer, so make sure to wake up early to get a nice slice of the beach. Of the two Mitjana is the largest and most crowded. Mitjaneta might be a better option if you want to avoid crowds..
Cala Pregonada is located in the north of Menorca. Here, the sand is red-ish, unlike the rest of the island, and the surrounding rocky cliffs are also pinkish-red.
There are two tiny islets that shelter the beach area and are within swimmable distance.
Cala Pregonada is more secluded and less crowded than beaches in the south of the island. Be advised that the nearest parking lot is a good half an hour’s walk away, so be prepared for a bit of a hike.
Cala Turqueta is a perfect example of a true Menorcan beach. Turqueta features stunning white sand, natural shade provided by the Mediterranean pine trees and rocks, and gorgeous turquoise water.
Tuqueta is also an ideal snorkeling area as the water is so clear and calm.
Be advised that Cala Turqueta can get crowded sometimes, so, especially if you are traveling during the summer months, you should wake up early.
Playa de Cavalleria is the largest bay on the north of the island. It is surrounded by dunes and, as with the rest of the beaches in this portion of the island, the sand is reddish.
Access to Cavalleria Beach is easy, and it tends to be less crowded than beaches in the south of the island.
Cavarellia feels secluded and untouched. There are little to no facilities near the beach, so make sure to pack food and shade. It is also a great spot for snorkeling.
Cala Trebalúger is a great option if you are looking for a secluded, relaxed beach in the south of the island.
Trebalúger is an unspoiled, pristine cove surrounded, like most of the coves on Menorca, by a pine forest. The beach sits at the end of the Trebalúger river and it’s only accessible by boat or a 40-minute hike from the car park near Cala Mitjana.
Trebalúger features particularly clear water and is located in an area bursting with wildlife, making it an excellent snorkeling destination.
Binigaus is a lovely, long, pristine stretch of white sand. If you are looking for a beach that feels wild and untouched, this might be the place for you.
The beach is located near the town of Santo Tomás, at the equator of the island. The water is clear and calm and the sand white and powdery.
At the far end of the beach, you will find an area with cliffs, which is a great place if you want a bit of privacy.
There is just one restaurant in the area. It feels as secluded as possible.
Cala Escorxada will take a bit of effort to get to, but it will be well worth your while.
Cala Escorxada is idyllic, pristine, and quiet. It is a thin strip of perfect white sand bathed by perfect turquoise waters and protected by rocky cliffs and pine forests.
You will have to walk from the town of Santo Tomás, and it will take you about an hour. The views on this trail are amazing, but it is a considerable hike. You can also get there by boat if you so choose. Once you get there all that is left is to kick back and enjoy this amazing secluded corner of Menorca.
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