You’ve most likely heard of Mallorca. However have you ever heard of Menorca, its little sister, which isn’t any much less stunning? After I looked for details about this place in a sure group, the solutions I bought 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!
A beautiful trip on an island that’s not significantly massive, however filled with superb seashores, tiny cities with picturesque alleys, and an environment of everlasting freedom—is it best for you?
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Menorca is a part of the archipelago of the Balearic Islands, which additionally contains vibrant Ibiza, elegant Mallorca, and tiny Formentera. Along with the 4 primary 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 folks 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 examine Expedia for the newest choices, so be happy to do the identical!
Nonetheless, 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 can 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 sizzling, not too chilly. Simply nice.
As for swimming within the sea, nicely, the courageous ones amongst us swam, regardless of how chilly it was. The swimming season formally begins on Might 1st and lasts till October thirty first.
In case you have time, I’d advocate visiting in June, when the water is heat sufficient and the island isn’t but flooded with vacationers from northern Europe.
A good friend informed me that she got here with a good friend on a bike in August and there have been seashores the place that they had 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 giant, I extremely advocate renting a automobile.
There are a selection of car rental firms that function at Mahón Airport, plus these that aren’t situated 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 trying out.
use the Paapm Paapm search to seek out the most effective charges
Public transportation is obtainable—use the under map or Google Maps.
The place To Keep In Menorca?
Like in Mallorca, discovering a lodge room for a pair + two kids could be no straightforward job. Fortunately, we had been touring with my dad and mom, so we break up into a pair + one in every room.
The lodge I stayed in is that this one:
Lodge Gran Sagitario
Small, snug, and provides truthful worth for the value.
The meals was not thrilling, however that was our impression of the meals on the island generally. What was handy was the indoor pool, which we frequented for a couple of days.
The factor I favored 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 favored, Ciutadella, is a couple of seven-minute drive away. So, every thing is shut sufficient, however not crowded.
Different Nice Locations To Keep In Menorca
As standard, 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 obtainable on the time and that I’d have liked to remain at in Menorca.
Alcaufar Vell Lodge Rural & Restaurant
The place that I used to be most upset wasn’t obtainable for us. Precisely my style—rustic with a restaurant. That’s all you want, I believe.
Ses Sucreres Small & Gradual Lodge
I’ve a particular fondness for sluggish locations, and once they are available an previous Nineteenth-century constructing it’s an actual deal with. Easy rooms however with a contact of stylish and an area breakfast.
Lodge Hevresac Singular & Small
A 4-star lodge and 250m from the capital, it’s small, delightfully adorned, 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 pretty. The world can also 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.
Cami de Cavalls: Menorca on Foot
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 lovers, there are many alternatives for kayaking, browsing, and snorkeling.
The Capital Metropolis, Mahón
Effectively, Mahón didn’t depart any important impression on me. Aside from a cute promenade and a distillery that we’ll speak about quickly, I don’t suppose it’s a must-see on a vacation in Menorca.
Possibly 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 because the seventeenth century (!), when it was based by the Xoringeur household, whose origins are in Italy. Since then, conventional strategies 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 (by no means 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 components 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’ll be able to style all kinds of gin flavors, from the basic London Derry to particular variations fermented with native crops.
At present, greater than half one million bottles are produced right here per yr, that are bought not solely in Spain but in addition in the US, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand.
We got here right here spontaneously and there was no guided tour obtainable on the time. We walked across the place independently, tasted the several types of gin, and purchased a couple of bottles to take residence. 
To guide a guided tour, go to their web site.
Handle: Moll de Ponent, 91, 07701 Maó, Illes Balears
If you happen to do go to, hop to the opposite aspect of the highway; perhaps you’ll be fortunate and a fishing boat will dock and you may observe the ocean catch.
The Cardamom Menorca Indian Restaurant
Meals that at all times makes the human coronary heart pleased, particularly vegetarians.
I extremely advocate this restaurant, which satisfied even my mom and younger son who are usually not 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 previous city with a powerful cathedral and alleys lined with boutique outlets and eating places.
Right this moment it’s a port metropolis and an necessary industrial heart for the whole island.
Of the seashores, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta are two gems with turquoise waters and positive white sand.
Café Central
A heavenly cafe, and one thing I’ve not seen anyplace 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 delightful. The thick meaty cookie we ate was bursting with peanuts and taste. Smooth and a bit of crispy on the perimeters.
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. Identical excessive customary, similar wonderful service.
It’s probably the greatest I’ve had in recent times. Truly, in my life.
Nibs Wholesome Bar
It is a good spot for lunch and is vegetarian-friendly. It’s in a primary location—in a fantastic central sq..
Handle: Plaça d’Artrutx, 7, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Illes Balears
Self-Crusing From Ciutadella
This was one in every of our most memorable experiences from our trip. No license is required—you’ll be able to 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. Nonetheless, we didn’t surrender and located the final man who miraculously had a ship obtainable for us.
After we arrived, pleased 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.” Effectively, nicely. 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 begin. And so, we set off into the center of the ocean, pleased 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 shortly mastered the steering and was pleased to be the captain for 4 hours, whereas we rested and drank chilly drinks.
What a pleasure. I’d enterprise to say that it doesn’t actually matter the place you sail, you’ll undoubtedly discover stunning seashores—loads of them. We had been pleased to achieve locations we already knew from earlier than.
A few of us whose lineage is rooted in Japanese 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 likewise from Mahón). They’re extraordinarily giant and make excessive waves.
Advisable Seashores in Menorca
Cala en Brut
Nearly the first seashore we visited. How stunning it’s!
Very straightforward to get to, however there are a couple of steps to go down. Clear, crystal water. There isn’t any actual entry to the seashore, 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 seashore well worth the kilometer stroll to get to.
Park within the lot and begin strolling alongside the trail. After fifteen minutes (or much less, if you happen to don’t have kids 
) you’re there.
A sizzling tip: Proceed alongside the trail to Cala Mitjaneta, the tiny bay farther on. It can 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 aren’t any seashore companies right here, so carry every thing you want with you.
Merely a dream of a spot.
North of the Island: Fornells and the Space
Probably the most stunning cities value a go to is Fornells on the northern finish of the island. It has a small port, a couple of eating places and cafes and a few small, picturesque streets.
In between are white homes with inexperienced shutters. It’s merely pretty to wander round right here.
From there, drive to the seashore of Fornells: Platges de Fornells, park your automobile there, and stroll to Cala Tirant. The view right here is just pretty.
Once you get drained, drive to the Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse. Once 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 primary city right here is Binibeca, and it’s tremendous cute. It’s value hopping onto the Bufador de Binibequer seashore and strolling there for some time.
Cala en Porter
A fantastic view of a small however spectacular bay—Mirador Cala en Porter.
Simply park your automobile and stroll 10 meters till you see this stunning seashore, 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 kids 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 kids. 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. If you happen to 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 happy with its cheese, too, referred to as—you guessed it—Mahón cheese.
This dairy, which is true within the heart 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, largely in northern Spain. For cheese followers, I like to recommend you no less than strive it, although.
Within the air-conditioned manufacturing unit retailer, you may also buy different delicacies.
Handle: Carretera Alaior a Arenal d’en Castell s/n, 07740, Balearic Islands
