Menorca Travel Guide

ByKelsey Heinrichs Hours
  • The image shows a beautiful aerial view of Cala Es Canutells, a small cove in Menorca. The turquoise waters of the bay are crystal clear, gradually deepening to a rich blue as they meet the open sea. A few boats are anchored in the calm water, while lush greenery covers the surrounding rocky cliffs. The cove's secluded and serene atmosphere is perfect for a relaxing day by the water, under the sunny Mediterranean sky.

Menorca, the undeniably cool and laidback younger sister to the party island of Mallorca, is a Mediterranean gem perfect for travellers seeking stunning beaches, charming towns and an unforgettable food & art scene.

Discover the best things to do in Menorca, from exploring the historic streets of Ciutadella and Mahón, to getting lost in the winding labyrinth of narrow streets in the idyllic fishing village of Binibeca Vell.

You can easily spend a week beach hopping between the pristine coves of Macarellata or Cala en Brut or spend your time sipping wine at Bodegas Binifadet Winery and checking out this unique art gallery located in a tiny island only accessible by boat. 

There is so much more to this island than dingy all-inclusive resorts, so keep scrolling to find out the best places to visit in Menorca and all the beautiful boutique hotels and resorts that are the opposite of the usual Brits abroad accommodation. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

things to do
beaches to visit
restaurants
BEST hotels
map of menorca

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Menorca Key Info

When to visit

June or September for warm, mild weather (averaging 26ºC/79ºF)

How to get there

Fly to Mahon Airport (MAH)

How to get around

Renting a car is best!
I always use Discover Cars to book my rental.

IDEAL TRIP LENGTH

4-7 days

PLACES TO VISIT

Mahón
Ciutadella
Binibeca
Fornells

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES

Hauser & Wirth Gallery
Bodegas Binifadet Winery
Cova d’en Xoroi Cliffside Bar

BEST BEACHES

Macarelleta
Cala en Turqueta
Cala Galdana

RESTAURANTS

Coral
Es Cranc
Enricana

MY TOP 3 HOTEL PICKS

Villa le Blanc
Morvedra Nou
Menorca Experimental

Places to visit in Menorca

  • The image displays an aerial view of Hauser & Wirth Menorca, an art center situated on an island surrounded by the calm, turquoise waters of Mahón's harbor. The complex includes historic buildings, beautifully restored, with gardens and walkways that blend with the natural landscape. In the background, the main town of Mahón can be seen along the coastline, with a few yachts anchored near the island, emphasizing the serene and picturesque setting.
    Hauser & Wirth

Hauser & Wirth Gallery

A contemporary art gallery located on a small island (Illa del Rei) in the middle of the port of Mahón, Hauser & Wirth is a cultural must-visit during your time in Menorca.

You can tour the various cutting-edge art exhibitions and sculpture gardens dotted around the island for free, however to get to the island you’ll need to hop on a shuttle boat which costs €10 for a return ticket.

Shuttle tickets can be bought online here and the ferry leaves from Port Mahón every hour between 10 am and 3 pm.

The space also features beautiful gardens and a gorgeous al fresco restaurant, Cantina, as well as the remains of an 18th-century military hospital and museum.

Note: Hauser & Wirth is closed on certain weekdays depending on the month, I recommend planning your visit in advance and checking opening times and days online at menorca.hauserwirth.com

  • The image shows the entrance to the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Menorca, framed by a modern white archway set against a rustic stone wall. The gallery's name is displayed above the entrance, and potted cacti flank the pathway, adding a touch of greenery. The surrounding area includes lush plants and trees, creating a serene atmosphere that blends art and nature. A small seating area with a white table and chairs is visible in the foreground.
    Entrance to Hauser & Wirth galleries
  • The image features an outdoor dining area at Hauser & Wirth Menorca, with red wooden tables and white chairs arranged under the shade of a large, leafy tree. The setup includes neatly set plates and glasses, ready for guests. The rustic building in the background has a textured stone façade, with large windows and a few colorful decorations, creating a relaxed, charming ambiance amidst the lush greenery.
    Cantina, restaurant at Hauser & Wirth
  • The image captures a charming scene of Binibeca Vell, a traditional whitewashed fishing village in Menorca. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with picturesque white houses, featuring wooden balconies and quaint architectural details. In the foreground, a woman in a light summer dress walks towards a small marina area where boats are docked, with the rocky shore and clear blue sky enhancing the idyllic Mediterranean atmosphere.
    Port of Binibeca Vell

Binibeca Vell Fishing Village

On the southeast coast of the island, you will find this charming fishermen’s village in Binibeca. Binbica Vell is an old fishermen’s harbour and a whimsical labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and haphazardly placed whitewashed houses. Come here early in the morning to admire the unique Mediterranean architecture before the crowds arrive later in the day.

Free parking is available here right behind the village however don’t make the same mistake I did and waste 20 minutes walking in the wrong direction.

You have to enter the village from a few tiny passageways located on either side of a restaurant located across the road from this Spar supermarket. Trust me, the entrance is easily missed… or maybe I just have a bad sense of direction.

  • The image shows a woman in a light floral dress walking through the narrow, cobbled streets of Binibeca Vell, a quaint fishing village in Menorca. She is surrounded by traditional whitewashed buildings with curved, organic shapes and dark wooden accents. The bright afternoon light and blue sky create a serene, sunlit atmosphere, highlighting the Mediterranean charm of this picturesque location.
    Binibeca Vell
  • The image showcases a narrow, winding street in Binibeca Vell, a charming fishing village in Menorca. The path is lined with traditional whitewashed buildings, featuring black wooden shutters and small windows. An arched walkway connects the buildings, adding to the quaint and cozy atmosphere of the alley. The soft sunlight brightens the scene, emphasizing the clean, minimalist Mediterranean architecture.
    Narrow streets of Binibeca Vell
  • The image shows a scenic view of Cova d'en Xoroi, a cliffside bar perched on rugged cliffs above the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. The winding white staircases and seating areas are built into the natural rock formations, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean. The sunlight illuminates the cliffs, enhancing their rich, earthy tones.
    Cova d’en Xoroi

Cova d’en Xoroi

The most iconic drinking spot on the island, this cliffside bar offers unbeatable panoramic sea views. When you enter Cova d’en Xoroi, you’ll make your way through winding underground tunnels that lead to caves with seating areas underneath the rocks and outdoor balconies.

This bar is open daily with two sessions. The first is between 3–4.30 pm with a €12.90 entrance fee (this includes one soft drink, wine or beer) and €6.90 for children aged 2-11 years. The second sunset session starts at 5 pm for those over 18 years old only with a €25 entrance fee which includes an alcoholic drink.

After the sun dips beyond the horizon, a musical performance will begin, either a live band or DJ set, you can check out the upcoming live music schedule here.

Tickets can be bought online at covadenxoroi.com. You’d probably be fine buying tickets on the door on weekdays however for weekends and during the summer season, make sure to buy in advance to avoid missing out.

  • The image shows a lively gathering of people at an outdoor terrace of Cova d'en Xoroi, a cliffside bar overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. The terrace is built into the rocky cliff, featuring a wooden frame with a light canopy for shade. The vibrant scene captures visitors enjoying the unique views and atmosphere, with the steep cliffs and ocean waves below creating a dramatic backdrop.
  • The image depicts a woman in a light-colored dress walking down terracotta steps towards an outdoor seating area at Cova d'en Xoroi, a cliffside bar in Menorca. The bar's seating is covered with white sunshades, with a wooden railing and beams adding to the rustic charm. The background reveals the expansive view of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding rocky cliff.

Popular activities in Menorca

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Mahón

Don’t skip spending a few hours in Mahón, the historic capital of Menorca. Mahón has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. From the port of Mahón, you can hop on a shuttle boat to Hauser & Wirth gallery – a must-do activity while in Menorca.

After you visit the gallery, take some time to stroll through Mahón’s old town. Be sure to visit the Mercat del Claustre, a historic market housed in a former monastery, offering local cheeses, meats, and fresh produce.

I recommend stopping for a drink from Jardí de ses Bruixes Cafè which has a lush courtyard filled with greenery and grabbing a few pastries for the road from the bakery, Pigalle – they do the best crossaints!

  • The image depicts a grand stone staircase leading up to colorful historic buildings in Mahón, Menorca. Tall palm trees line the steps, adding a tropical touch to the scene, while lush greenery surrounds the path. The warm yellow and earthy tones of the buildings, coupled with the bright blue sky, create a vibrant and inviting Mediterranean atmosphere.
    Mahón, capital of Menorca
  • The image captures a cozy outdoor seating area at the Jardí de ses Bruixes Café in Mahón, Menorca. The space is filled with lush greenery, including trees that provide shade to wooden tables and chairs. Elegant chandeliers hang from above, adding a touch of sophistication to the rustic courtyard setting. A balcony with blue shutters overlooks the garden, enhancing the charming and intimate ambiance of this hidden café.
    Jardí de ses Bruixes Cafè
  • The image shows an outdoor seating area at Bodegas Binifadet Winery in Menorca, set alongside a row of lush grapevines. Wooden spool tables and rustic chairs are arranged on a ground covered with bark mulch, providing a relaxed spot for visitors to enjoy the vineyard views. A traditional dry stone wall and mature trees frame the scene, while the clear blue sky with scattered clouds adds to the serene countryside atmosphere.
    The vineyards at Bodegas Binifadet

Bodegas Binifadet Winery

Bodegas Binifadet is a family-owned winery, nestled in the countryside of Menorca, just a quick 10-minute drive from Mahón airport. Here you can do guided tours of their vineyards which sprawl over 13 hectares.

During the tour, you’ll learn about their winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Menorcan wines due to the windy climate of the island.

The 1-hour tour is great value at €16 per person, which includes a wine-tasting session featuring their three glasses of their signature white, rosé, and red. You can also book a wine & cheese pairing for €32 per person. Book your visit at binifadet.com

The winery also boasts a beautiful al fresco restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a glass of their finest vintage, all while soaking in views of the lush vineyards. 

  • The image shows a hand holding a glass of white wine, raised against the backdrop of a sunny outdoor seating area at Bodegas Binifadet Winery in Menorca. The scene is framed by lush greenery, sun umbrellas, and wooden tables, creating a relaxed atmosphere for a wine-tasting experience. The bright sunlight filters through the leaves, highlighting the golden hue of the wine and the inviting vineyard setting beyond.
    Wine tasting at Bodegas Binifadet
  • The image features an inviting outdoor dining area at Bodegas Binifadet Winery's restaurant in Menorca. A round wooden table with chairs is set beneath a large umbrella, providing shade amidst the greenery. Surrounding grapevines and lush plants create a tranquil atmosphere, while a stone pathway and traditional dry stone walls add rustic charm. The scene is bright with natural light, offering a picturesque view of the vineyard landscape.
    Restaurant at Bodegas Binifadet
  • The image captures a traditional market building in Ciutadella, Menorca. The exterior features green and white checkered tiles, arched doorways, and large green shutters, creating a classic Mediterranean aesthetic. Inside, a market stall displays cured meats and other local delicacies. The scene is bathed in warm sunlight, with shadows casting patterns on the red-tiled floor, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of this historic market area.
    Plaça des Born markets in Ciutadella
  • The image showcases the courtyard of the Bishop's Palace in Ciutadella, Menorca. A woman in a flowing white skirt and a light top strolls through a garden filled with blooming purple flowers. The scene is framed by an elegant stone staircase leading to an arched terrace, featuring classic Mediterranean architecture with warm sandstone tones. The sunlight highlights the details of the building's arches and lush greenery, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.
    Bishop’s Palace Courtyard
  • The image shows the exterior of Better Coffee Co., a charming coffee shop in Ciutadella, Menorca. The café is housed in a whitewashed building with dark green shutters, set against a cobblestone street. The entrance features a wooden-framed sign, potted plants, and a pair of director's chairs for outdoor seating. A classic black lantern adds to the quaint, inviting atmosphere of this cozy corner spot.
    Better Coffee Co.

Ciutadella de Menorca

Ciutadella, located on the western side of the island, is a charming medieval city with bustling squares and picture-perfect moments at every turn.

Once the capital of Menorca, Ciutadella retains much of its historical charm, with highlights such as the Cathedral of Menorca and the Plaça des Born, a fish/meat market surrounded by lively cafes and bars. Also, make sure to pop into the beautiful Bishop’s Palace Courtyard (location here) next to the Cathedral, it’s small however entry is free so it’s don’t miss it.

I recommend visiting in the morning and spending a few hours sans Google Maps and getting lost in the narrow streets. However, don’t miss navigating your way to Better Coffee Co for a caffeine hit and the best cookies available on the island.

  • The image captures a peaceful street scene in Ciutadella, Menorca, featuring a grand stone church with a rose window and elegant columns at its entrance. The warm, golden light of the sun illuminates the intricate stonework, highlighting the historic architecture. A cobblestone street leads to the church, with a classic lantern and a wooden bench adding to the old-world charm of the surroundings. The scene is serene, reflecting the timeless beauty of the town.
  • The image shows the exterior of Ca Na Riera, a quaint market shop in Ciutadella, Menorca. The building is painted a soft yellow with red accents around the windows, which have dark green shutters. Under a beige awning, the shop displays a colorful assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables in wooden crates and baskets, inviting passersby to browse the local produce. A classic lantern hangs beside the entrance, adding to the traditional charm of this corner market.

Sunset Viewpoint: Pont d’en Gil

For the best sunset viewpoint in Menorca, head to Pont d’en Gil, a stunning natural rock arch located along the island’s rugged western coastline. This natural wonder creates a picturesque frame for the setting sun as it dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the turquoise waters.

Pont d’en Gil is easily accessible by car, simply park up and then it’s a short 10-minute hike to the viewpoint. It’s very rocky (although safe) walk, so just don’t rock up wearing flip flops.

You can park here for free, however, it gets very full so I recommend arriving at least 1 hour before sunset to secure a spot.

Bring a bottle of cava and take a picnic with you! Or you can even pick up some takeaway pizza from the nearby Restaurante Haití.

  • The image captures a stunning sunset view at Pont d'en Gil in Menorca, where the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The natural rock arch extends into the water, creating a dramatic coastal scene. Below, small groups of people can be seen gathered along the rocky cliffs, enjoying the serene atmosphere. A boat floats nearby, completing this picturesque seaside landscape.
    Sunset at Pont d’en Gil
  • Macarelleta – most beautiful beach in Menorca
  • The image features a woman standing on a rocky path overlooking Macarelleta Beach in Menorca. She gazes out at the turquoise waters below, where swimmers enjoy the serene cove. The path is bordered by rustic wooden railings, and the surrounding landscape is lush with pine trees and greenery. The bright, sunny day highlights the vibrant colors of the beach, creating a picturesque view of this Mediterranean paradise.
    Macarelleta
  • The image captures a closer view of Macarelleta Beach in Menorca, highlighting the clear turquoise water where people are swimming and enjoying the refreshing sea. The sandy shore is lined with sunbathers and colorful umbrellas, while the rocky cliffs and lush vegetation frame the cove. The sunlight dances on the water, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a day of relaxation in this beautiful Mediterranean setting.
    Turquoise waters at Macarelleta

Best Beaches in Menorca

  • Macarelleta
  • Cala Macarella
  • Cala en Brut 
  • Cala Trebulager
  • Cala Escorxada
  • Clot de Sa Cera
  • Cala Fustam
  • Cala Galdana
  • Cala Mitjana
  • Cala Es Canutells
  • The image shows an aerial view of Cala Macarella, a stunning beach in Menorca. The cove is surrounded by rocky cliffs and dense green forest, with crystal-clear turquoise waters flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. The beach itself is dotted with colorful umbrellas and sunbathers enjoying the sunny day. Several boats are anchored in the calm bay, adding to the idyllic and serene atmosphere of this beautiful coastal landscape.
    Cala Macarella
  • The image features a serene scene at Cala Es Canutells in Menorca, with a woman sitting on a wooden boardwalk that extends over the turquoise waters of the cove. The boardwalk curves gently, leading towards the rocky cliffs covered in lush greenery. A few boats float in the calm water, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. The woman sits with a beach bag beside her, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the bright, sunny day.
    Boardwalk at Cala Es Canutells
  • The image shows a woman descending a set of stone steps towards the turquoise waters of Cala Es Canutells in Menorca. The steps are lined with rustic wooden railings, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain. In the background, small boats float in the clear, calm cove, with the rugged cliffs and verdant hills framing the serene beach scene. A bright, sunny day enhances the natural beauty of this peaceful coastal spot.
    Stairs down to Cala Es Canutells

Best Restaurants in Menorca

💧 = Sea views

$$$

Ivette 💧
(Spanish/Mediterranean)

Nonna Bazaar 💧
(Mediterranean)

Mon Restaurant
(Modern Cuisine)

En Caragol 💧 (Spanish/Mediterranean)

$$$

Coral 💧
(Mediterranean)

Enricana 💧(Japanese/Mediterranean)

Es Cranc
(Seafood)

$$$$

Godai
(Contemporary Japanese)

Santa Mariana
(Creative Fine Dining)

  • The image showcases a luxurious dining setup at Villa Le Blanc, with a stunning view of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea in the background. The table is adorned with various seafood dishes, including a plate of grilled shellfish, a bowl of mussels, and a beautifully plated fish dish. Accompanying the seafood are fresh bread, dips, and a vibrant tomato salad. The scene is bathed in sunlight, with white parasols and plush lounge chairs visible on the lawn below, creating an elegant and relaxing coastal dining experience.
    S’Amarador at Villa le Blanc
  • The image features an inviting spread of dishes on an outdoor table at a restaurant in Menorca. The setting includes two glasses of vibrant orange cocktails garnished with lime, alongside plates of various tapas like grilled meat with a lime wedge, tomato-topped bread, a fresh watermelon salad with crumbled cheese, and a colorful quinoa salad. The wooden table and surrounding greenery create a relaxed, sunlit dining experience, perfect for enjoying Mediterranean flavors al fresco.
    Restaurant at Menorca Experimental

Best Hotels in Menorca

💧 = has a pool
☀️ = beachfront/walking distance to beach
🌿 = spa facilities

$

Cristine Bedfor 💧

Ses Sucreres 💧

Hotel Rural Biniarroca 💧

Hotel Menorca Binibeca 💧☀️

$$

Villa Le Blanc 💧☀️🌿

Menorca Experimental 💧🌿

Morvedra Nou 💧

Amagatay Menorca 💧

Santa Ponsa Fontenille 💧🌿

$$$

Faustino Gran 💧🌿

Torralbenc 💧🌿

Cap Menorca

Torre Vella Fontenille 💧

Kelsey’s top Hotel pick
  • The image captures a luxurious poolside scene at Villa Le Blanc in Menorca, with the bright blue Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. The modern hotel features a large, sparkling pool surrounded by shaded cabanas and sun loungers, offering guests a perfect spot to relax. Elegant outdoor dining areas and terraces overlook the sea, while palm trees and manicured greenery enhance the resort's serene, coastal atmosphere. The scene is bathed in warm sunlight, creating an inviting and tranquil setting.

Villa le Blanc

3 swimming pools

SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE

6 RESTAURANTS & BARS

Rooms from £160/night

beachfront location

dog friendly rooms

view rooms at VILLA LE BLANC

Villa le Blanc is located on the beach of Santo Tomás on the south coast of Menorca, surrounded by turquoise waters and garden landscapes with direct sea access.

This stunning hotel has three main swimming pools, the main open air pool surrounded by Bali beds, a chic rooftop pool and an indoor pool as part of their Thai Wellness Area. There’s a 24 hour fitness studio as well as an amazing Kids Club available for the little ones. Guests can also explore the island complimentary use of an Audi Q8 e-Tron during their stay. 

There’s six restaurant & bars to experience at Villa le Blanc where you can delight in Menorcan flavours and fresh, local ingredients. The hotel’s signature restaurant, S’Amarador, serves a delicious mix of Mediterranean and sensational seafood dishes, with an emphasis on local produce. You can sample various Menorcan wines and a selection of Formaje cheeses at Sao and enjoy small bites and craft cocktails by the pool or on the rooftop. 

  • The image depicts an elegant outdoor dining area at Villa Le Blanc, Menorca, overlooking a stunning coastal view. Wooden chairs with light cushions are arranged around tables under large beige sun umbrellas, offering a comfortable and stylish space to enjoy a meal. The scene is framed by glass railings, allowing unobstructed views of the turquoise sea and the rocky shoreline in the distance. The bright, sunny day enhances the relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere of this seaside retreat.
  • The image showcases a stylish interior of a suite at Villa Le Blanc, Menorca, with a modern, minimalistic design. A round marble table with light wooden chairs is placed near floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to a stunning ocean view. Above the table hangs a woven rattan pendant light, adding a natural touch to the space. The bright sunlight fills the room, highlighting the clean lines, soft textures, and the inviting coastal ambiance. A potted plant on the table adds a touch of greenery to the serene setting.

The interior design throughout Villa le Blanc is the epitome of coastal chic, drawing inspiration from the island’s natural beauty. Each suite is flooded with natural light, featuring soft, neutral tones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private terraces with panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

We stayed in the Ocean Suite Sea View which has a large tub on the balcony and free standing bath inside the room. Our suite comes with a personalised butler device which includes, unpacking & packing of our luggage & help with managing our reservations. Rooms start at £160 per night, with pet friendly rooms available and parking included.

book your stay at VILLA LE BLANC
  • The image shows an elegant indoor spa area at Villa Le Blanc in Menorca, featuring a serene swimming pool surrounded by modern decor. The ceiling has warm wood paneling that contrasts with the white walls, creating a cozy yet airy ambiance. Natural light filters in through large windows, offering a glimpse of outdoor greenery and sun umbrellas. The space is adorned with potted plants and comfortable seating, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
    Spa at Villa le Blanc

Map of Menorca

Here’s a map of all the places in Menorca mentioned in this post. 

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A stunning view of Caló des Moro in Mallorca, showcasing a secluded beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery. The crystal-clear turquoise waters are filled with swimmers, while sunbathers relax on the sandy shore below. The natural beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem are highlighted by the dramatic landscape and inviting sea.

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