Menorca Travel Guide: Best things to do in Menorca

The island of Menorca is one of the Balearic islands located off the coast of Spain.

It’s home to over 200km of coastline, the world’s second largest natural harbour, an art gallery on its own island and one of Europe’s coolest bars.

After visiting Mallorca several times and absolutely falling in love with it, I was so excited to visit Menorca and see how it compares.

This Menorca travel guide is based on my trip to the island, where I spent 4 days exploring beaches, towns, restaurants and bars!

In this guide I’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Menorca, including the best time to go, how to get around, where to stay, and the best things to do whilst you’re there.

What’s the best month to visit Menorca?

I’d recommend visiting Menorca during the shoulder season (April-May and September-October).

Summer in Menorca is VERY busy, very hot, and prices for hotels and flights go up a lot.

If you can travel outside of peak season, it’s a much more enjoyable experience.

I visited Menorca at the start of October and the temperature was between 24-26°C each day. Perfect for exploring and still warm enough to take a dip in the sea.

Bear in mind though, that a lot of restaurants, bars and beach clubs start to close down in October, so make sure you check opening times before you travel.

A woman in a white crochet dress stands on a rocky viewpoint overlooking a secluded beach with turquoise waters and lush green trees surrounding the cove. Small groups of people enjoy the water and sand below, while a few boats float near the shore under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

How many days do you need in Menorca?

I’d recommend at least 4 full days in Menorca.

It’s not a huge island, but there’s a LOT of coastline to explore, and 4 days gives you enough time to explore at a leisurely pace.

Is it worth visiting Menorca?

Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting Menorca. After being such a die hard Mallorca fan, I was worried that Menorca wouldn’t compare, but it absolutely does.

It’s a laidback, quiet island, with stunning beaches, great restaurants and bars, design-led hotels and charming towns.

Getting to Menorca

There’s only one airport in Menorca, and flights from London take around 2.5 hours.

You can get a direct flight from London to Menorca from the start of March to the end of November.

Outside of these months you’ll need to fly via Barcelona.

If you’re coming from the US, you’ll most likely need to stop in Madrid or Barcelona.

Menorca airport is just a 12 minute drive to Mahón, the capital city, and there’s a direct bus that will take you into the town.

Getting around Menorca

By car

I’d strongly suggest h iring a car for your trip to Menorca, as it’ll give you more flexibility to explore the island in your own time.

The majority of beaches have car parks right next to them, and they’re usually free, which takes a lot of the stress out of driving.

The roads in Menorca are generally pretty good, with the exception of some narrow, windy roads en route to the more remote coves and beaches. But it’s mostly a very easy island to navigate.

A curving road stretches through a green, hilly landscape under a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. Vegetation lines both sides of the road, with shrubs and small trees covering the gentle slopes, evoking a peaceful, open-road vibe on a sunny day. The view is framed by the edge of a car dashboard, hinting at a scenic drive. — Roads in Menorca

I hired a car for my trip to Menorca and it only cost £40 for 4 days, so it’s really affordable, especially if you’re travelling in a group!

I always book my hire cars through Discover Cars. They compare the costs of loads of different providers to help you find the cheapest option for your trip.

By bus

If you don’t want to drive, there is a bus service that runs between the towns and to some of the beaches.

Buses will be more frequent during the summer months, I’d recommend checking the timetables here.

By taxi

There are licensed taxi’s in Menorca, and you’ll find taxi ranks in most of the towns.

I’d recommend getting the number of a local taxi company so you can call one if you’re visiting more remote beaches, or ask your hotel to organise it for you.

There’s no Uber in Menorca.

Things to do in Menorca

Go beach hopping

Menorca is home to over 200km of coastline, so obviously my number one recommendation for your trip is to spend some time at the beach.

There’s literally a beach for everyone here, with more rugged and wild beaches in the North of the island, and more accessible, family-friendly beaches in the South.

My favourite beaches in Menorca are Cala Macarelleta , Cala en brut, and Es Canutells.

Cala Macarelleta

Cala Macarelleta is arguably the most stunning beach in Menorca. It’s a small cove with bright blue water enclosed by large towering cliffs.

An aerial view of a secluded cove with vibrant turquoise waters bordered by lush, green cliffs on a Mediterranean coastline. Several boats, including a large catamaran, float in the bay, while a sandy beach tucked into the landscape offers a peaceful escape for visitors. The scene stretches to the deep blue sea and a distant horizon under a bright, partly cloudy sky. — **Cala Macarelleta**

To get here you’ll need to park in this car park. It’s free, but make sure you arrive early to beat the crowds.

If you get there when the car park is full, they shut the road off and you’ll need to go to Cala Galdana and walk from there (which takes a lot longer).

From the car park, it’s a 15 minute walk to the first beach, Cala Macarella, and then another 15 minutes to Cala Macarelleta.

I’d suggest carrying straight on to Cala Macarelleta as it’s a much nicer beach, but bear in mind that there’s no amenities there so make sure you bring snacks or pick something up from the restaurant at Cala Macarella.

Es Canutells

Located on the southeast coast of the island, Es Canutells is a small sandy beach with shallow waters, making it great for families.

An aerial view of a serene, turquoise cove surrounded by rugged, green-clad cliffs and bordered by the deep blue sea. Small boats dot the calm waters near a rocky jetty that extends from the shoreline, while the expansive landscape and clear sky evoke a tranquil Mediterranean atmosphere. The scene captures a hidden coastal inlet blending natural beauty with a touch of human presence. — **Es Canutells**

My favourite part of this beach is the boardwalk that runs around the cliff – it’s a great sunbathing spot, and also provides access to the rocks if you prefer to lounge there.

You can park here for free.

Cala en Brut

Just a short drive from Ciutadella is Cala en Brut. There’s no sand here, but there’s plenty of sunbathing platforms surrounding the cove.

An aerial view of a narrow, turquoise inlet surrounded by rocky cliffs and lush greenery, with swimmers enjoying the clear water below. Stone pathways with rustic railings line both sides of the inlet, providing viewpoints and sunbathing spots for visitors. The vibrant sea contrasts with the rugged, natural landscape, capturing a peaceful Mediterranean retreat. — Cala en Brut

The water is so clear and calm, but I did see a lot of jellyfish on my visit, so just be careful.

Again parking is free, on the road directly next to the cove.

Visit a winery

The lady taking our winery tour told us that Menorca has the perfect climate for growing grapes, and therefore producing wine.

A cozy outdoor dining area features round wooden tables with simple place settings, shaded by large white umbrellas fringed with tassels. Surrounded by lush greenery and leafy trees, the seating area exudes a relaxed, natural ambiance under a partly sunny sky, perfect for an al fresco meal.

It’s slap bang in the middle of the ideal latitude range (the range is between 30-50 degrees and Menorca sits at 40), has ideal soil, and the perfect climate for delicious wine.

So it would almost be rude not to visit a winery whilst you’re here, right?

I did a tour at Bodegas Binifadet, a family run winery that sits on a beautiful 13 hectare farm.

They offer lots of different tours – I did the guided tour and wine tasting, which I thought was excellent value for money at just €16.

For that price you get a 1 hour tour where you’ll learn about their wine production and you’ll get to try 3 different wines.

After your tour, you can enjoy lunch in their stunning restaurant, located on a terrace surrounded by trees and vineyards.

The menu uses local produce and is of course paired with their delicious wines.

Binibeca Vell

When I first saw a picture of Binibeca Vell I honestly thought it was Santorini.

A woman in a flowing white dress stands on a sunlit cobblestone pathway amidst charming whitewashed buildings with rustic wooden shutters. She carries a woven bag, blending into the serene Mediterranean village scene with its smooth stucco walls, warm natural textures, and bright, blue sky above. The setting evokes a peaceful and timeless ambiance, perfect for a leisurely stroll. — Binibeca Vell

This charming fisherman’s village is made up of narrow, winding streets lined with white houses, and it really does feel as though you’re in Greece.

And that’s deliberate. It’s actually a resort that was built in the 1960s, intended to resemble a fishing village.

You can park for free here (get there early to get a space), and it’s then just a short walk to the village.

You’ll walk past a few restaurants and bars, and there’s a number of entrances to the fishing village tucked away behind them.

The most obvious one is opposite this Spar supermarket.

Mahón

Mahón is the capital of Menorca, and as mentioned earlier, it’s only a short drive from the airport, so it’ll probably be the first place you visit.

A vibrant town square is surrounded by colorful buildings with green-shuttered windows, ranging from mustard yellow to terracotta red. A tall church tower rises in the background, while a large tree and bustling outdoor cafes bring life to the scene under a partly cloudy sky. The area exudes a lively Mediterranean charm, inviting people to gather and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. — Mahon centre

It’s home to the second largest natural harbour in the world (the largest is Pearl Harbour in Hawaii).

Don’t miss the Mercat de Pescados (the fish market).

The building dates back to 1927 and still operates as a traditional fish market, but it also has tapas, pinchos (small snacks) and beers available to buy.

There’s seating both inside and outside and it’s a real opportunity to soak up the local way of life.

Another must see in Mahón is Xoriguer Gin Factory. Their gin recipe dates back to the 1700s and it’s now shipped all around the world.

You can take a guided tour of the distillery or just do what I did and buy a bottle to take home with you.

Hauser and Wirth gallery

Hauser and Wirth run modern art galleries around the world (I’m already a big fan of their Somerset location), but their Menorca gallery sits on its very own island which is just about the coolest thing ever.

A modern outdoor entryway labeled “Hauser & Wirth” features a mix of rustic stone walls and sleek white arches, framed by lush landscaping with trees and cacti. The serene space combines natural textures and contemporary design elements, set under a clear, sunlit sky. — Hauser and Wirth art gallery

This is probably Menorca’s most popular attraction, and it was my favourite thing I did on my trip.

It’s only accessible by boat, which you get from Mahon harbour, and the journey takes around 15 minutes.

The boat leaves every hour and a return ticket is €10. Entry to the gallery is free.

A bright yellow tour boat labeled "Illa del Rei" glides across a calm, blue bay with a hillside dotted with colorful houses in the background. The lush landscape and clear sky provide a picturesque setting for the boat's journey, capturing a leisurely coastal vibe on a sunny day. The scene reflects a peaceful exploration of the coastal surroundings. — Boat to Hauser and Wirth

If you’re visiting Menorca in the summer months, I’d recommend buying your boat ticket in advance as it gets very busy.

You could easily spend a whole morning here viewing the exhibitions, and exploring the stunning gardens.

I’d recommend staying for lunch at Cantina, their restaurant and bar located in an olive tree forest.

Ciutadella

Ciutadella was my favourite town in Menorca, packed full of historical buildings and bundles of charm.

A historic stone fortress with ivy-covered walls overlooks a calm marina where small boats are moored in the water below. The fortress, adorned with arches and palm trees, stands tall under a clear sky, reflecting a blend of architectural grandeur and maritime charm. The scene captures the serene beauty of a waterfront heritage site. — Ciutadella Port

It’s the former capital of the island, and has a large port, winding streets, and a great selection of coffee shops, restaurants and bars.

Don’t miss the Bishop’s Palace Courtyard, a peaceful space in the heart of the old town. Entry is free.

A peaceful courtyard features an elegant stone staircase leading to an arched veranda, with lush greenery surrounding the scene. A woman dressed in a flowing orange outfit stands on the steps, adding a touch of color against the warm tones of the historic architecture. A decorative well sits in the foreground, enhancing the timeless charm of this secluded space.

There’s another great market in Ciutadella – the Mercat Municipal. Here you’ll find lots of great wine bars and tapas joints, and it’s a great place to stop and people watch.

Fornells

On the north of the island, is the sleepier village of Fornells. There’s not as much to see here as in Ciutadella and Mahón, but if you’re a seafood fan, you need to come here to enjoy some of the freshest fish on the island.

A charming waterfront scene with boats moored in a calm harbor, bordered by whitewashed buildings and palm trees. Cafés and restaurants, including one labeled "El Pescador," line the promenade, while a hillside rises in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The tranquil setting captures the relaxed vibe of a Mediterranean coastal town. — Fornells

Pont d’en Gil (sunset)

Pont d’en Gil is a natural rock bridge located on the west coast of Menorca, and it’s the most popular place to watch sunset on the island.

A dramatic sunset over the sea paints the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon. In the foreground, a rugged rock formation with a natural arch silhouette contrasts against the vibrant sky, creating a peaceful coastal scene. — Sunset at Pont d’en Gil

You can park for free on the street, and you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes to reach the sunset viewpoint. The colours of sunset here are absolutely breathtaking!

Where to eat and drink in Menorca

Cova d’en Xoroi

The one bar you absolutely cannot miss in Menorca is Cova d’en Xoroi – a bar that’s built into the side of the cliff.

This bar is actually what made me want to come to Menorca in the first place after I’d seen pictures of it online and it didn’t disappoint.

A breathtaking cliffside pathway winds along towering limestone cliffs above the deep blue sea, leading to a series of terraces with seating areas nestled into the rock face. The rugged natural setting, combined with human-made structures, provides panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs, creating a dramatic and picturesque coastal escape. — Cova d’en Xoroi bar

You’ll need a ticket to visit the bar, which you can buy ahead of time here, and you can choose to visit in the day or for the sunset session.

Tickets for the daytime cost €12.90 for an adult and €6.00 for a child, and you’ll get to visit the bar between 3pm and 4:30pm.

I visited for the sunset session which I’d really recommend. This ticket costs €25.00 for an adult (children aren’t allowed in the evenings), and gets you access from 5pm – close.

A woman descends terracotta steps along a cliffside pathway leading to a scenic seaside bar with shaded seating areas. The dramatic limestone cliffs and expansive view of the deep blue ocean create a stunning backdrop, capturing a tranquil, sunlit ambiance as visitors explore this unique coastal setting.

A hand holds a refreshing drink garnished with mint and ice against the backdrop of a sunny ocean view. The cozy seating area features natural wood furniture under a shaded canopy, offering a relaxing spot to enjoy the coastal scenery on a bright day. The scene reflects a perfect blend of leisure and nature by the sea.

Every evening there’s either a DJ or a live band, and you’ll get to watch the sunset from one of the most unique venues in Europe.

The ticket price includes a soft drink, beer or a spirit and a mixer, or you can pay an extra €4.00 for a cocktail, which is what I went for and I enjoyed a delicious Hugo Spritz.

Menorca Experimental

Menorca Experimental is part of the Experimental group of hotels, known for their bright colours and quirky design. And it’s a brilliant place for lunch in Menorca.

A rustic wooden table is set with vibrant Mediterranean dishes, including watermelon salad, tomato bruschetta, and dips, accompanied by two glasses of refreshing yellow drinks. The table overlooks a luxurious pool area with sun loungers and shaded seating, framed by lush greenery under the warm sunlight. The scene exudes a relaxing summer vibe, perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal by the poolside. — My lunch at Menorca Experimental

They have a stunning terrace overlooking the pool which is the perfect setting for a sunny day, and their menu is made up of sharing dishes. Everything is really fresh and the service is super quick.

Morvedra Nou

Another beautiful hotel on the island, I’d definitely recommend having lunch here during your trip. The hotel is located on a former farm and it’s set amongst acres of fields, wildflowers and stunning gardens.

The restaurant itself sits amongst the trees and feels so romantic. They serve a delicious Mediterranean menu with a focus on local ingredients.

A beautifully set outdoor table features an array of Mediterranean dishes, including fresh salads, grilled fish, and vibrant appetizers, accompanied by two glasses of orange-hued drinks. The table is shaded by trees and surrounded by lush greenery, creating a cozy and inviting al fresco dining experience under soft natural light. The striped tablecloth and amber glassware add a rustic charm to the elegant meal. — My lunch at Morvedra Nou

I’d recommend coming here for lunch after spending the morning at Cala Macarelleta, as you literally drive past the hotel on your way back.

Where to stay in Menorca

I stayed at Villa Le Blanc on my trip to Menorca, and I’d really recommend it for your trip.

An aerial view of a coastal resort complex with modern buildings, swimming pools, and landscaped gardens overlooking clear turquoise waters. The resort sits on a rocky shoreline and is surrounded by lush greenery and residential areas, creating a luxurious seaside getaway in a beautiful natural setting. — Villa Le Blanc

It has a modern design, and all of the rooms are bright and spacious, with some having their own hot tubs or swimming pools on the balcony.

There’s a large swimming pool for all guests, as well as a separate pool on the adults-only rooftop, plus a spa with an indoor pool and treatment rooms.

Plus, there’s 6 restaurants and bars, free valet parking, and one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had in a long time.

check prices here

A woman relaxes in a bubbling outdoor hot tub, sipping a drink as she gazes out over a scenic coastal view. The wooden deck and natural decor elements frame the serene scene, with palm trees and a softly lit sunset over the ocean adding to the tranquil ambiance.

It’s ideally located on the southern coast of Menorca, in the middle of most of the places mentioned on this guide.

I personally think it’s a lot nicer to stay in a beachfront hotel like this where you get incredible views, than to stay in the middle of a town like Mahón or Ciutadella.

Final thoughts

Thanks for reading my Menorca travel guide, I hope it helps you plan your trip to this beautiful island.

Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner or as a family, Menorca has something for everyone.

From its breathtaking beaches to historic towns, I have no doubt you’ll fall in love with it in the same way I have.

Leave me a comment below if you’ve visited Menorca, I’d love to know what you thought of it!