Is this the Balearics' most enchanting island? Everything you need to know about Menorca
- Peregryn travel writers
- 11 minutes ago
- 8 min read
The most serene and unspoiled of the Balearic Islands, Menorca offers a unique rural charm that sets it apart from its more vibrant neighbors. While Ibiza, Mallorca, and even Formentera entice visitors with a faster pace and bustling energy, Menorca has been quietly cultivating its reputation as a truly exceptional island getaway.
There is a plethora of places to visit in Menorca, and with its unique laid-back charm, this enchanting island might just be the very best of the Balearics.
Historically, Menorca had always been more of a farming community than a bona fide travel destination. But since the island started to embrace travelers in the 1970s and 1980s this has changed. With steady, sustainable growth, Menorca has been able to take a boutique approach to tourism, with smaller scale hotels catering for sophisticated travelers.
New direct flights from New York and Miami to Mallorca have led more people to discover the beauty of the Balearics. And with Menorca just a short ferry ride away (it can take as little as one hour, depending on the ferry you choose), it’s well worth a visit.
Over its long storied history, Menorca has been a frequent crosspoint for all kinds of cultures due, in no small part, to its strategic western Mediterranean location. The earliest inhabitants can be traced back to the early Bronze Age (2000 BCE), an era known as the pre-talayotic period. These original settlers constructed huge stone constructions known as talayots, which you can still see dotted throughout the island today.
Menorca later became part of the Roman Empire, before being conquered by everyone from pirates, Vikings, Moors and Christians to the British and Spanish. This wide-ranging cultural influence is just one of the things that makes Menorca so fascinating.
Why we love Menorca
It's protected
Menorca’s community has strong bonds with its traditions. On this island, you’ll find a pride that runs deep, a pride that’s connected to nature. This is reflected by the island’s protected status – it was declared a biosphere reserve by Unesco in 1993 in recognition of its balance between economic development, environmental conservation and protected cultural heritage.
This makes all development on the island focused on preserving the natural beauty of the island, safeguarding the surrounding sea, and the land’s fauna and flora.
The Talayotic ruins are a Unesco World Heritage Site
One of the top things to see in Menorca, the Talayotic ruins are a reminder of how the island’s earliest inhabitants lived. These unique archeological remains showcase a unique culture, distinct from other ancient communities around the Mediterranean basin.
With a number of incredible ancient settlements dotted around the island, mainly on its southern side, Menorca offers an intriguing glimpse into a distant past. The likes of the Poblat Talaiòtic de Trepucó, the Torre d'en Galmés and the Calescoves necropolis are some of the most remarkable archaeological settings in Europe.
It’s compact
Menorca is wonderfully compact, meaning it's a breeze to get around. The airport is a mere 15-minute drive to the city center, while traversing the whole island takes around 40 minutes by car.
And it’s certainly worth exploring the whole island. Rather aptly, the island is bookended by two tremendous little cities, Mahon, the capital, with its British and Spanish influences, elegant architecture, and labyrinthine streets lined with stylish boutiques; and Ciudatella, the former capital of the island, with an idyllic harbor teeming with fantastic restaurants and buzzing fish market, as well as the imposing 14th century Gothic cathedral.
The beaches are beautiful
From the wild, rugged beauty of the northern beaches to the soft sandy seclusion of the blissful beaches of the south, there’s a wide selection of wonderful beaches to choose from in Menorca.
Son Bou, Cala Macarella and Cala Galdana are all magnificent, with shimmering sea and soft sands complemented by excellent beach facilities. Venture out to the northern region for the windswept beauty of Cala Pregonda, or south to Cala Trebalúger, for secluded paradise. See below for our guide to Menorca's best beaches.
You can hike the Cami de Cavalls
Menorca is a true hiker’s paradise. Head to the Cami de Cavalls for the best way to discover the island's terrain. It’s a pathway that has a lot of history, but with a meaning that goes deeper for the locals. This is where Menorcan knights guarded the island from invaders.
Along its 20 distinct sections you’ll uncover all manner of surprises as you traverse the rocky coastline, rolling valleys and lush wetlands, passing historic lighthouses and Talayotic ruins and secluded coves, getting a deeper insight into the landscape of this exceptional place.
The art galleries are exceptional
Finally, learn how Menorca’s history and its natural beauty influences its artists.
The Hauser & Wirth gallery – newly opened in 2021 in a former British naval hospital on Kings Island, in Mahon harbor – is a dazzling project that showcases world class art, serene gardens and a delightful gastronomic offering.
Also in Mahon harbor is ATICA, a small, independent gallery with a focus on the work of local artists. Another newly opened space, the Cayón Gallery showcases impressive modern art exhibitions while contemporary art gallery LÔAC, in the whitewashed town of Alaior, exhibits the work of well-known Spanish artists including Joan Miró and Eduardo Arroyo.
Where to stay in Menorca
From beautiful beach hotels and elegant city spots to glorious rural escapes, there is a range of great accommodation in Menorca.
Translating loosely as “hidden place”, this rural getaway is a fusion of laid-back bohemian elan and daydream luxury. Set on a 19th-century farm, you’ll drift away during the day, with Balinese beds and yoga sessions, while at night the twinkling lights, serene atmosphere and amazing on-site food will leave you in a state of bliss.
A mesmerising 18th-century farmhouse, Son Vell brings rustic, refined luxury. It’s one of the best new Menorca luxury hotels, with an elegant neo-classical design, a striking rosy-hued stone façade, beautiful landscaped gardens, and incredible interiors that include original beamed ceilings.
Another new luxury rustic retreat, Son Blanc is all about natural designs that blend with the surrounding landscape, adding to the sense of tranquility. The marvelous restaurant serves food sourced from the farm next door, while the infinity pool affords maximum luxury and magnificent views along the coast.
A fabulous four-star retreat surrounded by fruit trees and olive groves, Ses Talaies provides a blissful escape, just a stone’s throw from the island’s historic capital, Ciutadella. Large tasteful rooms with their own terraces and a large relaxing pool are standout features.
Tucked away down a side street in Mahon, you’ll find this flamboyant pink palatial hotel. Dating back to 1790, it’s a real show of aristocratic elegance, with artwork, French furnishings and a sun-drenched roof terrace.
Located right in the heart of Ciutedella’s fabled Old Town, the Nou Sant Antoni is perfectly placed for those who want to be right next to the best restaurants, bars and shopping opportunities in Menorca.
Hotels in Menorca don’t get much more stylish than this. A short stroll from Santo Tomás beach, this wonderfully designed hotel blends clean white surfaces with classic adornments for a modern take on classic Mediterranean elegance.
A 19th-century farmhouse, converted into a stunning boutique retreat, this is one of the best rural Menorca luxury hotels. The interiors are a work of art, making this a destination in and of itself. But with secluded coves mere minutes away, you’ll have plenty of exploring to do.
Where to eat in Menorca
Having trained at the prestigious El Bulli, Catalan chef Eugeni de Diego brings innovative techniques to high-quality local produce for a fantastic dining experience. The seafood is a dream.
A tranquil spot in the quaint village of Es Castell near Mahon, just along the harbor from Mahon. Great service, delicious dishes and a wonderful setting with views over the water.
Rustic Mediterranean fare served on a large terrace adjoining a whitewashed farmhouse. Excellent food, and the ambience is jovial by day, pure romance by night.
Set at the foot of the lighthouse at Cala’n Bosch, this upbeat terrace restaurant has great sea views, live DJs and fantastic locally sourced dishes – the wagyu beef is a delight.
With its stylish monochrome design and original flagstone terrace, you’ll be won over on entry. Order the fresh sea bass and a local vintage to seal the deal.
A terrific new restaurant overlooking Ciudatella’s harbour. Locally sourced sea bass, turbot and monkfish are melt-in-your-mouth fantastic; and be sure not to miss their incredible dry-aged beef croquetas.
The perfect place for beachside dining. A delightful little restaurant overlooking the sands at Santo Tomas, here you’ll find exceptional paella and seafood grills.
A charming old school Spanish taverna on a cliffside overlooking the sea. Go for grilled fish cooked to perfection, whether cuttlefish, monkfish or sole, and marvel at the wonderful flavors.
Best beaches in Menorca
Menorca is a beachgoer’s heaven. The island is full of fabulous beaches, from the unrefined beauty of the beaches in the north to the well kept white sand paradise that are the beaches in the south.
In July and August, the beaches obviously become the most popular places to visit in Menorca and become incredibly busy. Throughout the rest of the year, however, you’ll get to enjoy them at their most tranquil. Spring is a beautiful time to visit, although the water is fresher, while September and October promise balmy temperatures and sun-warmed waters, too.
Here are some of Menorca's best beaches.
Northern beaches
One of northern Menorca’s largest beaches, the crescent-shaped cove of Arenal d'en Castell boasts some of the calmest waters on the island, and a long sweep of golden sand. More remote and harder to find, Cala Pilar is nestled between Ferreries and Ciutadella, with its crystal clear water and curious red-hued sand.
Meanwhile, Sa Mesquida, one of the north’s most popular beaches, is just a 10-minute drive from Mahon. Here you’ll find a large stretch of gorgeous white sand and a hidden cove further to the south. If you want an accessible beach with great services, Son Saura del Nord is a good bet.
Southern beaches
Considered to be Menorca’s most picturesque beach, Macarella is very popular with locals and tourists alike. Turquoise water, fine white sand and limestone cliffs create a scene that’s pure paradise. Take a stroll around the cliffs to find Macarelleta – a secluded twin bay – for an even more peaceful beach.
Between Binibeca and Cala Torret, Binibèquer Nou is a delightful small white beach, designed around a complex that resembles a fishing village. For a genuine secluded paradise, head to Cala Mitjana – blue water, powdery white sand and stunning pine-fringed cliffs create a truly cinematic scene. Meanwhile, a 15-minute stroll along the coast from Santo Tomás will lead you to Playa de Binigaus, a dreamy, secluded spot.
A beautiful Balearic jewel awaits
With its epic Unesco heritage history, wonderful cuisine, blissful beaches and laid-back way of life, Menorca is a dream destination for those looking for an enchanting getaway. It’s also somewhat of a hidden gem, with far less tourism than neighboring islands like Ibiza and Mallorca.
And with so many places to visit in Menorca and less crowds, it’s all the more alluring. So, pack your bags and discover this magnificent Balearic island!
