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You’ve in all probability heard of Mallorca. However have you ever heard of Menorca, its little sister, which isn’t any much less stunning? Once I looked for details about this place in a sure group, the solutions I bought have been that I had a spelling error.
Associated learn: High Mallorca Sights & Actions
I admit that till I moved to Spain, I didn’t know concerning the existence of this place.
And the way fortunate we have been to satisfy!
A beautiful trip on an island that’s not notably large, however full of superb seashores, tiny cities with picturesque alleys, and an environment of everlasting freedom—is it best for you?
Need to see every thing in photos? Soar to the spotlight on Instagram.
Right here’s an summary:
Menorca is a part of the archipelago of the Balearic Islands, which additionally consists of vibrant Ibiza, elegant Mallorca, and tiny Formentera. Along with the 4 foremost 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 individuals reside on the island, which is roughly a tenth of the inhabitants of Mallorca.
Arrival to Menorca
There is likely to be no direct flights relying on the place you’re coming from. I all the time examine Expedia for the most recent choices, so be at liberty to do the identical!
Nonetheless, there are flights with a brief connection to all types of factors in Europe.
From Barcelona, there’s a flight that takes about half an hour or a ferry that may take you and your automotive by sea in about eight hours.
When to Go to?
We have been there in early–mid-April. The climate was fantastic: not too scorching, not too chilly. Simply nice.
As for swimming within the sea, properly, the courageous ones amongst us swam, regardless of how chilly it was. The swimming season formally begins on Could 1st and lasts till October thirty first.
When you have time, I’d advocate visiting in June, when the water is heat sufficient and the island just isn’t but flooded with vacationers from northern Europe.
A pal instructed me that she got here with a pal on a motorbike in August and there have been seashores the place they’d no place to park.
Associated learn: The Finest Seashores in Barcelona (Together with the Nude & Homosexual Seashores)
Automobile Rental in Menorca
To get round comfortably on the island, although it’s not very massive, I extremely advocate renting a automotive.
There are a number of car rental corporations that function at Mahón Airport, plus these that aren’t situated on the airport however will come to ship the automotive to you there upon touchdown.
I’ve had good experiences with PAAPM, which is price trying out.
use the Paapm Paapm search to seek out one of the best charges
Public transportation is on the market—use the beneath map or Google Maps.
The place To Keep In Menorca?
Like in Mallorca, discovering a lodge room for a pair + two youngsters might be no simple process. Fortunately, we have been touring with my mother and father, so we cut up into a pair + one in every room.
The lodge I stayed in is that this one:
Resort Gran Sagitario
Small, snug, and provides honest worth for the value.
The meals was not thrilling, however that was our impression of the meals on the island basically. What was handy was the indoor pool, which we frequented for just a few days.
The factor I preferred most was the cove, a two-minute stroll from the lodge—small and so picturesque. It was my view for my morning run.
The town, which I actually preferred, Ciutadella, is a few seven-minute drive away. So, every thing is shut sufficient, however not crowded.
Different Nice Locations To Keep In Menorca
As typical, I’ve lists from the US to the UK of all of the locations I wish to keep.
Listed below are a few of the ones I picked that weren’t accessible on the time and that I’d have beloved to remain at in Menorca.
Alcaufar Vell Resort Rural & Restaurant
The place that I used to be most disillusioned wasn’t accessible for us. Precisely my style—rustic with a restaurant. That’s all you want, I believe.
Ses Sucreres Small & Gradual Resort
I’ve a particular fondness for sluggish locations, and after they are available an outdated Nineteenth-century constructing it’s an actual deal with. Easy rooms however with a contact of stylish and an area breakfast.
Resort Hevresac Singular & Small
A 4-star lodge and 250m from the capital, it’s small, delightfully embellished, and nice worth for cash. It has a really excessive score on the completely different reserving plattforms.
Carema Backyard Village
A 3-star lodge we handed by and it simply regarded actually pretty. The realm 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.
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 fans, there are many alternatives for kayaking, browsing, and snorkeling.
The Capital Metropolis, Mahón
Nicely, Mahón didn’t go away any vital impression on me. Aside from a cute promenade and a distillery that we’ll discuss quickly, I don’t assume it’s a must-see on a vacation in Menorca.
Perhaps 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 for the reason that 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 (under no circumstances stunning that they have been searching for some sunny island and didn’t wish 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 substances and conventional copper stills.
Take a guided tour right here and see all the standard instruments that have been used again then. On the finish of the tour, you’ll be able to style all kinds of gin flavors, from the traditional London Derry to particular variations fermented with native crops.
At the moment, greater than half 1,000,000 bottles are produced right here per yr, that are bought not solely in Spain but in addition in the USA, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand.
We got here right here spontaneously and there was no guided tour accessible on the time. We walked across the place independently, tasted the various kinds of gin, and purchased just a few bottles to take house. 😋
To e-book a guided tour, go to their web site.
Tackle: Moll de Ponent, 91, 07701 Maó, Illes Balears
In the event you do go to, hop to the opposite aspect of the street; perhaps you’ll be fortunate and a fishing boat will dock and you’ll observe the ocean catch.
The Cardamom Menorca Indian Restaurant
Meals that all the time makes the human coronary heart joyful, particularly vegetarians.
I extremely advocate this restaurant, which satisfied even my mom and younger son who are usually not actually into Indian meals.
Tackle: 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 outdated city with a formidable cathedral and alleys lined with boutique retailers and eating places.
Right now it’s a port metropolis and an necessary business heart for your entire island.
Of the seashores, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta are two gems with turquoise waters and nice white sand.
Café Central
A heavenly cafe, and one thing I’ve not seen anyplace else. It has the ambiance 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 have been particular and delightful. The thick meaty cookie we ate was bursting with peanuts and taste. Delicate and somewhat crispy on the sides.
Don’t miss this place!
Tackle: 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. Similar excessive normal, similar glorious service.
It’s among the best I’ve had lately. Really, in my life.
Nibs Wholesome Bar
This can be a excellent spot for lunch and is vegetarian-friendly. It’s in a primary location—in a wonderful central sq..
Tackle: 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 quit and located the final man who miraculously had a ship accessible for us.
Once we arrived, joyful 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.” Nicely, properly. So it was clear that it wasn’t half an hour. And fortunately 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, joyful 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 joyful 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 have been joyful to succeed in locations we already knew from earlier than.
A few of us whose lineage is rooted in Japanese Europe have 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 go away from Ciutadella (and in addition from Mahón). They’re extraordinarily massive and make excessive waves.
Advisable Seashores in Menorca
Cala en Brut
Nearly the first seashore we visited. How stunning it’s!
Very simple to get to, however there are just a few steps to go down. Clear, crystal water. There isn’t a 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 definitely worth the kilometer stroll to get to.
Park within the lot and begin strolling alongside the trail. After fifteen minutes (or much less, for those who don’t have youngsters 😊) you’re there.
A scorching tip: Proceed alongside the trail to Cala Mitjaneta, the tiny bay farther on. It’ll take you some time to get there, not as a result of the street is lengthy, however as a result of each step is a chance for one more mesmerizing photograph.
There aren’t any seashore companies right here, so convey every thing you want with you.
Merely a dream of a spot.
North of the Island: Fornells and the Space
One of the crucial stunning cities price a go to is Fornells on the northern finish of the island. It has a small port, just a few 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 automotive there, and stroll to Cala Tirant. The view right here is solely pretty.
While you get drained, drive to the Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse. While you go away the automotive park, you’ll see a kiosk. Purchase one thing chilly to drink, some ice cream, and stroll across the lighthouse space.
Associated learn: A Week in Spain: From Madrid to Barcelona
South of the Island
Binibeca
The foremost city right here is Binibeca, and it’s tremendous cute. It’s price hopping onto the Bufador de Binibequer seashore and strolling there for some time.
Cala en Porter
A gorgeous view of a small however spectacular bay—Mirador Cala en Porter.
Simply park your automotive and stroll 10 meters till you see this stunning seashore, then proceed all the way down to the sand.
Cova d’en Xoroi
A spot we didn’t get to, sadly, as a result of we arrived with drained youngsters and much more so mother and father, 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. In the event you go, tag me on Instagram and inform me the way it was.
Associated learn: The Finest 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 correct within the heart of the island, makes the cheeses on website. You’ll be able to 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 all the way down to eat.
I admit, there are higher cheeses than this, principally in northern Spain. For cheese followers, I like to recommend you not less than strive it, although.
Within the air-conditioned manufacturing unit retailer, it’s also possible to buy different delicacies.
Tackle: Carretera Alaior a Arenal d’en Castell s/n, 07740, Balearic Islands
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