Tucked away in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the laid-back sibling to Ibiza and Mallorca. It’s less flashy, more serene, and in my opinion – seriously underrated. With its crystal-clear turquoise coves, whitewashed towns, and miles of scenic coastal trails, this island is a dream destination. Whether you’re visiting to swim in secluded bays, wander charming villages, hike up to castles or simply soak up the Mediterranean sun, Menorca offers the perfect escape from the typical Balearic crowds. This travel guide will help you discover the best of what this gem of an island has to offer.
There are regular direct flights from the UK to Menorca, with multiple flights a day in the high season.
I highly recommend you hire a car to get around the island, as Menorca doesn’t have an extensive public transport system. You will need a car to access most sights. If you can, hire the smallest car you can to help with navigating the sometimes narrow roads.
The high season is late June to the end of August, but I would recommend visiting in the shoulder season of May to mid-June or September. You will have lower prices and fewer crowds.
I visited Menorca for a four-day long weekend and I would say that was a great amount of time to get a taste for the island, however, you could easily spend a whole week there or even longer if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.
Menorca has a whole range of beautiful luxury hotels as well as more affordable accommodation and Airbnbs. For this trip I splashed out on a slightly fancier hotel than usual, Morvedra Nou, and it was worth every penny. It is a converted farmhouse located perfectly near some of the most famous southern beaches on the island. Impeccable service, gorgeous rooms and delicious food – I highly recommend it.
Menorca is mid-range when it comes to affordability, with prices climbing during peak season (especially on hotels and car rental). However, most of the activities and things to do (such as hiking and visiting beaches) are low-cost or free.
This little whitewashed village feels like it’s been plucked from Greece and dropped onto the coast of Menorca! It is absolutely gorgeous, with plenty of narrow alleys to explore. It’s the perfect spot to grab some lunch and have a wander, then you can pop to one of the many nearby beaches – including my favourite, Binisafuller!
This short and scenic 3.5 km coastal walk takes you from Cala en Porter along the Camí de Cavalls path to Cales Coves. The views along the way are stunning, but the real highlight is reaching a secluded cove where ancient burial caves are carved into the cliffs. It’s the perfect spot for a bit of exploration, a picnic and a dip in the bright blue water before you head back.
If you fancy some of the best views on the island, head up to Monte Toro — Menorca’s highest point. It’s a short, winding drive (or a good uphill walk!) and totally worth it for the panoramic views across the whole island — you can even spot Mallorca on a clear day. At the top there’s a little sanctuary, a giant statue of Christ, and a café where you can grab a drink and take it all in. It’s a peaceful, scenic spot that feels totally different from the beachy side of the island.
Ciutadella’s old town is well worth exploring – think cobbled streets, bustling squares and beautiful old buildings around every corner. Don’t miss the cathedral and its hidden courtyard right next door – my personal favourite spot, which is home to a friendly cat! Grab a gelato, wander down to the little harbour, and soak up the town’s atmosphere – it’s especially magical at golden hour. Oh, and if you’re seeking foodie spots – I highly recommend Nibs Healthy Bar for brunch and Cathedral Coffee for a cuppa.
If there is one thing you do on your trip to Menorca, make it this! It is an absolute hidden gem – I had the whole castle to myself when I went. The hike up is short and a little steep at times, taking you through pine forests and chucking you out at the top of a hill which is covered in ruins of an ancient Moorish castle. While the crumbling ruins are pretty fun to explore, the real highlight is the views. I would go as far as saying these are the best on the island – it is absolutely beautiful up there!
If you want a break from the beach, head to Mahón for a totally different vibe to the rest of the island – it’s got a lived-in local feel with plenty of history too. The harbour is huge and gorgeous, perfect for a waterside coffee or dinner with a view. Plus, there is an old town to explore, markets to browse and plenty of independent shops too. Personally, I wasn’t as enamoured as I was with Ciutadella (which I adored!), so if you only do one town I would prioritise that – but it is definitely worth seeing if you can fit it in!
If you love being in the water, Menorca is a dream. You can kayak through sea caves, snorkel in crystal-clear coves or paddleboard along the rugged coastline – it’s all super accessible and insanely beautiful. Boat trips are also a must, especially for reaching remote beaches you can’t get to by car or foot – you can rent your own or join an organised tour. Most of the larger coastal towns have companies renting gear or running excursions.
If you’re into hiking like me, this will be your jam! The Camí de Cavalls is a coastal trail that loops around the entire island – yep, all 185 km of it! Don’t worry, you don’t need to do the whole thing – just dipping into a section or two makes for a great walk. It takes you past remote coves, pine forests, clifftop views and some seriously gorgeous beaches. Whether you’re up for a big hike or just a scenic stroll, jumping on this trail is the perfect way to see Menorca’s wild side. A lot of tourists come to hike the full trail as a challenge – which I have officially added to my bucket list!
Menorca is renowned for its absolutely incredible beaches. From long white sandy stretches through to tiny rocky coves, there’s something for everyone – with most of the more famous beaches being located on the south coast. Here are some of my personal favourites:
These are just a handful of highlights from the huge range of incredible beaches in Menorca – you really won’t be disappointed if you’re a sun baby!
Safe travels,
Zanna xx
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