menorca trip budget

A week in Menorca: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + My Best Tips

The perfect itinerary for one week in menorca.

You’re planning to visit Menorca and you’re looking for the best 1 week itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this one week itinerary in Menorca . It will allow you to make the most out of your stay and visit all the best tourist attractions of the island.

In addition to the best things to do, I will also give you my best tips to visit Menorca in 6, 7 or 8 days as well as my selection of the best  accommodations  depending on your budget.

So, how to spend a week in Menorca? What are the best places to visit?

Let’s discover Mahon, Ciutadella, Menorca’s best beaches and a lot more!

Day 1 – Mahon and La Mola Fortress

Day 2 – boat excursion along the south coast of menorca, day 3 – walk on the cami de cavalls / cavalleria / fornells, day 4 – the most beautiful coves around cala galdana, day 5 – west menorca coves / ciutadella / pont d’en gil, day 6 – the north of menorca, day 7 – coves of east menorca, day 8 – the end, where to stay for a week in menorca, additional activities for a week in menorca, rent a boat in menorca, you’re traveling to menorca these articles will help you , one-week itinerary in menorca: best things to do and see.

To explore Menorca in a week , you’ll arrive either by plane or ferry, in Mahon or Ciutadella . I’ve shared all the details about the different ways to reach Menorca in the “Getting to Menorca” section at the end of the article.

For this recommended 7-day itinerary in Menorca , if you want to reach most of the magnificent coves the island has in store, you’ll definitely need a car .

Regarding your car rental in Menorca , you should check out Booking.com Cars to compare rates from all rental companies located near the airport or the two city ports.

It’s quick and convenient , and you can opt for Booking Cars’ full protection insurance , which allows you to be reimbursed in case of theft, accident, or damage to your car. If this insurance isn’t already included with your credit card, it’s a good option as it’s cheaper than taking it directly from the rental company.

Click the green button below right now to compare car rental prices for this one-week itinerary in Menorca .

A little heads up before we start: since you’ll be staying in the same place for the whole week, feel free to mix up the days. You don’t have to follow my recommended itinerary in order. It really doesn’t matter. Mix it up as you please.

For the first day , I suggest you kick off with a tour of Menorca’s capital: Mahon . Everything can easily be done on foot as the historic center isn’t too sprawling.

I recommend parking your car at the covered car park at Plaça de la Miranda (€2/hour), conveniently located next to the market where you’ll start your day.

Mahon’s market, the “mercat del Claustre” , is set in a former cloister and houses some shops under its arcades . Here, you’ll mainly find fruits and vegetables, cured meats, and cheese.

Next, swing by the fish market (the “mercat des Peix”) which is just around the corner. It’s divided into two sections: one with stalls selling fresh fish , and the other featuring loads of truly mouth-watering tapas !

Afterwards, meander through the pedestrian-friendly alleyways such as Carrer Nou, Carrer del Hannover, and Carrer de ses Moreres , all lined with boutiques.

Also worth seeing in Mahon are:

• The Santa Maria church in Mahon and its organ composed of more than 3,200 pipes
• The portal de Sant Roc and its two towers, one of the only remnants of the old city wall
• The Minorca museum that traces the island’s history. It’s located in the old convent of Sant Francesc.
• The art and history centre (Ca’n Oliver) focusing on the city’s and port’s history.

After lunch, hop back into your car and head to another sight to see during this one-week journey in Menorca : the fortress of la Mola . It’s about a 20-minute drive from the center of Mahon, situated at the easternmost point of the island.

Built in the 19th century to defend the port, it’s wonderfully well-preserved and also offers lovely views of the coast . The site is quite large, so plan to spend around 2.5 hours touring it on foot , but you also have the option to rent golf carts .

Admission is €8 with an additional charge for an audioguide, but you can also scan the QR codes located throughout to get information about the history of the fortress and all the buildings .

For the rest of the afternoon, I suggest you head over to the first beach on this Menorca one-week itinerary , the beautiful sandy beach nestled next to a small cape of Cala Mesquida . It’s just a 15-minute drive from the fortress .

Spend your first night in Minorca. You’ll find my selection of the best hotels on the island further down in this article.

You should also take a short one-hour cruise in Mahon Bay to admire breathtaking views of the colonial houses of Mahon , the fortress and the small islets scattered around.

The tour is enjoyable and you’ll also get some historical commentary in English .

To book your boat tour in Menorca, you just need to click on the button below :

For your second day of your week-long stay in Menorca, how about we set sail for a full-day cruise along the southern coast of Menorca ?

The adventure kicks off every day around 10 AM from the port of Ciutadella , situated on the western side of the island. Just remember, booking in advance is essential .

As you glide across the water, you’ll be treated to gorgeous coastal landscapes until reaching the Cala de Son Saura where you’ll have 2 hours to dip into this charming cove made up of two beaches.

Also, take some time to stroll along the shore and check out the Cala des Talaier , a small cove just a 10-minute walk from Son Saura.

Then it’s back on board for a delicious lunch of paella , washed down with a refreshing glass of sangria. It doesn’t get more quintessentially Spanish than that!!

Next, we’ll chart a course for the Cala en Turqueta where you’ll have 1.5 hours to swim . Nestled within a pine forest and blessed with turquoise waters, it’s one of the most beautiful coves I stumbled upon during my week-long road trip in Menorca !

Head back to the port of Ciutadella by late afternoon.

To secure your spot on this fantastic boat excursion , just click on the green button below. It’s one of the best activities to do during your one-week trip to Menorca !

For the third day of this week-long circuit in Menorca, I suggest exploring a small part of the north of the island .

First, head over to Binimel-là beach . You’ll need to leave your car in the parking area next to the restaurant and make your way to the beach on foot (5 minutes). Then follow the path to the left of the beach . It’s a section of the Cami de Cavalls .

The Cami de Cavalls allows you to walk (or bike or horse ride) around the entire island of Menorca, a journey of 185 km, divided into several stages ranging from 5 to 14 km . Today, I suggest you cover a tiny fraction of the Cami starting from Binimel .

The walk is incredibly picturesque, leading you to Cala Pregonda , where you’ll discover 4 coves with ochre sand and crystal clear waters . The landscape is particularly striking with its colour contrasts between the turquoise water, red rocks, and trees.

Feel free to pick your favourite spot for a swim !

Then it’s back in the car for a 15-minute drive to the beach of Cavalleria . The beach is easily accessible, just 300 metres from the parking lot .

You’ll find a lovely stretch of golden sand forming a cove fringed by crystalline water . There’s no doubt you’ll feel the urge to take a quick dip here too!

Next, from the parking lot, take the only road leading to the island’s northernmost point, the Cap de Cavalleria , home to the Cavalleria Lighthouse.

Inside, there’s a small museum showcasing the history and construction of Menorca’s lighthouses. But the real reason I’ve brought you here is because this spot is famous for offering wonderful views of the entire northern coast of Menorca .

After feasting your eyes, you can head towards Fornells, the final stop of the day .

Nestled by the sea, this charming village with its typical white houses is a pleasure to stroll around. It’s famous for its culinary specialty: the caldereta de Llagosta , which is actually a delicious lobster casserole .

So, I suggest ending the day by indulging in this delicacy at one of Fornells’ two best restaurants: Sa Llagosta or Es Cranc . Just a heads up, booking is a must!

Continuing the itinerary, today is dedicated to exploring the most breathtaking coves in Menorca within a week’s time . Join me as we venture to discover the spectacular coves nestled on both sides of Cala Galdana .

Each of these coves boasts pristine, crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by lush pine forests . Take a refreshing dip and immerse yourself in the underwater wonders by snorkeling . Remember to bring your mask and snorkel!

Most of these coves are only accessible by boat or on foot (but if you choose the latter, you might not be able to visit all of them in one day). I’ll provide information for both options .

1) Rent a boat at Cala Galdana

To visit the coves by boat, you’ll first need to drive to the seaside resort of Cala Galdana . At the small harbor, you’ll find parking spaces and shacks of companies offering boat rentals .

You really should book your boat in advance , as there aren’t exactly a multitude of them. I went with Iguana Boat .

You don’t need a license for these types of vessels, and the boats are super easy to handle (even if you’ve never done it before).

Setting off from the harbor, I recommend starting on the right side with Cala Macarella and Macarelleta .

If you venture a bit further, you’ll come across Cala en Turqueta , but if you’ve done the boat excursion on Day 2, you’ve already been there, so you might want to skip it.

After that, turn around and venture towards the beaches on the left side of Cala Galdana. Here, you’ll encounter a series of captivating coastal gems, including the stunning Cala Mitjana (which ranks among my top 5 most beautiful swimming spots during a one-week stay in Menorca!), Cala de Trebaluger , Cala Fustam , Cala Escorxada , Platja Binigaus and Sant Adeodato beach situated in Sant Tomas.

You’re not allowed to venture further by boat (due to rental time and fuel restrictions).

2) Access on foot to the coves of the south coast

For those looking to explore two or three coves in a day and reach them on foot , here are some helpful details to consider.

Note that you can choose to link several coves in a row on foot by following the Cami de Cavalls or return to your car after each cove (but you’ll still have to walk as the car parks aren’t that close).

• Cala Macarella : 1.1 km from the car park or 2.2 km from Cala Galdana via the Cami de Cavalls
• Cala en Turqueta : 1 km from the car park or 2.5 km from Cala Macarella
• Cala Mitjana : 1.2 km from the car park or 1.2 km from Cala Galdana There’s a gorgeous viewpoint to the right of the beach if you follow the trail leading to a second, smaller cove.
• Cala de Trebaluger : only accessible via the coastal path from Cala Mitjana (about 1.7 km)
• Cala Fustam : 1.6 km from Trebaluger
• Cala Escorxada : which you can reach via the coastal path starting from Sant Tomas (about 3.3 km on foot)

If you’ve decided to visit Menorca in one week with your kids you might prefer to spend the day on a more easily accessible beach .

The beach of Cala Galdana or the beach of Sant Adeodato are perfect as they’re large sandy beaches with shallow water . You can even rent sun loungers/umbrellas and pedal boats there.

All set for day five of your one-week Menorca adventure ? Here’s what I’ve got lined up for you.

Morning rendezvous point: one of the lovely coves south of Ciutadella . I’d heartily recommend:

• Cala Blanca , nestled deep in a charming little canyon. You’ll find a few bars and restaurants nearby to satisfy your taste buds.
• Cala Santandria , a delightful cove tucked away at the foot of what looks like a fjord, with several inviting little eateries.
• Sa Caleta : a beautiful cove with shallow turquoise waters. I found it incredibly beautiful, especially with the view of the tower.

After a morning of relaxation, fire up the car engine and head over to the historic center of Ciutadella , the former capital of Menorca before Mahon took over.

A stroll through the streets of the old town will give you a chance to admire the impressive buildings , including many bourgeois houses with attractive facades and several churches .

Make sure to swing by:

• The Es Born Square home to the town hall and an obelisk.
• Ses Voltes, the main shopping street. 
• The Ciutadella Cathedral.
• The fish market , where several restaurants serve up the day’s catch for lunch. And if you’re not much of a seafood fan, there are also numerous restaurants in the historic center.

In the afternoon , I recommend touring some of the gorgeous coves north of the city . Your options include:

• The picturesque bay of Cala en Blanes.
• Cala en Brut : a gorgeous spot featuring several terrace platforms where you can dive straight into the water or climb down via ladders. No beach, though!
• Cala en Forcat : a beautiful cove teeming with rocks along the water’s edge. The water’s quite shallow. The place is perfect for snorkeling. Only slight downside: there’s a big hotel on the cliff overlooking it.
• Cala Piques , which is pretty attractive, and you can rent sun loungers and parasols. For parking, my advice would be to park on the right side of the beach, it’s easier than on the left.

If you find yourself still around during sunset, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Pont d’en Gil . It’s just a 10-minute walk from the parking area to reach this mesmerizing stone arch stretching out into the water .

The spot’s famed as one of the best places to catch a Menorca sunset over the sea in a one-week visit.

If you’re up for adding two more offbeat destinations to your itinerary before reaching Ciutadella, consider the following:

• Naveta des Tudons , a remarkable burial site from the Talayotic period that is considered one-of-a-kind worldwide (even Mallorca doesn’t have anything quite like it).
• The former sandstone quarry of Lithica (Pedreres de s’Hostal) which has been transformed into a gigantic maze. Great fun for a one-week family trip to Menorca!

Are you ready for the sixth day of your one-week road trip in Menorca ? Let’s begin by visiting the Monte Toro lookout.

Perched right in the middle of the island, 358 meters high, it’s the highest point in Menorca . You can enjoy a beautiful panorama of much of the island , and on a clear day, you might even see Mallorca !

As you descend from Monte Toro, you’ll come across Es Mercadal , a quintessential traditional village in Menorca. Its picturesque streets are lined with white houses , and the main square features a few cafés and bakeries where you can enjoy a delightful break. You might want to pick up some Balearic pastries like ensaïmadas and crespells .

Indeed, one of the main reasons to spend 7 days in Menorca is to indulge in the delightful local cuisine and savor the flavors of the island.

Next stop, Cala Algaiarens , a 30-minute drive from Es Mercadal. This stunning, untouched sandy beach comprises a double cove, framed by dunes and pine trees , adding to its natural allure.

Just a 5-minute walk along the seaside and rocks to the right, you can also reach Platja des Bot . The beach is equally lovely with a shallow sandbank.

The place is truly calm and serene.

Time to take a dip and chill out!

If you don’t fancy spending the entire afternoon in one spot, you can then hop back into your car to the parking area of Cala Pilar , a 35-minute drive from Algaiarens.

Accessible by a 45-minute walk along an easy trail, Cala Pilar is a pretty sandy beach with red rocks .

For the penultimate day of your one-week itinerary in Menorca , I suggest you dedicate your time to exploring the captivating east side of the island . You caught a glimpse of it when you visited Mahon on the first day.

Today, you’ll get to admire and swim in the most beautiful coves and beaches around the area .

Here’s a compilation of my personal favorite spots in this area (but feel free to choose what suits your preferences and simply unwind if that’s what you’re in the mood for!):

• Cala’n Porter : a white sand beach surrounded by cliffs. You can rent kayaks there.
• Cales Coves : accessible only on foot in 20 minutes or by boat. This protected cove surrounded by cliffs is totally wild. Not exactly your typical beach though, mostly rocks.
• Cala Canutells : a quiet seaside resort with a pretty cove at the end of the bay
• Cala Binidali : a serene and picturesque cove known for its tranquil atmosphere and pristine, crystal-clear waters.
• Biniparatx is also superb and very quiet (accessible only on foot)
• Calo Blanc : a stunning, albeit compact location. Here, you’ll find a small stretch of sandy beach complemented by mesmerizing turquoise waters.
• Cala Binibequer : a spacious sandy beach, less untamed than the beaches I’ve just mentioned
• Playa Punta Prima : a beach that tends to attract more tourists due to its monitored status. It offers the convenience of nearby restaurants and bars.

 You’ve reached the end of this one-week holiday in Menorca .

Depending on your departure time, you can enjoy the island’s beaches one last time or head over to Es Grau . You could take a tour of S’Albufera d’Es Grau natural park or unwind on the large and superb sandy beach . The choice is yours!

From Es Grau, you can also take a boat shuttle to reach the small island opposite. Book the transfer by clicking here !

A perfect way to conclude this 7-8 day itinerary in Menorca!

For a 6-day road trip in Menorca , you can remove any day. Tailor it to your interests.

The same goes for a 7-day stay in Menorca.

I’ve prepared my selection of the best hotels to stay in Menorca based on your budget.

If you’ve designed a one-week itinerary in Menorca , there’s no need to switch accommodations frequently . The island’s not massive, making it pretty easy to get around .

Best hotels near Mahon

• Eurohotel : Nestled in the heart of Mahon, this unassuming little establishment offers fairly basic but spotless rooms from €110 a night. Strong points: the friendliness of the staff and the location near the city center.
• Catalonia Mirador des Port : Situated not far from the Menorca Museum, in the center of Mahon. Spacious and comfortable double rooms with a lovely view from €130 a night. Strong points: the pool, the jacuzzi, the varied breakfast.
• ARTIEM Capri : Modern, well-equipped double room with comfortable bedding, from €160, breakfast included. Strong points: the rooftop pool and jacuzzi, free refreshments and snacks served in the Green space, and the hearty breakfast. One of the best hotels to stay in Mahon !
• Bordoy Casa Ládico – Hotel Boutique Adults Only : This 5* hotel offers superb suites with a terrace and refined decor from €330 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: attentive staff, intimate hotel, the pool, and the homemade, cooked-to-order breakfast. The best hotel in Mahon for a luxury stay !

Best hotels near Ciutadella and surroundings

• Hostel Menorca : A youth hostel located in the center of Ciutadella. Dormitory bed from €30 per night. Ideal for budget-friendly accommodation in Ciutadella .
• Prinsotel La Caleta : Located a 5-minute walk from the beach. Super comfortable and bright double room or apartment with a balcony, from €150 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the beautiful pool and garden area, the setting, the tranquility, and the excellent breakfast. My favorite for its value for money !
• Aparthotel Ferrer Skyline : Located just opposite the sea and 1 km from the historic center of Ciutadella. 1 to 3 bedroom modern, very spacious apartment with a terrace that can accommodate up to 6 people, from €180 a night. Strong points: the pools, the view, cleanliness, and tranquility. A great hotel for an unforgettable family vacation in Ciutadella !
• Hotel Playa Santandria Adults Only : Located 5 meters from the Cala Santandria cove. Double room with a balcony, some with sea views, from €180, breakfast included. Strong points: the exceptional location on the beach, the great breakfast, and tranquility.
• Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux : A superb luxury hotel located in a beautiful 17th-century building. Everything is elegant, refined, and cared for. Double rooms from €400 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the decor, the quality of the food, the pools, the spa, the concierge service. The best hotel in Ciutadella for a luxury stay !

Where to sleep on the south coast of Menorca

• Son Bou Playa Gold : Located a 10-minute walk from the large Son Bou beach. Several small houses divided into apartments. The upper apartments have been tastefully renovated and furnished, starting at €80 a night. Strong points: the quietness, the pool, well-equipped, plenty of parking spaces. It’s my favorite for value for money in south Menorca !
• Seth Mestral & Llebeig : Located 100 meters from the Santo Tomas beach. Recent, functional, and well-equipped 1 to 3 bedroom apartments starting from €120 a night. Also possible to book half board. Strong points: the large well-maintained pools, the children’s games, the beach right next door. If you’ve chosen to visit the south of Menorca with children, this is the perfect place to stay !
• Menorca Binibeca by Pierre & Vacances Premium Adults Only : Located in the village of Binibeca. Warm double room with kitchenette, jacuzzi tub, and large terrace from €160, breakfast included. Strong points: the breathtaking sea view, the superb setting, the pools, the good breakfast buffet.
• ARTIEM Audax – Adults Only : Located in Cala Galdana, a mere 2-minute walk from the beach. Double room from €240, breakfast included. Strong points: the spa area with its indoor pools and saunas, the outdoor pool, the magnificent view.
• Melia Cala Galdana : Located on the beautiful Cala Galdana beach, this 5* hotel offers very cozy rooms, with large bay windows and a balcony with a sea view from €310 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: the indoor and outdoor pools, the friendliness of the staff, the excellent quality of the breakfast, the incredible view. The best hotel in south Menorca for a luxury stay !

Accommodation in the north of Menorca

• Hostal La Palma : Located on the Fornells marina. Spacious double room with a balcony overlooking the pool and the garden from €110. Strong points: the 2 pools, the great location, the calm and the complimentary parking facilities.
• TRH Tirant Playa : Located a 5-min walk from Cala Tirant, in Fornells. Pleasant apartment with kitchenette from €130 a night. Strong Points: the tranquility, the sea view, cleanliness.
• White Sands Beach Club By Diamond Resorts : Located in Arenal d’En Castell, on the beach. 1 to 2 bedroom apartments, modern and well-equipped from €185 a night. Strong points: the quality of the reception, the pool with a view of the bay, the comfort.
• Comitas Tramontana Park : Located in Fornells, right by the sea. Aparthotel offering spacious 3-bedroom accommodations with a fully equipped kitchen and living area, starting from €200, breakfast included. Strong points: the beautiful pool, the stunning sunset from the terrace, the good restaurant buffet, the entertainment.

If you fancy adding other activities to do during your one-week trip to Menorca , I’ve selected some really cool ones.

Feel free to click on the links to access details and make your reservations:

Boat trips in the south of Menorca

• Cruise of 3h30 to Son Saura, Es Talaier, Turqueta, Macarella, Macarelleta, Mitjana, Trebaluger, Fustam and Escorxada + 2 stops of 30 min for swimming + aperitif – Departure from Cala Galdana
• 2-hour glass bottom boat trip from Cala Galdana + 1 hour swimming
• 2-hour sea ride aboard a small boat , perfect for small groups of up to a dozen people. Sail along the scenic southern coves, and enjoy a refreshing break for a swim along the way. Also departs from Cala Galdana.
• 3.5 hour boat trip from Cala’n Bosch including 1 hour of snorkeling
• Sunset boat trip with complimentary cocktail – From Cala’n Bosh – A great choice of activity to do in Menorca for couples!

Boat trips in the north of Menorca – Departure from Fornells

• Catamaran cruise along the north coast of Menorca with a snorkeling stop. Maximum of 10 people on board . The friendly crew will ensure your comfort and provide unlimited drinks throughout the trip.
• Full-day sailboat excursion to secluded beaches only accessible by boat. Lunch included . Paddleboards and snorkeling equipment also included.
• 3.5-hour cruise on the beaches of the north coast , towards Cap Cavalleria + swimming at Cala Pregonda.
• 3-hour fast boat trip featuring 2 snorkeling stops + appetizer with cheese and charcuterie
• Llaut Cruise , a traditional wooden boat from the Balearic Islands – Small group – If you’re wondering what to do in Menorca with friends or family , this is the perfect boat excursion! Local appetizers and drinks are included!
• 3-hour sunset sea trip – Fast boat.
• Sunset sailboat cruise
• Private boat excursion in Menorca at sunset

Nautical and water activities

• Dive initiation in the marine reserve
• Dive initiation from Cala Galdana
• Dive initiation from Ciutadella
• Jet ski excursion on the north coast of Menorca – Duration 1h
• Snorkeling trip to the caves of Macarella and the stunning cove of Cala Trebaluger , in the south of Menorca. You will be taken to the snorkeling sites by boat from Cala Galdana.
• 2-hour snorkeling trip in the marine reserve 
• Kayaking excursion with an instructor , departure from Fornells (north). Pass under the cliffs, into the caves, and stop for a swim at S’Arenelet beach.
• Kayak tour of the cliffs and caves of the south , from Cala en Porter
• Guided kayak excursion at sunset from Fornells
• Kayak rental (from 1 hour to a full day)
• 2-hour paddle board trip with an instructor , in the bay of Fornells
• Paddle board rental

More activities

• One-day 4×4 off-road excursion that takes you both on established tracks and off the beaten path.
• Horse riding : several riding centers organize rides along the Cami de Cavalls.
• Hiking on the Cami de Cavalls.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Menorca, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Menorca? 😊

One week in Menorca: flight prices

To get to Menorca, the quickest option is to hop on a plane .

The Minorca Airport is 4.5 km from the capital, Mahon.

As flight prices to Menorca vary a lot, it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the guarantee of getting the best price .

Menorca is served by ferrys coming from mainland Spain .

From Barcelona , expect to spend an average of 9.5 hours for the crossing .

You can also get to Menorca by boat from other Balearic islands such as Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera .

If you’re coming from France, you have the option to travel to Menorca by ferry from Toulon . However, please note that the crossing time is approximately 16 hours .

I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions on my one-week Menorca itinerary!

If you have any inquiries or need further information about exploring Menorca in a week, don’t hesitate to ask your questions in the comments below. I’ll be more than happy to assist you!

Discover all my articles about Mallorca and the Balearic islands : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Menorca are listed there.

• The 17 Best things to do  in Menorca
• Itinerary: One week in Menorca  – The ideal itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• Where to stay in Menorca? My guide of the best accommodations for a perfect stay
• The 23 best things to do in Mallorca
• Palma de Mallorca: the 20 best places to visit
• Itinerary: 4 or 5 days in Mallorca – Itinerary to prepare a short stay in Mallorca
• Itinerary: One week in Mallorca – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days!
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mallorca – Our recommended itinerary for visiting Mallorca in 9-10 days
• Mallorca road trip: The best itineraries for 4, 5, 7 and 10 days

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Cost of a Trip to Menorca, ES & the Cheapest Time to Visit Menorca

The average price of a 7-day trip to Menorca is $1,421 for a solo traveler, $2,552 for a couple, and $4,785 for a family of 4 . Menorca hotels range from $59 to $310 per night with an average of $59, while most vacation rentals will cost $160 to $440 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Menorca Airport ( MAH ) are between $559 and $925 per person for economy flights and $1,754 to $2,903 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $44 to $87 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Menorca, ES

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to MAH and stay in a Menorca hotel:

• January 15th to March 25th (except the week of January 22nd)
• August 20th to December 9th (except the week of October 22nd)

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Menorca is usually early March .

Average Menorca Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Menorca for a week is $1,025-$2,044 ($146-$292 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $44 to $87 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $309 to $805 for economy

Lodging : $68 to $105 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $82 to $100 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Menorca for a week is $2,142-$3,698 ($306-$528 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $88 to $174 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $618 to $1,610 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Menorca for a week is $3,206-$6,916 ($458-$988 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $176 to $348 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,236 to $3,220 for economy

Lodging : $136 to $210 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $123 to $140 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Menorca

How cheap can you make a vacation to Menorca? The cheapest trip to Menorca is about $114 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $80 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $51.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Menorca for a week is $797-$1,882 ($114-$269 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $26 to $51 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $51 to $59 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $80 to $120 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Menorca for a week is $1,288-$3,044 ($184-$435 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $52 to $102 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Menorca for a week is $2,576-$5,656 ($368-$808 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $104 to $204 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $102 to $118 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $120 to $168 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very difficult to travel to Menorca cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Menorca Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Menorca.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Menorca for a week is $3,259-$8,766 ($466-$1,252 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $97 to $191 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $912 to $2,149 for first class

Lodging : $278 to $310 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $440 to $880 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Menorca for a week is $4,850-$12,252 ($693-$1,750 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $194 to $382 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,824 to $4,298 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Menorca for a week is $9,700-$21,864 ($1,386-$3,123 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $388 to $764 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,648 to $8,596 for first class

Lodging : $556 to $620 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $660 to $1,320 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Menorca Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Menorca is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Menorca due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Menorca Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Menorca hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Menorca.

Flight Costs to Menorca

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $925 average in late December to a low of $559 in early March. Median flight price is $279. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Menorca our data includes 103 originating airports, and 68 airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations. Flying to Menorca from an airport like Stewart International ( SWF ) in Newburgh/Poughkeepsie, NY (the United States) for an average $8,154 trip fare will obviously cost a lot more than from an airport like Palma de Mallorca ( PMI ) in Palma Mallorca (Spain) at an average of just $59.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Wednesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Wednesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Menorca, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $366, so you can easily save about 66% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Menorca can easily cost $390 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $26 per person. Private tours can cost $772 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Menorca Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Es Migjorn Gran, Spain
• Alayor, Spain
• Mercadal, Spain
• Ferreries, Spain
• Mahon, Spain
• Sant Lluis, Spain
• Es Castell, Spain
• Ciutadella de Menorca, Spain
• Ciudadela- Menorca, Spain
• Cala Ratjada, Spain

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Bengaluru, India
• Myakka State Forest, the United States
• Patong, Thailand

The Ultimate Menorca Travel Guide

Whatever your holiday interests, in this Menorca travel guide you will find everything you need to know for an enjoyable stay on the second largest of the Balearic Islands.

Having noted the tourist development of its busier neighbours of Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca has taken a different route. All its economic development is based on minimum disturbance t o the island’s environment and nature.

In recognition of this work, in 1993, the island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to maintain and safeguard its heritage while developing its tourist economy. A plan it fiercely protects to this day.

Not only that, Menorca is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a true open-air archaeological museum with over 1,500 prehistoric Talayotic Culture sites.

My favourite of the Balearic Islands , Menorca sits basking in the west Mediterranean sunshine, and is an island that attracts all ages and holiday preferences.

Sparkling blue sea s, warm sunshine and child-friendly powder sand beaches draw young families and those looking for relaxing beach holidays. 

In contrast, its lush green interior, sleepy villages, bustling towns, nature reserves, archaeological sites and enticing cuisine, offer culture seekers plenty to see, do and enjoy on their days and evenings out.

Certainly, you can enjoy a late-night pint or a little karaoke in the summer months, but Menorca has deliberately steered away from attracting large groups of 18/30 party people. 

They prefer instead to cater for singles, couples, and young and older families who enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere . Visitors who arrive not just to enjoy the bars, but the beaches, coast, countryside and heritage of this beautiful island.

So, without further ado, welcome to my version of the ultimate Menorca travel guide.

Table of Contents

When is the best time to visit Menorca

Winter – October through April:

• Menorca is often classified as a ‘seasonal’ holiday island, with many bars, restaurants and attractions in the main resorts closing from mid October to April. Nonetheless, if your holiday preferences aren’t all about suntans and sea, a visit during this period will provide a whole new experience.
• Accommodation is often cheaper, but the big plus, for me at least, is the relaxing tranquillity – far fewer tourists . I can stroll the towns and villages at my own pace, enjoy scenic walks (in a warm jacket) on the almost deserted beaches, and browse the shops, bars and restaurants at my leisure.
• Average temperatures from December through February are a mild 50F to 60F (10C to 15C) with eight to ten hours of daylight.

Low season – May through June, and September – October:

• With accommodation often cheaper than high season, May, June and September and mid October are popular visitor times with older families, senior citizens and short break visitors.
• In May, many facilities are re-opening, and beaches are getting busy, with average temperatures around 25C.

High season – mid-July and August:

• Busy, busy. But not as busy as Mallorca or Ibiza. The kids have broken up from school, and university students begin to party away their gap year.
• Young groups and families enjoy this period, with daily temperatures around the mid to high thirty centigrade.

How much time do you need for your holiday in Menorca

How much time you need will depend very much on your holiday plans. On your first stay you may want to get an idea of what this enchanting island has to offer, with a view to future visits.

In this case, a seven-day break will allow you to combine beautiful beaches with exploring some of the countryside, archeological sites, villages and towns at a reasonably leisurely pace.

Consider hiring a car or using guided tours to make the most of your time.

How to get to Menorca

Several airlines fly direct to Menorca’s Mahon Airpor t from various national and international airports. Mahon Airport is just 4.5km outside the city of Mahon and is the only airport in Menorca.

Ferries to the island are available from Valencia, Barcelona and Mallorca in Spain, and Toulon from France.

How to get to your hotel or resort from the Airport

If there’s one thing I like more than a relaxing, hassle-free flight, it’s a relaxing, hassle-free transfer from the airport to my hotel or resort complex.

Transfer options from Mahon Airport include metered airport taxis, shuttle buses to a limited number of resort complexes, resort shuttles, public buses , hire cars and a range of private hire vehicles.

Public buses

With line L10 Maó-Aeroport, you can reach the bus station in less than 10 minutes. The frequency changes in summer and winter, but, in general, there are 1-2 buses per hour. The ticket costs 2,75 euros.

Once at the bus station, you can take another bus to your destination. The lines and schedules of Menorca’s buses vary depending on the season. 

Check fares and schedules here: https://menorca.tib.org/es/autobus

Airport Taxi

If you’re staying in Mahon City, an airport taxi will do the journey in around 10 minutes, average cost less than €20. To other destinations such as Fornells €40, Cala Galdana €50 and Ciutadella €60.

Resort Shuttle or Private Hire

For transfers to beach resorts and destinations further out, consider pre-booking a resort shuttle or private hire vehicle to meet your requirements (number of people, baggage, etc). You can book online, and, if you choose private hire, an English-speaking driver will meet you at the arrivals exit.

If you intend to tour the island, pre-book your airport hire car online prior to your trip for the best deals, and to ensure you have a vehicle waiting at the airport.

Getting around on your holiday

If you’re staying on one of Menorca’s beach resort complexes and want a day away from the sand and sea, your transport options are.

Metered taxi: You will only find registered taxis in Menorca; no private cabs or Uber operate on the island. Cabs are white, signed and metered and can be flagged down or found on taxi ranks around your resort.

You can also book a taxi by phone or online:   https://www.taxismenorca.com

Public Transport: Buses from the towns and resort areas are a good, cheap and reliable way to get around. Enquire at your resort information office which route number you need to get to where you want to be.

More info: https://menorca.tib.org/es/autobus

Car Rental: All resort complexes and hotels have car hire facilities where they can organise a rental for a day (or longer). Or you can book one online, which may well be cheaper. In the high season try to book it well in advance.

Costs range from around €13/day for economy, €16/day for intermediate and €50+/day for a premium model in low season. In high season prices skyrocket.

For the younger generation or old bikers, motorbikes and scooters are also available for hire if you still enjoy the feeling of wind in your hair.

Where to stay

A Menorca travel guide wouldn’t be a travel guide without highlighting places to stay. In this section, I’ve selected different areas where you may prefer to book an apartment, aparthotel, hotel or villa.

Beach resorts:

• If the sand and sea are your ideal holiday preferences, then you’re spoilt for choice in Menorca. With some of the best beach resorts of the four islands, you can choose from: Cala ‘n Bosch – Cala ‘n Porter – Cala Galdana – Punta Prima – Arenal den Castell – Son Bou – Santo Tomas – Son Park and Cala en Blanes.
• A few of the most popular: Son Bou has one of the longest beaches on the island. Cala Galdana sits in a picturesque horseshoe bay. 
• And if you want the best of both worlds (city and beach), Cala den Bosch is close to the city of Ciutadella and Cala en Porter is close to Mahon.

Country and Rural Retreats:

• Why not enjoy a romantic spring break in the Menorcan countryside? Hotel pool, first-class restaurant, blissfully quiet with country or coastal walks and plenty of hiking and biking trails. If this is you, check out Menorca Rural Hotels to get a real taste of local culture.

Towns and cities:

• Be close to all the amenities in Mahon or Ciutadella : shops, businesses, markets, attractions, bars and restaurants. Choose from boutique hotels – Airbnb – guest houses – hostels – economy hotels – adult-only hotels – 5-star luxury hotels or sumptuous villas.

Read my guide about accommodation and best areas in Menorca: Where to stay in Menorca

Best beaches in Menorca

There are over 100 beaches spread around Menorca . 

Many are large white or gold sand resort beaches with all facilities. Others have retained much of their natural ruggedness with the barest of essentials, while others are known as virgin beaches. Still as nature intended, and only reachable by boat or a tough walk through the countryside.

The north is more rugged and sparse , with darker cliffs and beaches that tend to have coarser, golden sand rather than the white powder sand of the south . Both coasts have beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Along the South Coast:

• Son Bou – Cala Galdana – Santo Tomás – Cala en Porter – Binibeca – Punta Prima – Cala Macarella – Cala Mitjana – Cala Blanca – Cala Turqueta – Cala Escorxada – Cala Fustam – Cala Trebaluger.

My favourites: Binibeca, white sand beach, clear turquoise waters with a nearby snack bar and restaurant, Cala en Porter , stunning white sand beach with restaurant and a couple of bars encircled by cliffs and pine forest, and Cala Turqueta , on the south-west coast. Close to Ciutadella and easy to reach by car, taxi or bus. Beautiful white sand and clear blue waters.

Along the North Coast:

• Cala Pregonda – Cala Tortuga – Cala Viola – Cala Mica – Cala Pilar – Arenal d´en Castell – Son Parc – Cavalleria – La Vall

My favourite: Cala Pregonda . Golden sand, azure blue waters and fabulous views. Untouched (almost) by human hand, so be sure to take snacks and drinks.

Read also: Best beaches in Menorca

What to see and do in Menorca

To give you an idea of what life in magical Menorca is like away from the beaches, I have tried to include things to see and do in the towns, villages, and nature parks.

I have included viewpoints for the photographers, and pointed you in the direction of o ld fortresses, lighthouses and prehistoric monuments.

For the foodies , I have mentioned some of my favourite bars, restaurants and local dishes you can enjoy that make up the famous Mediterranean diet.

Pay a visit to Menorca’s capital Mahon

Who doesn’t like exploring ancient cities in the warm Mediterranean sunshine? Mahon was founded as far back as 200 BC and became the island’s capital in the early 1700s.

Besides its narrow streets, squares, and historical buildings, it has the longest natural harbour in Europe at over five kilometres. 

Along its wide harbour promenade , you will find chandlery stores, businesses, shops and bars, with several of Mahon’s most popular eateries and seafood restaurants open till late evening. You can also enjoy a number of boat trips around the harbour and further afield.

Other places to explore around Mahon include the Trepuco , a prehistoric Talayotic settlement on the city outskirts, La Mola Fortress guarding the harbour, the Museum of Menorca and for the walkers, the Cami de Cavalls, a 116-mile (186km) hiking trail offering stunning views of the island’s coastline.

Read also: Best things to do in Mahon

Menorca’s most beautiful city – Ciutadella

Ciutadella was Menorca’s major port city and capital until the British gave that honour to Mahon in 1722.

Like Mahon, it is a tight, compact city, ideal for leisurely exploring on foot. And like Mahon, it has a picturesque harbour where you can browse the shops and businesses, before picking a table at one of the numerous bars and restaurants, or booking a harbour boat trip.

Other places to enjoy in Ciutadella include Plaza des Born , the city’s main square with its many historical buildings close by, including the Theatre des Born, t he Salort Palace, the Torre Saura Palace and the San Francisco Church.

The Cathedral of Menorca , the Convent of Saint Augustine, the Olive Grove House and the Local Fish Market are all easily reached.

Read also: Best things to do in Ciutadella

Head for Menorca’s favourite fishing villages

While cities have their own historical elegance, there’s a certain something about traditional fishing villages that seems to take you back in time, and Menorca has a number. You just have to find them.

Binibeca Vell:

• Sitting on the northeast coast, around one kilometre from the beach of the same name, Binibeca Vell is a popular visitor attraction with its traditional fishing boats, small harbour and whitewashed cottages. It also has a few letting apartments for those longer stays.

Fornells Village:

• Another pretty north-coast village. Pleasant harbour, whitewashed apartments and an island-wide reputation for its seafood restaurants and famous lobster stew.

Es Grau Village:

• Is situated at the northern end of the east coast with the S’Albufera des Grau nature reserve to the rear. Semi-secluded and unspoilt , it has three bars and a waterfront restaurant.

Visit the Tombs and Prehistoric Monuments of Menorca’s Talayotic Period

With over 1500 Talayotic sites dotted across Menorca, professional and amateur archaeologists from across the globe arrive to study these prehistoric sites and artefacts – and you can too.

Most sites comprise Taules, the T shape made by balancing one large stone block across the top of another and are thought to have some spiritual significance, Talayots , defensive towers and look-out points, and Navetas , known to have been communal burial tombs.

Some of the best examples can be found at:

• The Trepuco Settlement – Two kilometres outside Mahon
• Biniai Nou, Megalithic Burial Site – five kilometres outside Mahon
• Taula of Torralba d’en Salord – Talayotic village located between Mahón and Alaior
• The Settlement of Talatí de Dalt –  close to Mahon
• The Necropolis of Calescoves – Calascoves Beach
• The Naveta des Tudons – close to Ciutadella
• The Taula de Torretrencada – also close to Ciutadella
• The Torre d’en Galmés – the best-known and largest Talayotic settlement

There are numerous ways to visit the sites, including organised tours, public transport, taxis, or hiring a car.

For the twitchers and nature lovers

The Island of Menorca’s biosphere comprises a nature park, five nature reserves, a marine reserve and nineteen nature areas of special interest. With the jewel in the crown being the Albufera des Grau Natural Park.

The Albufera des Grau Natural Park: Covering over 5,000 hectares in the island’s northeast, it contains several fincas run by Menorcan artisans producing traditional products, wetlands, numerous hides for bird watching, forest and a two-kilometre-long lagoon.

Guided tours are available to see megalithic buildings , Roman artefacts, forests, fields and cliffs. And of course the wildlife and birds.

Ornithologists flock here year-round to spot resident and migrating species that arrive to feed and breed in the park, such as cormorants, fish eagles, herons, common coot, whistling duck, royal duck, vultures, peregrine falcons, kite and numerous wading species.

For the Photographers – Some of the Island’s Best Viewpoints

Whether standing on the peak of a mountain, clifftop, high hill, minaret or a rooftop terrace, the surrounding views are often breathtaking. Menorca has incredible viewpoints , and I’ve picked out four to give you a taste of what to expect.

Mount Toro:

• Sitting in the middle of the island and with the 1670 convent and sanctuary dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Monte Toro on its summit, it is one of Menorca’s most important spiritualist structures.
• It is also the highest point on the island, at 365m above sea level . From the car park, it is a ten-minute hike to the top and provides stunning 360° views of the island.

Cavalleria Lighthouse:

• Located atop cliffs on the north coast, Menorca’s oldest lighthouse was built in 1857. At over 100m above sea level , it provides striking photo opportunities of the island’s rugged north coast. From the car park it is an easy ten-minute walk to the clifftop.

Macarelleta Viewpoint:

• Sitting in the district of Ferreries on the south coast, the viewpoint is reached with a therty-minute walk from Cala Galdana. It is a clifftop viewpoint, and the views looking down into the bays are exceptional.

Cala Morell Viewpoint:

• Located on the west coast close to Ciutadella. This viewpoint is not so much about height but more about sunsets , and is a lovely setting to enjoy a cocktail or cold beer as you get that perfect sunset shot. Access is easy from the car park.

Water sports for the whole family

Although the island focuses very much on its marine environment, you can still find plenty of places to enjoy a wide range of water sports , from paddle boarding to kayaking, jet-skiing, scuba diving, and sailing.

Most of the popular resort beaches offer water sports,have pedalos and boards for hire, and a number hire out scuba gear. One of the most popular places to practice water sports is Fornells.

Here, you can practice an extensive range of water sports for adults and kids, including paddle boarding, kayaking, dingy sailing, and windsurfing .

Hike the Cami de Cavalls

The Camí de Cavalls in Menorca is a scenic coastal path stretching 185 kilometers, encircling the entire island. This ancient trail offers a captivating blend of history, nature, and adventure. Originally established for defense purposes by the British in the 18th century, it’s now a beloved hiking route.

Make the kids’ day – with a visit to one of Menorca’s Water Parks

Sometimes, a change is as good as a rest. Menorca has three main water parks, and all are open from May to October.

Aquarock Waterpark Menorca: Located in Cala en Bosch, Ciutadella. Aquarock has a wave pool, slides and flumes to suit all ages, jacuzzi, sunbathing areas, restaurants, snack shacks and much more. Open 10.30 to 18.00. from May 7th to 29th September. Aqua Centre Park Acuatico Menorca: Located at Cala en Blanes , offering numerous slides, kamikaze, black hole, water shuttles, water castle, jacuzzi, bar, snack bar, eatery, sunbathing areas and gardens. Open 10.00 to 18.00 from May 1st to October 15th. Splash Sur Menorca Waterpark: Located i n Urb. Biniancolla, Sant Lluis. Splash Sur Waterpark has an excellent range of slides suitable for the young to adults, a lazy river and a unique water play area for the very young.

Facilities include sunbathing areas with free sun loungers and parasols, toilets, lockers, shops, medical teams, lifeguards, restaurants and buffet. Open 10.00 to 18.00 from May 1st to October 14th.

Take the pressure off, and consider using Organised Tours

Many people prefer to have their days pre-planned, and choosing to book organised tours you can do just that. As you would expect staying on a small island, a lot of Menorca’s organised tours involve boat trips.

But you can also book tours of the towns, villages and cities, book tours to different beaches, and tours to explore the island’s prehistoric Talayotic sites.

To give you an idea of what’s available, I’ve highlighted a few of the most popular trips available.

• Mahón: Gin Distillery Tour with Tasting & Appetizers
• Mahón: Explore Mahon harbour on a glass-bottom boat . Duration one hour.
• From Ciutadella: Natural Coves and Beaches Boat Trip & Paella Lunch . Explore the southern coast of Menorca and enjoy a Mediterranean paella for lunch with sangria.
• Menorca: Island Discovery Jeep Tour . Enjoy some of the most scenic landscapes of the island. Duration three hours
• From Fornells. A half-day trip sailing a catamaran through part of the north marine reserve. Maximum ten people. Duration three hours.
• From Fornells. Sail the north coast , anchor on virgin beaches and enjoy a swim in clear blue waters. Duration three hours.
• Full day island tour . Visit Ciutadella, Fornells, Monte Toro and Torralba. Hotel pick-up and return. Duration seven hours.
• Menorca: Kayak and Marine Reserve Snorkeling Adventure .
• Ciutadella: Wine tasting and guided winery tour . Duration one hour.
• From Cala Galdana: Hidden Gems of South Coast Cruise . Sail through Cala Macarella and Macarelleta, Turqueta, Mitjana, Mitjaneta, Trebalúger and more. Swim into the blue waters.

This is just a small selection of available trips, and many come with hotel/resort pick-up and drop-off, and English-speaking guides.

Enjoy your downtime in bars with a view and fine-dining restaurants

Wherever you stay in Menorca’s towns, villages or beach resorts, you’re never that far from a bar or restaurant that will become your favourite.

Whether it’s a drink with a view or a little fine dining, here is the Menorca travel guide’s take on a few well worth a visit.

Bar Peri: Located in Migjorn Gran : Varied menu including tapas, fish, calamari, lasagne, crepes, pancakes and sandwiches. They do a good Sangria and the usual beers and spirits. Open 7.00am to 11.00pm

Sunset Beach Bar: Situated in Playa de Son Bou on the south coast. Primarily a bar with a view of Menorca’s longest beach selling all the usual drinks, including cocktails and Sangria. Open 9.30am to 11.45pm.

Cova d’en Xoroi bar and disco: Located at Cala en Porter, it is a unique bar carved out of the rocks. Daytime entrance costs €12.90, and €15 sunset time. In the evening, disco entrance is €30.

Sa Falua Cocktail Bar, Mahon harbour: A great little bar for those after-dinner drinks. There is an indoor terrace and a small outdoor terrace so be quick, and grab a waterside table to watch the harbour light up as the sun goes down.

Es Cranc, Fornells village: A famous, highly popular seafood restaurant alongside the beach specialising in lobster dishes, including the famous caldereta de langosta menorquina (lobster stew).

Café Balear Restaurant, Ciudadela harbour: Café Balear is a popular, well-known seafood restaurant where you can dine al-fresco beside the water. Specialities include tapas starters, lobster with onion, fried crayfish, monkfish, swordfish carpaccio and lobster stew.

Smoix Restaurant, Ciutadella: Smoix is a pleasant, boutique hotel restaurant open to non-residents and highly thought of by local and visiting gastronomes. Only local, seasonal produce is used, with legumes added when products are scarce.

El Rais restaurant, Mahon harbour: Mentioned in the 2023 Michelin Guide, El Rais is a restaurant with a difference, specialising in fusion dishes of rice, seafood and meats. You can enjoy starters, sharing plates, raw seafood or beef dishes, rice dishes, mains, and desserts.

Nightlife in Menorca

Although Menorca is certainly quieter than its louder sisters across the water, it still has enough lively bars and clubs where you can party until the late early hours.

Most of the late bars and clubs can be found around the harbour areas of Mahon and Ciutadella, with a few scattered around the resort areas of Cala en Porter ( the most famous club in Menorca, Cova d´en Xoroi , is located here) and Son Bou.

In the most popular bars and club venues you can expect everything from House and Garage, to the 70s, 80s and 90s classics for the young at heart, to Salsa and Latin beats. One word of warning, these venues don’t start getting busy until eleven or midnight.

Menorca travel guide daily itineraries

If daily organised trips make too big a hole in the holiday finances, you may prefer to hire a car and do things in your own time . The daily hire rate should reduce the longer you hire the vehicle.

Maps of the island will be available from tourist offices, hotels and apartment reception. My advice is, don’t try to cram too much into each day . Keeping the itinerary loose gives you greater flexibility should you decide to spend not one hour at a stop, but two.

Secondly, jot down your travel plans on a daily basis. That way, if rain or inclement weather is forecast for the following day, it’s easy to change your plans. Who wants to be trudging round an archaeological site in a downpour when they could be enjoying a coffee in a village café.

The following are just a couple of examples of daily itineraries, assuming I based myself in Cala Galdana, a popular resort area on the south coast.

Daily Itinerary 1

• Head for the beautiful beaches of Macarella and Macarelleta and get your feet wet in the shallows
• Drive to Ferreries town. (Inland, the highest town in Menorca)
• Pay a visit to the Naveta de Tudons, 3 miles out from Ciutadella
• Head for Cala Morell beach and its red cliffs
• Make your way to Ciutadella for a leisurely stroll around the old town
• Enjoy sunset at Pont d’en Gil
• Head back to Cala Galdana. Park up the car and jot down tomorrow’s route over a couple of beers.

Daily Itinerary 2

• Take a drive up to Binibeca Vell, a pretty village by the sea.
• Visit Mahon.
• Explore Mahon’s harbour, enjoy an hour’s boat trip around the harbour, and enjoy a meal at a top seafood restaurant.
• Pay a visit to La Mola Fortress
• Visit the Poblat Talaiotic de Trepucó, one of the island’s most significant prehistoric settlements.
• Enjoy the sunset in Cova d´en Xoroi
• Return to Cala Galdana, and end the evening with a beer in your favourite bar.

Daily Itinerary 3

• Head up to Monte Toro, the highest mountain on the island and enjoy the view.
• Drive to Torre d´en Galmés, the most famous and best-preserved prehistoric settlement
• Head north to see the Faro de Favaritx
• Enjoy a caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) in Fornells
• Spend the rest of the day in Cala Pregonda

Getting a hire car with GPS will make the touring much easier, and your supplier should be able to set the language to give instructions in English.

What to buy in Menorca

Finally, wherever you choose to holiday, plenty of souvenir shops will offer pens, lighters and fridge magnets, with the usual ‘product of’ or ‘love from’ logo printed on the product. Or, in the case of Spain and her islands, castanets, little black bulls and fans.

But what about those gifts for the special people in your life. Family, or friend who looks after the pets or keeps an eye on your house while you’re away?

You will find an extensive range of genuine Menorcan products in markets, towns and cities that make unique gifts. Leather goods , bags, shoulder bags and accessories. Pottery, ceramics, Avarques or Abarca sandals , and designer and costume jewellery.

You can browse all these products and more at Menorca’s main craft centre, the Centre Artesanal de Menorca, in Es Mercadal, which has a permanent display and holds temporary exhibitions of new products. The centre also has a small retail shop.

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Is Menorca Expensive? A Complete Guide To Island Budgets

Menorca is the chilled member of the Balearic chain . A diamond-shaped isle at the eastern end of the archipelago, it’s all rolling hills topped by ancient monuments and salt-washed towns where castles loom overhead and yachts bob in the quays. It’s certainly a holiday favorite, but is Menorca expensive?

That’s what this guide is here to find out. It will offer oodles of insights into planning a trip to the island to help give you an idea of what sort of moolah you’re looking at dropping. We’ll touch on everything from the price of seaside hotels to the cost of eating out, with plenty more besides.

Our hope? To take the stress out of planning your vacation to this sun-splashed corner of Spain , all so you can forget about counting the cents and think more about those azure-water coves and shimmering pebble swimming inlets. Menorca awaits…

Table of Contents

The cost of an average holiday to Menorca

We’d estimate the average cost of a vacation in Menorca to be around the $1,830 per person mark. Bear in mind that includes everything from accommodation to food and even the cost of flights over to the island in the first place. It’s a midrange estimation, based on staying in three- or four-star hotels and eating out most days of the week.

Let’s delve a little deeper and see the costs of every aspect of that trip…

Is Menorca expensive to get to?

Menorca has the fantastic benefit of its own airport. Cue the Menorca Airport , or the Aeropuerto de Menorca in Spanish. The 15 th busiest in the whole of Spain, it now handles just shy of one million passengers each year. They come in largely on seasonal flights from across the whole of Europe. Popular routes include the ones from London (City, Gatwick, and Stansted included) and links to Rome and Amsterdam.

Since the advent of low-cost carriers in Europe, the cost of flights to destinations like this has plummeted. The likes of Ryanair and easyJet can offer fares for as little as $25 a pop, though you’ll pay more for added baggage. However, airfare to and from Menorca can skyrocket in the peak of summer, with tickets getting to over $100, even when buying from the budget brands.

Overall, we’d estimate the cost of a return flight to Menorca from a major hub like London to be around $150 per person. That can decrease considerably towards the start and end of the main season but can also be double if you come in the peak months of June, July, and August.

The cost of accommodation in Menorca

We’d actually put Menorca down as one of the more affordable members of the Balearic Island chain. While Ibiza and Majorca are inundated with lux hotels and chic villas, this one has a more family-friendly vibe. The amount you’ll pay to bed down also depends a whole lot on the resort you choose to stay at. There are chic places where hotels are sure to cost a packet (Cala Llonga, we’re looking at you!). But there are also resorts that offer better bargains, along with country houses that won’t break the bank.

Here’s a look at just a few fantastic hotels across Menorca and a rough guide on the price you can expect to pay for each:

• Villa Le Blanc, a Gran Meliá Hotel – The Leading Hotels of The World ($$$) – One of the most stylish and luxurious hotels in the whole of Spain, let alone just these islands. Gorgeous Med views and a sprawling pool give way to spacious suites and glass-rimmed balconies. You’re looking at around $500 a night for this in the shoulder season of September.
• S´Estancia Suites ($$) – Contemporary double and twin rooms with access to bubbling hot tubs and a large outdoor pool make this a cracking pick for couples. It’s around $140 a night in the shoulder season.
• Hotel Victori ($$) – A midrange hotel a short drive from Mahon port, Hotel Victori has compact but clean rooms and good access to the beaches on the eastern side of the island. It will set you back around $110 a night.
• Hostal Restaurant s’Algaret ($-$$) – The rooms might be a bit dated at this classic Balearic hotel guest house, but they’re clean and in a fine location for accessing the beaches and ports around Fornells. There’s also a lovely pool. Rates here are around $50-60 per night in the shoulder season.

Taking all our hotel picks into account, we’d estimate that you’re looking at something in the region of $110 per night for a midrange hotel, though it’s certainly possible to spend more than that in Menorca, especially if you’re keen to travel in the peak season.

The cost of food and drink in Menorca

As with accommodation, we’d actually say that Menorca has some of the most value-priced food in the whole region. Hit a traditional Balearic taverna and go for the menu del dia . It usually includes a starter, a main, and a dessert, along with a drink (sometimes wine), all for the reasonable price of €18-20 ($18-20). If you’d prefer to stick to a la carte stuff, then you can expect most tapas dishes to come in at between $4-8 each, while house wine goes for around $8 for 750ml.

International food can be more but that really depends on where you are. Major resorts like Mahon, Alaior, and Cala en Bosc tend to have an overload of places to eat that serve all manner of food, particularly of the English and German variety. To give you an idea, you’re looking at paying something like €6.50 for a full fry up in those parts, and between €5-10 for a pizza.

Overall, we’d estimate a total spend of about $50 per day on food in Menorca. That can be less if you already have breakfast included in the cost of your hotel.

The cost of things to do in Menorca

One of the main things we’d recommend forking out for in Menorca is a car hire. That’s your ticket to the remote beaches of Cala Mesquida and the moody inland town of Es Mercadal, with its weekly food market, not to mention the ancient standing stones and hidden wineries. Hire rates vary a lot throughout the year, but a good ballpark is something like $60/day, meaning you’re looking at $420 or so for the full week.

The good news is that once you’ve bagged your own wheels, you can get stuck into loads of totally free activities. Head out to the snorkeling coves and hit the forgotten beaches of the south coast – neither will cost you a penny. There are some things to do that you will have to pay more for, though, including:

• Half-Day Catamaran Trip in Menorca – Explore the rugged shorelines of this stunning island and spot dolphins in the Med. Expect to pay in the region of $70 per person.
• Horseback Riding in Cala Fustam – A planned outing on horseback that takes you along the beautiful sandy beaches on the south coast. The whole package will cost about $100.
• Island Discovery Jeep Safari Menorca – Hit the outback of Menorca with a 4X4 to explore the hills and ancient ruins. This costs $95 per person for the day.

Overall, an activity budget of around $80/day is a good way to go for Menorca.

Money-saving tips for travelers to Menorca

There are loads of things you can do to keep down the cost of a holiday to Menorca, from traveling in the low season to dodging the most expensive and chic parts of the island altogether. Here’s a look at just a handful of ways we think you can pinch the pennies:

• Travel in shoulder seasons – We’ll stop short of saying travel in the wintertime because the weather isn’t great and there aren’t loads of flights heading Menorca’s way. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are great alternatives, though. They cost almost 50% less for travel and accommodation on average.
• Dodge the expensive areas – The resort of Cala Llonga and the main town of Ciutadella tend to be among the priciest places. Inland towns further from the beach will save you money.
• Book in advance – The cheapest places to stay in Menorca will sell out very quick in the run up to the main season. Get in early to ensure you have the pick of them before they go.
• Choose self-catering – Menorca – especially the town of Es Mercadal – has lovely produce markets. Score a self-catering pad or villa and you can hit them to shop for yourself, almost certainly saving on the cost of eating out.
• Don’t travel solo – It’s no secret that single-occupancy rooms only come in a touch cheaper than doubles or twins. If you can bag a travel buddy to bring to this sunny end of southern Spain, then that could really help mitigate accommodation costs when you split it 50-50.

Is Menorca expensive? Our conclusion

Is Menorca expensive? We’d actually estimate that Menorca is among the cheaper of the Balearic Islands to visit. It’s not got the chic vibe of Ibiza and isn’t quite as popular as nearby Majorca. Overall, a total spend of around $1,830 per person is normal, including the cost of hotels, food, activities, and even flights there and back from somewhere in Europe. You could spend more, though, especially if you’re keen to travel in the peak of summer and want to stay in luxury accommodation.  

Reece is the creator and editor of Travel Snippet. He has visited more than 38 countries over a 10-year period. His travels have taken him through the majestic mountains of Italy, into the cities of central Europe, across the islands of Indonesia, and to the beaches of Thailand, where he is currently living. He is passionate about travel and shares his expertise by providing the best travel tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Menorca

Menorca is found in the Mediterranean and is one of the Balearic Islands which are located off the east coast of Spain. This sunny, popular island is a favourite for summer vacationers across Europe because Menorca boasts a beautifully rugged coastline and a multitude of white sand beaches.

Compared to the other Balearic Islands, Menorca is a quieter place to visit, and you’ll find that the clubs of Ibiza and the rowdy bars of Mallorca haven’t exactly made their way over here yet.

Instead, you can enjoy a more authentic side of the Balearic Islands, and on Menorca, you can visit prehistoric standing stones, you can explore the historic streets of the capital, Mahon, and you can venture into the countryside in search of the island’s rural charms.

To inspire your Spanish getaway, here’s our ultimate travel guide to Menorca.

This ultimate travel guide to Menorca will show you all the most beautiful places in Menorca, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Menorca and things to do in Menorca which will help you in planning a trip to Menorca.

Plan your trip?

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This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. You can also read our content/editorial policy here .

Table of Contents

How to get to Menorca

Menorca has a small airport which is located a few kilometres away from the island’s capital city, Mahon. Menorca is very much a summer destination and the majority of flights to the island are only run seasonally, during the most popular months of the year.

During summer, you can find budget flights from many European cities with airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet offering multiple routes, from countries such as the UK, France and Germany. Package holiday companies such as TUI and Thomas Cook also offer seasonal charter flights.

There are also domestic flights available from major Spanish cities, as well as the neighbouring islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, which are just a short hop away.

The Spanish airlines Vueling and Iberia offer more consistent flights to Menorca through the year from Spain and are a good bet if you are travelling offseason.

You can also catch a ferry from Mallorca, which is just one hour away, or from Barcelona on the Spanish mainland, which is a journey of around 7 hours.

What to expect in Menorca 

Compared to Mallorca and Ibiza, the other major islands in the Balearics, Menorca has a reputation for being a quieter getaway. This doesn’t mean it’s not a busy place in summer of course, but it does mean that it’s still possible to find secluded beaches, while you won’t have as much raucous nightlife in the towns.

Most Menorcans speak several languages, with the local dialect being a form of Catalan similar to that which you find in Barcelona. People will also be fluent in Castilian Spanish, while those working in the tourism industry will certainly speak English.

The main currency in use, as with the rest of Spain, is the Euro , and you can find ATMs and money changers at the airport and in Mahon, the capital.

How to get around Menorca

The main transport hub for the island is Mahon, where you find the airport and the ferry port. If you’re arriving by plane, then you can arrange transfers in advance with local taxi companies, or if you are staying in package accommodation, these may be included.

If travelling independently, you can also catch a public bus outside the arrivals terminal, which can transfer you to the main bus station in Mahon.

From Mahon, you can use the public bus lines to get around much of the island, with most major towns and touristy areas linked to the capital.

Bus schedules are fairly regular, however, for absolute freedom and flexibility, you will want to consider renting a car instead, especially if you want to discover more secluded and hidden spots across the island.

The best time to visit Menorca

Menorca is a very seasonal travel destination, however, given the warm Mediterranean climate, it can be a pleasant place to visit all through the year, even out of the summer high season.

The island is most popular between May and September, and the busiest periods are generally July and August when many countries in Europe have school holidays.

This can be a busy time to visit, but given the island’s seasonality, it’s also when you can rest assured that you’ll find regular flights and ferries, and also when businesses are open across the island.

Things start to close down come October, and there are fewer flights to the island and fewer package deals.

Outside of high season is a good time for independent travel, and while the temperatures won’t be as high, Menorca weather is always good, and there’s still lots of sunshine well into winter, and almost no other tourists around.

Things to do in Menorca 

Mahon is the capital and largest city in Menorca, and even if you don’t stay here you’ll be transiting through to get on and off the island.

Mahon though is well worth a stay, or at the very least a day trip if you are heading off to stay at a resort because this is a truly historic destination.

You can enjoy excellent restaurants and local taverns overlooking the sea, or the ramshackle streets, and Mahon is well known for its wonderful culinary scene.

Explore the harbourfront, and admire the superb blend of architecture, which has influences from Spain, from France, and notably from the 18th century British occupation of Menorca.

Museum of Menorca

For history buffs, one of the Menorca things to do that you can’t miss is a visit to the Museum of Menorca . Located in the capital, Mahon, at the museum you can delve deep into the island’s past.

You’ll find archaeological finds on display in the galleries here, as you’re taken on a journey from prehistoric times, through to the Roman colonisation, the Moorish days and finally to the British and Spanish eras. There’s a lot to learn about Menorca, and this is the place to do it.

Taulas of Menorca

To see first hand just a small piece of Menorca’s long history, then head to the Taulas of Menorca .

Found in the centre of the island, the Taulas are prehistoric monoliths which were raised thousands of years ago by the local inhabitants of Menorca. The Taulas are ancient structures and are often seen as being Menorca’s Stonehenge.

On the opposite side of the island to Mahon, you can find the town of Ciutadella, which is the second-largest settlement on Menorca.

Ciutadella has a rich history and you can stroll through the pleasant streets admiring the different influences that are visible, from Arab and Moorish designs to Italian architecture.

The harbour here is beautiful too, while you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the local cuisine.

The highest point on Menorca is Monte Toro, but don’t expect too much, because it only rises to a height of 342 metres.

Although it’s more of a hill than a mountain, Monte Toro is still high in comparison to the surrounding landscapes, and it rises dramatically on the skyline, close to the town of Es Mercadal.

You can hike to the top of Monte Toro, or there’s a four by four-track leading to the summit if you’re feeling lazy. The views from the top stretch across the island and far out into the Balearic Sea.

Beaches and Bays

History, culture, heritage and food aside, the best reason to visit the island is really for the outstanding Menorca beaches.

The coastline is rugged in places, with the north being particularly renowned for its blustery weather and high winds, which together with the surf have carved the cliffs and beaches into a spectacular wilderness over time.

There are also more pristine, white sand beaches across the island too, and plenty of protected and calm turquoise bays glistening in the sun.

In high season, the beaches closest to the towns will always be busy but head further afield and you can always find a quiet spot in Menorca.

Some of the best beaches to visit include Cala Macarelleta and Cala Macarella, both iconic destinations where you can find white sands and clear water.

Calas Mitjana is a lovely, and beautiful cove to visit, but in peak season, it can be one of the busiest spots on the island.

What to eat in Menorca

Menorca has a great culinary scene, and you can find a wide range of restaurants and cuisines from around the world in the resorts and in the towns and cities.

There’s a rich culinary tradition in Menorca, and it’s even claimed that Mahon is the birthplace of Mayonnaise.

The cuisine is very typical of the Mediterranean, with plenty of olives, fish and cheese to sample. Mahon Cheese is a local speciality, and you’ll recognise it by the distinctive orange peel.

You can find fresh seafood everywhere, but a particular local favourite is seafood meatballs . Lobster Stew, or Caldereta de Langosta , is another must-try dish when you are in Menorca, while you’ll find local cured meats for sale everywhere.

Where to stay in Menorca

Budget – Menorca isn’t a big backpacking destination and you won’t find so many hostels on the island. There are some in Mahon and Ciutadella, but budget travellers may find it’s easier to rent out local apartments or rooms on AirBnB.

Mid Range – If you’re wondering where to stay in Menorca, then there’s plenty of mid-range accommodation across the island, and you can find good value resorts complete with pools all along the coast, while you can score excellent deals if you book a package holiday.  

Luxury – Menorca has some lavish luxury offerings, and some of the best on the island include the 16th-century rooms of the Hotel Can Faustino or the boutique, countryside climes of the Hotel Torralbenc .

Tours to do in Menorca

With a beautiful, long coastline to explore, one of the best ways to get around the best of Menorca’s natural sights is to join a boat tour.

From Mahon and other harbours around the island, you can join a variety of boating excursions that take you to both popular beaches, and secluded bays. There are a variety of boats on offer too, from fast, sleek catamarans to rustic sailing vessels.

Try to join a tour that stays out until sunset, so you can enjoy a fiery end to your Menorcan day trip from the water of the Balearic Sea.

Kayaking Tours

Another great way to explore the coastline is to hire a kayak or canoe for the day or to join an organised kayaking tour of Menorca.

It’s a fantastic way to get some exercise while you are on holiday, and it’s a beautiful way to experience the best of Menorca’s great outdoors at the same time.

Many kayaking tours will take you to hidden spots along the coast, that are otherwise inaccessible, while you’ll also have plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and swimming too.

Jeep Safaris

Menorca’s rugged interior is another great part of the island to explore, but much of it is off-limits unless you are driving an off-road vehicle.

Popular jeep safaris will whisk you away from your hotel and into the heart of Menorca’s most dramatic countryside, where the roads end and there’s little around you except wilderness and wildlife.

Day trips from Menorca

North coast marine reserve.

Off the north coast of Menorca, you can find a protected marine reserve that’s well regarded for its high level of biodiversity.

Part of the wider Menorca Biosphere Reserve, which recognises and guards this high level of biodiversity, the North Coast Marine Reserve makes for a fantastic snorkelling or diving destination.

Take a day trip out into the Balearic Sea , and join a boat tour into the marine reserve, where you can find an abundance of underwater life.

You don’t necessarily need to pick between Menorca or Mallorca, because you can actually enjoy the best of both worlds.

Stay on peaceful and relaxed Menorca, but take a day trip over to Mallorca to experience the busy beaches and rowdy bars, or to take in the history and architecture of Palma, the island’s largest city.

Mallorca just just a one hour ferry ride away Mahon, and you can easily make a day trip across from Menorca in the morning, and return late afternoon.

Recommended tours in Menorca

• Private Tour with SUP and Snorkel along the coast of Menorca
• Around the island of Menorca
• Jeep Safari
• Sail Boat Sunset Trip in Menorca
• Hiking Trail Menorca Transfers Stage 6 Son Bou to Cala Porter/ Es Canutells
• Jet Ski trip in the North of Menorca
• Visit and explore Ciutadella
• Guided Visit to Binnisues Natural Sciences Museum of Menorca with Live Entertainment and Food Tasting

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.

Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Menorca Travel Guide: things to see and do on this Balearic island

• ARTICLES : 4

Welcome to our page dedicated to the beautiful little island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. We spent 5 weeks on this beautiful island and we share with you here all our advice to visit the island and enjoy the most beautiful beaches.

This page summarizes all the practical information you need to prepare your trip. At the end of the page you will also find all our blog articles, which are more visits-oriented. Feel free to share our information with others, and if you are leaving soon for Menorca , all we have to do is wish you a wonderful holiday!

Menorca Map: all our posts on a map

Menorca: the small pearl of the balearics, menorca climate - the best season to go there, rent a car in menorca - all the information you need to know.

• Where to stay in Menorca - our advice

Coming to Menorca - cheap flights

Travel budget to menorca, useful resources to prepare your trip to menorca.

• All our blog posts about Menorca

At the end of the page you will find all our articles written about Menorca in "chronological" order. If you prefer to see all our items on a map then you can open the map below and select the item of your choice according to your destination.

Show the Map

Before I talk to you about the practical aspects, I would like to give you a short presentation of Menorca and especially the reasons why we decided to move there for 5 weeks.

Menorca (also called Minorca) is a small island in the Balearic Islands that is barely 700 km2. Much less known and popular than its neighbours Mallorca and Ibiza, this island has, over the years, become a favourite destination for lovers of nature and beautiful landscapes. Tourism has grown rapidly in the Balearic Islands since the 1960s, but from the beginning Menorca has always been very careful to preserve its landscapes by not allowing the construction of major roads along the coast.

Then I wouldn't hide from you that for us the choice of Minorca was made a bit "by accident".... At the beginning we wanted to go to Tenerife (edit: we will finally have gone there at the end of 2018 - see our articles ). The problem is that at the time of our research the flights were very expensive. In short, it was while browsing on Skyscanner that we found a good offer for a flight.

Menorca we didn't know much about it. We knew where it was, we knew that Mallorca and Ibiza were too touristic for our taste but nothing more... A couple of Google Image searches later, we we were already booking our flights!

There are 4 blog articles about Menorca:

• An article on the most beautiful beaches in Menorca and hikes along the coast
• Our favorite hikes on the north coast of the island and our sunset spots
• An article 100% dedicated to our roadtrip in Menorca with our itineraries and tips
• A detailed budget article and an assessment of our adventure in the Balearics.

Minorca has so to say 3 main seasons:

• The low season which extends from November to March : prices are the lowest at this time of the year but on the other hand it should be known that the island is running a little slowly. Less public transport, fewer restaurants/bars open (there are still some) and a cooler climate (12°C to 15°C during the day). In short, it is a very beautiful season for hiking but not so much for swimming.
• The high season which goes from June to August : the summer holiday period! Not surprisingly, it is the period with the most activities and atmosphere on the island. The sun is almost always shining, the beaches are stormed (even if it is still reasonable compared to the neighbouring islands) and of course this is the period when prices take the elevator for accommodation or car rentals.
• Between seasons: from April to June and from early September to late October . In our opinion these are the best seasons! The temperatures are mild (20° to 25°), the prices are reasonable and above all there are not too many people. If you come for a swim, aim for September or October because in spring the water is still a little cool!

Car rental is probably the easiest and most comfortable way to visit Menorca. And the good news in this regard is that the price of rentals is quite reasonable.

To rent a car we advise you to test Rentalcars.com.

Rentalcars is not a rental agency strictly speaking but a comparator! This means that you have a good chance of finding the best prices online (that's how we found our car) Tip: Always try to vary the departure/return times a little. If an agency closes its doors at say 8pm and you want to return at 8.30pm then the latter does not even appear.... However, by talking to the agency it is often possible to make arrangements!

In Menorca itself, and especially in tourist areas, you will also find many agencies directly on the streets and you can easily rent a car on the spot. In our case, we never did so because the prices found online were systematically lower than those observed on spot. When we rent a car we generally prefer to ignore additional insurance (which is often more expensive than the rental itself) and prefer to pay a deposit. We knock on wood, but for the moment we have never had a problem during a rental.

See on Rentalcars

Where to stay in Menorca

Find all our recommandations on hotels in Menorca in our detailed budget blog post . But if you want to save yourself a bit of reading, we suggest you take a look at the hotels in Menorca at Booking (with a small preference for the city of Ciutadella) or just have a look at the map below.

See hotels in Menorca on Booking

Alternatively, you can also take a look at the map below to find your perfect accomodation based on location. Add your dates and use the filters such as price to narrow down your search results.

Regarding flights you have several options. In high season many companies offer direct flights from many cities in France or from Geneva. During the off-season the cheapest option is often to fly with a stopover in Barcelona. To find a cheap flight to Menorca the easiest way is still to compare fares on Skyscanner .

Enter your favorite departure airport and compare!

• As there are no direct flights or low-cost connections every day it is worth comparing prices over 2-3 days... sometimes adding a holiday can save you some money ;)
• The offers vary a lot depending on your departure airport and the companies that serve it... so always remember to compare prices with those of local airports. For example, there are often significant differences between Lyon and Geneva (one way or the other) and between the two cities there is just over 2 hours by train and tickets are available from 16€...

Find a flight on Skyscanner

Each budget is of course different, but here is what we spent during our 5 weeks in Menorca 2017. The budgets below are per day and for 2 people, so if you prefer this corresponds to a global budget of 22€ per day and per person.

• The budget is for 2 people who have "lived" in Menorca for 5 weeks, out of the main season. (we were there between October and November). The figures are averages over our entire stay.
• This does not include flights. For your information we found a round trip for 130€ on skyscanner from Geneva (with a stopover in Barcelona)
• The season will have a big impact on your budget! The more you travel in high season, the more expensive flights, accommodations and car rentals will be.
• Note: we did not rent a car for the entire stay. We rented on the moment to make excursions over 2-3 days.

For more details on our budget, please refer to our special budget article.

See the article

• A Menorca Travel Guide
• Hiking guide of the Cami de Cavalls (the stunning trail that goes all around the island)
• Skyscanner to find a cheap flight to Menorca
• The offical Menorca Website (tourism board)
• The official Cami de Cavals website

Note: This page contains affiliate links to partner sites. By using our links to make a reservation you don't pay anything more but on the other hand we get a small commission that helps us to make this site live and keep it advertising free.

Menorca: all our blog posts

Menorca: Our travel budget and impressions of our stay in the Balearic Islands

We spent a little over 5 weeks on the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. Here is our assessment, all the practical information and our budget

Road trip in Menorca: rent a car and go explore the island!

Ideas for itineraries to do a small roadtrip in Menorca. Renting a car is the best way to visit Menorca. More information in the article

Menorca: our complete guide to discover the northern Coast and the best sunset spots

Hiking idea on the beautiful island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands: walk from Val Algaierens to Cala Morell on the cavalry truck

Best Beaches in Menorca and stunning hikes in the south

Hiking idea on the beautiful island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. A hike to discover the most beautiful beaches of the island.

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This Lesser-known Island in Spain Has Become a Go-to for Stylish European Travelers — Here's How to Plan Your Trip

Europe’s style set has arrived on sleepy, low-key Menorca, drawn by a cluster of chic farm stays, a high-profile art gallery — and some of the best beaches in the Balearics.

TRANS-WORLD PHOTOS/PREMIUM STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY GMBH/ALAMY

In the late-afternoon shade on the terrace at Santa Ponsa , my family and I became transfixed by two identical, parrot-like birds with tangerine breasts and bright-green backs in a cage next to our table. They popped out from their little house and hopped onto a swing, where they began rubbing beaks and chattering away to one another.

“They are called ‘ Les Inséparables ,’ ” the waiter said as he poured our iced lemonade. “Lovebirds, originally from North Africa.” 

From left: From left: Karel Balas/Courtesy of Menorca Experimental; Yann Deret/Courtesy of Fonteneille

Though the two could surely tell they were far from home, there is a distinctly Moorish feel to the gardens of this luxuriously restored 17th-century farmhouse hotel a few miles from Menorca’s southeastern coast . Looking out across the stone walkways that crisscrossed the sunken terraced gardens, with their lemon, orange, pomegranate, and fig trees, my husband, Nicolas, and our two kids, 10-year-old Louis and eight-year-old Audrey, wondered out loud whether the lovebirds would be quite so happy together if they didn’t live in such a romantic setting. 

Santa Ponsa’s confluence of styles reflects the many nations and powers that have influenced this Balearic island over the centuries. The finca’s façade is painted Menorca’s classic “English red,” a shade designed to look like brickwork. And yet, with its white trim and signage, the building is more reminiscent of an Argentinean estancia. The excellent restaurant, Nura, is presided over by a Catalan chef, Oriol Sola Pagés, while the interiors — a mix of velvet, rattan, and potted palms — would make any well-heeled Parisian feel at home. 

Daniel Schaefer/Courtesy of The Estate of Eduardo Chillida and Hauser & Wirth

Once the summer home of a wealthy family from Mahón, the island’s capital, Santa Ponsa was sold to farmers in the late 19th century and eventually fell into dereliction, like many handsome houses on the island. Thanks to Parisian hoteliers Guillaume Foucher and Frédéric Biousse, who used to vacation on Menorca and bought the property in 2015, the finca has undergone a lavish restoration. Biousse, who formerly worked in fashion, and Foucher, who was a gallerist, are the creative force behind Les Domaines de Fontenille, a hospitality brand with 11 properties in France, Italy, and Spain, including two on Menorca­ — Santa Ponsa and the neighboring Torre Vella , both of which opened in 2019. 

Menorca is quietly unassuming, yet in my view the true beauty of Spain’s four Balearic Islands. It’s often overlooked by those who don’t know better — and cherished by those who do. Thanks to rigid preservation laws, its pristine coast has been spared the high-rise buildings you’ll find elsewhere in the Balearics; here, new development is only permitted in the agricultural interior. Those who like their beaches wild and rugged will be drawn to the north, with its pine-fringed rocky coves, but if, like my children, you like to spend hours paddling in gin-clear shallows, the golden beaches of the southeast are a must-visit.

Karel Balas/Courtesy of Menorca Experimental

Still, compared with brash Mallorca and wild-child Ibiza and its tiny, sceney sibling Formentera, Menorca can at first glance seem a little lacking in vibe. That began to change in 2021, when the international art firm Hauser & Wirth opened a gallery on the small island of Illa del Rei, a short ferry ride from Mahón. Since then a new international crowd has descended. At around the same time, a clutch of understated hideaways has popped up among the olive groves of the island’s unspoiled southeast, each perfectly pitched to appeal to an art-lover’s eye for authenticity and design.

Of Domaines de Fontenille’s two Menorcan hotels, Santa Ponsa is the more upscale, with a subterranean Susanne Kaufmann spa and two swimming pools. Close to the beaches of Son Bou and Santo Tomas, Torre Vella, constructed around a 15th-century lookout tower, has a more simple, pared-back feel. But while the signage is rustic and the pathways are dusty, the whitewashed bungalows conceal plush suites, many with private plunge pools and swing seats; an outdoor pool and yoga area are hidden behind pampas grass. 

From left: Nathalie Carnet/Courtesy of Fontenille; Yann Deret/Courtesy of Fontenille

After a quick transfer from Santa Ponsa to Torre Vella, we sat down to a lunch of Menorcan sheep-milk cheese and slivers of jamón, accompanied by a crisp rosé from the hoteliers’ vineyard in France. Next came a sublime sunset dip off the almost two-mile sandy beach at Son Bou. We dined in one of the property’s courtyards while bullfrogs chirped under a crescent moon. 

But the highlight of our stay came the next morning. If you, like me and my family, live for a sumptuous breakfast buffet, you’ll lose your mind at Torre Vella. Louis and Audrey made several trips to a giant central wooden table laden with cookies, brownies, and an orange-almond cake, still warm from the oven. Nicolas attacked a vast chorizo with a spoon, while I focused on a board of Menorcan cheeses and a bowl of grated tomatoes to be spread on sourdough bread, in true Catalan style. 

Marta Perez/Courtesy of Torralbenc

Our next stop was Menorca Experimental , less than a mile away. A sign indicating agriturismo took us through olive groves to a gracious 19th-century finca surrounded by extensive gardens. It did not look like any agriturismo I had ever been to — a fact confirmed when we walked into the reception area, with its display of fashion-forward jewelry, which sat alongside a four-foot urn and pedestal woven entirely from straw. 

The Paris-based Experimental Group, which began by launching cocktail bars and has since expanded to hotels in hot spots like Ibiza, Venice, and Verbier, in the Swiss Alps, has a playful, sophisticated aesthetic; the Menorca outpost, which quietly opened in 2019, is no exception. Designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who conceived the 43-room property to resemble an artist’s vacation cottage, took inspiration from the works of Miró, Dalí, and Picasso to create a colorful abstract language throughout the hotel. 

Yann Deret/Courtesy of Fontenille

With a palette of terra-cotta, pale pink, blue, and cream — carried through to the ceramics and textiles by the Moroccan studio lrnce — the feel is inventive, and seriously cool. Our fellow guests were similarly fashionable, mixing DIY Tom Collinses with Xoriguer gin from Mahón to the sounds of a tasteful — yet surprisingly loud — playlist at the bar that evening. I worried that children would not be welcome, but was relieved to see a bunch of bronzed, barefoot kids running around the grounds while their parents made merry. 

We dined in the hotel’s boutique, where tables had been laid out. Nicolas and the children concentrated on their char-grilled steaks; my attention was drawn away from my sea-bass ceviche to a pair of lrnce sandals winking at me from the shelf. 

After another extraordinary breakfast, we piled into the car for the 20-minute journey to our final stay, Torralbenc , the oldest of this new wave of hotels and in many ways the most grown-up. Set in another converted farm, Torralbenc’s golden-hued stone buildings nestle into the landscape unobtrusively, save for the odd splash of crimson bougainvillea growing on a wall. The place is so quiet that even by the side of the saltwater pool, all you can hear is the hum of bees in the lavender bushes. I discouraged my children from dive-bombing. 

Bought by a Basque family in 2005, Torralbenc opened as a hotel in 2013, and pioneered the idea of the luxury rural bolt-hole on Menorca — while setting a high bar for sustainability. Throughout the 27-room property, there are no single-use plastics: shower caps are made from repurposed potato skins, slippers from bamboo. Its 35-acre vineyard has been making wine since 2016, and the chef sources all produce locally, from the creamy farm yogurt to the fish from the market in Mahón. 

Under a bamboo canopy, we chatted with a French couple who had checked in for a week while waiting for the renovations to be completed on their new finca. The island, they told us, is fast becoming the second-home spot of choice for well-heeled French families who have given up on the Côte d’Azur. 

As the sun disappeared between the olive trees, we sipped Bodegas Torralbenc’s blackberry-inflected Merlot and discussed the best places to buy espadrilles in Mahón. And just like that, I found myself dreaming about a finca of my own.  

A version of this story first appeared in the August 2023 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Blue-sky Thinking."

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Making solo travel easier.

Menorca Guide

Types of Solos – Active, Beach History, Nature Solo 

Although most people head to Mallorca or Ibiza, Menorca (or Minorca) is an island that shouldn’t be overlooked. Being lesser known means that you can escape all the tourists and really get away from it all. If you love nature and a slower pace of life, Menorca is your island. If you're planning a trip to this island, this short Menorca guide covers things to do in Menorca, how to get around and recommended places to stay.

Must-Sees in Menorca

Menorca is the second-largest in the Balearic Islands, known for its beaches but there is more to do here than just sunbathe. Recognised as a natural biosphere reserve, Menorca has conserved its heritage and has lots of nature to explore with hidden coves and wild nature.

Mahon and Ciutadella are the main cities here and are located on either side of the island. Mahon is the Mediterranean’s natural harbour. Explore the historic centre on foot, take the colourful train that stops at some of the sights or hop aboard one of the boat trips from here to see Menorca from the coast. Mahon also has one of the oldest opera houses in Spain.  

Over the years the island has been influenced by the Arabs, Romans, and French, with the British also leaving their legacy. There is also prehistoric evidence on the island with megalithic stone monuments and burial monuments known as “navetas,” dating back to 9th century B.C.

Menorca is definitely one for the history buffs, and has an old military fortress to explore at Fort Marlborough. Visit vineyards and salt marshes or just spend a day sunbathing and shopping.

History solos can discover what life was like for the islanders back in the 19th century at the Museo Binissues including how the lords lived. Plus if you like wildlife, you can visit the Museum of Natural Sciences to see the creepy crawlies too. 

The Cami de Cavalls path is an ancient path which takes you 360 degrees around the island. Hike across gorges, coastline or past fortresses on Menorca’s own Camino de Santiago . Walk the whole path or just a section.

Get a great view at the Cavalleria Lighthouse and watch the sunset from the cliffs. Or go to the highest point of the island at Monte Toro for views of the island and watch the sunset from there.

For the beach GatG, Menorca has dozens of beaches and each one with a different landscape from the next. The most picturesque beach is Macerella with white sand and clear waters but there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Other favourites are Mitjana and Turqueta. Be prepared that some of the beaches are nudist beaches and you may get more than you bargained for!

If it's adrenalin that you're after, take advantage of the water sports that Menorca has to offer, such as kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing or stand up paddleboarding. With the water being so clear it is also a great place to dive with scuba-diving courses on the island.

Or do the touristy thing on a glass-bottom boat to sail past the island’s bays and learn more about the history of the natural harbour. Boats depart from the port of Mahon.

In the evening, experience the sunset over the sea on a cruise along the west coast of Menorca seeing some of the island’s landmarks such as Post d’en Gil or the Ciutadella Harbour. You even get a glass of cava too!

Calasfonts Cales Fonts Port

Bars and Restaurants

PiQniQ – This small restaurant in Ciutadella is a great place to eat whether you prefer Mediterranean or European healthy dishes. They cater for vegans and vegetarians. Choose from a vegan salad or burger, or an apple crumble dessert. Find at Calle Sant Pere 7.

Meet others at Paput. This “beach” bar and restaurant is in Mahon and its lively atmosphere makes it easy to meet others. In the evenings you can party here to the live DJs and enjoy one of their delicious burgers. You’ll find this kiosk at the entrance to the promenade.

Cova d’en Xoroi is a pub in a cave. You do need to be fit to get in there as there are approx 100 steps to get into the pub which also doubles up as a nightclub. The view from the bathrooms is amazing.

If you like gin, you can find the local one called Pomada nearly everywhere on the island. Or visit the Xoriguer Gin Factory and see the distillery process with the original copper stills.

Menorca Tours

Get Your Guide helps you to find worldwide top-rated tours and activities including tours in Menorca. Using local companies and guides, you can choose a coves and beaches sailing trip with a paella lunch, kayak and snorkel the beaches and caves instead or try your hand at scuba diving and explore the Menorca marine reserve.

Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are several to book as a solo and it’s really simple to use. Just check the rating reviews, price and availability then book online.

* Check prices and availability for tours and activities in Menorca

Accommodation in Menorca

Menorca has all types of accommodation to stay in from self-catering apartments to villas, 2 to 5-star hotels and all-inclusive properties. If you're here on a budget and searching for cheap Menorca accommodation, there are a couple of hostels such as Hostel Menorca and Hostal Restaurant s'Algaret (which is more of a 2-star hotel). 

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodation, click on the link below and search for the solo traveller reviews. 

* To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Menorca

Hostal Restaurant S'Algaret – $

For those on a budget, Hostal S'Algaret offers single rooms in a great location just a 12 minute walk from the beach in Fornells. There’s an outdoor swimming pool that’s open in the summer months and a buffet breakfast is included. There is also a restaurant on site but if you are here during the low season (from October) it’s not open all the time so consider hiring a car if you visit outside of the peak season.  

• Prices start from £36/€42 for a single room 
• Check prices, dates and availability: Hostal Restaurant S'Algaret

White Sands Beach Club By Diamond Resorts – $$

Menorca is a great place to stay in the comfort of a resort especially when it is only a two-minute walk from the beach. This luxury resort has a gorgeous swimming pool and sun lounger if you prefer to laze around the pool. Studios are equipped with kitchenettes so you can cook your own food if you don’t venture to the onsite restaurant or bar. They also come with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

• Prices start from £84/€98 in the low season for a studio apartment 
• Check prices, dates and availability: White Sands Beach Club

Agroturismo Matxani Gran – $$$

For those seeking somewhere more rural, Agroturismo Matxani Gran is a relaxing 4 star property on the east side of the island. Mingle with the sheep and resident donkeys or just relax in the swimming pool enjoying the views. The staff are super friendly and breakfast is included too! Choose from a single room with a private bathroom or a double or a twin.  

• Prices start from £103/€120 in the low season for a single room
• Check prices, dates and availability: Agroturismo Matxani Gran

Getting Around Menorca

There are buses on the island but you need to change at either Mahon or Ciutadella. From there you can additional buses to various places on the island. For some areas such as Santo Tomas, hiring a car or scooter is a better option as buses are limited here.

Taxi drivers are friendly but check the price before they start driving. You can also get water taxis between Es Castell and Mahon. Or hire a car and drive yourself around the island (just remember they drive on the right-hand side.)

From Menorca Airport

Menorca Airport is less than 5km from Mahon, the island’s capital. Buses only take 10 minutes to the capital. If you are staying in Ciutadella, the bus takes 1.5 hours. Buses run every 30 minutes during the week and every hour on the weekends and go to the bus station in Mahon.

From here you can take another bus to a different part of the island. A taxi costs approx €20 from the airport to the capital and more than €60 to Ciutadella.

Check Rome2Rio to plan your journey or book a transfer with Hoppa , to have someone waiting at the airport for you when you arrive. 

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Inspire Your Trip

Menorca 7 Day Itinerary

Menorca – think idyllic beaches for lazy days, hidden sandy coves, scenic hiking trails (for those who are a little more active), quaint towns to wander and sit and watch the world go by, and plenty of ancient monuments for those who can’t resist a bit of history.

There’s definitely something for everyone here, but dubbed as the quieter one compared to its livelier neighbours, Mallorca and Ibiza, it’s certainly a place to head to for some relaxation and have a holiday that’s a little more slow paced.

Maybe you’ve already planned a holiday to this stunning island, or are still deciding where to go to get some summer sun and you’re tempted by a holiday in Menorca.

We’ve put together the ultimate seven day guide to give you some inspiration, so read on to find out how to make the most of your seven days in Menorca.

Day 1 – An abundance of beaches

Although it’s not as busy as nearby neighbours Ibiza and Majorca, Menorca far outperforms both of these islands when it comes to beaches. Menorca has both quality and quantity in this regard, and there is also a great deal of diversity between beaches.

So many have been awarded Blue Flag status that the hardest part is simply choosing where you want to unwind. While you’ve got the busier beaches like Punta Oriuma and Santo Tomas at your disposal, there are also much quieter areas in which to spend your time. Pregonda in the north is the epitome of a secluded beach with nothing more than sand and sea here. You’ll have to hike to get there, but the clear waters, ideal for snorkelling, make it well worthwhile – take plenty of food and water with you.

Once you’ve settled in at your hotel, we’d recommend heading straight down to Cala Blanca and unwind on the soft, warm sand.

Day 2 – Old town charms

Menorca Ciutadella is highly regarded as the most visually appealing of all the island’s towns, and after you’ve spent a few hours strolling through its maze-like cobbled streets we think you’ll see why. Spend the morning exploring this wonderful part of the island.

Architectural gems of particular note include the Església del Roser, a 17th-century baroque church, the 14th-century cathedral and the fine palaces that line the Plaça des Born, the old town’s main square. The old town is also known for its stunning views and from certain points it’s possible to see the hills of Majorca in the distance.

Grab a spot of lunch before your siesta and try some regional Spanish fare in the afternoon. The Ciutadella is full of tiny little tapas restaurants specialising in seasonal seafood and Menorcan cuisine. Ca’s Ferrer de sa Font is a delightful place to try Mediterranean flavours while Pins 46 is one of the best tapas bars in the area – so be sure to visit here on your second day.

Day 3 – A day out on the water

By far the best way to appreciate and enjoy Menorca’s stunning coastline is from its clear, blue waters. The number of coves and bays that surround the island have made it the ideal place for watersports of all kinds, with sea kayaking and canoeing being particularly popular. On your third day, find your sea legs and take an adventure out on the water. Fornells is the perfect place for novices due to its calm, sheltered waters. Those after a challenge may want to head up to Es Grau in the north-east. Most beaches will have rental services, however, so you don’t have to worry about going too far.

From the Ciutadella, it is possible to take a boating tour to the Menorca Blava, which allows you to enjoy some of the best spots on the island’s southern coast as well as the great views of Menorca from the boat. The trips leave at 10am and return at 5pm, so it’s a whole day affair – paella lunch is included in the ticket price (approx £30 for adults, £15 for kids).

In the evening, nip back to your hotel before heading out in the Ciutadella. We’re sure you would have already earmarked a restaurant from your previous visit to the town, so enjoy drinks and a top meal in your chosen eatery.

Day 4 – Conquer Monte Toro

On your fourth day in Menorca, plan a day trip to remember and conquer the island’s largest mountain. At 358 metres above sea level, Monte Toro provides some of the best views of Menorca. This peak can be climbed at a leisurely pace via the steep road that leads to the top. Although you’ll need an average level of fitness to get to the summit, regular walkers should be fine. As well as the incredible panoramic views, you’ll find a small chapel at the top which contains the Black Madonna.

The mountain towers above Es Mercadal, making it the perfect place to stop off for some Spanish cuisine after a good hike in the afternoon. If you happen to be around during mid-July, the village comes alive with celebrations in the name of Sant Martí.

Day 5 – Explore Menorca’s ancient past

There are ancient monuments dotted all over Menorca, some of which date as far back as 1000 BC. The Taulas and Talaiots are some of the most fascinating structures on the island and these can be found at various places in Menorca. Trepucó, Talatí de Dalt and Torre d’en Galmés are among the best sites to visit on the fifth day of your trip.

Day 6 – Indulge in Menorca’s countryside

For a day trip to remember, head to the Binifadet winery and soak of some of the fine ambiance here. Located inland at the south-western end of the island, this excellent little winery combines food and drink perfectly to get your taste buds racing.

A typical tour of the venue gives you an insight as to how wine is made in Menorca, lets you taste two wines of your choice and also allows you to sample some of Binifadet’s wine-based dishes, including goats’ cheese and special preserves. The best part of the tour is that it’s free.

The restaurant itself is an excellent place to sample the vineyard’s produce as well as its fine international cuisine. Open for lunch or dinner, you can easily arrange your meal around your day trip plans.

Not a wine drinker? No problem. The Xoriguer Gin Distillery in Mao may be more up your street then. The distillery’s tasting room offers you the chance to sample the many varieties of distinctive Menorcan gin.

Day 7 – Shop the blues away

On your final day in Menorca, shop the holiday leaving blues away at the many fine boutiques of Ciutadella. Here, you’ll find bigger brands alongside bespoke jewellery and clothing stores. The back streets are lined with hidden gems, giving a new lease of life to bargain hunting. Pick up a reminder of your holiday as well as a few souvenirs for loved ones back home – the perfect way to end a week on this beautiful island.

You might like to check out our Mallorca one week itinerary or advice for the best things to do in Ibiza .

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Menorca: 4 days in the Balearic Islands (road trip & hiking)

But where is Menorca, exactly?

A 2-hour flight from Paris, affordable plane tickets and good weather all year-round, the Balearic Islands are attractive. Majorca and Ibiza are very touristy, though. If you want to enjoy the island life while staying away from people at the same time, then Menorca is the place for you.

This little island east of Majorca lives off agriculture but it does attract more and more tourists every summer. Still, only 3 cities are inhabited all year ; the rest is seasonal.

We spent 4 days exploring Menorca , a tiny island that still feels very wild and authentic, with amazing beaches and a really cool hike if you want to walk all around the island!

1. Menorca: useful information

How to get to and around menorca.

The fastest way to get there is by plane , with a 2-hour flight from Paris. Depending on the time of the year, you can find some really cheap plane tickets (gotta love Europe). We paid €20 (~aud30) for the return flight with EasyJet, and €50 (~$80) for the plane to Menorca with RyanAir.

You can also catch the ferry from Barcelona to Ciutadella, or from Majorca. This is a great option if you have your own car and want to bring it to Menorca; otherwise it is more expensive and obviously much slower.

To get around the island, you have 3 options: car, bus or scooter/motorbike.

Renting a car at the airport costs around €100-140 (~aud160-220). You can also rent it through an independent shop, in the city. It is a small island : 50 km from west to east, 20 km from north to south. You can easily do it in less than a week and a scooter would not be a bad option, as it is usually less expensive and better suited for this kind of distances. It really depends on what level of comfort you want!

The bus network is not bad and you can get to most beaches that way. However, most bus lines operate only during the high season. I recommend you check the bus timetables before you arrive to make sure you will be able to travel on the bus!

Something else to take into consideration: there is only one “main” road in Menorca , the ME-1. There is no road going all around the island and you need to go back to that main road every time you want to go somewhere on the coast. The next beach may be 3 km away as the crow flies, but in reality it will be a 10-15 km trip to get there. Just something to keep in mind!

Budget for a trip to Menorca

Life is generally cheaper in Menorca. For example, you can find hotels with fully equipped rooms (kitchen, bathroom…) for €50-55 (~aud78-86) per night, where you can cook and save on meals – though they recently introduced a ‘tourist tax’ of €1 per person in hotels. Supermarket food and restaurants are also a lot cheaper than in mainland Europe.

If you are planning to stay there for a few weeks, you should check out Vibbo where you can rent short-term apartments for a very decent price!

Fuel prices are pretty similar to the rest of Europe though, aka, really expensive (€1.7/L, or aud2.8/L). Buses are slightly cheaper in that sense, as a ticket costs between 2 and 5 euros and it gets cheaper if you buy them in bulk. The shuttle from Ciutadellà to the airport in Mahò costs €12.50 (~aud20).

Hiking Menorca: the Camí de Cavalls or GR223

The Camí de Cavalls (or GR223) is a 180-km hike all around Menorca , following the coast. Every beach along the coasts gives you access to it, whether on the beach or on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. It’s a really accessible path for all levels of fitness. A couple of sections have bitumen, in the south of Menorca. The north of the islands is made up almost exclusively of tracks. You can encounter some more difficult sections there with a lot of rocks and sand.

I do intend to walk the full GR223 one day so stay tuned for an article on that in the future… 😉

2. 4-day itinerary in Menorca

This is the itinerary we followed over 4 days in Menorca . If you only have a few days to spend there, this is a good plan that will allow you to see a bit of everything. I’ve included a map with our main checkpoints just below. 🙂

Landing in Mahòn

We arrived in Mahòn in the afternoon. The airport is tiny and as I previously mentioned, you can rent a car there (you will be familiar with most rental companies: Avis, Budget, Europcar…) Otherwise, the bus can take you to the city centre. We went for a walk in the old city centre, where you can find a lot of cute cafés and restaurants!

We spent our first night in Bimbolla Apartment in Punta Prima, for €52 a night (aud75). It is only 11 km away from Mahòn and the resort is really nice. Each apartment has its own kitchen and you have a pool too, great value for money!

Day 1 : South-East of Menorca

We first went to Binibeca, about 4.5 km away from Punta Prima . You can actually drive this section along the coast and do not need to go back to the ME-1. Binibeca is a very typical Mediterranean village with white houses, looking a lot like Santorini. You can go for a walk and get lost among those cute houses, and there is a café just outside the village. To be honest, I accidentally found this place via Instagram (I know) and I was ready to be disappointed, but Binibeca is a genuinely nice place to visit and really worth the detour!

Cala en Porter

We then headed to Cala en Porter, 19 km away from Binibeca . This time you have to go back up to the main road (ME-1), and down to the coast again. Once in Cala, you will find the Cova d’En Xoroi , a famous bar / club built straight into the cliffs. It is said to be a great spot for the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea . From Cala En Porter, you can also walk part of the GR223 . It takes you on the cliffs and over the ocean, for some really impressive views of the coastline! You can also rent kayaks and see those cliffs from the ocean, as you can see in the photo.

Ciutadella de Menorca

We hit the road again and drove 50 km to Los Delfines , just passed Ciutadella. We spent 2 nights in the Globales Almirante Farragut , mostly because nothing else was open. They offer all-inclusive prices with 3 meals a day, otherwise it costs €100 per night (aud160). The GR223 is right at your doorstep though, and you can go to Pont d’En Gil , a natural arch from where you can admire the sunset.

Day 2 : South-West of Menorca

Cala en turqueta and playa des talaier.

On day 2, we headed to Cala en Turqueta, roughly 11 km south of Ciutadella . You have to walk 1 km to get to the Cala en Turqueta. Once there, you can actually walk over to the next beach (Cala des Talaier) via the GR223, about 2.2 km away. It takes you on the cliffs and the view is really worth it!

In summer, the beach is crowded as it is one of the most popular spot in Menorca. We were there in October in the off-season and it was great: amazing weather and very few people, what more can you ask for? You can even go swimming or cliff jumping at that time of the year! If you do not have a car, you can catch the bus 68 in Ciutadella, it will drop you off at the car park.

Day 3 : North-West of Menorca

There is a sharp contrast between the South and the North of the island. The South coast is quite popular, most people go there and the most “popular” spots are there too. The North coast only has two “cities” and the rest of the coastline has remained wild and uninhabited . It is both beautiful and impressive. The GR223 goes along the coast too and we walked some sections.

We first went to Cala Pilar, about 11 km away from Ciutadella . You have to walk 2.5 km from the carpark to the beach and it is definitely worth it. Once there, you will get a 360° view of both beaches and the ‘mountains’. You can find the GR223 there and walk along the coast to get to the next beach. The weather was absolutely terrible when we went but it was still magnificent.

Playa de Cavalleria

We then went back inland and stopped for lunch in Ferreries . We then headed to Playa de Cavalleria, 30 km away from Cala Pilar. Cavalleria is definitely the highlight of our trip to Menorca. We were lucky enough to see it both on a rainy and a sunny day. It is such a peaceful and impressive place , really worth the drive up to the north of Menorca. It is a 1 km walk from the car park, very accessible to all fitness levels, I highly recommend!

We drove another 11 km and stopped in Fornells for the night. It is a small fishermen village , and the only proper “city” on the North coast. A nice little town with its port and old city centre. At the very end of the village, you can walk to Torre de Fornells for a great sunset spot. There is not much accommodation in Fornells and we found a small hotel 1 km away from the centre , for €62 (aud80) a night.

Day 4 : Menorca inland

Far de cavalleria.

For our last day, we went back to Cala Pilar and drove all the way up to Far de Cavalleria , at the northernmost point of Menorca (about 15 km from Fornells). There is a lighthouse and a lot of hiking tracks all around. This is where you can get one of the best view of the island . There is a small café near the lighthouse, it was still open in October, but it would probably close in winter.

Monte Torro

We went to Monte Torro for our last visit, the highest point in Menorca . 17 km away from Far de Cavalleria, you will have a 360° view over the island . You spin around in a circle and everywhere you look is beautiful . It makes you realise how tiny the island is, too. A very nice way to finish a trip to Menorca! You also have a bar and restaurant/café at the top if you want to have lunch up there.

And this is it, a very small article about Menorca but I hope it made you want to travel there.

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GR20: 200 km in the Corsican mountains [Full Guide]

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Villa Paradise - San Jaime

Holiday Villa with private pool

Villa Paradise is one of our last incorporations to our Permium Villa catalogue, with all luxury comfort. A house that has been thought to provide a unique experience, to feel and live Menorca in the best way. The house is built in 3 levels, the first being a large open area with lounge, dining and kitchen, with big windows that provide light and give access to a fantastic terrace with spectacular sea views. The lounge has a large flat TV and games console. The dining table is a unique art piece, made in marble with detailed inlayed motives. The open style kitchen is practical and is fully equipped. The terrace benefits of a relaxing sofa area and large dining table for al fresco meals. On the lower floor, you can find 4 large double bedrooms, two with doulbe beds, and two with single beds. All have en-suite shower rooms and sea views. Finally, in the basement floor, you will find the also very large fith bedroom, with 2 single beds, en suite shower room and dressing area. All the house house has air conditioning and Wifi. The Villa Paradise experience is completed with the exterior terrace, with a private pool, sunloungers, chill out sofas and is surrounded by gardens that combine artificial lawn with local vegetation. To sum up, the location of the villa is just 10 minute walk from the Son Bou Beach, making Villa Paradise a unique option for the best family holidays.

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The 11 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Alabama

Jennifer Young

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Here in Alabama, there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit. If you’d like to visit several places, but only have one day, we recommend picking a destination and taking a day trip. Listed below are 11 of the best Alabama day trips . You’ll want to experience each one of them.

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For the day trip of a lifetime, you’ll want to visit Fort Morgan and Dauphin Island .

Where are your favorite destinations for day trips in Alabama? Tell us all about your picks. Who knows? You just might see yours featured someday. You can submit ideas to us using this nomination form . We’d love to hear from you, so let us know.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best alabama day trips.

Where are some beautiful, must-visit places in Alabama?  

Alabama is filled with many beautiful, must-visit places. Three of our favorite places are:

1. Cheaha State Park - Delta, AL

2. Blue Springs State Park - Clio, AL

3. Noccacula Falls Park - Gadsden, AL

Where is Little River Canyon National Preserve?   

Little River Canyon National Preserve is located near Fort Payne, Alabama . It was established in 1992 and spans more than 15,000 acres. It’s a stunning place with a little bit of everything for everyone. From waterfalls and incredible trails to breathtaking overlooks and amazing picnic spots, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Unfortunately, there is no camping allowed in the preserve, but that just means you’ll have to arrive no later than the moment they open and stay until the moment they’re closed. Every year, the preserve offers fee-free admission days, so make sure to look the dates up for the most current year before you go.  

What are some unique Alabama attractions I should add to my bucket list?  

There are many unique attractions located throughout Alabama. Three of our favorite unique attractions are:

1. Ave Maria Grotto - Cullman, AL

2. Rosenbaum House - Florence, AL

3. Unclaimed Baggage Center - Scottsboro, AL

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Menorca Wedding Venues

By John Britton Menorca , Wedding Oct 02, 2022 Comments Off on Menorca Wedding Venues

Here is a list of wedding venues which are available on the island of Menorca. Over the years we have gained a good breadth of knowledge for many beautiful wedding venues. Here are a few which should help you in choosing a venue for your wedding day on the most easterly Balearic island of Menorca.

Santa Margarita Church

Iglesia Santa Margarita is a small church in Es Castell. The services are delivered by Reverend Paul Strudwick who arrived on the island around Five years ago. It is an Anglican Church and so if you are C of E and you are wanting a religious ceremony, we would strongly advise that you get in touch with the church. Reverend Strudwick has a very good relationship with many of the venues. He has delivered wedding ceremonies across the island and we have worked along side him many times. His wife also delivers non-religious ceremonies, so between them, they cover all bases.

What we have started to see over the last few seasons when photographing the ceremonies on Menorca, Catholic churches are beginning to open their doors to non-Catholic couples. Reverend Paul Strudwick can let you know the churches which allow this. In addition to local venue knowledge, he can advise on what you must do in England before embarking on planning a destination wedding on the Balearics. In previous seasons we have photographed non Catholic weddings in the sanctuary at Monte Toro and a small church in Ciutadella. It is therefore possible, with permission, to access these places with the right connections.

If you do decide to have a religious ceremony, Reverend Paul delivers wedding ceremonies with passion, humour and dedication for the couple. You’ll instantly warm to this man. And although the ceremonies will have a religious undertone, it will also be delivered with reference to the island you’re on and have individuality for you as a couple. Full of personal touches, the service will be a memorable one.

Hotel Binissaida

Sant Joan de Binissaida is near the village of Binissaida which is on the east of the island near Mahon and Es Castell. It is a boutique style hotel with varying styles of bedroom and unique public spaces which has been converted from a farmhouse into the splendid hotel which is now very popular for weddings. The popularity has grown so much over the last few seasons that the owners have built an area specifically for hosting weddings. A covered space with its own lawned area, toilets and kitchen from where the most delicious food is served up.

The chef is the owner of several restaurants in Mahon, one being Ses Forquillas near the esplananda in the main town of Mahon. Ask for a taster menu for your planned wedding here and you’ll get superb quality which will not disappoint. The presentation is also something else which helps us when it comes to photographing it on the day.

The hotel is set within the beautiful countryside, a rural setting which is very close to the sea. The penthouse bedroom with it’s own balcony has views of La Mola on the other side of the port of Mahon and the Mediterranean. A worthwhile addition to any bridal preparations. An enjoyable vista to enjoy a glass of fizz before you head down to the ceremony.

The hotel has extensive lawned area, a pool and bedrooms which will accommodate most of your family and close friends. Bedrooms are limited though so if it is a large wedding party then transport will have to be factored into your budget.

Hotel Alcaufar Vell

Hotel Alcaufar Vell is on the right hand side shortly after leaving the roundabout at Sant Lluis, heading down to Alcaufar Vell. It has a rustic feel. A converted farmhouse with charm and character. There’s no mistaking that you are in Menorca when you sit in the orchard garden at the rear of the hotel. Sublimely quiet apart from the occasional noises from the animals. Dry stone walls stretching into the distance in rural Menorca.

To have your wedding ceremony here under the shade of the tree canopy is a privilege you will never forget. The hotel has a large area under canvas to host the very largest of wedding parties but you may have to book the hotel exclusively. If other guests are booked in then wedding receptions may not be allowed so try and book the hotel as soon as you know your dates.

Bodegas Binifadet

The vineyard of Binifadet is just a short distance from Sant Lluis on the road to Es Castell. The popularity of weddings on the island has given the owners of the venue good reason to extend the facilities to specifically target anyone wishing to get married on the island. The new area is an extension to the existing visitors centre which has the cafe, processing vats and storage area for the barrels.

The new area now has a bar and al fresco dining area with new kitchen where wedding guests can relax before or after the ceremony. The ceremony is delivered on the other side of the building under a covered canopy of vines just beyond the photograph displayed here. The catering and professional staff are what you’d expect of a place which is immaculately presented, modern and tasteful. A superb venue which should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you’re planning your wedding on the island of Menorca.

For any wedding planning services from a business which knows, not only many all the reputable wedding venues, but suppliers who work to the highest standards, speak to Anna by clicking on the following link;

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara sits in acres of private manicured land near the small town of Sant Climent. If you want to put an individual touch to your wedding, which hotels cannot quite manage, then look at private villa hire. It is usually more expensive as everything has to be brought in, but the extra effort can be well worth it.

We were photographing at this wedding venue over a two day period as the bride and groom had hired the villa the day after the wedding day. The pool area serves everyone well for a bbq or paella chill out day.

The gardens are the best we have seen across the Balearics. Mature trees, well manicured grass areas, several bar areas, a dance area and a flat area for the wedding breakfast. You would probably need to book an appointment to view Santa Barbara as it is a private residence and occupied.  Please write to us with a request and we will put you in touch with the relevant person on the island.

Isabella Beach Club

Isabella Beach Club can be found in Playa de Fornells. It sits atop the cliffs by the sea and the landscape beyond the shore is some of the most dramatic on the island. The venue is impressive and wouldn’t look out of place in the hippest parts of Ibiza. Everything is white or tonal shades of grey with the odd splash of colour.

We have photographed weddings here on a couple of occasions and it makes for a great photographic backdrop. Add it as one of the best newcomers to the island. It is already becoming very popular so make sure you add it to your list of places to visit and then get it booked if you’re suitably impressed with everything they do here.

Villa Binsegarra

Binisegarra is located down a dusty track on private land, close to the large resort of Cala’n Porter on the south coast. Three villas are on the plot and the other two may also be on the rental market for wedding venues. Binisegarra however is the one we have photographed at twice in the twenty nineteen wedding season. With nine double en-suite bedrooms, maturing and lawned gardens with swimming pool, this villa could be the perfect venue for you and your guests. The old ‘cowshed’ has been converted into a space which can now entertain large groups of people. The accessibility is good for outside caterers with dedicated kitchen and serving areas, electricity points and toilets. It also has the option of inside and outside dining areas so in the unfortunate event of rain, it does have a good plan B.

What is most unique about this villa is the possibility of using an area atop a cliff for your ceremony. Transport would have to be organised at it would be a fifteen minute walk without transport from the villa. However, once your guests are there, it can make for a unique place to host the most meaningful part of the day for you both. If you decide on this option then parasols and water are essential for your guests as they wait for the bride arrival. There is also a five minute walk from the car park down to the cliff, so anyone who is not able to walk, would not be advised to take this narrow and rocky track down.

Hotel Cugo Gran

Update to follow on this cream of the crop wedding venue near Sant Climent. The hotel has been featured in many leading travel publications and we are headed there for our first wedding commission in September. Can’t wait!!!!

Villa Son Temet

On the road to Fornells from Mahon, before the turn off to Addaia, is another luxury villa which has appeared on the market for wedding hire. Nestled in a grove of pine trees, The inside is a perfectly acceptable villa with everything you’d need for a week long holiday on this beautiful little island. Outside though, as you’d expect from a Balearic rural property, it really has the wow factor. Swimming pool, terraced areas for dining, ceremonial area covered by the canopy of trees and immaculate lawned areas for guests to relax with cava. Definitely one to look at for your wedding on Menorca. If you need any further assistance then please drop us a line.

…a link to our wedding planning website is here for any assistance you may need with planning a wedding abroad;

http://www.menorcaweddingplanning.com/

For a detailed look at several wedding venues across Menorca then click through to our wedding photography Home page for Menorca;

https://www.brittonbrothers.com/menorca-wedding-photography/menorca-wedding-photography-portfolio/

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The curious case of Menorca’s fake fishing village that became a tourist attraction

T he private housing development of Poblado de Pescadores in Binibeca Vell , in the southwest of Menorca , glints under the sizzling sun like an exotic, heavily iced wedding cake. It is noon and yet the sea-facing cluster of brilliant-white bijoux properties, many holiday homes, has the atmosphere of a Carthusian monastery. The hushed labyrinthine alleyways that run throughout the pristine complex of 165 properties are somewhat marred by ominous, tethered chains and stern signs requesting silence at all times, largely ignored by visiting raucous seabirds. 

Bizarrely, this kitsch enclave, which purportedly attracts 800,000 tourists annually, recently became the unwelcome subject of heated debate about overtourism in the Balearics. Even more puzzling was that it should be located in Menorca, the second largest isle in the archipelago and a protected Unesco Biosphere Reserve that fiercely resists overdevelopment. 

Unlike sister islands Majorca and Ibiza , which respectively attracted more than 17 million and 3.5 million visitors last year, Menorca recorded a more modest 1.5 million, mostly during the summer months.  

The first phase of Binibeca Vell, the brainchild of a group of entrepreneurs, was realised in 1964 by Antonio Sintes Mercadel, a local surveyor, and Francisco Juan Barba Corsini, an architect. The duo wanted to emulate a typical Greek island fishing village, such as those found on Santorini or Mykonos , with authentic looking whitewashed houses huddled together in romantic fashion, overlooking the sea. 

Poblado de Pescadores, the fisherman’s retreat, lies at the heart of Binibeca Vell (ironically, vell means old), now a sprawling urbanisation of white, mostly gated and shuttered holiday houses and rental properties. Of course, there’s nothing old, authentic or remotely fishy about the squeaky-clean zone which offers little more than serene seascapes, a gift shop, a supermarket and a few restaurants and cafés. 

All the same, like unwitting sirens, Binibeca Vell – and most pertinently, Poblado de Pescadores – have lured ever-increasing numbers of visitors to their doors, much to the chagrin of wearied residents. In the last few years, the management committee, representing the owners of the development, has bitterly complained to the local authorities about the appalling manners and intrusive behaviour of visitors, the relentless arrival of tourist coaches, and the increase in noise and refuse. 

To defuse the situation, the island council and the development’s own town council in the municipality of Sant Lluís, offered approximately €25,000 (£21,154) towards refuse collection and maintenance, an offer which this year, was apparently partially withdrawn. 

The termination of this additional funding created tension, with proprietors arguing that although the residence was privately owned, it had rapidly become an island tourist hotspot . 

Óscar Monge, President of the committee of owners, said: “Binibeca is promoted by the administration and tourist companies but what do we gain from it?” In response to the snub, Poblado de Pescadores is now closed to visitors between 8pm and 11am each day, with its 22 entrances chained off. It also announced that in August, residents of the complex would vote to decide whether to remain open to visitors or to prohibit access to the entire development. 

This could potentially prove the death knell for the small shops and restaurants at its entrance. The Council of Menorca has subsequently extended an olive branch, offering to reduce coach spaces, although there are only four currently allocated, and to train tour guides to instruct their clients to be respectful during visits.

Why the area has become such a beehive of tourism in recent times seemingly lies in its growing star status on social media sites such as Instagram and TikTok. Within four years posts under the hashtag for Binibeca on Instagram have almost doubled to 61,600. With its dramatic backdrops of the Azure seas, coves and cliffs, contrasted against the condensed white sugar-cube mock village, it’s easy to see the attraction for selfie-obsessed Millennial and Gen-Z audiences seeking “likes”. 

Sara, a 30-year-old visitor from Hamburg, gave a shrug. “Our hotel told us to come here but it’s a bit disappointing. You can walk around the complex in about five minutes and there’s nothing to do.” Her opinion was echoed by a couple in their 20s from Newcastle. Jack said: “At the end of the day, it’s pretty boring. It’s fine for a few Instagram snaps but that’s it.”

Taxi driver Pepe, a native of the capital of Mahón , offered a wry smile. “Businesses here want customers and the complex gets fees for the taking of commercial photos so you can’t have it both ways,” he said. “There’s nothing much to do here anyway. I tell clients, ‘I’ll keep the engine running’.” Another local driver agreed: “There’s next to no parking and only room for a few coaches, which mostly bring cruise passengers here on island day trips. In the winter, it’s completely dead.” 

For discerning visitors wishing to see an authentic Menorcan fishing village rich in history, it’s only a 45-minute drive to quaint Fornells on the north coast. There is culture galore in the nearby city of Mahón, and colourful Ciutadella, a one-hour drive away. Inland towns such as Es Mercadal at the foot of Monte Toro, the island’s highest mountain, are a must, as are visits to Talayotic sites, hidden coves, local cheese and mushroom farms, vineyards and gin distilleries. 

So do the woes of Binibeca Vell amount to little more than a storm in a teacup? At the entrance to Poblado de Pescadores, two of three cafés are closed, and the shop has few visitors. A gull soars over the peaceful, empty courtyard and there’s not a coach in sight. Pepe stands by his lone taxi, engine running, awaiting a client. Perhaps word has already gotten out on TikTok and Instagram and the devotees of social media have moved on.

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Menorca Airport (MAH) transfer to Sa Caleta

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While Throwing Money at Disney, DeSantis Vetoes Budget Item That Would Have Made Your Trip to Florida Cheaper

in Disney , Theme Parks

Putting together a state budget can be complicated, especially when every member of the Florida Legislature has a pet project that needs funding. With so many hands out, deciding what gets cut and what stays can be difficult.

Related: Banks and DeSantis Team Up So You Pay More Every Time You Use Your Credit Card at Disney World

In this past legislative session, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $57 million from the state budget earmarked for “Legislative support services.” However, part of the money was meant for a study that every credit card company wanted removed from the budget, and the companies found a new ally in Governor DeSantis. 

First, some background. When you use your credit card, companies like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express charge merchants between two and three percent for every transaction. So, say your Disney vacation costs $5,000; Visa receives $150. It may not seem like a lot, but think about how often people use their credit cards daily. It adds up.

But that cost is just the base price of your package. It doesn’t include the six percent state tax. That adds another $300 to your purchase. So, the total cost is $5,300.

In Florida, credit card companies are allowed to charge not just the package price but also the sales tax. That adds $18 in fees to the credit card companies. This also doesn’t include the “other” fees that Disney adds to your trip. Again, it doesn’t seem like a lot, but it adds up.

Vendors end up having to pay that fee, or they pass it on to you, and your vacation package gets more expensive. Retailers have been lobbying the Florida Legislature to eliminate those extra fees. Still, credit card companies are spreading money around to ensure they can keep those transaction fees as high as possible.

Earlier in the legislative session, a proposed bill would have eliminated the swipe fees on sales tax. The credit card companies were successfully able to get that bill shot down.

However, the Florida Legislature included a study to see how much money vendors and consumers would save if they eliminated the swipe fees on sales tax. Mind you, this was just a study, not legislative action.

So, once the study was included in the $57 million, the credit card companies turned to Gov DeSantis. He used the veto pen to eliminate the entire amount since he could just eliminate one line item from the budget.

Ron DeSantis just sided with lobbyists for Visa, Mastercard and their banks by vetoing funding for a study by state economists on how to stop credit card companies and banks from charging swipe fees on sales taxes. — Jason Garcia (@Jason_Garcia) June 12, 2024

Some of that money was due to go to Florida lawmakers to help fund legislative support services. Still, it was also used for things like the lobbyist registration office, which records every lobbyist meeting with all Florida lawmakers.

So, why are the credit card companies so interested in keeping the swipe fees on sales tax? In 2023, they made more than $300 million in swipe fees on sales tax just in Florida.

At a time when most families are going into debt to pay for their trip to Central Florida’s theme parks, even the slightest bit of relief would help the average family create a better vacation.

For now, though, those fees will remain. So, while Gov DeSantis hands money from the budget to help Disney World expand, the average person heading to Florida must pay more.

How much debt have you incurred to take a trip to Central Florida? 

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5 International Destinations For An Affordable Summer Vacation

With summer officially here, many of us are ready to pack our bags and book a flight for a change in scenery. While summer travel can be expensive, there are several ways to journey internationally without going over budget .

“My best advice for saving money on international travel this summer is to stay flexible and compare flights and consider bundling flights and accommodations to get the best deals,” says Danielle Desir Corbett , an affordable travel and finance expert. “Don’t limit yourself to specific travel dates or departing and arrival airports if possible. Being flexible can often lead to unexpected and budget-friendly travel opportunities.”

Also, consider redeeming credit card rewards, booking smaller boutique hotels or short-term home rentals over an expensive resort, or choosing low-cost or free activities like museum tours or beach hopping.

“Many people believe that financial constraints limit you to low-quality travel experiences,” Corbett says. “However, this isn’t necessarily true. Spending more money doesn’t always correlate to a more enjoyable experience. While budget travelers aim to spend within their means, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are skimping out on having rich, immersive travel experiences.”

To give you some ideas for an affordable summer vacation, we’ve handpicked five international destinations that may surprise you. They are not only exciting but also budget-friendly, ensuring your travel plans won’t break the bank.

Calgary, Canada

The U.S. dollar goes further in Canada, which can make Calgary an affordable vacation destination. Besides the diverse food scene (be sure to hit up spots like Simply Irie Caribbean Cuisine and The Moose and Poncho ), Calgary has lots to do indoors and outdoors. Downtown Calgary offers a few budget accommodations, like this one-bedroom rental that starts under $125 USD a night, and the public transportation downtown is also convenient and inexpensive. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the Telus Sparks Discovery Center and the Wilder Calgary Zoo . Another popular excursion is booking a day trip to Banff National Park and Lake Louise to hike the trails or sightsee in downtown Banff.

Cartagena, Colombia

Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena is popular with travelers looking for an affordable destination with historical sites, access to beaches, and great restaurants and cafes. The walled “Old City” offers affordable boutique hotels starting below $125 USD a night, like Hotel Don Pedro Hereda and Casa Santa Ana . Both are within walking distance of the San Felipe Castle or the arty Getsemani neighborhood, which is full of street murals and art galleries. If you’re in Cartagena, plan to take a day trip from Cartagena to visit the nearby islands. Just a quick, 15-minute boat ride from Cartagena, Isla Tierra Bomba has several trendy hotels, like the Black-owned Blue Apple Beach , which hosts day parties and pool parties.

Porto, Portugal

If you want a relatively affordable European getaway, consider Porto, Portugal, known for its stunning architecture, wineries, and art scene. We found several well-reviewed hotels and apartment rentals that start under $150 USD a night, like the Porto City Hotel and Saboaria . Head to lively Porto’s Ribeira District to take in the colorful, terraced homes, dine at one of the restaurants along the waterfront or enjoy a scenic boat ride. Porto’s famous Dom Luis bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline, and the winding staircase and stained glass windows have earned Livaria Lello the title of the most beautiful bookstore in the world. For about 15 euros, you can also take a train to the Douro Valley wine region for spectacular scenery, wine tastings, and river cruises.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

The summer signals the beginning of the low season in the Caribbean, but that also means hotter weather, afternoon rainstorms, and the beginning of hurricane season. Fortunately, one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean is Bonaire, a tiny island part of the ABC islands (which includes Aruba and Curaçao), located outside the hurricane belt. The island is famous for its diving and snorkeling spots and has a collection of budget-friendly boutique hotels like the Hotel Islander Bonaire and The Lodge Bonaire that start under $125 USD a night. During your stay, you could check out The Bonaire Botanical Garden, explore the colorful downtown Kralendijk district, or snap photos with the wild flamingos at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Several countries in Central America offer great vacations for less, but Nicaragua’s diverse geography, which includes volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches, makes it stand out. Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is home to low-key beach towns like San Juan del Sur, where you can expect to find quiet beaches, a rugged coastline, and affordable boutique hotels like Veridad Nicaragua and Hotel Alcazar that start under $125 USD a night. Nicaragua also has a popular surfing culture, and nearby popular beaches like Playa Maderas or Playa Remanso, have places where you can rent a board or take a surfing lesson along the coast. Other great activities include horseback riding, hiking, or just listening to the waves on the beach.

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3 Ways To Travel Rich on a Middle-Class Budget

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For many people, the word “ budget ” can be a downer when it comes to traveling and vacation. It can feel like putting restrictions in place before you even leave the house.

But creating a budget for your vacation can be easy and fast — and even fun if you make it. Along with creating a budget, here are some other ways to travel rich on a middle-class budget.

1. Make Budgeting Fun

According to Chase , “Setting your budget early lets you align destinations, activities and accommodations with what you’re comfortable spending.”

You probably know common steps to creating a travel budget, like figuring out fixed costs and then having a vacation emergency fund ready to help when things come up. Here’s something that can make the budget creation process more fun — prioritize where you feel secure spending more and where you might be open to cutting back.

2. Live Like a Local

You may not have thought of this while traveling — but try to live like a local when on vacation. According to PNC , “If you’re on a budget, immerse yourself in your new locale to get an authentic experience and save some cash.”

Even if you’re not much of an extrovert, try to talk to the local people and find out about off-the-beaten-path spots or hidden gems that visitors may overlook. While you’re at it, find out if they have any tips for saving money and free things to do in town.

3. Explore Accommodation Options

If you want to travel rich on a modest budget, carefully consider your accommodations. Sure, you can plan ahead and find deals on lodging, including short-term vacation rentals of someone else’s home. This also can help cut down on food costs if you cook in the rented house.

But that’s not your only option when it comes to accommodations. If you have cut back on your spending in other ways on vacation, you could consider splurging on a nicer hotel. Not only can you find deals, some hotels offer things like free food, happy hours and events. What’s better than free for your budget?

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Escape to Menorca: The Ultimate Budget Adventure!

Affordable adventure awaits in menorca, spain - where dreams and budgets align..

14 October 2023

Pablo Escudero

Spain Travel Writer

A trip to Menorca, Spain on a limited budget offers affordable yet captivating experiences. Explore the stunning beaches and turquoise waters while taking advantage of the free or low-cost outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or snorkeling. Discover the island's history by visiting the ancient Talayotic settlements and enjoy delicious and budget-friendly local cuisine at the charming cafes and markets.

Travel plan

Adventure awaits in menorca 🌴.

• Check into affordable Hotel Ses Sucreres, an old bakery turned cozy hotel, in the charming town of Ferreries.
• Grab a hearty breakfast at Ca Na Olga, a local hotspot known for its fluffy ensaimadas (traditional pastries).
• Dive into Menorca's turquoise waters and explore the stunning Cales Coves, hidden caves perfect for snorkeling and sunbathing.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch at Cala Macarelleta, a picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters & soft sand. Perfect for an Insta-worthy snap!
• Embark on an exhilarating hike along the Camí de Cavalls, a scenic coastal path that showcases Menorca's rugged beauty.
• Savor authentic Menorcan cuisine at S'Engolidor, a rustic restaurant offering mouthwatering lobster stew and their famous Mahón cheese.

Uncover Menorca's cultural gems! 🏛️

• Indulge in a leisurely breakfast at Café Balear, known for its delectable pastries and aromatic coffee.
• Discover the ancient ruins of Talatí de Dalt, a prehistoric settlement shrouded in mystery and surrounded by lush countryside.
• Immerse yourself in Menorca's artistic side with a visit to the charming town of Ciutadella, home to vibrant murals and charming boutiques.
• Explore the historic Ciutadella Cathedral and Plaza des Born, an enchanting square filled with local shops and lively cafés.
• Sample traditional Menorcan delicacies at Can Bep, a quaint tapas bar offering mouthwatering treats like sobrasada (soft sausage) and stuffed peppers.
• Experience Menorca's vibrant nightlife scene at Cova d'en Xoroi, an iconic cliffside bar built into a natural cave. Dance the night away under the starry Mediterranean sky.

Outbound Fri, 23 Aug 2023

Return sun, 25 aug 2023, length of stay, type of trip, how to get there.

The best way to get to Menorca, Spain by plane is to fly to Menorca Airport (MAH) from your nearest international airport. There are several airlines that offer direct flights to Menorca, including Iberia, Vueling, and Ryanair.

If you are traveling by car, the best way to get to Menorca is to drive to Barcelona or Valencia and then take a ferry from either of these cities to Menorca. The journey by car to either of these cities will depend on your starting location.

Unfortunately, there are no train services directly to Menorca as it is an island. However, you can take a train to Barcelona, Spain, and then catch a flight or ferry to Menorca.

To reach Menorca by boat, you can take a ferry from Barcelona or Valencia. There are several ferry operators, such as Baleària and Trasmediterránea, that offer regular services to Menorca.

To get to Menorca by bus, you can take a bus to Barcelona or Valencia, and then either catch a flight or take a ferry to Menorca.

Destination

Welcome to the Mediterranean's best-kept secret, where lazy beach days and siesta-loving fiestas come together like paella and sangria, leaving you wondering if you accidentally stumbled upon Spain's laid-back alter ego. Get ready to soak up the sun, Menorca-style, because life's too short to tan boringly.

Number of days

More travel plans, menorca: a romantic island adventure.

A romantic trip to Menorca, Spain is the perfect getaway for couples looking to unwind and spend quality time together. With its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere, Menorca offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for romance to flourish. Exploring charming towns, indulging in delicious local cuisine, and taking leisurely walks along the coast will create lasting memories for any couple.

The Ultimate 5-Day Family Adventure: Menorca Unleashed

Menorca, Spain offers the perfect setting for a memorable family-friendly trip. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque landscapes, this Balearic Island is an ideal destination for relaxation and fun activities. From exploring historic sites and charming villages to enjoying water sports and delicious local cuisine, Menorca has something for everyone, guaranteeing an unforgettable vacation for the entire family.

Sun, Sea, and Salsa: The Ultimate Menorca Adventure!

Menorca, Spain offers a picturesque escape with its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming historic sites. As a tourist, one can indulge in sun-soaked days lounging on the golden sands of Cala Macarella or exploring the ancient ruins at the Talaiotic Village. Don't forget to visit the vibrant capital city of Mahón, known for its bustling market, delicious local cuisine, and delightful waterfront promenade.

Menorca, Spain: A Fun-Filled Family Adventure in Two Days

Menorca, Spain is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and ample opportunities for water sports and boat excursions, families can enjoy endless fun in the sun. Additionally, Menorca boasts historical attractions like ancient ruins, charming towns, and delicious local cuisine, providing an enriching experience for all ages.

The world’s most important hotel CEOs on what’s going to impact your future travel

The summer travel season is here, and most of us are trying to just make it through the chaos of airports and long hotel check-in lines without completely losing our patience.

Ah, yes, and don't forget about all those Americans heading to Europe this summer for Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour." (I'm guilty as charged here. Twice.)

However, earlier this month, the CEOs of the world's biggest hotel companies convened at the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference for an annual panel discussion on the industry's state and future.

From the explosion of budget brands to the persistence of high hotel rates, the leaders of Marriott International, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Accor had plenty to say on what will impact how we all travel in the months and years ahead.

Related: Top travel tips to keep your summer trip on track and on budget

Growing middle class ushers in brand expansion

If you look at the variety of new brands launched or acquired in the hotel orbit over the last two years, it's easy to surmise that the major hotel companies see opportunities in more affordable travel segments. Brands like Hilton's Spark , Marriott's newly announced Project Mid-T , IHG's Garner , Hyatt Studios and Accor's Handwritten Collection all operate in the middle-market and premium economy segment.

What gives for all this midscale love? A booming middle class around the world.

"If you look at this industry for the next 10 or 20 years or the rest of my life, the rest of most of the lives in this room ... it is fundamentally going to be a very good run for travel and tourism," Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta said during the NYU panel. "Why? The big megatrends in terms of demographic growth [and] the middle classes — that keeps chugging."

Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin added, "The emerging middle class: This is the trend. You have an emerging middle-class population growing: a billion-plus [added] in the last 10 years [and] you will [probably add] 1.3 billion in the next 10 years, probably 25% coming from India but [also] coming from Mexico, South America [and] many other places in Southeast Asia."

The middle-class growth forecast comes as companies like Marriott acquire and sprout brands like City Express in Latin America and Four Points Express in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

"There are a number of major markets around the world with this exploding middle class, and they want to explore the world," Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano said.

The law of supply and demand keeps hotel rates high

While hotel giants appear interested in getting into more budget-friendly segments of the travel sector, the economy hotel space has been the one area in recent weeks where travelers can find discounts . But the major hotel CEOs say it's a little premature to rejoice over the idea of widespread discounts permeating the overall industry.

Simply put: There aren't enough hotels being built to keep up with demand. Interest rates are too high to move ahead with new construction, so most growth comes from converting existing hotels into a new brand — adding rooms to one company's portfolio but not adding new supply to the overall market.

"We still have pretty good pricing pressure because demand is good and supply is low," Nassetta said. "The next few years you have sort of a super cycle of very low-capacity additions by historical standards."

But fret not — the industry is recognizing the need to have an offering for everyone and all wallet types. That's why you see so many of these new midscale and premium economy brands emerging. IHG CEO Elie Maalouf pointed to his own company's brand lineup, which ranges from the affordably priced Avid and Garner all the way up to ultra-luxury Regent and Six Senses, as an example.

"Most of our business is in everyday travel," he said. "We have a stay for everybody. You can still book right now for June and for July in the United States at $100 plus or minus at one of our Holiday Inn Express hotels in resort destinations. For most people, it's still very affordable. But if you want to really treat yourself, I think all of us have products and experiences where you can really splurge."

(And if you are looking for ways to splurge through IHG, might I recommend Regent Hong Kong or Regent Phu Quoc ?)

The future of AI and hotels

As with any industry, the hotel sector is pursuing an artificial intelligence strategy to make things more efficient for its workforce as well as travelers. On the workforce front, it largely boils down to the ongoing worker shortage: There was already a shortage of hotel workers before the coronavirus pandemic, and the global health crisis only exacerbated that.

"If you don't use technology, you're not going to be able to run these hotels properly," Maalouf said.

Other hotel CEOs agreed that tech innovation is crucial to addressing labor shortages that are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

"Let's face it, how many years have you been trying to get to a unified, sensible immigration policy in the United States of America? A lot, and there's going to be a lot more probably before we get to one," Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian said. "There are ways you can actually maintain full employment where you are today, even though you've got openings available to hire people and make it more efficient and effective in how you actually staff outlets and restaurants, how you staff banqueting and events, how you staff housekeeping and how you staff engineering visits."

Hotel headaches

While unruly guests or staff shortages might appear to be leading contenders for things that keep a hotel CEO awake late at night, there was a unified response that geopolitical tension and instability around the world are the main headaches for travel at the moment.

"Our industry thrives in times of peace and stability," Capuano said before noting the seismic number of people voting this year in elections around the world. "You've got four billion people going to the polls this year. You have the potential for tectonic plate shifts in the geopolitical landscape, and that level of uncertainty is not particularly productive for the travel and tourism sector."

But there's also optimism about what travel can do to pacify some of the tension.

"There's more and more division, and somehow more and more actors that are trying to drive more division," Hoplamazian said. "I think we can be the antidote [and] our industry can be the antidote to that. But I think it's urgently needed that we play that role because we need to elevate understanding instead of all this friction."

"My only headache is geopolitical instability," Bazin added. "Travel tourism is the best medicine. The more you travel and experience somebody else's culture, the more you agree."

Related reading:

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