Best Things to do in Menorca
Although Menorca reminds us a lot of its larger neighbor, Mallorca, it’s much flatter and calmer. The island has intentionally preserved its natural landscapes and traditional charm, making it less developed. So, unlike Ibiza’s vibrant nightlife and Mallorca’s resorts, Menorca focuses more on visitors interested in nature and history and those looking to get away from the mass crowds.
Wander across Plaça des Born, the town’s main square, where you can admire the historic sites like the cathedral and pop into a cozy cafe. We had an incredible brunch at Nibs Healthy Bar, a couple of blocks over!
Tip: On Plaça des Born, you’ll find Mirador des Bastió des Governador, which gives you a stunning view of the Old Town and the port, perfect for photos!
Don’t forget to walk along the picturesque harbor of Ciutadella, lined with restaurants flaunting their menus of fresh seafood and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
2. Climb up El Toro
Although Menorca is the flattest island of the Balearics, there’s still an odd mountain to be found here and there. In fact, El Toro is the highest point in Menorca, located in the center, and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the entire surroundings. On clear days, you can even see Mallorca from here!
3. Binibeca (White Town)
On the south side of Menorca, along the turquoise shores, lies Binibeca. Known for its unique charm and tranquil atmosphere, this town features classic Mediterranean architecture, where narrow alleys lead between all-white buildings. These winding paths truly feel like a maze as they zigzag between the town and along the waterfront.
Once you’ve made your way between the buildings of Binibeca Vell (Old Binibeca, a must-see place in Menorca), follow the paths toward the rocky coves along the water. Here, you’ll have stunning views over the sea — perfect during sunset. We grabbed a cocktail at BB Cocktail Bar Menorca, which has an incredible patio looking out over the bay below.
Tip: We also had really good food at Cocoon Food and Fun and Bakery Cala Torret.
4. Watch the Sunset at Cova d’en Xoroi
Cova d’en Xoroi is a beautiful cliffside bar and nightclub that’s set within natural caves overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Located in Cala en Porter, it’s especially famous for its breathtaking sunset views and dramatic setting, which you can enjoy with a delicious beverage. By day, it’s a scenic spot to relax with a drink, and by night, it transforms into a buzzing nightclub.
5. Visit a Winery
When we went to Bodegas Binifadet, an incredibly picturesque vineyard and restaurant in southern Menorca, we truly felt the relaxing atmosphere that the island is known for. The restaurant overlooks the vineyard and offers scrumptious food that perfectly complements the many wines you get to choose from.
Soak up the romantic setting while you try the island’s traditional meals made with local produce. Later, join a tour of the property and learn a little extra about the winemaking done here. Although the prices are slightly higher, it’s really worth it in our opinion.
Book your tour or restaurant reservations in advance through Binifadet’s website.
Tip: It’s only a 10-minute drive from Menorca Airport, so you could even visit first thing when you’ve arrived to start off your holiday strong!
Or, join this Menorca wine tour and tasting
6. Ivette Beach Club
Looking out onto a stunning blue bay dotted with small fishing boats lies the Ivette Beach Club. This bright, white-washed restaurant has a lovely indoor-outdoor concept and is surrounded by natural beauty, offering plenty to soak up while enjoying a refreshing beverage or seafood snack.
We think it’s one of the best places in Menorca to have a sunset dinner. But you can also pop in for a delicious cocktail at the upper-level bar. It’s located in Cala Morell on the northern side of the island, and we recommend booking in advance if you plan to stop by.
This route offers diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs and secluded beaches to forests and farmlands, showing Menorca’s incredible natural beauty and biodiversity. The hike is divided into 20 stages, allowing you to do just a section of the trail as well.
Read more info on the Camí de Cavalls official website.
8. Fornells
Fornells is a charming, picturesque fishing village with a lovely natural harbor lined with small wooden fishing boats (called ‘llauts’). This is a must-see in Menorca and great to pair with a visit to El Torro, which lies only a 20-minute drive away.
Unlike most coastal villages, Fornells boasts a sprawling, sheltered bay that stretches over 5 kilometers, making it a prime location for calm water sports like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can either rent a board or kayak along the shore or join an organized tour out onto the water.
It’s a protected natural area with a rich biodiversity where nature lovers can soak up the laid-back atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants here, with views of sporters and boaters enjoying their time out on the water. Sa Fonda Fornells was our favorite, with great food and beautiful harbor views.
9. Visit Favàritx Lighthouse
A dramatic black-and-white lighthouse stands perched on one of the eastern peninsulas of Menorca in the lush Albufera des Grau Nature Park. Set against the rugged, lunar-like landscape of the area, it’s a beautiful spot to snap some photos and watch the sunrise or sunset. The lighthouse and the natural park both offer a lesser-visited alternative to the tourist towns and beaches of the island.
10. Mahón Town (Maó)
Known as the second-largest natural harbor in the world (over 5 KM long!), Mahón, or Maó as the locals call it, is one of the best things to do in Menorca. As the island’s capital city, it flaunts beautiful Georgian-style houses along its port, an impressive church, a grand fortress, and a vibrant fish market.
Spend a day of your Menorca itinerary exploring the city, walking along the fortified walls of the La Mola fortress, popping into the cool Mercat des Peix (fish market), and visiting the Ca n’Oliver’s art museum. For brunch, we stopped at a cute little coffee spot called Sa Petita. And, if you can, make sure to try Mahón’s famed products: cheese and gin!
Tip: There’s a large underground parking lot near the city center: here’s the location.
Fun fact: We went to Menorca with Hannah’s parents, and although they’re not normally beachgoers, they absolutely loved swimming at the beaches in Menorca. The water was refreshing and clear, and the surroundings were gorgeous.
Keep in mind that some beaches are actually quite a challenge to get to. Especially in the summer season, when there are lots of crowds. Some beaches have a shuttle bus service, or you can reach them via an incredible boat tour like this one.
12. Taste the Menorquen Cuisine
From delicious stewed lobster paired with fried veggies to Mahón cheese or bacalao ab burrida (cod meatballs), discovering the Menorcan cuisine is one of the best things to do on the island. The Mediterranean climate of mild weather but strong winds allows for delicious locally produced meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, which the locals use in their incredible recipes.
Menorca’s seasonal cuisine, which varies in ingredients and meals, allows you to eat well year-round. We especially loved the oven-baked eggplant, salty cheese, and all the different seafood like stuffed calamari.
Where to Stay in Menorca
With plenty of beautiful corners, there’s no wrong option when it comes to picking a hotel in Menorca. We stayed in a holiday villa near Cala Blanca and really loved it! It was close to Ciutadella de Menorca and had many incredible bays and delicious restaurants around it. This way, we could explore the island at a slow pace, with plenty of time to relax at the beaches and our private pool.
How Many Days in Menorca?
We recommend spending at least three full days in Menorca, Spain. You can easily spend a lovely 10-day holiday here relaxing and sightseeing without driving far distances.
Menorca is also a great holiday destination for families with small children. It’s no wonder it’s famously nicknamed ‘stroller island’, as you’ll see plenty of young families. However, it’s also lovely to visit as a couple, with romantic coves to relax and swim and charming restaurants in the villages.
Getting Around
The easiest way to get around the island of Menorca is by rental car. The roads are generally in good condition and usually link up with the one main road that crosses the island. Because of this, it’s good to keep in mind that although the distances may seem small, driving can take a bit more time as you’ll have to get to that road first.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Menorca Travel Budget
Menorca is a bit better to afford compared to its Balearic island neighbors. We found that accommodation is slightly cheaper than in Mallorca, and restaurant prices are also slightly lower.
Parking costs vary, but in general, it’s not expensive, and most towns have large parking lots or underground parking.
Best Restaurants and Cafes
From seaside restaurants peering out over the rocky outcrops and blue water to cozy cafes tucked in the small alleys of town, there are so many incredible places to eat in Menorca. Some of our favorite restaurants are:
- Paralia
- Restaurant Sa Nacra
- Nibs Healthy Bar
- Cathedral Coffee
- Bodegas Binifadet
- Es Jardi Ses Bruixes
- Sa Fonda Fornells
- Pipet & Co
- Ivette Beach Club
- Hola Ola Beach Bar
Best Time to Visit Menorca
Spring and fall shoulder seasons are the best time to visit Menorca, Spain. During this time, there are still sunny days but fewer crowds. We visited at the beginning of September and had a lovely 22 degrees on average.
The winter months are also beautiful in the Balearics. However, unlike its neighbor Mallorca, Menorca’s sites and restaurants seem to close down for the winter season. If you plan to visit during this time, make sure to do some research.
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