Best of Menorca

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Menorca
Menorca is the middle child of the Balearic Islands, often overlooked but with much to offer. It's far less developed than Mallorca and Ibiza, as its history with tourism isn't as lengthy, and its 1993 designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve protected the island from future development. As a result, travelers can experience unspoiled nature and authentic culture without the big cities and crowds. With five large parks and numerous nature reserves, visitors tend to focus on enjoying Menorca's pine forests, 200+ calas (coves), majestic sea cliffs, and idyllic beaches.

But the island also attracts history buffs, cultural enthusiasts, and foodies with its endless archeological sites, charming white-washed villages, agricultural heritage, and a landscape filled with olive groves, vineyards, and farms. As for what to put on your list, it all depends on your interests. Nature lovers tend to visit the beloved Nature Parc of S'Albufera des Grau, over 12,000 acres (5,100 hectares) of protected marshland, forests, coves, and dunes perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and lazing at the beach. Menorca's also home to the Camí de Cavalls, a trail that encircles the entire island and is open to walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders.

If you'd rather visit a few cultural hotspots, head to the Old Towns of Ciutadella and Mahón, check out one of the many vineyards, or visit a village, such as Binibeca or Mercadal. You'll also find examples of ancient Talayotic architecture (circular buildings made from stone) and intact taulas, megalithic stone structures with a massive rock atop two vertical counterparts.

Where to start in Menorca is a common question for first-time visitors, but your options are aplenty. A private tour with a local is an excellent way to see a more authentic side of the island and learn about its culture along the way. Otherwise, travelers enjoy renting a car and venturing on a road trip through Menorca, as its size is relatively small and only requires a few days to see it all.
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Menorca Essentials

What of the Balearic islands, calls out to you? Mallorca, Menorca, or Ibiza?
Map of Mallorca, Menorca, or Ibiza: Which Is Best for You?
Mallorca, Menorca, or Ibiza: Which Is Best for You?

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, offers varied landscapes, from the Serra de Tramuntana to its pristine beaches, making it a haven for adventurers and sun-seekers. Menorca, often dubbed the quieter sibling, offers serene bays, UNESCO-listed sites, and a deeply preserved history evident in its prehistoric monuments and charming towns. On the other hand, Ibiza is a blend of vibrant nightlife and untouched natural beauty, attracting both partygoers and those searching for tranquil Mediterranean escapes.

Beachfront location (photo courtesy of Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá)
The 3 Best Beachfront Hotels in Menorca

With over 80 beaches and some of the most idyllic coastlines in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is an excellent place for a beachfront hotel. Staying near the coast makes it easy to enjoy the seaside and water sports, but it also offers a quieter experience away from the cities, so you can truly immerse yourself in the island's relaxed, natural vibe.

Plastic-free luxury hotel exudes charm (photo courtesy of Cristine Bedfor)
The 6 Best Eco-Friendly Hotels in Menorca

With the entirety of Menorca being a Biosphere Reserve, you'll find a few options for eco-friendly hotels that complement the island's sustainability efforts. Our top picks offer accommodation that fits a range of budgets and feature initiatives around reducing energy, purifying water naturally, and conserving land.

Soak under historic rocks (photo courtesy of Boutique Hotel Ses Bruixes)
The 5 Best Spa Hotels in Menorca

If you want to pamper yourself while in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is a great place to do so. With its laid-back vibes and focus on the environment, you'll find several options for spa hotels with perks like thermal circuits, heated seawater pools, steam rooms, sensory showers, oxygenating sunbeds, massages, aromatherapy rooms, saunas, and more.

Warm, cozy, boutique hotel rooms (photo courtesy of Villa Le Blanc Gran Melia)
The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Menorca

You'll find Menorca's best boutique hotels spread out across the island. Though because of the historical nature of their buildings, many are in the vibrant center of Mahón or Ciutadella. All offer unique stays with plenty of authentic character, and you'll find amenities like on-site restaurants, spas, outdoor pools, and happy hours.

Historic hotels in Ciutadella (photo courtesy of Hotel Boutique Can Sastre)
The 5 Best Hotels in Ciutadella de Menorca

Many travelers prefer to stay or base themselves in Ciutadella de Menorca, as it's the perfect gateway to the island's northern and western coasts. If you're looking for a more active vacation, this is an excellent region. And Ciutadella offers historic charm and direct access to the island's Cami de Cavlls trail that wraps around Menorca, meaning the picturesque Sa Farola Beach is just a 20-minute walk.

Posh perks at luxury accommodation (photo courtesy of Suites del Lagos)
Map of The 6 Best Luxury Hotels in Menorca
The 6 Best Luxury Hotels in Menorca

It's no surprise that the Balearic Islands offer some truly indulgent properties, but Menorca adds historic and authentic charm to its five-star hotels. So though you can enjoy all the posh perks like outdoor pools, spas, beachfront locations, and rooms with private pools, the below top picks also stay true to the rustic island vibes.

Relax in the countryside of Menorca (photo courtesy of Hotel Torralbenc)
The 4 Best Rural Hotels in Menorca

The island of Menorca is a Biosphere Preserve, so rural hotels are aplenty and offer unique experiences on protected farms and heritage land. You'll have a quiet, authentic stay in historical buildings while still indulging in perks like outdoor pools, farm-to-table restaurants, and spa treatments.

Hotels in Mahón (photo courtesy of Boutique Hotel Ses Bruixes)
The 6 Best Hotels in Mahón

Many travelers like to start or make their hub in Mahón, one of Menorca's main cities and home to an airport and a major ferry port. It's recommended to stay in the city, as it has a captivating historic center, a vibrant waterfront promenade bustling with activity, and lively markets. As a bonus, all below hotel recommendations sit in charming historic properties.

Enjoy a hotel with a pool (photo courtesy of Barceló Nura)
The 5 Best Hotels with Pools in Menorca

Pools are a standard amenity in the Balearic Islands, and Menorca offers some of the best hotels with refreshing swimming spaces, whether outdoor, indoor, or private. The following properties put a focus on their pools for complete relaxation and rejuvenation, offering perks like sunbeds directly in the water, natural saltwater options, and serene gardens.

Rooms with beautiful views (Photo courtesy of Melia Cala Galdana)
The 6 Best Mid-Range Hotels in Menorca

Menorca is one of those places where its mid-range hotels live up to its luxury options, so you can enjoy an indulgent stay without pushing your budget too much. Leading mid-range properties offer five-star perks like beachfront locations, spas, gourmet restaurants, outdoor pools, and historic buildings.

Standard yet cozy rooms (photo courtesy of Hotel San Miguel)
The 5 Best Standard Hotels in Menorca

Menorca attracts a diverse range of visitors, and as it is a little more laid back than the other Balearic Islands, several affordable accommodation options exist. The only restriction is that Menorca's best standard hotels are in a city, either Mahón or Ciutadella. You'll have to stretch your budget to stay on the beach or in a rural environment, but these cities still provide a lot of entertainment and make great hubs for exploring the island.

(photo courtesy of Mas de Torrent Hotel & Spa)
The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in the Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is known for its stunning beaches, charming towns, and exquisite culinary experiences—all perfect for a luxury stay. The region offers 5-star hotels with perks and amenities to elevate your visit, like spas, fine-dining restaurants, and private beaches. This article highlights five top picks for Costa Brava luxury hotels, all providing an unforgettable experience.

Stay at the modern Golden Mar Menuda, one of few Tossa de Mar hotels (photo courtesy of Golden Mar Menuda)
The 5 Best Beachfront Hotels in the Costa Brava

The perk of staying at a beachfront hotel means you can step straight from your accommodation onto the Costa Brava's sun-kissed shores. This can enhance your Costa Brava experience, as the Mediterranean Sea is a significant influence on Catalonia's culture and history. Though there aren't many beachfront options, this region still offers a few excellent choices for seaside stays.

Menorca Itineraries

Enjoy a private sailing trip to explore Menorca's marine life
Map of Mediterranean Spain Luxury Getaway: Menorca & Barcelona - 7 Days
Mediterranean Spain Luxury Getaway: Menorca & Barcelona - 7 Days

Escape to the Mediterranean on this luxury weeklong trip. First, enjoy a dose of sun, sea, and sand on the peaceful Balearic island of Menorca, where you'll laze around white-sand coves, take a sunset Jeep safari, and charter a private catamaran to explore the island's biodiverse marine reserve. End the adventure in mainland Spain with wine tasting in the unspoiled Penedès region and a tour of Gaudí's architectural gems in Barcelona.

Spain
Map of Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona & Menorca - 6 Days
Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona & Menorca - 6 Days

This brisk six-day tour of Spain not only includes visiting the most famous landmarks in Barcelona but also the most beautiful beaches of the Balearic Islands. It starts in Barcelona with an architecture tour that includes Gaudí masterpieces like Park Güell and Sagrada Familia. Then you're off to the island of Menorca, where you can explore its famously beautiful coast on both horseback and in a kayak.

Finish your trip with hiking and wine tasting on Mallorca
Map of Bask in the Beauty of the Balearics: Menorca & Mallorca - 10 Days
Bask in the Beauty of the Balearics: Menorca & Mallorca - 10 Days

Grab your suntan lotion and flip-flops because you're off on a 10-day escape to Menorca and Mallorca, two stunning islands in the Spanish Balearics. In the former, you'll explore hidden corners on Jeep tours, laze on sun-kissed beaches, go kayaking, and do some wine tasting. Then experience the highlights of Mallorca, from touring Old Town Palma, hiking the Tramuntana Mountains, snorkeling off the coast, and more.

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Map of Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 7 Days
Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 7 Days

Whether you want fun in the sun or nights out on the town, this weeklong itinerary has you covered. It combines two great parts of Spain, the first being the historic streets of Catalonia's capital of Barcelona. After embarking on city tours of its most famous sights, you'll jet off to the island of Menorca, in the Balearics, where you'll wrap up your holiday with horseback rides along the beach and kayaking off the coast.

Sail the Menorcan waters in luxury
Map of Mediterranean Spain Luxury Getaway: Madrid, Menorca & Barcelona - 10 Days
Mediterranean Spain Luxury Getaway: Madrid, Menorca & Barcelona - 10 Days

Sample Mediterranean culture and landscapes on this luxury 10-day trip to Spain. You'll take intimate city tours, browsing Madrid's Prado Museum with an art historian and visiting Barcelona's world-famous Sagrada Família with an architect. Sip fine wines in Penedès' vineyards and jet to the beach-studded shores of Menorca to bask on white-sand beaches, sail the Mediterranean coast on a private catamaran, and enjoy a private Jeep safari.

Menorca - Cala Mitjana
Map of Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 8 Days
Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 8 Days

A vacation in the paradise of Menorca is one thing—combining it with a visit to Barcelona is quite another. This eight-day itinerary will see you live it up in Catalonia's capital on tours of the city as well as participating in a cooking class. Then you're off to Menorca, a tranquil island in the Balearics, where you'll horseback along the white-sand beaches and perhaps explore the coast on a kayak excursion.

Children sitting on stone steps in Spain
Map of Spain Family Vacation: Madrid, Barcelona & Menorca - 14 Days
Spain Family Vacation: Madrid, Barcelona & Menorca - 14 Days

Introduce the kids to continental European life with this glorious two-week family trip to Spain. Starting in Madrid, you'll stroll medieval cobbled streets, feast on mouth-watering tapas, and experience centuries-old traditions in Toledo. Catch the train to vibrant Barcelona and gaze awestruck at the Sagrada Família as the city's turrets and steeples fire the kids' imaginations. Your trip finishes on the idyllic island of Menorca, where you'll swim in secret coves and sail the stunning coast.

Es Grau Beach on Menorca
Map of Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 9 Days
Spain Beach Getaway: Barcelona and Menorca - 9 Days

This nine-day itinerary combines the best of Barcelona with a bit of an island hop. It begins in the capital of Catalonia with visits to famous buildings, like the cathedral La Sagrada Familia, as well as tours of the local markets, a private cooking class, and cycling tours of the Gothic Quarter and Barceloneta Beach. You'll cap the trip in the paradise of Menorca, where you'll ride horses and sunbathe on white-sand beaches.

Spend four days exploring the Balearic island of Menorca by Jeep and catamaran
Map of Luxury Spain Getaway: Madrid to the Mediterranean - 14 Days
Luxury Spain Getaway: Madrid to the Mediterranean - 14 Days

Discover Spain’s showstopping highlights on this luxury two-week tour. You’ll stay in 5-star hotels and restored palaces, joining private guides for cultural tours of Madrid, Granada, and Barcelona. Exclusive experiences include flamenco performances, marzipan workshops, and Michelin-starred dining. Take day trips to Penedès vineyards and the Alpujarras Mountains, then jet to the sun-blessed island of Menorca, where white-sand beaches, catamaran tours, and Jeep safaris await.

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Map of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 8 Days
Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 8 Days

The only thing better than enjoying a holiday in Spain's Balearic Islands is stopping first in Barcelona for some culture and city life. You'll discover Catalonia's capital on a self-guided tour as well as an organized excursion to some of the most famous landmarks designed by legendary architect Antoni Gaudí. You'll then fly to Menorca for some horseback riding around the island followed by a trip to Mallorca for sailing and mountain hikes.

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Map of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 9 Days
Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 9 Days

If you want a vacation that combines a cultural immersion in a historic city with some exotic island fun, this nine-day itinerary is for you. The city in question is Barcelona, and you'll discover it on walking tours of its iconic buildings, like Sagrada Familia, as well as cycling tours of its most famous neighborhoods, like the Gothic Quarter. Then it's off to Menorca and Mallorca, where you'll both hike and sail around these gorgeous isles. 

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Map of Barcelona & the Balearic Islands: Mallorca & Menorca - 12 Days
Barcelona & the Balearic Islands: Mallorca & Menorca - 12 Days

The only way to make a Barcelona vacation better is to include a jaunt to the Balearic Islands. This 12-day adventure begins with tours of the city's Gothic Quarter and Gaudí-designed buildings, plus a cooking class celebrating Catalan cuisine. After wine tasting near the holy site of Montserrat, you'll jet off to Mallorca and Menorca, where you'll embark on horseback rides and hikes around the islands.

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Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 13 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 13 Days

You could spend a lifetime traveling through Spain and discovering its secrets, but luckily 13 days is all you need to experience the highlights. This trip begins in Madrid where you'll stroll El Retiro Park, visit the Royal Palace, and see the historic Plaza Mayor, once the heart of Old Spain. You'll then journey down to Andalusia for flamenco shows and a wine tour of the mountaintop city of Ronda before jetting to the Balearic Isles and sunbathing in Mallorca and Menorca.

Spain
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 14 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 14 Days

The standard two-week vacation is more than enough time to experience the highlights of Spain. This includes art walks in Madrid, flamenco shows in Seville, wine tours of Andalusia, and all the authentic tapas you can eat. The cherry on this delicious Spanish dessert is a jaunt to the Balearic Isles, where you'll spend a few days lazing on the beaches, hiking the mountains, and sailing the coasts of Menorca and Mallorca. 

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Map of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 10 Days
Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 10 Days

There are no more beautiful locales in Spain's Catalonia region than Barcelona and the Balearic Islands. You'll visit both on a 10-day excursion that begins in Barcelona with bicycle rides through its historic neighborhoods as well as tours of its most impressive Gothic buildings. The final leg of the journey will see you hiking the gorgeous Tramuntana Mountains and sailing around the rocky coves of Mallorca and Menorca.

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Map of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 11 Days
Barcelona and the Balearic Islands: Mallorca and Menorca - 11 Days

You'll discover everything that perfectly encapsulates Spain's Catalonia region on a visit to its capital of Barcelona. This 11-day trip includes touring its historic Gothic Quarter, bicycling around the waterfront, and sampling Catalan cuisine in the form of cooking classes and market tours. The last few days you'll fly to the Balearics and enjoy fun in the sun on two of its most beautiful islands: Mallorca and Menorca.

Spain
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 15 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 15 Days

With a little over two weeks to spare, you can experience the highlights of Spain's major cities while also making time for an island getaway. This 15-day itinerary begins in Madrid with visits to the El Prado Museum and Royal Palace before continuing south to Seville for wine tours, flamenco shows, and visits to Moorish fortresses. The adventure concludes on the rocky coves and white-sand beaches of Menorca and Mallorca, two of the most beautiful islands in the Balearics.

Spain
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 16 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Seville, Granada & the Balearic Islands - 16 Days

Spain boasts some of the most impressive palaces, cathedrals, and fortresses in Europe. On a 16-day tour, you'll not only see these highlights in unforgettable cities like Madrid and Seville, but you'll also make day trips to historic locales like Toledo and Ronda. As if that's not enough adventure, you'll finish the trip on the coasts of the Balearic Isles, where you'll enjoy sunbathing, horseback riding, and sailing.

Spain
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona & the Balearic Islands - 20 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona & the Balearic Islands - 20 Days

With two-thirds of a month free, you can really immerse yourself in Spain. This 20-day itinerary allows you to visit three different regions, including Madrid, Andalusia, and Catalonia. Throughout the adventure, you'll enjoy great food, go on wine tours, take in a flamenco show, marvel at historic Gothic architecture, and even make time for a bit of island-hopping in Menorca and Mallorca. 

Exploring the Balearic Islands
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 21 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 21 Days

This three-week itinerary delivers everything you could want in a Spanish holiday. It begins in Madrid before moving south to Andalusia, with its Moorish architecture and flamenco flavor. You'll then discover the food and culture of Barcelona, capping the trip in the Balearic Islands, where you'll explore postcard coves and the azure waters off Menorca and Mallorca.

Spain
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 17 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 17 Days

This 17-day itinerary has all the makings of an unforgettable Spanish adventure. You'll not only visit the most incredible sights in the most famous cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, but you'll also make day trips to medieval gems like Ronda and Toledo. On top of taking food tours of local markets and tapas bars, you'll also head to the isles of Mallorca and Menorca for some sailing trips and coastal horseback riding.

Spain
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 18 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 18 Days

This 18-day Spanish vacation packs in historic sights, gorgeous locales, and some of the best beaches. It begins in Madrid with a tour of its famous plazas and palaces, followed by a jaunt around Andalusia and its most beautiful cities, such as Seville, Ronda, and Grenada. But that's not all—you'll then fly off to Barcelona for Catalan culture in its Gothic Quarter before ending the trip on the postcard Balearic Islands.

Spain
Map of Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 19 Days
Spain Highlights: Madrid, Andalusia, Barcelona, & the Balearic Islands - 19 Days

The only way to improve on a journey through mainland Spain is to add an island adventure into the mix. Over 19 days you'll immerse yourself in cities like Madrid, Seville, Grenada, and Barcelona, visiting their historic sights and enjoying the regional cuisine. Beyond wine tours, art walks, and flamenco shows, you'll also jet off to the Balearic Islands and sail the sapphire waters of hot spots like Mallorca and Menorca.