Zella’s Menorca Travel Guide

I’m so excited to finally share my ultimate Menorca travel guide with you! This island holds a special place in my heart – my family owns their home here, having fallen in love with the island on a family vacation.Ollie and I even got married on this beautiful island in 2019, and it’s safe to say that Menorca will always hold a place in our hearts. I’ve received countless messages from friends and fans asking for my recommendations for a trip to Menorca, so I’ve decided to organize all the information into one handy blog post!

Here’s what you’ll find below:

• Menorca Travel Tips 🌟
• Best places to stay on the island 🏠
• My favorite towns to explore 🏙️
• Must-see beaches 🏖️
• Must-see attractions and activities 🌞
• A list of must-haves for your Menorca vacation 🧳
• An insider’s guide to the laid-back vibe of the island 🌿

We hope this article will serve as a guide for your upcoming trip to Menorca!

Getting to Menorca

• Flight time from London to Menorca: just 2 hours 25 minutes.
• Airlines: EasyJet operates regular flights during the high season and also offers flights during the low season. British Airways also operates frequent flights, especially during the summer months.

Menorca at a glance

Menorca has a saying: “mañana mañana”, meaning “tomorrow, tomorrow”, which reflects the relaxed pace of life here. This mindset is at the heart of Menorca’s charm – everything moves at a calm, peaceful pace. Long lunches, a leisurely pace and time spent enjoying nature are part of the daily rhythm for locals and visitors alike.

Menorca is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, neighboring the more famous islands of Ibiza and Mallorca. Despite its small size, Menorca boasts more beaches and secluded bays than its two larger neighbors combined. Tranquil and relaxed, this island exudes elegance and charm, and with its four distinct seasons of beauty and natural wonders, it is a refreshing escape from the world. Spring and fall are crowded with tourists, while the island comes alive in the height of summer and is quiet and serene in the winter.

My personal favorite times to visit Menorca are May/June and September/October. However, from the vibrant trilliums to the olive trees, citrus trees and lush greenery, the island’s natural beauty is beautiful all year round.

Layout of Menorca

The island is small and easy to explore, with two main towns: Mahon (Maó in Catalan) on the east side and Ceuta dea on the west. It is only a 1 hour drive from one end to the other, making it easy to explore the whole island. It is highly recommended that you rent a car so that you are free to explore places that are inaccessible by public transportation, including Menorca’s most stunning beaches.

Menorca is dotted with traditional stone buildings, many of which have warm honey tones and vibrant colors that fade beautifully over time in the Mediterranean sun. The coastline is a breathtaking mix of turquoise waters, shades of inky blue, and crystal clear waters where fish swim.

My favorite towns in Menorca

• Escastri
• Mahon
• Ceuta Dea
• Esmerkadal
• Fornellis
• Aleor
• Es Castellane

Recommended Accommodations in Menorca

• Alcofalville Hotels and Restaurants
• Jardí de ses Bruixes
• Torralbenque
• Hotel Murada
• Son Vives
• Airbnb – there are so many charming options here!

Top beaches in Menorca

• Maca
• Cala Mitna
• Cala Galdana
• Cala Macarella
• Cala Pregunta

Things to do in Menorca

• Explore Menorca’s picturesque towns and villages.
• Spend a relaxing afternoon on the pristine beaches.
• Explore the island’s charming cafes, restaurants and local markets.
• Enjoy sunset views from the beach.
• Hike or cycle along Menorca’s scenic trails.
• Enjoy the island’s leisurely pace and take your time to enjoy a great meal.

Menorca Travel Essentials

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
• Swimwear for beach days and coastal walks.
• Light and breathable clothing for warm days and cool nights.
• Sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• A camera for capturing breathtaking views and moments of relaxation.

Menorca’s atmosphere

Time seems to slow down in Menorca. It is the perfect vacation spot for those who seek tranquility and are surrounded by natural beauty. The island’s tranquil atmosphere will allow you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings away from the rush of everyday life for a while. Whether you’re strolling through the historic towns, lounging on the beach, or having a relaxing dinner with loved ones, Menorca offers a peaceful, healing experience.

We hope this guide will help you discover Menorca’s hidden gems and enjoy the island’s peaceful magic! We wish you a pleasant journey!

Zela’s Guide to Menorca: Unforgettable Beaches, Must-Do Activities, and Gourmet Restaurants

Menorca beaches not to be missed

• Macarella
  A great spot to showcase the essence of Menorca’s coastline.

• Macaretha
  A hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful vacation (watch my video for a detailed hiking guide on how to get there!) .

• Cala Galdana.
  An idyllic, family-friendly beach with crystal clear waters.

• Bini Safura.
  Look out for the charming Ninjago house – it’s picturesque!

• Son Saura
  This is a more laid-back and tranquil beach that showcases the quiet beauty of Menorca.

Wherever you go, Menorca’s colorful beaches will leave you in awe! From lively attractions to secluded paradises, there’s something for everyone. So take some time to explore and find your very own paradise.

Must-see attractions in Menorca

• Nonna Bazaar
  Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy dinner at Nonna Bazaar, a Mediterranean farm-to-table restaurant located just outside of Ceuta Dea. Make it an unforgettable evening here!

• Mahonkahn Oliver Museum
  This beautiful museum is housed in a magnificent palace where you can delve into the rich history of Menorca.

• Binifadet Wine Tour
  Indulge in a wine tour at Binifadet Winery, followed by a delicious dinner accompanied by one of the winery’s top wines.

• Hauser + Wirth Gallery, Isle of Rae
  Explore the new contemporary art gallery on a small island near Mahon and enjoy a meal at Binifadet’s sister restaurant, Cantina.

• Mahon Fish Market
  A must-visit for tapas lovers, this traditional fish market offers a wide variety of fresh local cuisine.

• Night Markets
  During the summer months, Menorca’s night markets are held in a different town each night, so be sure to check them out for a unique shopping and dining experience.

• Jardí de ses Bruixes in Mahon
  Start the day with a delicious brunch at this scenic spot. The food here is incredibly delicious and the views are breathtaking.

• Avacas
  Put together a pair (or more!) of Take home a traditional Menorcan sandal, a true treasure of the island.

• Local shopping
  Explore the unique independent stores in the charming towns of Ceuta Dea, Mahon and Es Mercadal. Surprises await you around every corner.

• Sunrise in Escastel
  Enjoy a magnificent sunrise over the stunning coastline of Es Castell.

• Sunset in Son Bou
  Round off the day with a picturesque sunset at Son Bou, one of the island’s best spots.

• Cas Sucrer in Es Mercadal
  Get a slice of authentic ensaimada (a Menorcan specialty dessert) from this popular local bakery.

• Ulysses Bar, Menorca
  Sample delicious tapas and enjoy the lively atmosphere at this iconic bar.

Menorca travel essentials

Luggage for a summer vacation
Menorca’s warm Mediterranean climate lends itself to light, breathable clothing. Look no further than flowing summer dresses, shorts and sandals, perfect for beach vacations and exploring the island. Although the atmosphere is relaxed, feel free to dress stylishly casual – high heels can be left at home, just bring comfortable sandals!

Packing for Spring or Fall
When visiting Menorca in the spring or fall, it’s a good idea to pack a few pieces of clothing. A pair of jeans, sneakers and a thin jacket will keep you comfortable on cooler nights. The island’s breeze can be chilly, so a few extra layers are key.

Winter Luggage
Even in winter, there is more sunshine on Menorca than you’d expect, but you’ll still need to wear a coat and boots when it’s cold. Despite the cold weather, it’s far from gloomy!

Menorca: a personal paradise
I am so excited to share this beautiful island with you. Menorca has become my second home and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it like so many of my friends and wedding guests – they’ve already booked their return flights and I bet you’ll want to do the same.

Enjoy your trip to Menorca!

Love.
Monica

Other resources you might enjoy

• Dusty Roads Menorca Traveler’s Guide
• Featured in Condé Nast Traveller
• Featured in The Times