11 unmissable things to do in Menorca

One of the things I love the most about living in Spain is how easy it is to access the surrounding islands. Lately, I have set my sight on visiting all four major Balearic Islands. So far, I have visited Mallorca, and more recently I spent 4 days in Menorca which is a 45-minute trip by plane from Barcelona.

This trip exceeded all expectations in so many ways. So if you’re looking for a memorable vacation in the Spanish Mediterranean, Menorca is the perfect destination. With its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great place to explore and unwind. Here are some of the best things to do in Menorca.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO MENORCA?

I went to Menorca at the end of September, which is definitely a time of the year I would recommend. First of all, because it’s the end of the high season it’s less crowded, accommodations are cheaper and it’s not as hot as during the summer, but nonetheless hot enough to take a swim and sunbathe.

We spoke to many of the locals there, and the general consensus was that summer is usually super intense, and if you are the kind of person who doesn’t enjoy the crowd, then it’s best to come towards the end of September.

This means you won’t have to bother about booking restaurants in advance and will have the luxury of just showing up since most of them won’t be as busy as during the high season. It’s also a great time to go shopping since most places are offering generous discounts as they are getting ready to close for the winter.

11 THINGS TO DO IN MENORCA

In my case, I only went to Menorca for 4 days but had time to do a lot of things as the island is pretty small, and I had rented a car which made it easier to get around.

Here are some of the things I did:

Find a well-located place to stay

The hotel where I stayed was close to a beautiful creek called Cala en Porter. It is a super cute creek surrounded by rocks. It’s the perfect place to spend a chilled afternoon relaxing, eating tapas, and contemplating the amazing scenery. Every time I went there, I ate at a place called Rustic Bar Cala.

The staff was super friendly and the food included a selection of tapas. I personally recommend the pulpo con cebolla and the calamar a la plancha.

2. Go for a hike

I am a big fan of hiking, so I always try to find the best routes to go to when I visit a new place. There is a really nice route around Menorca, it’s called the Cami de Cavalls. It goes across pretty much the whole island. It can also be done by bike. I have seen a lot of places offering excursions at a reasonable price.

3. Visit the lighthouse

The Far de Punta Nati is one of the most iconic landmarks in Menorca, and a visit to the lighthouse is a must. It’s located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea and is one of the best spots to take in the views. Far de Cavalleria is another great way to see.

4. Go Windsurfing

Menorca has some of the best windsurfing conditions in the Mediterranean, and the island’s stunning beaches make it the perfect spot for a day of windsurfing.

5. Spend the day in Ciutadella

The former capital of Menorca is a beautiful city filled with narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque plazas. Be sure to explore the 14th-century Cathedral of Menorca and the harbor, where you can find plenty of bars and restaurants. I absolutely loved it. The narrow streets, the vibes, the harbor, the restaurants, bars everything was great - I highly recommend it. The best part was the evening walk by the harbor.

6. Explore Mahon

The capital city of Menorca is a must-visit, with its winding streets, traditional restaurants, and charming architecture. Spend a day strolling through the city’s cobblestone streets, admiring the old churches and palaces, and sampling some of the local cuisines.

7. Take a boat trip to Mahon to see the island from the sea

There are plenty of boat trips available in Menorca, ranging from fishing trips to sunset cruises. A boat trip is a great way to explore the stunning coastline and experience Menorca from the sea.

8. Relax on the Beaches

Menorca is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. From the secluded coves of Cala Mitjana to the stunning white sands of Platja de Fornells, there are plenty of spots to relax and soak up the sun.

9. Explore the caves

Menorca is home to some of the most impressive caves in the Mediterranean. The Cova des Coloms is a spectacular network of underground chambers and galleries that have been decorated with ancient rock art. The Cova des Pas de Vallgornera is another impressive cave and is home to a number of stalactites and stalagmites.

10. Stop by Binibeca

Spend a few hours in Binibeca, and walk around the narrow streets with lovely whitewashed walls. Though the village is quite small, it was a great place to kill some time on my last day before going to the airport since it’s conveniently located less than 30 minutes away from it.

11. Enjoy the local cuisine

Eat, eat and eat. Menorca is well known for its pastry, so go and try an ensaimada, stop by a bar and enjoy the variety of cheeses, ham, sausages, win, and of course gin.

WHERE TO EAT IN MENORCA?

The food in Menorca did not disappoint, I think I ordered seafood at pretty much every place I have been to. Whilst most places were great these restaurants/bars really stood out for me: Rustic Bar Cala near Cala en Porter and Taberna del Corso in Binibica and La Payesa, a restaurant right by the harbor.

AFFORDABLE PLACE TO STAY IN MENORCA?

I stayed in a small hotel called Sa Paissa next to Cala de Porter. The room was modest, nothing to write home about but it was clean, the staff was lovely, it was very close to the creek and the price was very competitive. I paid 30 euros per night with breakfast included.

WHERE TO WATCH THE SUNSET IN MENORCA?

I can safely say that the best place I have ever seen the sunset was in Menorca. Cova d’en Xoroi is a must go. It’s basically an outdoor bar hanged on a cliff, with a spectacular view. Inside the bar is a cave-like setting, with different floors, bars, and music. It’s a great backdrop to see the sunset. The entry was 9 euros and included selected drinks, but if like me you are into gin tonic you will need to add 3 euros for it.

RENTING A CAR IN MENORCA

Last but not least, I wouldn’t recommend going to Menorca without renting a car. Even if you plan on staying at the hotel, I would definitely recommend a car in case you want to visit the surroundings.

HAVE YOU BEEN TO MENORCA? DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS?