Tranquillity, calm and authenticity, all away from the tourist crowds in Menorca? The island still has a few hidden treasures, which I’d like to share with you in this article. You won’t necessarily need to go on long hikes to discover them.
These secret corners of Menorca aren’t exactly “confidential” (no place really is), but you’ll encounter far fewer visitors than at other tourist sites, making for a more enjoyable experience. Villages, islands, nature parks, hiking trails, quarries…
Let’s embark together to explore Menorca off the beaten track. You’ll find a map at the end of this article to guide you.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Menorca:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Menorca: DiscoverCars
My favourite sea activity: transparent kayak
My favourite excursion in Menorca: a half-day catamaran trip
My favorite places to stay:
- Cala’n Porter, close to the village of Alaior – my favourite hotel: Osprey Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
- Port Mahon, the most convenient for exploring – my favourite hotel: Catalonia Mirador or view top rated hotels
- Cala Galdana, the liveliest – my favourite hotel: Ilunion Menorca Hotel or view top rated hotels
// On this page, no ads, no sponsored content. Just a few affiliate links.
// If you use them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you (read more).
#1 – Es Castell village – my favorite in Menorca
- About the village of Es Castell –
Es Castell is a charming little village of British origin founded in the 18th century, which I really loved with its colorful buildings, squares and alleyways. What surprised me was that it’s rarely included in Menorca’s classic tourist circuits, yet is very close to the capital.
This village, known for its mills at the entrance, is home to the island’s Military Museum. This is the place where the imprint of the British occupation is most marked, particularly in the architecture. I enjoyed the picturesque character of the buildings and alleyways, combined with the atmosphere of a bustling port city. Take the time to stroll through its lively artisanal day and night markets in this off-the-beaten-track location.
It’s a pleasant place to stroll, with restaurants and stores near the marina, which faces Cala Llonga on the other shore and Illa del Rei to the west.
- Location –
East coast
Port Mahon to Es Castell = 15min drive
Ciutadella to Es Castell = 50min drive - How to get there –
Easy access by car.
Several paid and free parking lots (note that parking in certain alleyways is reserved for residents, indicated by a sign). - Practical tips –
Nice stroll through the narrow streets and main square with some typical bistros.
Walk along the lively, landscaped marina.
View of Cala Llonga and Illa del Rei from the harbor. - e-Bike tour available from Punta Prima to Es Castell.
Where to stay in Menorca?
I recommend staying either close to one of the 2 main towns, Ciutadella or Port Mahon, or in one of the charming little villages all over the island. You’ll enjoy good restaurants, typical markets and their picturesque atmosphere. For example, you could opt for:
- Hotel Gran Melia Villa Le Blanc Hotel in Santo Tomas – View photos & availability
- Hotel Catalonia Mirador des Port, overlooking the natural harbour of Mahon – View photos & availabilities
- Hotel Smoix Hotel, in the old town of Ciutadella – View photos and availability
About Lithica and the S’Hostal quarries –
The Lithica Pedreres de S’Hostal quarries are a unique site in Menorca. I was taken aback by the lack of signposts on the road leading to this immense and rather playful mineral labyrinth surrounded by a 7-hectare botanical garden! It’s one of the quarries for ” marès “, a limestone long used to build traditional houses on the island.
A spectacular place where every section of the park is a new discovery.
There are many plant species to discover along the botanical circuit. My favorite moment after discovering the labyrinth: the verdant, silent medieval garden, nestled between the limestone walls at the heart of the estate.
- Location –
West coast
Ciutadella to Lithica (Pedreres de S’Hostal) = 15min drive
Port Mahon to Lithica (Pedreres de S’Hostal) = 1h15min by car - How to get there –
Easy road access by car.
Dedicated free parking adjoining the venue. - Practical tips –
Plan for around 2h to 2h30 if you want to do the whole tour, passing through the orchard, mineral and plant mazes and following the beacons. You can also retrace your steps using the map if you’re interested in a shorter walk.
Avoid the hottest hours of the day for a more pleasant stroll, and go by car with the help of a GPS.
Need to rent a car in Menorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
#3 – Punta Nati lighthouse – Menorca off the beaten track
About Punta Nati Lighthouse –
Arriving at the quickly overcrowded parking lot, you won’t immediately see the lighthouse in this almost deserted spot with its end-of-the-world feel and a few goats wandering around. Built in 1910 following the sinking of a French ship, the Punta Nati lighthouse offers an exceptional view of the sea and the cliffs. In the midst of these great arid plains, with little vegetation around me as far as the eye could see, I was transported into another dimension of calm and serenity. I went there to admire the sunset and I wasn’t disappointed.
You can only see it from the outside, as the lighthouse cannot be visited. As a historical site, it also houses old bunkers dating back to the Spanish Civil War, as well as a cross erected by the town of Ciutadella in tribute to the victims.
- Location –
Northwest coast
Ciutadella to Punta Nati lighthouse = 15min drive
Port Mahon to Punta Nati lighthouse = 1h35min by car - How to get there –
To get there, bike, motorcycle or car are the only options.
Dedicated parking before the path to the lighthouse gate. - Practical tips –
After parking your car in the free parking lot, you’ll need to walk along the path between the low dry-stone walls for around 10min before reaching the gate.
The Cami de Cavalls, Menorca’s circular hiking trail, makes a stop near the Punta Nati lighthouse. At sunset or sunrise, the view is breathtaking, with a beautiful palette of colors. To avoid the crowds, prefer to do it in the morning or outside the summer season.
Some people cross the low wall to get around the lighthouse and get close to the edge of the cliff. However, caution is advised, as this rocky area is neither guarded nor secure. Note that there are no street lights in this rather dark area at dusk.
My favourite activity in Menorca
I highly recommend the Binibeca: guided transparent kayak tour.
In just 2 hours, you’ll experience an unforgettable moment: a glimpse of the turquoise waters without diving, in the magical coves, caves and beach of Binibeca.
#4 – Canyon d’Algendar – Menorca’s secret corner
About Canyon d’Algendar –
The still wild and unspoilt nature of the ravine or Canyon d’Algendar makes it a place a little cut off from the world. It’s the most notable in Menorca, measuring more than 7km and offering a beautiful setting for a successful hike. It’s best to hike in daylight, to take advantage of the natural light and find your way around more easily. Don’t forget to look up to see the lush green vegetation on the surrounding cliffs. The descent begins on a stone path, before you catch sight of the first walls of the ravine, which can reach impressive heights of up to 80m!
The Canyon d’Algendar is quite mythical on this Balearic island, and you won’t be disappointed by the scenery. Prepare to have your breath taken away with natural images that will leave a lasting impression on your mind! In fact, there are a few explanatory signs right at the start, before you set off between the trees on the trail. Close to this ravine, the circuit of the former royal passage of En Revull between Port Mahon and Ciutadella, indicated by signs at the end of the descent, is also accessible for hiking.
- Location –
Inland between Cala Galdana and the village of Ferreries
Ciutadella at Canyon d’Algendar = 1h drive
Port Mahon at Canyon d’Algendar = 50min drive - How to get there –
On arriving by the main Me-1 road, drive in the direction of Cami d’Algendaret. The further you go, the less passable the road will be by car or bike, so I suggest you continue on foot and start the walk from there. - Practical tips –
Please remember to charge your phone battery (even though, for my part, there’s very little network on site), wear suitable shoes, hat and clothing, and take a snack and a drink to refresh yourself, as there’s nowhere to eat during the hike. This is not a very busy area, so please note that wild camping is forbidden in Menorca.
#5 – Pont d’En Gil
About Pont d’En Gil –
A walk along the cliffs leads you, in the open air, to this rather impressive stone arch crossed by the sea. In the residential and tourist area of Cala en Blanes, you can walk right up to this natural arch. The place is quite surprising, as I went from a fairly busy area to this deserted spot close to the coast.
The Pont (or Puente) d’en Gil is a bridge naturally formed by rock over the sea in the north-west of Menorca.
It’s one of the stops on the famous Cami de Cavalls hiking trail, allowing you to explore the whole of Menorca on foot, mountain bike or horseback.
The power and magic of nature here really fascinated me. I went there in the middle of the day, but you can also admire the sunset – it’s just as beautiful!
- Location –
West coast
Ciutadella to Pont d’En Gil = 15min drive
Port Mahon to Pont d’En Gil = 50min drive - How to get there –
By car via Cala en Blanes, by mountain bike or on foot via the Cami de Cavalls hiking trail. - Practical tips –
Bring good shoes as the path is not marked out, and you’ll be walking through stone and earth (the area isn’t lit up at night). Access is free and the area is unsupervised, but relatively accessible if you’re going there with your children.
A parking lot in the residential area allows you to park your vehicle for the duration of your visit near the hiking trail. Last but not least, you won’t be able to enjoy the shade during your visit. Remember to bring sun protection and hats!
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
#6 – La Illa del Rei – A marvel near Port Mahon
About the Illa del Rei –
While visiting the port of Mahon, I spotted a pretty yellow boat which, after a 15min crossing, took me to the charming Illa del Rei.
This magnificent islet off the natural harbor of Menorca’s capital was the 1st Balearic land where King Alfonso III landed in the early Middle Ages at the time of the Reconquest. This place, which I absolutely adored, is a jewel in the island’s heritage, bearing witness to several occupations: Muslim, Andalusian, English and French, which followed one another over the centuries.
In the 18th century, the island’s main naval building, the British Military Hospital, was built to house the soldiers of the English Navy. It can still be visited today, with many historical medical and military artifacts preserved. On the same islet, discover the remains of a 6th-century early Christian basilica and the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery.
- Location –
Off the east coast
Near the town of Port Mahon
Port Mahon to Illa del Rei = 15min boat ride
Ciutadella to Illa del Rei = 50min drive to Port Mahon and 15min boat ride - How to get there –
You can only get there by taking the dedicated boat shuttle at the marina. Parking lots near Plaça de la Miranda or Carrer de Bellavista in Port Mahon. - Practical tips –
You can pick up tickets here or directly at the port, but the return fare per adult is €10. Visiting the islet is free, guided tours can be booked on site or online.
The tour is suitable for children, so bring comfortable shoes for a leisurely stroll around the island.
You can bring a snack or eat on site at La Cantina facing the sea in the garden of the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery.
#7 – Mirador del Mediterraneo at Cala’n Porter
About the Mirador del Mediteraneo in Cala’n Porter –
The Mirador del Mediteraneo offers a magnificent viewpoint in Menorca. After wandering through the steep streets of the urbanization of Cala’n Porter in the south-east of the island, a path is cut into the stone above the cliffs, but there are no signs to show you the way. It was by typing the name into my GPS after being advised by locals that I decided to go there.
It’s a lovely walk if you go all the way, being very careful not to get too close to the edge as there are no safety barriers.
I had a rather exceptional view of the blue expanse of the Mediterranean Sea and sky, it was a sweet moment of contemplation that I won’t forget.
Be aware that many places in Menorca are still preserved with a raw nature feel.
- Location –
Southeast coast
Near the urbanization of Cala’n Porter attached to the municipality of Alaior
Port Mahon to Mirador del Mediteraneo = 25min drive
Ciutadella to Mirador del Mediteraneo = 50min drive - How to get there –
The Mirador del Mediteraneo is one of Cala’n Porter’s most famous viewpoints.
You can get there by car before starting a short walk to the end of the cliff. Parking is available in the nearby residential area.
The area can be reached by bike or directly on foot from Cala’n Porter, as the path to this area is steep. - Practical tips –
Be very careful when wandering around places like this, it’s not a child-friendly area. Access is free and unsupervised, with no security barriers.
Need to rent a car in Menorca?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Don’t choose a car too large, since some roads are very narrow
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
#8 – Cami de Cavalls
About the Cami de Cavalls –
The Balearic Islands are famous for their many trails and passages in the mountains, forests or close to the sea. The Cami de Cavalls (or GR 223 path) is a famous hiking trail that crosses the whole island of Menorca. On foot, mountain bike or horseback, there are several stages where you can discover the island’s varied landscapes, fauna, flora and biodiversity, as well as its gastronomy and local know-how. Did you know that Menorca is a well-preserved island classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO?
The ancestral Cami de Cavalls trail, which means ” horse trail ” in Catalan, lets you explore this mythical Mediterranean jewel. You can even see old bunkers dating back to the Civil War and houses of refuge for fishermen.
Are you going to try the complete tour of the island in 1 or 2 weeks? Or opt for one of the 3 main sections: north, south or east coast.
- Location –
Round the island of Menorca
Kilometer zero near Port Mahon - How to get there –
Kilometer zero of the Cami de Cavalls is in Port Mahon, but as the path is circular, you can reach it from anywhere on the island.
The Cami de Cavalls is 185km long as it goes all the way around Menorca. - Practical tips –
Signs and markers every 50m along the trail help you find your way around. Remember to bring good shoes, a hat, comfortable clothes, snacks and water!
You can also opt for a horseback ride on this famous hiking trail.
#9 – Cala Fornells
About Cala Fornells –
In the small seaside village of Fornells, this Cala lies to the north past the marina. Following a narrow path along the shore away from the busy area, you’ll discover a pretty cove surrounded by typical houses with a restaurant nearby.
Various ladders allow you to go down for a swim in the clear water. This cove is located less than 10min walk from the Fornells defensive tower, built in the 19th century during the British occupation.
Access to Cala Fornells is fairly easy, and during the day you’ll have a breathtaking view of the Menorcan north coast in a little-frequented spot on the island. In the evening, the place is ideal for a romantic, intimate stroll.
- Location –
Northeast coast
In the village of Fornells
Port Mahon to Cala Fornells = 30min drive
Ciutadella to Cala Fornells = 35min drive - How to get there –
If you’re coming from the west of Menorca, take the main Me-1 road and then the Me-15 up the north coast to the village of Fornells.
If you’re coming from the east, you can take the Me-1 and then the Me-15, or the Me-7 directly from Port Mahon. There are several free parking lots in Fornells, and you can finish your journey on foot through the narrow streets of this coastal village. - Practical tips –
No particular difficulties identified to access this spot.
Not to be confused with Cala Fornells near Palma de Mallorca on the neighboring island of Menorca.
#10 – Es Grau nature park and Port Addaia
About Cami de Cavalls –
Did you know that the Parc Natural de s’Albufera d’Es Grau nature reserve in northern Menorca boasts almost 5,000 hectares of verdant vegetation?
Near the port village of Addaia, this is the island’s largest nature park, where hundreds of animals, birds and plant species live all year round.
If you’re interested in hiking and picnicking in the great outdoors, then be sure to include this activity on your list of things to do when visiting near Port Mahon! You’ll be able to observe the flora and fauna, kayak and discover the local biodiversity.
The entrance is close to a large farm and crosses the aforementioned Cami de Cavalls, which runs through this mythical park. The fishing village of Es Grau is also worth a visit, not far from the Favaritx lighthouse at the heart of this nature reserve. The icing on the cake: you can take advantage of excursions to dive and explore the marine reserve and Menorca’s protected biodiversity opposite the island of Colom!
- Location –
Northeast coast
Near the coastal village of Port Addaia
Port Mahon at Es Grau Nature Park = 15min drive
Ciutadella at Es Grau Nature Park = 45min drive - How to get there –
Access by car or bike is possible in the direction of Fornells or near the village of Port Addaia via the Me-3 road. The Cami de Cavalls also takes you there on foot, by bike or on horseback. - Practical hints –
Please remember to bring your own equipment, drinks and snacks, as well as comfortable clothing, hats and shoes. Cycling and horse riding are prohibited outside the Cami de Cavalls. Wild camping and campfires are prohibited, and you’d better not make too much noise during your visit to avoid frightening the reserve’s birds.
Where to stay in Menorca?
I recommend staying either close to one of the 2 main towns, Ciutadella or Port Mahon, or in one of the charming little villages all over the island. You’ll enjoy good restaurants, typical markets and their picturesque atmosphere. For example, you could opt for:
- Hotel Gran Melia Villa Le Blanc Hotel in Santo Tomas – View photos & availability
- Hotel Catalonia Mirador des Port, overlooking the natural harbour of Mahon – View photos & availabilities
- Hotel Smoix Hotel, in the old town of Ciutadella – View photos and availability
Minorca off the beaten track – Map, selection, beaches…
What’s off the beaten track?
I know some people will disagree. The notion of “secret” or “off the beaten track” is a matter of perception.I’ve selected places where there were few people when I was there.But, as tourism in Menorca develops even if the island remains quite wild compared to its neighbor Majorca, these places will become more and more popular too.
Beaches off the beaten track
There’s no truly hidden beach in Menorca that’s quite as picturesque.As soon as a beach is beautiful, people flock to it, even if a long hike is required!Your best chances are the ones that are hard to get to, but know that you won’t be alone unless you get there early in the morning. For example:
- Cala Turqueta
- Cala Pregonda
- Cala Macarella
Map of Menorca’s secret spots off the beaten track
Here’s a map to help you locate my selection of 10 “hidden” spots above.
Plan your trip to Menorca:
Best-of:
- 35 best things to do in Menorca
- Menorca’s most beautiful landscapes
- Menorca’s most beautiful villages and towns
- Best beaches in Menorca
- Menorca hidden gems
- Best museums in Menorca
- Best caves
- Best calas
- Markets in Menorca
- Best restaurants
Useful tips:
- Where to stay in Menorca
- Best luxury hotels in Menorca
- Best family hotels in Menorca
- Best boutique hotels
- Tips for driving in Menorca
- Renting a car in Menorca
- My itineraries in Menorca – coming soon
- Road trip in Menorca – coming soon
Towns:
- Port Mahon: Things to do – Best hotels
- Ciutadella: Things to do – Best hotels
All my advice in this article was put into words with the help of Myriam.
