Planning a road trip to Menorca? What a wonderful choice of destination!
Here are my top Menorca travel tips to make the most of your time:
- Tips for planning your trip,
- Tips for getting around Menorca,
- Advice on where to stay,
- Tips on the best things to do,
- Minorca’s most beautiful roads,
- ….
Everything you need to plan your trip to Menorca! Your complete guide.
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
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5 Menorca travel tips to help you plan your trip
#1 – Choosing the best time to visit Minorca
The Menorca travel season is fairly long, with pleasant temperatures.
You can even enjoy the winter in Menorca if you don’t mind a little chill (temperatures between 14 and 20°C).
You can enjoy its charm in any season… but, if there are things you prefer, some seasons are better than others. It all depends on what you’re looking for:
- Crowd –
Minorca is an increasingly popular destination.
During the summer months, beaches and attractions are packed.
Even September remains a busy month. Not the madness of summer, but still crowded.
So the months in between are quieter (April/May and October).
But if you want peace and quiet, visit in winter – you can have the roads almost to yourself! - Weather –
Temperatures get very hot in summer, are very pleasant in the shoulder months and are cool in winter. - Swimming –
Summer is the best time to bathe in the warm waters of the various beaches. - Hiking and biking –
But if you’re planning a hiking or biking trip, avoid summer so you don’t liquefy from the heat. - Menorca has a different charm depending on the season, and this unspoilt island has a lot to offer. Winter with its festive atmosphere, summer with its summer atmosphere and night markets, spring and autumn with its vineyards, hiking and natural areas (equally magnificent in winter and summer).
#2 – How long will it take to visit Minorca? At least 1 week, but 2 are ideal
The island is bigger than I imagined. And there’s plenty to do and visit.
If you want to take a road trip around the island, you need to allow enough time to visit :
- best beaches and calas (coves),
- best caves,
- the most charming villages,
- the best viewpoints and landscapes,
- the hidden gems,
- …
I think the best duration for your trip to Menorca to enjoy all it has to offer is 2 weeks.
Here is a map with the main driving times to give you an idea:
#3 – Preparing for the crowds
Menorca is an increasingly popular destination.
Famous sites such as beaches and some villages are very popular, especially in the high season.
Even in September, most beaches and resorts will still have plenty of visitors. You need to be aware of this.
Plan your itinerary to get to popular spots early, and don’t stack them all on the same day.
#4 – Be flexible enough to adapt to the weather
Menorca has just one mountain, the Monte Toro. It reaches a height of 360m.
Therefore, you can have cloudy weather with rain and then in the same day a sky that clears.
The island is not very big, from east to west by car you take about 50min depending on traffic. Therefore, you can plan to adapt your itinerary to visit areas of the island under the best possible weather.
For example, when it was raining, I visited the inland areas, the small villages and the museums in the main towns. I saved the blue sky for the magnificent scenery from Monte Toro and my transparent kayak outing.
5 Minorca road trip tips to rent a car and drive
#5 – Rent a car to discover the best the island has to offer
It’s possible to explore certain areas without a car: There are guided tours that can take you to some famous spots like beaches and caves.
But Menorca is so much more than that!
There are so many viewpoints, beautiful roads and hidden gems to discover…
I really think that renting a car is the best way to discover the island.
#6 – Rent a narrow car
On the whole, driving in Menorca is not difficult, with the exception of a few roads with many bends where caution is called for.
The main problem is that they are often narrow: to get around villages, to reach certain attractions…
And unfortunately, people who rent a car don’t know how to judge the size of their vehicle and don’t think to fold down their mirrors…
To be less stressed on these roads, I recommend renting a narrow car if possible.
#7 – Compare prices
My advice :
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated sites!
- Choose car and agency (prefer a smaller car for narrow roads)
- Consider full coverage (I recommend it because of the narrow roads)
- Book early to have a choice of your vehicle !
- Some companies are directly at the airport, others, like Autos Menorca, are outside the airport, but their shuttle service is very frequent, so it’s not a problem at all.
- See my tips for renting a car in Menorca
#8 – Know the rules of the road
There’s nothing special about driving in Menorca.
The rules are as follows:
- Driving is on the right-hand side of the road.
- Blood alcohol limit = 0.5g/l
- Seat belts are mandatory
- No cell phones while driving
- Speed limits are clearly indicated
- Speed limit = 80km/h on main road, 20km/h in residential areas,
- However, the speed limit is 30 km/h in many areas.
- Don’t forget your valid driver’s license (recognized European license, or international driver’s license).
The 3 main points to consider are as follows:
- Cyclists love Menorca, and the roads can be full of them – so be careful!
- Some roads can be narrow and winding to reach hidden gems.
- Parking can be a regular problem even in big cities like Port Mahon – so be prepared to be flexible.
See my full article on driving in Menorca.
#9 – Don’t over-plan each day
Menorca is a beautiful island.
It’s famous for its beaches and breathtaking scenery, but it has a lot to offer and a wide variety of points of interest.
You may want to stop at viewpoints, take back roads to explore hidden areas, or simply stay longer in a village or on a beach because it’s spectacular.
So be sure to be sensible in your planning.
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5 tips for accommodation in Menorca – where to stay?
#10 – One accomodation or several?
Most of the island’s destinations are less than a 45-minute drive from Port Mahon.
This means you can stay in one place for your entire vacation and take a road trip every day.
However, in order to reduce driving times and discover different aspects of Menorca, I recommend splitting your vacation in two and choosing two accommodations at different ends of the island, either doing short hop-arounds or splitting the trip into 2 zones.
I think the best option (for those interested in road trips) is :
- the eastern half of the trip, with accommodation around Port Mahon – ideal for exploring the beaches and coves to the east (north and south), as well as villages such as Es Castell or Fornells
- and half the trip in the west, with accommodation around Ciutadella – ideal for discovering this ancient capital, and several points of interest such as the Puente d’En Gil or the Lithica garden.
It all depends on what you’re looking for during your vacation.
#11 – Staying in Port Mahon?
If you like good restaurants, Port Mahon is a good option for you.
If you don’t want to rent a car, Port Mahon can be visited on foot even if some roads are steep (the town is built on a cliff), as many day trips are available from the capital.
You can also visit museums. Finally, if you like the atmosphere of a port city, you should know that Port Mahon is home to the world’s deepest seaport with 4 islands, including the Illa del Rei a jewel in its own right.
Otherwise, Port Mahon may not be the best choice as :
- the city is noisy in places,
- the city center is not close to a beach.
See my article on where to stay in Port Mahon.
#12 – Staying in Ciutadella?
If you like architecture, art and history, Ciutadella is an excellent choice for you.
If you don’t want to rent a car, the city center is easily visited on foot. And it’s a good place for you too, as many day trips are available from Ciutadella.
If you want to visit other museums and historical sites, Ciutadella is the place for you.
Otherwise, Ciutadella may not be the best choice because :
- the city can be noisy,
- the city center is not close to a beach,
- to get anywhere on the island.
See my article on where to stay in Ciutadella.
#13 – Where to stay in Menorca
There is no absolute best place to stay in Menorca. It depends on what you’re looking for.
Here are some of my recommendations:
- To discover the capital – see the best-rated accommodations in Port Mahon
- To immerse yourself in a historic city – see the top-rated accommodations in Ciutadella
- To discover small inland villages such as Es Mercadal, Alaior, Es Castell or Ferreries
- For the cliffs and vastness of the sea at Cala’n Porter – see top-rated accommodations
- For agrotourism in a quiet location – see top-rated accommodations
- For a lively seaside resort – see the top-rated accommodations in Cala Galdana
- For families – see my dedicated article.
More tips in my article on where to stay in Menorca.
#14 – Choosing your home wisely
The range of accommodation on the island of Menorca is truly impressive.
You can find every type of accommodation imaginable.
However, be sure to check the noise level.
Some of Menorca’s towns and villages have numerous bars, hotels and night markets which may play music in the evening or encourage people to gather.
If this isn’t what you’re looking for, check the situation before booking.
If you’re not looking for a beach holiday, consider agrotourism. Numerous fincas have been set up to welcome guests. They offer pleasant experiences in the heart of nature.
#15 – Always check parking conditions
If you’re reading this article, it’s because you’re planning road trips and renting a car.
This means you need to park it every night around your accommodation.
If you’re staying in a popular beach area, parking can be a nightmare. Therefore, always check the parking situation and reviews of parking in the area (if no dedicated parking is available).
4 tips for enjoying your road trip itinerary in Menorca
#16 – Wake up early to see the sunrise
I know that on vacation, sleeping in is a necessity for some people.
But these sunrises on the east and north coasts are splendid.
For example, along the port of the capital Mahon and from the village of Es Castell, you’ll have a front-row seat. Another magical spot for sunrise and sunset is at the top of Monte Toro, with its 360° panoramic view.
#17 – Visit early or late in the day
Getting up early to see the sunrise also has the advantage of being able to start your road trip early.
As I wrote earlier, some places are very crowded, even in the shoulder seasons.
By getting there early, you won’t have to worry about parking and you’ll be able to enjoy the view better.
Here are some good examples:
- The Punta Nati lighthouse – the parking lot is small and the road very narrow – it’s best to get there in the first quiet hours of the day.
- Coastal villages like Es Castell or Fornells, or those rather inland like Alaior or Ferreries.
- Famous beaches and coves (such as Cala Galdana or Cala’n Porter)
- ….
What’s more, later in the day, you’ll come across the buses of those on day trips.
#18 – How safe is Minorca? Beware of scams
Menorca is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. That’s why, unfortunately, you’ll find people trying to take advantage of it.
However, during the shoulder season, I never felt in danger.
You just have to be aware and take precautions (as always) :
- The first thing is to make sure you don’t leave anything visible in the car (as in most tourist areas). Don’t tempt thieves.
- There are also the classic pickpockets in the popular neighborhoods of Port Mahon and Ciutadella, or at the airport.
- Change cabs if they tell you the meter is broken.
#19 – Carrying cash
Most places on the island accept credit cards.
However, there are a few cases where you will need cash:
- Some places to visit (both on and off the beaten track)
- To pay for certain parking areas
- On day or night markets.
3 most beautiful roads in Menorca
If you’re planning a road trip around Menorca, you might want to make sure you cover the best places to see and the most beautiful roads.
The next two sections are dedicated to listing my tips in response to the question: Things to do in Menorca.
#20 – Cf-5 Route to Punta Nati lighthouse
The CF-5 road is one of Menorca’s most picturesque routes, as it crosses the island’s arid, deserted terrain, giving a feeling of the end of the world.
It’s quite a long road, so once you reach the Punta Nati Lighthouse parking lot, you’ll have to finish on foot as the area has become pedestrianized.
The highlights of this route are as follows:
- extraordinary colors at sunrise and sunset
- an unobstructed view
- wild and authentic landscapes
#21 – Me-13 Route to Monte Toro
The road to Monte Toro is not really a mountain road, but it is the highest road on the island.
There are many curves with sometimes poor visibility.
The highlights are:
- exceptional panoramic views of Menorca’s unspoilt nature
- The village of Es Mercadal
- Peu del Toro Farm
- Monte Toro sanctuary
#22 – Me-18 Route to Es Migjorn Gran and Santo Tomas
This road particularly appealed to me, with its many twists and turns that send you zigzagging through the tall trees. I also really enjoyed driving into the middle of this great hedge of honor formed by the forest.
The highlights are :
- The urbanization of Es Migjorn Gran
- The Cova d’Es Colom cave, Menorca’s most famous cave
- The urbanization of Santo Tomas
- The beaches of Santo Tomas, Sante Adeodat and Binigaus
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!
12 must-sees – Things to do in Menorca
When driving around Menorca, there are a few things to do or see that you shouldn’t miss.
Here are 12 of my favorites for you.
#23 – Visit the S’Hostal quarries and the Lithica botanical garden
Lithica Pedreres de S’Hostal is a unique site in Menorca. It’s one of the quarries of ” marès “, a limestone long used to build traditional houses on the island.
I found this place truly spectacular, starting with this immense and rather playful mineral labyrinth surrounded by a 7-hectare botanical garden.
A botanical circuit is proposed, with numerous plant species presented along the way. I was seduced by the verdant, silent medieval garden, nestled between the limestone walls at the heart of the estate.
#24 – Mirador del Mediteraneo in Cala’n Porter
The Mirador del Mediteraneo offers a magnificent view of Menorca. After wandering 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.
It’s a beautiful walk if you go all the way, being of course 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 natural feel. It’s important to be vigilant when wandering around places like this, as it’s not suitable for children. Access is free and unsupervised.
Find out more about Cala‘n Porter
#25 – Watching the Pont d’En Gil
The Pont (or Puente) d’en Gil is a bridge naturally formed by the rock over the sea, this time in the north-west of Menorca. Not far from Cala en Blanes, a lively cove and beach on this side of the island. It’s one of the stops on the famous Cami de Cavalls hiking trail, which takes you all over Menorca on foot, mountain bike or horseback.
A walk along the cliffs leads you, in the open air, to this rather impressive stone arch through which the sea flows. Take good shoes, as the path is not really marked out, and you’ll be walking through stone and earth.
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 – the spectacle will be just as beautiful! Access is free and the area is unsupervised.
See my selection of 28 of Menorca’s most beautiful landscapes
#26 – Visit at least one cala
All around Menorca, the water has carved out coves called Calas.
Some are long, very narrow and wild, like water snakes.
Others have enchanting beaches and nearby hotels…
Most are worth a visit, with their turquoise waters and lush vegetation. Some are only accessible after a hike.
In the photo above, you can see Cala Blanca near Ciutadella.
See my article on Minorca’s most beautiful coves.
#27 – Visit at least one picturesque village
The stone houses are well-maintained and the plants add to the picture-postcard image. Between beaches, vineyards, ravines and cliffs, Menorca also boasts architectural gems between its towns and villages that have stood the test of time. These island lands are home to many historic villages that have retained their charm.
My favorites include:
- Alaior (photo above), surrounded by vineyards
- Fornells, fishing village
- Es Castell, coastal village
Find out more about Minorca’s most beautiful villages
#28 – Walk along one of the long sandy beaches
Menorca is also famous for its beaches.
It has some long sandy beaches and others that are narrower.
Even if, like me, you’re not a beach person, a long walk along one of these beaches is a pleasant experience.
One of my favorites is that of Cala Galdana (photo above) with its huge rocks that open like a portal to the sea.
See my selection of Minorca’s best beaches.
#29 – Discover prehistoric cultures in one of the Talayots
Menorca has a long history.
It is famous for two types of sites:
- Archaeological sites from the Talayotic culture (Bronze Age) where walls and towers were built with large stones – the best sites are the Torre d’En Galmès (pictured above), the Naveta d’es Tudons, Son Catlar.
- The main towns that have seen different occupations over the centuries: notably Ciutadella and Port Mahon.
I think you should visit at least one of the Talayot sites and the 2 main towns of Port Mahon and Ciutadella.
My article on Menorca’s best talayots and ruins will soon be available.
#30 – Take a boat trip
Menorca is an island, so of course there are great boat trips to enjoy the cliffs and such.
I recommend:
- A boat trip to the port of Mahon with underwater views (photo above) – see options
- A cruise with guided visit of Mahon and Binibeca – see options
- and much more… see options
#31 – Visit la Illa del Rei
La Illa del Rei is a magnificent islet off the coast of the natural harbor of Mahon, the capital of Menorca.
It got its name because it was the 1st land in the Balearic Islands where King Alfonso III landed in the 10th century at the time of the reconquest. This place, which I really loved, is a jewel of the island’s heritage, witness to several occupations: Muslim, Andalusian, English and French, which have followed one another over the centuries.
In the 18th century, the island’s main naval building, the British Military Hospital (photo above), 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 Paleo-Christian basilica and the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery. Several works of art adorn the bright, green gardens that surround the site. A great day out for art lovers!
Read my article about the Illa del Rei
#32 – Visit at least one cave
In Menorca, you can also go underground.
The island is home to many captivating activities, among which the ” Cuevas ” or ” Cova ” such as Cova des Coloms, Cala Morell or Cova d’en Xoroi are very popular. However, other options are also worth considering, especially if, like me, you prefer to escape the crowds. During my stay, I focused on discovering some of the less famous but still remarkable caves, such as:
- the Cova des Coloms,
- Cueva del Bufador de Binibequer, (pictured above)
- or the Cueva de la Luz.
Learn more in my article on Minorca’s best caves.
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… Come aboard and explore Menorca off the beaten track!
See my list of 10 secret corners to discover in Menorca.
#34 – Visit Port Mahon the capital
The old town and port of Mahon, the capital, are not to be missed on the east side of the island. Its natural harbor is the deepest in the world, made up of 4 islands.
Its huge church is impressive and emblematic, overlooking the town’s steep streets.
You can also admire the Mercat des Peix (fish market), a Menorcan institution for strolling, shopping and/or sampling tapas!
#35 – Stroll through the ancient capital Ciutadella
Ciutadella is another of Menorca’s remarkable historical jewels. With its well-preserved old buildings, its episcopal palace, its vibrant pedestrianized town center and its typical little restaurants, it’s hard not to fall under its spell. To the west of the island, Menorca’s 2nd main town is also well worth a visit!
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
7 days in Menorca – favorite road trip itinerary
Here’s a suggestion for a 7-day road trip in Menorca.
You can change the order depending on the weather:
- Day 1 –
Port Mahon with its natural harbour, markets, church and museums
La Illa del Rei 15min boat ride from Port Mahon - Day 2 –
Sa Mesquida area – superb beach and cove, hiking and village
Sa Mesquida Torre
Cala Llonga beach - Day 3 –
Coastal village of Es Castell near Port Mahon
Minorca Military Museum in Es Castell
Cala Corb - Day 4 –
Alaior region – vineyards and agro-tourism
Alaior village, old bunkers and church
Monte Toro - Day 5 –
Fornells region
Fornells defensive tower
Cala Fornells - Day 6 –
Ciutadella – city tour (church, museum, episcopal palace, markets) - Day 7 –
Ciutadella region – beaches and coves (e.g. Cala Blanca)
En Gil bridge or Punta Nati lighthouse
See itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Minorca travel guide – packing and preparation
#36 – What to pack for Minorca
The list of things to pack is fairly typical, but don’t forget that the island isn’t tropical. There are variations in the weather.
Moreover, one hour you could be at the beach at 25°C and 1 hour later you could be inland or a little higher up, where temperatures can drop with rain…
The best solution is to pack several layers.
#37 – Bring the right photo equipment for Minorca
Nothing really special for a trip to Menorca.
You should consider water protection if you’re taking a boat trip.
Personally, I’ve just bought a fully waterproof camera, which is a real relief.
And I use a lens with a wide range to take landscapes and also zoom in on animals or details.
#38 – Learn a few Spanish words
The locals always appreciate it when people try to speak a few words of their language:
- Hello – Hola
- Goodbye – Adios
- Please – Por favor
- Thank you – Gracias
- Excuse me – Disculpe
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
This article was written with the help of Myriam.
