As one of Spain's Balearic Islands, Menorca is the quieter, more unassuming sister to Majorca and Ibiza. The entire island is UNESCO-protected, which gives you a hint about its character. The best things to do in Menorca are often tied to its laid-back atmosphere and unspoilt landscapes. This isn't a place of sprawling resorts, but one whose culture is rooted in a deep history.
Discover Menorca's most charming places to visit
Its two main cities largely define Menorca: Ciutadella, on the western tip, and Mahón, on the eastern coast. Ciutadella is the island’s old, aristocratic soul, the former capital with a distinctly Spanish and Moorish feel. Mahón, the current capital, owes much of its grandeur to its natural harbour and a period of British rule, which you can still see in its architecture.
Things to do in Ciutadella
Wandering through Ciutadella is like stepping into a different era. The centre of the city is its old town, a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with sandstone palaces and pretty little shops.
- Explore the old town: start at the grand Plaça d'es Born, the main square, before heading to the impressive Gothic Cathedral of Menorca.
- Wander down to the port: follow the winding ramp down to the old harbour, a picturesque spot lined with waterfront restaurants.
- Visit the local market: for a slice of authentic local life, head to the municipal market inside the cloisters of an old convent.
What to see in Mahón (Maó)
Mahón has a completely different feel, with an identity built around its magnificent harbour—one of the largest natural ports in the world. The city itself sits proudly on the cliffs above, its handsome Georgian townhouses a clear nod to its British past.
- Take a harbour boat tour: this is a must-do to appreciate the sheer scale of the port and see its historic fortifications from the water.
- Sample the local gin: a visit to the Xoriguer Gin Distillery is a rite of passage. You can see how the local spirit is made and, more importantly, try a few samples.
- Dive into island history: the Museu de Menorca, housed in a former Franciscan monastery, offers a brilliant overview of the island’s past.
- Enjoy fresh seafood tapas: head to the Mercat des Peix (fish market) for some of the freshest tapas you’ll find, served right at the counter.
Explore Menorca's best beaches and coves
Menorca's coastline is famous for a reason, and it’s not just because it’s beautiful. The whole island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means its coastline is fiercely protected and wonderfully raw. It’s really an island of two halves: the rugged, wild north with its reddish sands and dramatic cliffs, and the south, which is home to those postcard-perfect white-sand coves, or calas, framed by pine trees and turquoise water.
- Cala Turqueta: this is probably one of the most famous coves, and its name says it all – the water really is an incredible shade of turquoise. It’s pure, unspoilt nature, so don't expect lots of facilities.
- Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta: Macarella is the larger beach, while a short walk over the cliff path takes you to the smaller, even more stunning Macarelleta, a popular Spanish nudist beach.
- Cala Galdana: this is a large, sweeping bay with beautiful, calm water. Because it’s a resort area, it has plenty of sunbeds, restaurants, and watersports on offer.
- Binibèquer Nou (Binibeca Nou): this Blue Flag beach is great if you want to combine beach time with a bit of exploring. It’s just a stone's throw from the picturesque 'white village' of Binibèquer Vell, and there's a little beach bar (chiringuito) right on the sand.
- Cala Pilar: the cove's sand and surrounding cliffs have a deep, reddish-gold colour, creating a stark and beautiful landscape that feels almost Martian. It's undoubtedly one of Spain's most striking beaches, as it looks almost like Mars. Reaching it involves a 45-minute walk, but that’s what helps keep it so perfectly preserved and peaceful.
Unique Menorca attractions: prehistoric sites
Long before the first tourists arrived, Menorca was home to a unique and mysterious prehistoric civilisation, now known as the Talayotic culture. They left behind an incredible legacy of stone monuments scattered all across the island. You can’t drive far without spotting one of these ancient sites, and exploring them is one of the most memorable things you can do here.
- Naveta d'Es Tudons: this is a collective tomb built around 1000 BC and is famous for being one of the oldest roofed buildings in Europe. Its shape, like an upturned boat, is incredibly unusual, and you can get right up close to appreciate its construction.
- Torre d'en Galmés: this one of the largest prehistoric settlements in the Balearic Islands, where you can walk among the ruins of houses and circular watchtowers, known as talayots.
- Talayotic Necropolises: the island is dotted with ancient burial sites cut directly into the rock faces. You can also visit the fascinating Navalots, the houses of the dead - unique structures found nowhere else.
Outdoor activities: what to do in Menorca's Biosphere Reserve
Menorca’s protected status makes it a paradise for anyone who loves to be active in nature. The landscapes are incredibly varied, offering everything from coastal paths to wetlands and quiet country lanes.
- Hike the Camí de Cavalls: this ancient coastal path circles the entire island for 185 km. Hiking or horse riding a section of it is a fantastic way to discover hidden coves and enjoy some breathtaking sea views.
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding: renting a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard allows you to explore the dramatic cliffs and glide into secret coves that are often inaccessible on foot. The calm, clear waters of the southern beaches are particularly good for this.
- Explore S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park: this is the heart of Menorca's Biosphere Reserve. It’s a vast area of wetlands, dunes, and forest surrounding a large lagoon, and it’s a haven for birdlife. There are walking trails that take you through the different habitats.
- Cycle the country lanes: the island's interior is beautiful in its own right. A network of quiet rural lanes, or camís, crisscrosses the rolling farmland. Rent a bike and explore these peaceful routes, passing by traditional farmhouses and ancient stone walls.
Planning your trip
One of the great things about Menorca is how well it caters to different types of holidays. It’s not a one-size-fits-all destination, so whether you're planning a family break or just need a backup plan for a rare cloudy day, there are plenty of options to keep everyone happy.
Things to do in Menorca for families with kids
If you're bringing the little ones along, you've picked a great spot. Menorca is famously family-friendly, with a safe and relaxed atmosphere.
- Visit a water park: a trip to a water park is always a winner. Aquarock in Cala'n Bosch is one of the biggest, with plenty of slides and pools for all ages.
- Find a family-friendly beach: many of the southern coves, like Cala'n Bosch or Cala'n Forcat, have calm, shallow waters that are perfect for toddlers and young swimmers.
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour: the kids can see the fish and marine life without having to get wet.
Things to do in Menorca for couples
The island’s laid-back pace and beautiful natural backdrop make it an ideal place for couples to simply relax and reconnect.
- Watch the sunset from a lighthouse: pack a small picnic and head to a lighthouse like Punta Nati on the west coast or Far de Cavalleria in the north.
- Go wine tasting at a local bodega: spending an afternoon at a local vineyard is a lovely way to connect with Menorca's agricultural roots. Many places offer tours and tastings, often pairing their wines with delicious local Mahón cheese.
- Stargaze in a Starlight Reserve: thanks to its incredibly low light pollution, the entire island is a designated Starlight Reserve. On a clear night, drive away from the towns to a quiet beach or viewpoint.
What to do in Menorca when it rains
Even in the Mediterranean, you can get the odd rainy day. But a bit of drizzle doesn't have to ruin your plans.
- Visit a cheese farm: Menorca is famous for its delicious Mahón cheese (Queso de Mahón). Many local farms offer tours where you can see how it's made, meet the cows, and finish with a tasting session.
- Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch: a rainy afternoon is a great time to embrace the food culture. Find a traditional restaurant inland and spend a few hours working your way through some classic Menorcan dishes like oliaigua (a simple tomato soup) or slow-cooked pork.
- Discover Menorca’s military past: head to the Museo Militar de Menorca in Es Castell (near Mahón). It's housed in former British barracks and is packed with artefacts that tell the story of the island's many battles and occupations.
Living in Menorca
It’s easy to visit Menorca for a week and find yourself daydreaming about what it would be like to stay for good. Unlike its livelier neighbours, life here moves at a gentler rhythm, especially outside the busy summer months. It's a place that tends to attract people seeking a more peaceful and authentic connection with Spain.
While there’s a well-established expat community, the focus is very much on integrating and enjoying the island's incredible natural beauty and slower pace of life. Getting a handle on what it's like living on Menorca is an essential first step when thinking of relocating.
When it comes to housing, the island offers everything from townhouses in Ciutadella to quiet villas in the countryside. If you're not ready to commit to buying, looking at houses and flats for rent in Menorca is a great way to settle in and find your feet first.