Holidays in Menorca - what to know before the trip (2026)?

This island, which is popular for vacations and relaxation by the sea, belongs to Balearic Islands.

Menorca in a nutshell

• Menorca is the seventh largest island in Spain, covering an area of ​​694 km²
• It is located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea around 200 km from Barcelona (as the crow flies), by ferry it takes approximately 7 hours depending on the carrier.
• The official name in both Spanish and Catalan is Menorca, but in some languages ​​you may also come across the name Menorca
• S Mallorca, Ibiza a Formentera belongs to Balearic Archipelago, one of the 17 autonomous communities of Spain.
• There are 100 permanent residents living on the island, but in the summer months their number almost doubles due to the impact of tourism.
• In Menorca it is much calmer than in the attractions crowded Mallorca and in the "party" Ibiza. The island has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1993, and modern construction is regulated with respect to the environment.
• Menorca is a fairly small island, measuring only 50 km from east to west. That's why it's not a problem to drive around it in a few days with a rented car.
• However, the main reason for visiting Menorca is still the abundance of beautiful beaches and the pleasant atmosphere, so it is especially suitable for families with children.
• You can get to Menorca easily from Barcelona by ferry (search for tickets)

In this article you will find everything important about Menorca:

What to do and see in Menorca - Where with the children? - The best beaches - Where to go on a trip in Menorca and beyond? - Weather and when is the best time to go to Menorca? - How to get to Menorca?

What to do and see during your holiday in Menorca? These are the best sights and attractions you can't miss

Albufera des Grau Natural Park

The Albufera des Grau Natural Park occupies a large part of northeastern Menorca between the bay of Cala Addaia and the capital, Mahón. If you want to wander through a seaside, almost romantic landscape full of lakes, bays, wetlands and beaches, you will come to the right place.

Bird lovers will especially enjoy it, up to 250 species live in the vast forest around Lake Albufera, including herons, coots, cormorants, curlews, loons, falcons, vultures and eagles. The marked path GR223 with viewpoints will take you through the most interesting sections along the coast, there is an information center near the road from Mahón. In the middle of the park is the prehistoric cave of Sa Torreta.

Cova d'En Xoroi natural cave

The Cova d'En Xoroi cave is said to have been named after a Turkish buccaneer who once took refuge there. It is not quite a natural attraction, because there is a buzzing club with a bar where concerts, discos and other entertainment are held. However, without the action of natural forces, this magical place in the resort of Cala en Porter would never have been created. Due to the location of the cave in a cliff several tens of meters above sea level, visiting it is an extraordinary experience - from the balconies in the rock windows, a wonderful view opens up.

Monte Toro mountain

At 358 m above sea level, Monte Toro is the highest point in Menorca. It rises near the village of Mercadal almost in the middle of the island. The best way to get to its top with the Virgen del Toro sanctuary and a far-reaching view (with good visibility all the way to Mallorca) is by car on an asphalt road.

Beautiful beaches

Menorca offers dozens of great beaches all around the island. If you have a car, there is nothing easier than driving through them all. If you are going to be in one place, your choices are a bit limited and you will have to use public transport. Even so, I think you won't be disappointed! More about the beaches on the island of Menorca.

Tips for historical monuments on the island of Menorca

Remains of the Talayotic culture (part of UNESCO) – include several types of mysterious stone structures throughout the island from around 1400 BC. They are divided into navetas (or barge graves, because they evoke a ship turned upside down), talayots (shaped like conical towers) a taulas (they resemble a giant letter "T"). The most famous of them are the Torre d'en Gaumes megaliths near Alaior, the Naveta d'Es Tudons tomb near Ciutadella, the remains of the Son Catlar settlement or the Torralba taula near L'Argentina.

English colonial forts – the entrance to the bay of Mahón was guarded by a pair of English fortresses La Mola (Fortaleza de Isabel II) and Fort St Phillip (Castillo de San Felipe). Although only the foundations remain of both, their visit is still worth it (which is also why an entrance fee is paid to enter them).

Mahon

The capital of the island offers mainly rich historical monuments and several very good beaches. More about the city of Mahón.

Other interesting cities and places in Menorca

• alaior – one of the towns in the interior of the island. Famous for the production of traditional Menorcan cheese - you can buy it here at the best price. To the south of it is the remarkable talayotic deposit of Torre d'en Galmés.
• Binibeca (Binibèquer Vell) – a fishing village on the south coast that seems to be dressed entirely in white. This applies only to its tiny center, which shines on promotional photos and postcards (the surrounding area is occupied by endless fields of holiday villas with swimming pools), but you will definitely not regret visiting it.
• Ciutadella – formerly the capital of Menorca, now a place made for walking along the narrow bay with the port, wandering through the narrow streets around the cathedral and visiting markets with local specialties. The aristocratic origins of the city cannot be denied to this day.
• Ferreries – the second of the third inland towns lies under a green hill with a hermitage. If you're looking for a bit of adventure, head a short distance to the Barranc d'Algendar gorge (parking available).
• Fornells – try the famous crawfish soup at the holiday center by the vast Badia de Fornells bay, go to the Torre de Fornells watchtower and enjoy one of the nearby beaches.
• Mercadal – the last of Menorca's inland towns lies beneath the Monte Toro hill. The Renaissance church of St. Martina, the June festival and a number of great pastry shops.
• Saint Louis – at first glance, the insignificant village houses an ethnological museum in the former Molí de Dalt mill and includes a sports center, a racetrack, an industrial zone and a small airport (sightseeing flights).

Where to go with children in Menorca?

Menorca cannot match Mallorca in terms of entertainment attractions. Nevertheless, here you will find several establishments where the whole family can spend a pleasant afternoon.

aquarock

A smaller water park operates on the edge of the prominent resort of the island of Cala en Bosch. There are toboggans, slides, artificial waves, a wild river, but also trampolines and a go-kart track.

The Dolphins

Menorca's second water park is also located in a prestigious recreation center, this time right in the heart of Cala'n Forcat. According to the name of the district, it is called AquaPark los Delfines, otherwise also Aqua Center Menorca.

Splash Sur Menorca

The latest addition to the family of Menorcan water worlds is Splash Sur Menorca between the municipality of San Lluis and the small resort of Son Ganxo in the southeast of the island. It offers modern slides and other entertainment, unfortunately there is still little vegetation and therefore less shade (a sunbed with a parasol is required).

Menorca Zoo

Quite a grandiose name for a smaller zoo on the edge of the village of L'Argentina. Officially called the Center Zoologic Lloc de Menorca, it offers encounters with lemurs, a giant macaque enclosure, a reptile department, an aquarium or a tropical garden. In addition, you can meet typical representatives of the Menorcan fauna as well as the inhabitants of distant Australia, small monkeys, llamas and many other interesting things.

Where to go on a trip in Menorca and beyond?

Mallorca

From Menorca, a trip to neighboring Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is literally offered. The ferry ride to the island of theme parks, wild mountains and bustling resorts takes:

• Ciutadella–Alcúdia: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Mahón–Alcudia: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Mahón–Palma: 5 hours 30 minutes

More about the island of Mallorca >

Camí de Cavalls

Camí de's old trail Cavalls measures a full 186 km and goes around the whole of Menorca. It bears the tourist designation GR 223 and you can recognize it by the white and red signs, kilometer markers and other indicators. It connects a number of interesting places such as the cities of Ciutadella and Mahón, the Albufera des Grau Natural Park or a number of lesser-known beaches.

What is the weather like in Menorca during the year and when is the best time to go here?

It is characteristic of Menorca Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Thanks to you can visit Menorca almost all year round. During the summer days, expect a larger number of tourists, but also cultural events. All shops and entertainment venues are open all day. In winter, the island is noticeably calmer, but the water in the sea is not great for swimming.

• Spring: temperatures gradually rise from 15 °C from March to 25 °C in May, sometimes it rains. Ideal weather for trips!
• Summer: lots of sunshine, minimum rainfall and average air temperatures between June and September around 30 °C invite you to stay on the beach and relax.
• Autumn: in October and November it gradually cools down, rainy days appear. Those who prefer exploring and hiking to swimming will be satisfied.
• Winter: December to February is cooler, but temperatures rarely drop below 10°C.

How to get to Menorca?

The island of Menorca is approximately 200 km (as the crow flies) from mainland Spain. You can get there by plane or ferry.

By air

Menorca International Airport is located southwest of the capital Mahon. It is among the fifteen busiest in Spain, with flights from Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Valencia, Zaragoza, the neighboring Balearic Islands (Mallorca and Ibiza) and the Canary Islands. Dozens of other airlines fly here from Europe (including Prague - mainly as part of charters).

Road from the airport to Mahon: along the Me-14 and Me-12 roads, it only takes a few minutes by car or taxi. Bus line No. 10 runs every half hour. From June 1 to September 30, it operates between 5:55 a.m. and 23:25 p.m. (direction to Mahón, Plaça Esplanada) and between 5:45 a.m. and 23:15 p.m. (direction to the airport). From 1 October to 31 May, it is in operation between 5:55 and 22:15 (direction to Mahón) and between 5:45 and 19:45 (direction to the airport).

By ferry

Shipping ferries from Barcelona sail to the ports of Mahón and Ciutadella. There are several cruise operators (Balearia, GNV, Trasmed, Trasmediterranea), sailings are basically daily (depending on the season) and the journey takes 5 to 8 hours. More about the ferry on the route Barcelona - Menorca.

How to get around Menorca?

The only public transport in Menorca is the bus. Dozens of lines of the TIB carrier with buses in yellow and red colors connect the cities and large recreation centers of the island. Mahón's main bus station is located in Plaça Esplanada. It is worth using one-time tickets with a price depending on the length of the route, you can buy them from the driver. The timetables are at the stops. Important bus routes are:

• number 1, Mahón–Ciutadella,
• number 2, Mahón–Es Castell,
• number 32, Mahón–Alaior–Son Bou (summer season only),
• number 64, Ciutadella–Port Son Blanc–Caleta–Cala Blanca–Santandria–Port Son Blanc (summer season only),
• number 68, Ciutadella–Cala Turqueta (summer season only),
• number 93, Mahón–Sant Lluis–Binibeca (summer season only).

By borrowed car

The easiest place to rent a car is Menorca Airport, but you can also reserve and pick it up in other larger cities and holiday centers.

By bike

Thanks to a number of cycling routes and bicycle rental shops, you can also get to know Menorca from the saddle of a bicycle, which is especially nice in spring and autumn.

Where to stay on holiday in Menorca?

Menorca offers accommodation in cheap hostels, guest houses, small hotels and large hotel complexes. It depends on your taste, requirements, date and budget. It is busiest on the west (between Ciutadella and Cala en Bosch) and east (between Mahón and Binibeca) coasts, where the largest and best-known resorts with extensive tourist facilities are located. Smaller, often isolated recreation centers line the northern and southern coasts.

• ARTIEM Capri (Mahogany) – a comfortable city hotel on the edge of the center of Mahon,
• Carema Beach Menorca (Cala en Bosch) – a nice hotel right next to the resort's main beach,
• Club Hotel Aguamarina (Arenal d'en Castell) – a hotel overlooking one of the famous beaches of the island,
• Gran Sagitario (Santandria) – a large hotel complex south of Ciutadella, a short distance from the beach,
• Seth Playa Azul (Cala'n Porter) – a pleasant hotel above the beach at a reasonable price.