This summer, I went to Minorca between girlfriends: on the program, 10 days of vacation to discover the island and its many wild coves. After Ibiza last June, I was eager to discover this new Balearic island which looked so beautiful & wild and above all, much less touristy than the madness of Ibiza. We decided to spend the beginning of the stay in the West of the island, next to the Citadel of Menorca in order to be able to explore its surroundings, then, to end the stay on the side of Mahonto the east, at the other end of the island (where is the airport). The island of Menorca has more or less the same area as Ibiza but the journeys can be long, so you have to choose the spot where you stay on the island and what you want to do there.
What to see/do in Menorca?
- Take a walk in the Ciutadella, or Citadel, the city center and historic center of Menorca. It’s really very cute, you can also walk around the port at sunset.
- THE Calas, or coves, are numerous on the island. For the best known, it is advisable to arrive (very) early in the morning to access them because once the car park is full, it will no longer be possible to access the creek, or even to park nearby. Some are truly heavenly and very uncrowded. Some coves we visited:
In the North / West of the island: Cala’N Forcat, Cala En Blanes, Cala En Brut (favorite), Cala Morell
In the South of the Island: Cala Galdana, Cala Mitjana (accessible after a short hike of about fifteen minutes, one of my favorites). We did a pedalo at Cala Galdana, a fun little activity to do with friends
North and East of the Island: Bathe at the Cala d’Alcaufara small fishing port where there are -almost- only locals, Cala Binidali, Cala Rafaleta in S’Algar : the latter was very complicated to find but it’s worth a look, it is really out of sight and located between the cliffs.
- Visit the site of Necropolis of Cala Morellan ancient prehistoric burial site (free and open access).
- Visit the white village of Binibeca, its architecture is incredible, everything is white, it’s like being in Greece, it’s superb! Lose yourself in its narrow streets, a postcard village!
- Walk on the Port of Es Castellyou can stop there for lunch, it’s very cute!
- Walk on the Port of Mahón and climb to the heights to discover its city center. Mahon is the capital of Menorca, a small point of charm, but I preferred the Ciutadella by far.
Where to eat / go out in Menorca?
Unlike its neighbour, Menorca is not the island where to party. You will find a few bars & clubs on the Mahon side, and a place we were looking forward to visiting: the Cova D’En Xoroi. A nightclub located on the side of a cliff, directly in a cave. The place is amazing and it’s really worth it, music, atmosphere, I really recommend this place if you pass by Menorca. It is advisable to take pre-sales in advance.
yucaa traditional restaurant with a pretty courtyard.
Sakundia tapas restaurant (on reservation).
Cafe des Museu, a very good restaurant located in the Ciutadella. Special mention for their amazing cocktails and tapas!
Dela Crem Gelatofor an ice cream on the go in the Ciutadella, they are delicious!
Nibs Healthy Bar, for a healthy and vegan brunch. It was delicious and the restaurant is located in a really quiet and charming little square.
Ivette Beach Club (in Cala Morell), restaurant with a panoramic view of the creek.
Fontenille Menorca, we dined in the heart of the vineyards, a great experience with a unique menu consisting of barbecue & grilled vegetables, all accompanied by wine directly produced at the Domaine de Fontenille Menorca. The place is amazing, especially for the sunset!
Burdell de Focan address spotted on instagram, a crush ++ for this very intimate place in a small courtyard, lit with light garlands & for its delicious cuisine.
What budget for 10 days in Menorca?
We went to Menorca in mid-July, so in the middle of the tourist season. We found tickets for less than 200€ for the return trip, which is fair in the middle of the tourist season, knowing that we booked them less than three weeks before departure. Regarding accommodation, there were not many choices left but we found two accommodations rather well located (Estel Blanc Apartment to the West, small cove of Cala N’Forcat accessible on foot from a path at the bottom of the hotel, next to the Citadel & Alua Illa Menorca, next to Mahon) for around 550€ per person for 10 days. Regarding the car rental, it cost us 500€ for the week, which is quite fair for the high season, which is moreover on an island. Been to Menorca? xx
