Walk to dinner
Town hotel
Maó or Ciutadella. Restaurants, the port and buses at the door; the coves are a short ride.
Before the beach
First the coast. Then the cove.
Menorca is about 50 km end to end, and quieter than its neighbours. The north is wild and windy, the south has the white-sand coves, Maó looks east and Ciutadella faces the sunset. Where you stay decides your days.
Five-star first
Where to
Where to
wake up.
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The island, pinned where it is.
Every pin is placed at its true coordinates on Menorca. Choose one for its coast, how far it lies from Menorca Airport, and a photo of the place.
Three ways to sleep on the island.
Sand at the step
Beach hotel
On a bay, from the long sands of Son Bou to the small coves of the north. Pick the coast first.
Inland, between stone walls
Finca
Agroturismos: working farms and restored country houses, often with their own produce. Quiet nights; plan on a hire car.
Tramuntana and Migjorn
Two coasts, two capitals.
Hover or tap a panel. Locals split the island by wind: the rough north and the soft south, with Maó and Ciutadella at either end.
Things to do, coast by coast.
Coastwide·Spring and autumn
Walk a stage of the Camí de Cavalls
The old bridleway around the whole coast, in twenty stages.
North-east·All year
S'Albufera des Grau
A lagoon, dunes and the core of the Biosphere Reserve.
South·Early morning
Swim at Cala Macarella
Turquoise water under pine. Arrive early or by bus.
North·Calm days
Kayak the north coast
Dark rock, caves and quiet coves, easiest from the water.
Inland·All year
Visit a talayotic village
Stone towers and taulas from the island's prehistory.
West·Evenings
Ciutadella old town at dusk
The cathedral square, the palaces and the narrow port.
North·Sunset
Favàritx lighthouse
A lighthouse on dark slate, inside the natural park.
Island-wide·All year
Mahón-Menorca cheese
Visit a farm that makes the island's protected-origin cheese.
East·All year
A boat trip round Maó harbour
Forts, islands and the long natural harbour from the water.
Area matcher
Tell us what you came for. We'll rank the areas.
Pick one or more. Areas score one point per match; ties go to the one closer to the airport.
Protected land and sea
The island you came for is a protected one.
The whole island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993, and its prehistoric sites joined the World Heritage list in 2023. Here is how to visit them and leave them as you found them.
Culture · Blog
The island of stone towers
Talayotic Menorca, a prehistoric landscape listed by UNESCO.
Natural park · Area_024.jpg?width=1600)
S'Albufera des Grau
The lagoon at the core of the Biosphere Reserve.
Coastal path · Thing to do
Walking the Camí de Cavalls
About 185 km around the whole island.
Green travel · Guide
Travelling in a Biosphere Reserve
What the UNESCO status means, and how to visit lightly.
When to go
Pick a month. See the island in it.
Sea temperature and sunset are typical mid-month figures, not forecasts. The dot marks the month you are in.
January
15°Csea, around mid-month
17:35sunset, local time
Low season. Quiet, mild and green. The towns stay open; many hotels close.
On the island this monthSant Antoni, 17 January: Menorca's island day
February
14°Csea, around mid-month
18:10sunset, local time
Low season. Cool, clear days and nearly empty coves. Good walking weather.
On the island this monthCarnival in the main towns
March
14°Csea, around mid-month
18:40sunset, local time
Low season. Hotels begin to reopen. Wildflowers along the Camí de Cavalls.
On the island this monthThe path at its greenest
April
16°Csea, around mid-month
20:15sunset, local time
Shoulder. Warm in the sun, cool in the sea. Easter brings the first visitors.
On the island this monthEaster processions in Ciutadella and Maó
May
18°Csea, around mid-month
20:45sunset, local time
Shoulder. The season opens and the water starts to warm.
On the island this monthBirds on migration at S'Albufera des Grau
June
21°Csea, around mid-month
21:10sunset, local time
High season. The longest days of the year, and the biggest festival.
On the island this monthSant Joan in Ciutadella, 23–24 June: horses and riders in the streets
July
24°Csea, around mid-month
21:05sunset, local time
Peak season. Busy everywhere. Book cars, boats and ferries early.
On the island this monthFestes in towns across the island, with horsesMare de Déu del Carme, 16 July: boat processions
August
26°Csea, around mid-month
20:35sunset, local time
Peak season. The warmest sea and the busiest month.
On the island this monthTown festivals in Alaior and Ferreries
September
24°Csea, around mid-month
19:50sunset, local time
High season. The sea is still warm and the coves thin out.
On the island this monthFestes de Gràcia in Maó, early September
October
21°Csea, around mid-month
19:05sunset, local time
Shoulder. Quieter, still swimmable. The best walking weather returns.
On the island this monthWalking season on the Camí de Cavalls
November
18°Csea, around mid-month
17:35sunset, local time
Low season. A locals' island. Check which hotels are open.
On the island this monthPosidonia leaves wash up and protect the beaches
December
16°Csea, around mid-month
17:25sunset, local time
Low season. Mild and quiet. Maó and Ciutadella stay open year-round.
On the island this monthChristmas lights and markets in the main towns
Menorca, municipality by municipality
Maó (Mahón)49 stays · MaóCiutadella de Menorca411 stays · CiutadellaAlaior124 stays · Cala en Porter, Son BouEs Castell17 stays · Es CastellEs Mercadal114 stays · Fornells, Arenal d'en Castell, Es MercadalEs Migjorn Gran18 staysFerreries35 stays · Cala GaldanaSant Lluís150 stays · Sant Lluís, Binibeca Vell
Before you book.
Rules and timetables change. Each answer says where to check the current version.
How do I get from the airport (Menorca)?
Menorca Airport (MAH) is a few kilometres from Maó. Taxis wait outside arrivals and buses run to Maó and, in season, to other towns; check the island bus operator for current timetables.
Do I need a car (Menorca)?
For Maó, Ciutadella and the main beaches in summer, buses are enough. For the north, the interior and the smaller coves, a car helps.
Can I drive to the south coast coves?
In high season, car access to some coves is limited, with shuttle buses from nearby towns. Check current rules with the island council.
Is there a tourist tax (Menorca)?
Yes. Stays on Menorca carry the Balearic sustainable tourism tax, collected by the hotel per person per night; the rate depends on the type of stay and the season, so check the Govern de les Illes Balears site before you go.
How do I get to Mallorca?
Ferries link Ciutadella with Alcúdia on Mallorca. Check current timetables with the operators.
When is the sea warm enough (Menorca)?
Most people find it comfortable from June to October, with the warmest water in August.
How long does it take to walk the Camí de Cavalls?
The Camí de Cavalls (GR 223) runs around the whole coast, about 185 km in 20 stages. Most people walk a section rather than the full route. Stages vary in difficulty and in access to water and transport. Check the Consell Insular de Menorca for route notes and any temporary closures.
Which prehistoric sites can I visit on Menorca?
Talayotic Menorca joined the World Heritage list in 2023. The sites include talaiots, taules and navetes, the stone monuments of the island's prehistoric communities. The Naveta des Tudons near Ciutadella is a boat-shaped tomb. Many sites are open access, while others have visitor centres and seasonal hours. Check the Consell Insular de Menorca for current arrangements.
Where can I see the core area of the Biosphere Reserve?
The core zone is the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, with a lagoon, dunes and the Favàritx cape. The whole island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993. Walking routes and bird hides are managed by the natural park office. Check current access, seasonal restrictions and opening arrangements before setting out.
What happens in Ciutadella for Sant Joan?
Sant Joan in Ciutadella falls around 23 and 24 June, with horses and riders central to the celebrations. It is a local festival rather than a visitor event, and beds and transport fill early. The programme is set each year. Check the Consell Insular de Menorca or the town council before planning.
Photo credits: Nicolas G. Mertens, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.