Menorca Holidays

Long sweeps of golden sand, prehistoric villages in the middle of lush landscapes and harbour-side wine bars – holidays to Menorca offer countless hours of laid-back enjoyment.

A laidback Balearic Island

Unlike its more lively sisters of Ibiza and Majorca, Menorca caters to those in search of a more laidback, peaceful holiday experience. While it’s certainly not lacking for tourist spots, they tend to run towards authentic, family-run restaurants serving cuisine typical of traditional Spain, low-rise hotels and magically lit marinas.

Beautiful blue flag beaches

Boasting more beaches than Majorca or Ibiza, Menorca offers a stretch of sand to suit every beach-lover’s taste. From long swathes of golden sand to curving bays backed by pine forests and from family-friendly sandy sweeps to hidden coves – there’s almost no end to the choice of beaches on this island.

Scenic country landscape

Hikers and nature-lovers alike will find something to adore in the inland scenery of Menorca, with its rolling hills and abundance of walking trails. Discover tiny villages that time seems to have forgotten and that shut down each afternoon for a siesta.

At a glance

Sip sangria overlooking the yacht-filled marina at Ciutadella
Explore the prehistoric relics, dating back to 1400 BC, at Torre d’en Gaumes
Marvel at the Baroque church of Santa Maria in Mahon

Big Cala Galdana Beach

Although it’s not the largest beach on Menorca – that honour goes to the beach at Son Bou – this swathe of sand is the most popular on the island. Known to many as the ‘queen of beaches,’ this curved cove caters to the crowds it draws with plenty of open-air restaurants and ice-cream shops, as well as a full complement of watersports.
Blue Flag beaches

Amazingly, although it’s not the biggest of the Balearics, Menorca boasts more beaches than Majorca and Ibiza put together. The great majority of the island’s beaches have been awarded Blue Flags because of their superior cleanliness and quality. One of these is Son Bou, which also happens to be Menorca’s largest beach and a great favourite with families.
Escape to Cala Presili Beach

This horseshoe crescent of pure, white sand is far away from civilisation – you’ll have to drive 20 minutes from Mahon and then walk for 15 minutes just to access it. And, there are no restaurants or bars in sight, so you’ll be well advised to pack a picnic. But, if it’s peace and quiet on a pristine sweep of sand that you’re looking for, then you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere that fits the bill better than Cala Presili.

Bargain Buys

If it’s local produce that you’re after, then you can’t go wrong by heading over to the Farmer’s Market that’s held each Saturday in Ciutadella beside the cathedral. Look out for deals at the cheese and sausage stalls, but make sure that you only buy goods that have the ‘denominacion de origen’ label, because that’s the only guarantee you’ll have that you’re getting authentic local produce. For clothes, jewellery and crafts, check out the bric-a-brac markets, which are held Monday to Saturday, in Ciutadella’s Noveau and Mahon’s Placa de S’Esplanada.
Mid-Range Buys

Son Bou features a few commercial centres where you can find local high-street brands, as well as Quicksilver beachwear. If you’re in the mood to get some body art or cartoons, then you’re in luck if you head over to Cala’n Bosch’s marina after dark, where stalls offer everything from jewellery and leather goods to henna tattoos and caricatures. There are similar wares available at stalls that line the promenades at Cala Galdana, Santo Tomas and Punta Prima.
Designer Buys

The best bet for high-end shopping on Menorca is definitely Ciutadella, where you’ll find boutiques showcasing everything from ornate jewellery to D&G sunglasses. Mahon’s main street also has its share of high-end shops. For the most part these stores specialise in goods – such as top-quality jackets, handbags and belts – crafted from the soft local leather.

Laid-back evenings

Grab a table at one of the waterfront restaurants and bars that line Cala’n Bosch’s marina and you’ll have an amazing view of the fishing boats at anchor in the harbour, whilst you are serenaded by the guitarists who come to play each night by the sea. In Cala Galdana and Son Bou, the nightlife is of the laid-back variety and mainly centres around a few karaoke bars and pubs. Fairy-lit restaurants form the main attraction, meanwhile, in Santo Tomas and Punta Prima.
Lively evenings

Although Menorca is light on the heavy partying, there is one spot that those in search of lively nightlife simply should not miss – the Caves of Xoroi. Near to Cala’n Porter, this club is set in a group of caves nested in the side of a cliff, allowing you to dance the night away on terraces suspended out over the sea. Ciutadella also offers up some serious partying places, with several massive clubs pumping out the beats until the wee hours of the morning. And, not to be outdone, Mahon’s waterfront features a collection of jazz bars and cocktail lounges.

Caldereta de langosta

When you feel like really treating yourself to a signature Menorcan dish, try this specialty, which is made from lobsters, onions, garlic, tomatoes and parsley. This piping-hot casserole is usually served with crusty bread.
Allioli

Mayonnaise – that well-known accompaniment to so many of our favourite dishes, from chips to sandwiches – actually was created in the town of Mahon in the 1700s, where it was known as ‘salsa de mahonesa.’ Nowadays, Menorcans have added a twist to their invention, adding plenty of garlic to the white stuff, and calling it allioli. Delicious on crusty bread or as a dip for just about anything, this is one time where the sequel can get better than the original.
Arroz marinera

A saffron-tinted rice that’s tossed with local seafood, this specialty of Menorca bears more than a passing resemblance to paella. But, as it’s light on the shellfish – featuring just a few shrimps and clams – has a much more broth-like consistency, the differences between the Spanish and Menorcan dishes are quite obvious.
Queso de Mahon

Menorca’s very own product, this cheese mingles a variety of different flavours and textures – such as buttery, salty, sweet, creamy and nutty – all at the same time. On the island, locals tend to eat this cheese sliced, drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with black pepper and tarragon. Spicy chorizo sausages also go really well with this delicacy.
Pomada

Gin has been a staple tipple on the island ever since the British held sway here in the 1700s. Menorca even boasts its own brand – Xoriguer. Pomada is an after-dinner digestif that’s designed to help food go down well. It’s made with gin and lemon and provides a tangy finale to any culinary evening on Menorca.

Menorca Holidays

A laidback Balearic Island

Beautiful blue flag beaches

Scenic country landscape

At a glance

Top things to See and Do in Menorca

Big Cala Galdana Beach

Blue Flag beaches

Escape to Cala Presili Beach

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Caldereta de langosta

Allioli

Arroz marinera

Queso de Mahon

Pomada

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Our destinations in Menorca

Popular holidays

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