Menorca, the quieter sister of Mallorca and Ibiza, rewards the unhurried traveler with wind-shaped coves, honeyed stone towns, and the perfume of wild rosemary. Its vast natural harbor at Mahón (Maó) lured empires; its prehistoric Talayotic stone towers—now UNESCO-listed—whisper of a Bronze Age world. Here, life flows to the rhythm of waves, siestas, and the call of the tramuntana wind.

The island’s soul lies in its contrasts: British-influenced Georgian balconies in Mahón, Moorish lanes in Ciutadella, and an interior stitched together by drystone walls and wild fig. Walk sections of the Camí de Cavalls, a historic coastal trail circling the island, to discover secret beaches and cliffs shaped for sunsets. In the north, the marine reserve feels raw; in the south, the sand is powder-fine and the water Caribbean-clear.

Come hungry. Order caldereta de langosta (lobster stew) in Fornells, taste Mahón-Menorca cheese at farmsteads, and sip a pomada (gin Xoriguer with lemonade) at golden hour. Summer brings coves with limited parking—use shuttles or boats—and book popular restaurants ahead. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking and sailing; July–August is beach bliss with more crowds.

Mahón (Maó)

Menorca’s capital fans out above one of the world’s largest natural harbors, a sapphire inlet lined with boathouses, steps, and centuries of naval intrigue. Expect Georgian façades from the British era, lively markets, and easy access to S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. It’s an excellent base for your first three days.

• Top sights: La Mola fortress, Illa del Rei (art center), Mercat del Claustre del Carme, Es Castell, Favàritx lighthouse, Es Grau village.
• Where to eat: La Minerva (floating restaurant for rice and seafood with harbor views), Ses Forquilles (creative tapas/market cuisine), tapas stands in the Fish Market (Mercat des Peix) for grilled cuttlefish, razor clams, and sobrasada bites.
• Cafés: Jardí de Ses Bruixes Café for house-made pastries in a leafy courtyard; stalls at Claustre del Carme for coffee and ensaïmadas.

Stay in Mahón: Browse stays on VRBO Mahón or compare hotels on Hotels.com Mahón.

Getting to Menorca (MAH): From Europe, search flights on Omio (flights) (typical fares €45–€160 from Barcelona/Madrid/London; 50–90 minutes from BCN). Ferries from Barcelona to Ciutadella/Mahón take ~5–9 hours; see Omio (ferries). On-island buses run year-round; summer schedules expand.

Day 1: Arrival in Mahón, harbor stroll, and local flavors

Afternoon: Arrive at MAH and check in. Shake off the travel day with a gentle ramble through the old town: the arcaded Claustre del Carme market and the Fish Market’s tapas bars for a first bite—think pan con tomate with local cheese and grilled prawns. Walk down the steps to the waterfront for harbor views.

Evening: Toast your first night with a pomada made from local Gin Xoriguer. For dinner, La Minerva serves excellent arroz caldoso and fresh catch right on the water; or try Ses Forquilles for Menorcan flavors turned modern (octopus with aioli, local lamb). Nightcap along the marina’s relaxed bars.

Day 2: Mahón by foot and by sea

Morning: Dive into Mahón’s layered past on a guided walk.

Private Walking Tour in Mahon Menorca

Stroll Georgian balconies, the Santa Maria church, and lookout points above the harbor while hearing stories of British, French, and Spanish rule.

Afternoon: See the harbor from the water—its size and fortifications make sense once you’re afloat.

1-hour boat trip around the Port of Mahón

With underwater viewing and live commentary, you’ll spot old quarries, the Lazareto quarantine island, and La Mola’s defenses.

Evening: Head to Es Castell’s waterfront for a low-key dinner—grilled fish and Menorcan potatoes—or return to Mahón for artisanal ice cream as you wander Carrer Hannover.

Day 3: North coast reserve, Fornells, and seafood glory

Morning: Coffee and pastries in the courtyard at Jardí de Ses Bruixes Café, then drive or bus to Fornells (40 minutes). This whitewashed fishing village fronts Menorca’s north-coast marine reserve.

Afternoon: Explore the unspoiled coves and swim in gin-clear water.

Boat trip through the coves of northern Menorca from Fornells

Between swims, the scenery swings from ochre cliffs to hidden beaches only boats reach.

Evening: Dinner in Fornells is about one dish: caldereta de langosta. Reserve ahead at a respected seafood house like those lining the bay; then return to Mahón for a restful night.

Ciutadella

Once Menorca’s capital, Ciutadella charms with caramel-stone palaces, a Gothic cathedral, and a gorgeous natural port tucked into a narrow inlet. It’s a perfect base for southern beaches like Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana, and for sunsets at Pont d’en Gil.

• Top sights: Cathedral of Santa Maria, Plaça des Born, Ses Voltes arcade, Pont d’en Gil arch, Naveta des Tudons (prehistoric tomb), nearby Cala Turqueta and Macarella.
• Where to eat: Café Balear (beloved for langosta and daily catch), Mon Restaurant (modern Menorcan cuisine), Smoix (inventive seasonal plates), Es Tast de na Silvia (slow-food pioneer with Km0 produce).
• Cafés and aperitifs: Bar Imperi for classic coffee-and-ensaïmada; oysters and Menorcan gin tonics at Ulisses by the market.

Stay in Ciutadella: Check options on VRBO Ciutadella or book hotels via Hotels.com Ciutadella.

Travel Mahón → Ciutadella: Bus takes ~50 minutes (about €6–10; search regional bus options on Omio (buses)). Taxi is ~45–55 minutes, roughly €45–€55. Driving is straightforward on ME-1.

Day 4: Across the island, Talayotic stones, and Ciutadella at dusk

Morning: Check out in Mahón and make the cross-island trip. En route, stop at Torralba d’en Salord or the iconic Naveta des Tudons to meet the island’s UNESCO-listed Talayotic culture. Arrive in Ciutadella for a light market lunch—cheese, cured meats, and olives in Plaça de la Llibertat.

Afternoon: Orient yourself with a guided amble around the old town.

Ciutadella Walking Tour

Trace medieval alleys, palaces, and hidden courtyards with a local expert.

Evening: Watch the sky go apricot at Pont d’en Gil’s cliff arch, then feast at Café Balear (book ahead). Try the lobster stew or a simple grilled scorpionfish with local olive oil.

Day 5: South-coast coves by boat (Cala Macarella, Turqueta, and more)

Visit the 8 most beautiful beaches in the South of Menorca Marenostrum

This full-day boat excursion from Cala Galdana strings together South Menorca’s greatest hits—Cala Macarella/Macarelleta, Cala Turqueta, and secret inlets with snorkeling stops. You’ll trade parking hassles for a sea-level view of limestone caves and pine-framed beaches. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat; many boats include drinks and a light snack.

Cap the day with dinner at Smoix, where dishes might feature red prawns, seasonal vegetables, and Menorcan suckling pig in contemporary style.

Day 6: Horses on the Camí de Cavalls and rural backroads at sunset

Morning: Saddle up for a classic Menorca experience that follows a piece of the historic coast path to a turquoise bay.

Horseback Riding in Cala Mitjana, Menorca, Spain

Ride through pine forest to Cala Mitjana, then cool off with a swim. Great for confident beginners and up.

Afternoon: Lazy lunch on the beach at Cala Galdana or back in Ciutadella for tapas at Ulisses (oysters, local cheese, and a Menorcan gin tonic). Shop for handmade leather avarcas sandals around Ses Voltes.

Evening: See Menorca’s wild heart by 4x4, accessing private rural tracks and viewpoints most visitors miss.

Island Discovery

Many tours time a secret sunset spot overlooking limestone cliffs—bring a light jacket and your camera.

Day 7: Cathedral quiet, last tastes, and departure

Morning: Coffee and a still moment inside Ciutadella’s cathedral. Pick up edible souvenirs—Mahon-Menorca cheese, sobrasada, and local sea salt—from the market.

Afternoon: Early farewell lunch at Es Tast de na Silvia (seasonal menu with Menorcan produce). Transfer to MAH for your afternoon flight; search options on Omio (flights) or, if sailing back to the mainland, check Omio (ferries).

Evening: If your flight is late and you have a car, swing by the cliffside bar at Cova d’en Xoroi in Cala en Porter for a final sunset carved into the rock (seasonal hours).

Practical tips

• Getting around: A compact car offers maximum beach flexibility; summer buses connect most coves but run on set schedules. The ME-1 is the main east–west road.
• Beach logistics: Popular south-coast beaches (e.g., Macarella) have parking restrictions in peak season; use shuttles from Ciutadella or arrive by boat/hike via the Camí de Cavalls.
• When to go: May–June and September–October mean warm seas and fewer crowds. July–August is prime beach time—book boats, restaurants, and lodging well ahead.
• What to taste: Caldereta de langosta in Fornells, Mahón-Menorca DOP cheese, local lamb, sobrasada, red prawns, and gin Xoriguer.

Where to stay (quick links): Mahón: VRBO | Hotels.com • Ciutadella: VRBO | Hotels.com

Over seven days, this Menorca itinerary pairs the elegance of Mahón with Ciutadella’s golden-stone grace—and layers in boat days, horseback trails, and prehistoric marvels. You’ll return with salt in your hair, a camera full of coves, and a taste for Menorca’s quiet magic.