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Menorca holidays

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Best hotels in Menorca

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Menorca holidays are all about sun-soaked days along the coast, from the small sandy coves of Cala Blanca to the horseshoe bay of Arenal d'en Castell. And with five of its sand spots boasting Blue Flag awards, it's the ultimate beach getaway. When you’re not building sandcastles, visit the chic capital, Mahon. Here jazz bars and seafood joints decorate the marina, while the Old Town contains timeless churches and archaeological treasures. 

Don’t be fooled by Menorca’s laid-back vibe either - although days are made up of siestas in the sun you can still get your party fix in Cala’n Porter. Home to Cova d’en Xoroi, a hidden cave bar with sweeping sea vistas, this disco-come-cocktail spot will see you dancing on a cliff edge. For entertainment of another kind, catch one of the island’s famous horse-trotting shows! 

Things to do

Head into Mahon to browse bustling stalls full of local produce including fresh fruit, Mao cheese and spicy sobrasada sausage. Oh and don’t forget to purchase a jar of homemade mayonnaise - after all, Menorca is the birthplace of this delicious sauce. If you’re looking for a souvenir, you’ve come to the right place as this farmers’ market is not only a haven for foodies but is jam-packed with independent boutiques specialising in jewellery and clothing.

On the other side of the island is Ciutadella, the former capital of Menorca and most noted for its well-preserved medieval quarter and cathedral. Wander along its picturesque port ice cream in hand, or take a short bus ride to the beautiful coves of Cala Turqueta or Cala Es Talaier, two of the most sought-after beaches in the Balearics. 

Places to stay

Holidays to Menorca come in all shapes and sizes. From the larger, more popular resorts of Punta Prima, Cala’n Bosch and Cala’n Forcat along the southern coast to the Moorish city of Ciutadella in the west.  

Over in the east, you'll find Mahon. Known as Maó in Catalan, it's home to the deepest natural harbour in the Mediterranean. Head further north to explore one of Menorca’s most beautiful fishing villages, Fornells, whose whitewashed houses overlook the marina’s incredibly blue waters.

Beautiful coastline

Let’s be honest, you’re probably drawn to Menorca because of its famous coastline. And who can blame you with beaches that rival the Caribbean so close to home? Stretching three kilometres, Son Bou is one of the island’s longest sand spots. Its gently sloping shoreline makes it a great choice for paddling tots, but note that as you move along the coast, away from the main resort, it's increasingly popular with nudist sunbathers. 

When you want to admire this Balearic Island’s natural beauty, check out Cala Macarella. Picture alluring limestone cliffs that overlook a strip of white sand and turquoise-tinted waters. A further slice of paradise can be found at Cala Pregonda, where rose gold grains and pink cliffs are daring you to whip out your camera. 

Must-see sights

When it comes to attractions you’ve hit the jackpot. Whether you’re exploring charming cobbled lanes, getting your history fix at a museum or admiring the old-world architecture of Ciutadella, there’s more to Menorca than lazy sunbathing stints. And first on your list should be Cova d’en Xoroi. This cave bar suspends you high above the Mediterranean at the edge of a cliff (the sunset viewings here are unbeatable). 

For wine tasting sessions paired with cheese sampling, head over to S’Hort de Sant Patrici Winery. You’ll learn all about its production heritage while sipping Merlot, so it’s a win-win. For heritage of another kind, visit Naveta des Tudons. These megalithic chambers date back 3,000 years. 

Local life

You can’t come to Menorca without experiencing the local life. From its jam-packed calendar of fiestas to its great restaurants whipping up seafood stuffed paella and sprawling tapas spreads. Simply walk its timeless alleyways and you’ll get a feel for the culture. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for street parades and live music - you may even spot the island’s famous dancing horses! 

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for top Menorca destinations, including: Arenal Den Castell | Cala’n Bosch | Cala’n Forcat | Cala Galdana | Mahon | Punta Prima | Santo Tomas | Son Bou

13-29 ℃

For long sun-soaked days, the best time to visit is between May and September.

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2.5 hours from the UK

There’s one airport on the island, which is around 5km from the capital, Mahon

Types of holidays in Menorca

Map of Menorca

More hotels in Menorca

Popular Menorca holiday resorts

Ciutadella
CiutadellaOn Menorca’s west coast, Ciutadella holidays are all about exploring its old centre and harbourside restaurants with plenty of nearby beaches when you want to kick-back and relax. Nicknamed Vella i Bella (the old and beautiful) for its gold stone buildings hiding years of history, you could easily spend an afternoon ticking off its ancient attractions.
Calan Bosch
Calan BoschSituated amongst the wild, green scenery of Menorca’s southwest is the holiday hotspot Cala’ n Bosch, a relaxed beach resort. Its horseshoe bay is a beautiful place to spend leisurely, sunny holidays, and at one end of the beach are the much-loved marina, the resort’s dining, and nightlife hub.
Mahon
MahonMahon is the capital city of Menorca and is situated on the island’s east coast. It has become a popular holiday resort with sun lovers and history buffs alike. Dating back hundreds of years, it features winding streets, interesting architecture, and archaeology museums all in a sun-soaked Mediterranean setting.
Cala n Forcat
Cala n ForcatOne of the quieter resorts in Menorca, Cala’n Forcat is well known for its appeal to families. Within minutes from Menorca’s old capital Ciutadella, its idyllic small coves and calm waters are ideal for snorkelling and paddling with the kids. Cala’n Forcat features a choice of family-friendly restaurants with play areas and kid-friendly facilities, as well as an arcade and a waterpark full of thrilling slides.
Santo Tomas
Santo TomasImagine yourself diving into crystal-clear water on a sultry summer afternoon. Or chilling out with a new book on a secluded white sandy beach in the early morning. Those are just two ways you can relax and unwind in the tranquil resort of Santo Tomas.
Arenal Den Castell
Arenal Den CastellTurquoise water, gorgeous beaches, and wonderful sea views: just three phrases that perfectly sum up holidays to Arenal De En Castell, a Mediterranean paradise on the northern coast of Menorca. It's a little more off the beaten track and hidden away than resorts on the island's southern coast.
Son Bou
Son BouSon Bou is a lively beach resort on the beautiful Balearic Island of Menorca. With luxury villas, stylish holiday complexes, excellent shopping, and a great choice of restaurants and vibrant bars, it's a popular choice for families and couples. Perhaps the main draw of holidays to Son Bou is its stunning, 3km-long white sandy beach.
Punta Prima
Punta PrimaSecluded along the south-eastern corner of Menorca, Punta Prima is a prime location for holiday relaxation. It lies in the municipality of Sant Lluis, where it’s the oldest resort, six miles south of Mahon and close to both Binibeca and S’algar. With its golden sandy beaches, rocky, jagged cliffs, and dramatic landscapes, it’s mainly visited by Menorcans and tourists from the north of Europe.
Cala Galdana
Cala GaldanaIf you're looking for beauty, relaxation and leisure, it really doesn't get any better than Cala Galdana holidays. That's all thanks to this resort's clean white sandy beach, gleaming turquoise waters, and great mix of accommodation and restaurants to suit different tastes and budgets.

Places similar to Menorca to visit

Ibiza
IbizaIbiza has plenty of fans among Thomas Cook holidaymakers, with 1,746 guests visiting the island over the past year. Known for its buzzing nightlife as much as its quieter coves and sunset spots, it's a destination that works for a wide range of travellers, not just those after the party scene.
Majorca
MajorcaMajorca holidays have something for just about every kind of beach break. Think family resorts, party hotspots, and a capital city by the coast. Travelling with kids? Alcudia has shallow beaches and bustling promenades. Want something slower? Cala d’Or has small coves and low-key evenings.
Fuerteventura
FuerteventuraFuerteventura is one of our most in-demand Canary Islands destinations, with 5,511 Thomas Cook holidaymakers heading there over the past year. Known for its wide, wind-swept beaches, dune landscapes, and near-constant sunshine, it's an island that works well year-round, not just in peak summer.

FAQs

What is the most beautiful part of Menorca?

Menorca is a must-visit for nature lovers. The whole island has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, so as you can imagine, it’s full of untouched scenery, spectacular hiking routes and secluded swimming spots.

While it’s hard to narrow down the most beautiful part of Menorca, we’ve listed four of our favourites:

  1. Castle Of Santa Agueda: Sitting 264 metres above sea level, at the top of an ancient Roman road, you’ll find the crumbling ruins of the 13th century Castle Of Santa Agueda. Hike to the fortress and be rewarded with panoramic views of the whole of Menorca.
  2. Ciutadella: This historic town is located on the west coast of Menorca and is known for its charming narrow streets, colourful buildings, and impressive Gothic cathedral. Ciutadella can easily be explored on foot and is a great place to soak up the island's culture and history.
  3. Pont D’en Gil: A striking natural arch on the west coast of Menorca, Pont D’en Gil stretches over 10 metres wide and 15 metres high, making it a must-see for photographers, geology enthusiasts and nature lovers.
  4. S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park: This protected area covers over 5,000 hectares of wetlands, dunes, and forests on the northeast coast of Menorca. It is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds and incredible hiking and biking trails.

Which is better Majorca or Menorca?

While both Majorca and Menorca are known for their beautiful beaches and balmy climate, some key differences will help you decide which island is for you.

  • Majorca: The larger of the two islands, Majorca has a population of 900,000. It’s also more developed than Menorca, so you can expect bustling beaches and lively nightlife, in particular, Magaluf and Palma Nova. And you’ve still got so many ancient sites and historical buildings to explore in Alcudia Old Town. Majorca is also home to a diverse landscape, with mountains, forests and rolling hills. Explore the hidden sea caves, where you can swim beneath otherworldly limestone grottos.
  • Menorca: A much smaller island than its neighbour, Menorca has a population of 96,000, so it feels more rural and laid-back than Majorca. Its landscapes are spectacular, though mostly flat and agricultural. And while both islands boast crystal clear waters, Menorca is famed for having the prettiest swimming spots in the Mediterranean. Its biosphere status means that its beaches and surrounding landscapes are preserved in their natural state. Think ice-white sand dunes and hidden coves, all backed by pine-clad forests and rocky clifftops. A must-visit is Playas De Algaiarens. 

What is the best month to visit Menorca?

Menorca has something to offer year-round, with warm sunny summers and mild winters. The peak season runs from June to August, when the weather is hot and dry, averaging around 26-28°C. This is the best time for long days on the beach, soaking up the Mediterranean sun, snorkelling, kayaking or swimming, with sea temperatures hovering around 25°C.

The temperatures are cooler in May, September and October, around 25-20°C, which means fewer crowds and good weather for hiking. It’s also the time to visit for cultural events like the Mahon Spring Festival and the Menorca Jazz festival.

How many days are enough for Menorca?

If it’s your first visit, a week is perfect for experiencing Menorca’s highlights at a leisurely pace. Although you could probably hit many of the island’s top attractions in 4-5 days, including the charming capital city of Mahon, the ancient city of Ciutadella, and the stunning beaches of Playas De Algaiarens and Cala'n Bosch. And if you’ve got more time on your hands, there are over 100 beaches to explore.

Which side of Menorca has the best beaches?

Both the north and south coasts of Menorca have stunning beaches, each with its own unique beauty.

The north coast boasts smaller, secluded coves and calm waters, which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Playas De Algaiarens in the northwest is particularly famous for its unspoilt coastline, pale sands and quiet atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful day soaking up its surroundings. Cala n Forcat is another idyllic cove, with play areas and a waterpark, just minutes from Menorca’s old capital, Ciutadella.

The south coast of Menorca has longer stretches of sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Son Bou is the longest, stretching 2.5km, with fine sand and shallow waters. It’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and kayaking. Cala Galdana is another wide stretch, with shallow waters, ideal for paddling with little ones.

Is Menorca a good destination for families?

Yes, Menorca is a great destination for families. With its crystal-clear waters, soft sand spots and gentle waves, its beaches are perfect for paddling with the kids.

Then there’s the action packed waterparks, from Aquarock in Cala'n Bosch to Aqua Center Los Delfines where the whole clan can race down inflatable pyramids and bob along to the wave machines.

When you want to explore more of the island, wander through the towns of Mahon and Ciutadella, to see the impressive forts, Bronze age tombs and Torre d'en Gaumes ruins.

What is Menorca famous for?

Menorca is famous for its natural beauty. The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, with protected landscapes, over 100 unspoilt coves, and diverse wildlife. 

Alongside its beauty is its prehistoric heritage, boasting ancient sites dating back to the Talayotic period (2000-1000 BC). The most famous of all being the Naveta des Tudons, a burial chamber that is over 3,000 years old.

And then there’s gin. Menorca is the birthplace of Xoriguer, a type of gin that is made from juniper berries and is a popular drink on the island. Cheers to that!

Can you get around Menorca on foot?

Yes, the main towns such as Mahon and Ciutadella, are very pedestrian-friendly, with many narrow streets and alleyways to explore. There are many coastal paths and walking trails that are accessible from the towns and villages on the coast, which offer stunning views of the sea and the island's natural beauty.

However, getting around the more remote areas on foot can be more challenging, as the terrain can be hilly and some of the paths can be rough and uneven.

Can you walk around Menorca?

Yes, Menorca is a great destination for walking and hiking enthusiasts. The island has a network of well-marked trails that crisscross the countryside and coastline, offering walkers the chance to explore the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Some of the most popular walking routes in Menorca include the Cami de Cavalls, a 185km-long trail that circumnavigates the island, and the GR-223, a coastal path that runs along the southern coast of Menorca.

There are plenty of shorter walks and hikes too, from gentle strolls through pine forests to more challenging hikes up rocky hills and cliffs.

Popular Menorca destinations

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