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Island in Spain
Photo: Tom Kurpjuweit, CC BY-SA 2.0 de via Wikimedia Commons
Menorca (Minorca) is the second largest of the Balearic Islands, located to the northeast of Mallorca and is the least overrun and most tranquil of the Balearics. With a population of around 92,000, the island is dominated by tourists, particularly during the summer tourist season of May - October. Due to its unspoilt beauty, it allows the more adventurous the opportunity to discover new charms and experiences. Despite its smaller size among other Spanish islands, being just around 48 km (30 miles) long and around 16 km (10 miles) wide, the number of beaches that Menorca has equals the number of beaches that can be found in Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
The capital has an impressive natural harbour and 18th century architecture from its maritime history.
The capital until 1708, with 17th century Italianate architecture. Resorts in this part of the island include: Cala en Bosc to the south, and Cala en Blaines just north.
An authentic Menorcan town, home to the local cheese and shoe industries, and to some great family resorts: Son Bou, favoured by many for its many holiday villas and the longest beach on Menorca. Cala en Porter, with villas to rival Son Bou and dramatic coastline and cliffs perfect for evening walks.
A town in the centre of the island, close to the highest point on the island El Toro, and home to a bustling open-air market. Home to the resorts of: Fornells, a fishing resort built on the seafront with a small port and lots of seafood restaurants. No real beach here, so it is popular with adults looking to avoid kids. Arenal d'en Castell, another horseshoe bay, this time on the north coast. There's plenty of space on this gorgeous beach for everyone.
A town nestled within some rolling hills, home to lots of local industry, including the main Avarca (Menorcan Shoe) stores. Cala Galdana, a perfect turquoise horseshoe bay popular with adults due to a wide variety of adults-only hotels.
A quiet town, with the only landmark being a small church. There are lots of narrow streets and a collection of tapas bars, as well as some great nearby calas (beaches) that are rarely busy as most can only be accessed on foot. Santo Tomas, a popular sleepy family resort with many hotels, villas and apartments coupled with attractive restaurants and long beaches.
Popular for its varied coastline, with fine sand beaches and cliffs, and the beautiful coves of Binissafúller, Biniancolla and Binibeca, with their typical whitewashed fishermen's houses. Punta Prima is an exceptional family resort with many apartments and villas.
It is a fine Mediterranean resort very close to the island's capital.
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Pregonda is a medium-sized beach on the north side of Menorca with golden fine sand. It has clear, blue, inviting water, and is unparalleled on Menorca, with its island in the middle of the bay that is definitely worth a climb, and the golden rocky sea beds behind the island. There is a smaller, quieter sister beach to the east of Pregonda called Pregondó.
Cala en Porter is possibly one of the best beaches for families, with a playground, great sand and shallow water. The beach itself is stunning too, being at the end of a great bay surrounded by cliffs, with pedalo hire and sunbed hire. Gets busy but it's a wide beach, so there's plenty of space for everyone. Popular with families.
Playa San Adeodato, Binigaus
Santo Tomas has three very long beaches; the first, Playa de Santo Tomas, is a long winding strip of sand near the resorts' hotels, and so is popular with families. San Adeodato, west from Playa de Santo Tomas, is thinner and strewn with pebbles with a shallow shore, ideal for sun-worshippers and those looking to spend a few hours there. The third, Binigaus, is further west still, and is only accessible by a long path from the west of Santo Tomas. As a result, it is not suitable for those with young children and so is a brilliant spacious beach for adults looking to unwind away from the noise.
Abarcas Menorquinas MIBO Cosits
A small store that sells products directly from the factory behind. Sells official avarcas de Menorca, in a range of adults and children's sizes and colours.
By boat
Maó ferry terminal is on Moll de Ponent, a short walk to city centre, and this is also the landing point for cruise ships. Ferries from Barcelona take 8 hours and from Valencia 15 hours.
By car
There are numerous agents and companies, both international and local, specialising in car hire in Menorca - both at the airport and in resorts - although it may be important to organise it from home…
By bus
If you're planning to travel around by bus, then there are three main public bus companies in Menorca: TMSA, Torres, and Autos Fornells.
On foot
The Cami de Cavalls footpath encompasses the entire island, and is a popular walking route along the coastline.
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Mahón (Maó) · International · MAH
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