by Menorca, the second largest of the Balearic Islands and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, certainly grabs one blow. With a turbulent story that experienced countless attacks by the Romans, Vandals, Muslims, French and British, it is not surprising that the rich legacy of the island is now an impressive fusion of cultures.
From the elegance of the historic capital, Mahón, with its British influences and huge natural harbor, to the colorful Gothic and baroque architecture, churches and palaces of Ciutadella, Menorca has everything. In the two capitals there are vibrant shops, cafes and restaurants, while they are scattered across the island, they find wonderful Megalithic monuments that have the old Talayotic history of the island of testimony. The pretty market cities between Ciutadella in the west and Mahón in the east are surrounded by lush landscape, while the coast is plentiful with hidden bays and flawless beaches with clean water and the whiteest sand.
You can find more inspiration in our leaders to do the best hotels, restaurants, the nightlife and the city’s beaches.
In this guide
This is how you spend your weekend
Day one: tomorrow
Get ready for an action -packed day by car. Mahón Starting in the capital, you can enjoy an early wake up in the American Bar before dealing with the Talayotic history of the island in the Majestic Museum of Menorca. Then go to the atmospheric port to drive the exciting fast ferry over the picturesque bay to the tiny island of Isla del Rey. With his medical garden and pharmacist in the fascinating former military hospital from the 18th century and visit the elegant gallery of Hauser & Wirth. Here you can inspect the new and temporary art collections and visit your café in a forested garden. Take the 15-minute drive along the ME-3 for the imposing fortress of Isabel II in La Mola in Mahón. Admire his impressive military architecture and explore the labyrinth -like underground bunkers before enjoying the sea in the seducing prospects. Treat yourself to a well -deserved seafood plate in Mahón on the shady terrace of El Rais in the harbor.
Afternoon
A relaxed afternoon waves in nearby Sant Lluís at the eastern tip, just a 10-minute drive from Central Mahón. On the way you pass the large Talayotic settlement of Trucró, where you can stop a pit stop when it comes to your imagination and also the charming old Molí de Dalt flour, which built in 1762, which you can see on the main street in Sant Lluís. At Bodegas Binifadet, take the ideal view of the wonderful vineyards and go through the attractive terrain, while you get to know the different types of grape and try delicious wines (note that it is best to book your guided tour and try online before your trip). If the time permits, take a refreshing slump in one of the local bays such as the nearby Cala Rafalet or Binibeca Nou.
Late
Only a few minutes by car outside of Sant Lluís is the inviting Sa Pedrera d’E Pujol restaurant, which is housed in an attractive, authentic rural property, which is surrounded by rolling landscape. Here you can sit on the stylish terrace and indulge in the delicious Menorcan catering by the famous chef Daniel Mora, whose characteristic dishes are legendary. Back in Mahón after her whirlwind day, it could be better than a relaxing postprandiial sniffer on the living Latitud 40, where you can throw your eyes over the glittering water and enjoy the sparkling lights of the city.
Day two: tomorrow
An early start in lively Ciutadella, which is probably aesthetically most pleasant to the cities on the island. Beat the crowd and start in the cathedral of Santa Maria, a Gothic masterpiece, with his empty ring Gargoyles before stopping the buttresses before performing in addition to the luxurious olivar palace from the 17th century. Next, take a look at the elegant plaça of the one, which was born before it was walking past colorful historical palaces, and baroque and Gothic churches for the peaceful monastery of Sant Agustí – all included in the cathedral ticket price. Enjoy a revitalized drink in a café in the picturesque and busy harbor before walking on the way to Lithica Quarry for five minutes. This huge limestone quarry is best explored in comfortable shoes, as there is a lot to cover and there is a lot to see, including gardens and art exhibitions. From here they go to the idyllic Cala Galdana, just a 15-minute drive away and stop on the street to throw two great Talayotic sites to the Tudon and Torretencada.
Afternoon
In Sandy Galdana Bay, the clear, turquoise water is refreshing before placing himself in a delicious pasta or fresh seafood on the shady terrace of the Italian restaurant Francesca Menorca. Then go to Es Mercadal in the rural core country to visit the charming craftsmanship in the old town barracks to learn more about traditional local handcraft and find gifts in the shop. Your last stop is located right outside the market city of Alaior, where you can find Lloc de Menorca, an inspiring zoological park and a sanctuary for a variety of illegally traded or abandoned domestic and exotic animal species and reptiles. Do not miss the Naveta de Biniac Oriental or the two other Talayotic locations on the other side of the street. Next, visit the nearby Binibeca Farm to learn about cheese cheese before returning to Ciutadella.
Late
After you have refreshed yourself in your hotel, call in the peaceful garden of the La Margarete restaurant and in the bar near the cathedral and enjoy a cotton Pomada Made with local Xoriguer gin. If you feel mild, take the five -minute walk into elegant it Tast de Na Silvia, with the white whipped walls decorated with herbs and flowers. Celebrate on the exquisite and varied tasting menu on the trained market where, freshness of the market are offered. For a little night music, drive the cool terrace of the lively jazzbah club and enjoy the view in the attractive harbor.
Where is staying
Luxury life
The centuries-old history of a Menorcan Country Palace hits modern luxury in the 22-room-Santa Ponsa. Lush Moorish gardens descend in traditional terraces to a dazzling spa, which is housed in an old cistern. There is a lot to do between the fabulous indoor and outdoor pools and the excellent restaurant.
Read our full rating here
Boutique Beauty
Casa Ladico is an appealing alternative to the large beach hotels on the island. This elegant urban villa from the 18th century was newly interpreted as a refined boutique hotel with a quiet terrace and an outdoor pool, a stylish bistro and a biojou cellar spa.
Read our full rating here
Bolthole budget
The building where Nou Sant Antoni goes back to the Middle Ages and maintains decorative elements of his old past. The boutique six-room stay-a few minutes from the famous streets of Menorca’s unique capital Ciutadella. Sans The frills.
Read our full rating here
How to get there and how you can get around
In a favorable place, Mahón Airport is served by several British airlines (Easyjet, British Airways, Ryanair). For island hopping there are Balearic Inter-Island flights and ferries. Countless taxis and rental car companies are available at the airport, and the regular L-10 bus to the Mahón Center runs only 10 minutes all year round. There is an excellent bus network during the high season, but the service can be sparse in winter.
Go
The joy of Menorca is that it has a moderate climate all year round. It can be very hot from June to September, so it is best to plan nothing too vigorously in these months. The perfect time for hiking and cycling is in spring and autumn, in which Menorca is less busy and is sunny and mild. The most exciting authentic and loud fiesta with Menorcan horses is Sant Joan in Ciutadella on June 23 to 24.
Know before you go
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British consulate: gov.uk/contact-consulate palma
C/convent dels Caputxins, 4, Edificio Orisba 8, 4ºD, 07002
T: 0034 933 666200 -
Tourist Office Fundació Foment del Turisme, C/D’Artrutx 22, 2 Local 11, Mahón
T: 0034 971 368678 -
Ambulance 061
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police 091
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Fire 092
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Emergency services 112
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Currency euro (€)
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Telephone code from abroad 00 44
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Time difference GMT +1
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Travel from London Two hours of flight time
Local laws and etiquette
The islanders are loose and inviting, although they do not like Boorish, drunk behavior and wearing flimsy beach clothing beyond the resorts. The Minorcans speak their own Catalan dialect, and many characters are in the national language. Tipping is at the discretion, but 10 percent are acceptable.
The accessibility for travelers with disabilities is generally good on the whole island.
About our experts
Anna Nicholas is the Majorca expert at Telegraph Travel. She has been in Majorca for 23 years and is a common visitors to Menorca. The Hauser & Wirth gallery on Isla Del Rey is a favorite journal in which she likes to go through the latest exhibits.
