Menorca is a little behind Mallorca and Ibiza, but Menorca is just as popular as its two ‘island companions’ for attractions and beaches. See for yourself what’s on offer!
Menorca is an island located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to Spain, and is the second largest member of the Balearic Islands. The island is known for its distinctive megalithic structures, including chamber tombs unique to the area (navetas), T-shaped pillars (taulas), and stone fortifications (talayots).
Its fauna and flora are also exceptional, with several species that are found nowhere else. For this reason, UNESCO has designated Menorca as a biosphere reserve.
Table of Contents
Menorca attractions
Mahon (Maó)
Maó is the Catalan name for the capital city. The city itself doesn’t have any special attractions, so you don’t need to spend much time here.
In the city center, two beautiful churches deserve mention: Església del Carme and Santa Maria de Maó.
It is worth walking along the harbor promenade, where boats line up for several hundred meters. Along the promenade, there are many cafes and restaurants.
Ciutadella
This coastal city on the western part is much prettier than Mahón. It was once the capital of Menorca.
The old town area, showcasing a bit of Italian-style architecture, is particularly worth exploring. In its narrow alleys and streets, many restaurants and cafes await tourists.
Its most famous building is the Cathedral of Menorca, located on the main square of the old town.
Fortaleza de Isabel II
This peninsula, a few kilometers from Mahón, is one of the most visited sites.
Here stands the Fortaleza de la Mola, a fortress built in the 19th century against the British, but it never had to defend the island in battle.
It offers fantastic views, and you can even watch the sunrise here.
Information on prices and opening hours can be found here!
Binibequer Vell
South of Mahón, this seaside village is known for its white-colored houses.
The village was built in 1972 based on the designs of architect Antoni Sintes, modeled after an old fishing village.
Bus number 93 from the capital goes here.
Fornells
Possibly the most beautiful coastal village lies on the northern part of the island, at the entrance of a bay. Its white houses are also characteristic.
The village was built in the 17th century for defensive purposes to protect the area against pirates. This is evidenced, among other things, by the tower standing above the village.
A few kilometers from the village is the area’s resort center, Platges de Fornells.
Cova d’en Xoroi
If you want to spend the sunset at a special “entertainment venue”, then this is the place to come!
Located on the beach of Cala en Porter, this natural cave has been converted into a bar. It especially comes alive in the evenings because the sunset from here is magnificent.
Torre d’en Galmés
Here you can see the best-preserved and largest remains of a Bronze Age Talayotic settlement.
Archaeological excavations have shown that it was inhabited even before Roman times.
Heading towards Son Bou, a small detour will take you to the site.
Naveta d’Es Tudons
Also a Bronze Age Talayotic structure, which served as a burial site.
The interior of the stone-built site measures 13.6 x 6.4 meters, where at least 100 bodies of various ages and genders were buried.
The site is located 6 km east of Ciutadella. It is a 500 meter walk from the parking lot on the main road.
El Toro
The highest point in Menorca (357 meters), offering a splendid view of the island and the sea.
From the town of Es Mercadal, you can drive all the way to the top, where a church and a monastery are also located.
Menorca’s best beaches
Playa de Cavalleria
This is the most beautiful beach on the northern part of the island.
The sandy beach in the bay is surrounded by hills and mountains tinged with red. The water is shallow, transparent, and crystal clear.
It can be accessed from the nearby parking lot by walking down stone steps.
Cala Algaiarens
Located northeast of Ciutadella, this is one of the best beaches in the area.
The sandy beach is very shallow, making it popular among families.
Playa de Son Bou
One of the most popular beaches on the southern part is Playa Son Bou, located near the towns of Son Bou and San Jaime Mediterráneo.
The long stretch of fine sandy beach is easily accessible, and there are restaurants along the shore.
Playa de Cala Galdana
Cala Galdana, a holiday resort, also has a beach which is very popular due to the resort.
The water is shallow and clear, making it a recommended spot for families. Many restaurants and bars can be found along the beach.
Macarelleta and Cala Macarella
In a bay on the southern part, we find two wonderful beaches.
Macarella is the larger one, with shaded areas available behind it in a wooded section.
Macarelleta is a smaller side bay with a white sandy beach.
If you are here, definitely climb up the hillside for a beautiful view of the bay and the sea.
The bay can be approached by foot from two directions: from the north through a parking lot, and from the east via the town of Cala Galdana. Additionally, tourists often arrive by boat.
Cala en Turqueta
A few kilometers west of the above two beaches, this beach is located.
Also situated in a bay, this fine sandy beach is easily accessible by car.
Cala Mitjana
Near Cala Galdana, this wonderful sandy beach is located in a bay.
A narrow road leads to a parking lot a few hundred meters away, so the beach can be crowded during the peak season.
Playas de Fornells
The beach of the already mentioned resort Platges de Fornells is in a larger bay.
Due to its location, it is a sheltered spot with crystal clear water and a sandy beach.
Hiking in Menorca
For those who enjoy hiking, the island is also a great location. It is even possible to walk around the entire coastline of Menorca.
The 185 km Camí de Cavalls trail runs through wonderful bays and towns. The path is marked with red and white stripes and many helpful signs are placed along the route.
On parts of the trail, you may also encounter cyclists and even horseback riders.