Menorca is the second-largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago, located off the eastern coast of Spain. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and unspoiled natural landscapes.
Browse Menorca campsites Gran Vía, Madrid Photo by Florian Wehde on UnsplashMenorca has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has been ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, and various European powers including the British and Spanish. It was strategically important as a Mediterranean naval base and fortress throughout its history. Today it is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and popular Mediterranean destination.
Historic bridle path that circles the entire coastline of Menorca, alternating between cliff-top sections, pine woods and beach crossings. Stages vary from easy strolls to more exposed, rocky terrain, and can be walked in short day sections or tackled end to end over a week or two.
A shaded ravine walk near Ferreries following a seasonal watercourse lined with dense Mediterranean vegetation, one of the greenest and coolest walks on the island in summer.
The same coastal trail used for hiking is popular with mountain bikers, though some rocky and sandy sections require good bike-handling; most riders do it over several days rather than in one push.
A gentle, mostly flat ride from Maó out to the small bay of Es Grau, on the edge of the S'Albufera des Grau nature reserve, good for a relaxed half-day trip.
Menorca's former capital, with a compact old town of narrow lanes, a working fishing port and Gothic cathedral; livelier and more polished than Maó, especially around Plaça des Born.
A low-key fishing village on a large natural inlet, known for its lobster stew (caldereta de langosta) and as a base for windsurfing and sailing.
Two of the island's best-known cove beaches, reached by a short walk through pine woods from the car park at Cala Galdana; turquoise water backed by pale cliffs.
The island's highest point (about 358 m), topped by a small monastery, giving a 360-degree view over almost the whole of Menorca on a clear day.
A quiet inland village that serves as a good access point for the wilder, less-developed calas of the southern coast, such as Cala Trebalúger.
Pick a manageable section rather than the whole route - the paths near Es Grau, Binimel·là or Cala en Turqueta give a good sample of the coastline without needing a full week.
Menorca has one of the densest concentrations of prehistoric Bronze Age remains in the Mediterranean, including Naveta d'es Tudons, Torre d'en Galmés and Torralba d'en Salord - recognised by UNESCO in 2023.
Many of the best coves have no road access, so hiring a small boat or kayak from Ciutadella, Fornells or Cala Galdana is the only way to reach some of the quieter beaches.
The Xoriguer distillery in Maó has been making gin since the 18th century, a legacy of British rule; it's traditionally mixed with lemonade as 'pomada', drunk at the Sant Joan festivities.
The lagoon and wetlands of this natural park are one of the best birdwatching spots in the Balearics, with hides and easy flat paths around the water.
Menorcan cooking is shaped by its farming and fishing traditions and by centuries of British and French rule. The signature product is queso Mahón-Menorca, a semi-cured cow's milk cheese with its own Denominación de Origen, best bought straight from a farm shop (fromatgeria) in the countryside. On the coast, caldereta de langosta - a rich lobster and tomato stew, especially associated with Fornells - is the dish worth splurging on. Sobrasada and other cured pork products turn up on most menus, alongside simple grilled fish and vegetable dishes like oliagua or tumbet. To drink, try pomada, gin from the Xoriguer distillery in Maó mixed with lemonade, a direct legacy of the island's period under British control.
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, this covers the island's exceptionally well-preserved Bronze and Iron Age settlements, including talayots, taulas and navetas such as Torre d'en Galmés and Naveta d'es Tudons.
A protected wetland and coastal park east of Maó, centred on the island's largest natural lagoon, and the core zone of the wider Menorca Biosphere Reserve; good for birdwatching and easy walking or cycling.
Menorca's biggest festival, held around 23-24 June, centred on horses being ridden and reared up ('jaleo') through crowded streets, plus traditional music and gin-drinking.
Maó's main summer festival in early September, with more horse-riding processions through the town, live music and fireworks.
Smaller-scale patron saint festivals held in various Menorcan towns through the summer, each with their own horse-riding traditions similar to Ciutadella's but on a local scale.