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Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux, Menorca

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Menorca

Updated 1 October 2026 · 16 things to do

Pictured: Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux

Majorca's quieter sibling doesn't shout, and that's rather the point. Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with low-rise resorts, dry-stone walls, red-sand hills and a coast of turquoise coves that you reach through pine woods rather than hotel lobbies. It also holds a remarkable number of prehistoric monuments, many of them sitting quietly in farmers' fields.

The island is small, about 50 kilometres from one end to the other, so you can hop between its two old towns, Ciutadella in the west and Maó in the east, in under an hour. Hire a car, get to the coves early, and plan at least one long seafood lunch on the north coast.

Don't miss

  1. 1Ciutadella
  2. 2Cala Macarella
  3. 3Naveta d'es Tudons
  4. 4Camí de Cavalls
  5. 5Fornells

Towns and villages

  1. Ciutadella

    Neighbourhood

    The harbour of Ciutadella
    Photo: LANOEL, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The old capital sits at the island's western end, a graceful tangle of lanes, arcaded streets and noble houses around a small natural harbour lined with seafood restaurants. The Gothic cathedral and the palaces of the island's old families give it a dignified air, and in late June the Sant Joan festival fills the streets with horses and riders.

    Tip: Walk down to the harbour in the evening. The restaurants there are best for fresh fish.

  2. Maó (Mahón)

    Neighbourhood

    The capital sits above one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, a deep inlet that the British, French and Spanish all fought to control. The town has an old centre of Georgian-influenced houses, a lively market and a waterfront lined with cafés and boat tours.

  3. Fornells

    Neighbourhood

    The defence tower at Fornells
    Photo: Nikodem Nijaki, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A whitewashed fishing village on a sheltered bay on the north coast, and the island's home of caldereta de langosta, a rich lobster stew. Sit on a terrace on the quayside, order the caldereta, and watch the windsurfers out in the bay.

  4. Binibeca Vell

    Neighbourhood

    A whitewashed maze of tiny alleys and low houses on the south coast, built in the 1970s to look like an old fishing village. It's a pretty and photogenic place to stroll, with a few cafés and shops, and it's best visited early in the morning or late in the day.

Beaches and coves

The south coast has the famous calas; the north is wilder.

  1. Cala Macarella

    Beach

    The turquoise bay of Cala Macarella
    Photo: Paul Stephenson, CC BY 2.0

    A horseshoe of pale sand and clear, shallow turquoise water between pine-covered cliffs on the south-west coast, with a smaller, quieter cove, Macarelleta, around the rocks to one side. It's one of the island's most beautiful bays and one of the most popular.

    Tip: Car parks fill up in summer, so arrive early or walk in along the coastal path from nearby Cala Galdana.

  2. Cala Turqueta

    Beach

    Cala Turqueta's clear water and pines
    Photo: Markus Trienke, CC BY-SA 2.0

    A little cove of white sand and astonishingly clear water, framed by pines. Much less developed than the big resort beaches, and all the better for it. Bring water and a snack.

  3. Cala Pregonda

    Beach

    The bay of Cala Pregonda on Menorca's north coast
    Photo: Nicolas Vigier, CC0

    On the wild north coast, a bay of reddish sand dotted with rocky islets. There's no road: it's reached on foot along a coastal path, which keeps it uncrowded and wonderfully remote.

  4. S’Albufera des Grau

    Nature

    A protected wetland park on the east coast, with a lagoon, walking trails and bird hides, next to the small fishing village of Es Grau and its calm, shallow beach. A gentle half day that's quiet and green.

Ancient Menorca and the wild coast

  1. Torre d'en Galmés

    Landmark

    The prehistoric ruins of Torre d'en Galmés
    Photo: Martin JW, CC BY-SA 4.0

    The island's largest talayotic settlement, a prehistoric village of stone towers, circular houses and a sacred enclosure, on a hilltop in the south. Wander the ruins and picture the people who lived here more than two thousand years ago.

  2. Monte Toro

    Landmark

    Monte Toro rising above the countryside
    Photo: rene boulay, CC BY-SA 3.0

    At 358 metres, Monte Toro is the island's highest point, near Es Mercadal in the centre. A road winds up to a hilltop sanctuary, and from the terrace you can see across the whole of Menorca to the sea on both sides.

  3. Cap de Cavalleria

    Nature

    The lighthouse at Cap de Cavalleria
    Photo: Ben Salter from Wales, CC BY 2.0

    A windswept headland on the north coast with a lighthouse, dark cliffs and a huge sweep of sea. It's a dramatic contrast to the soft beaches of the south, and a fine place for sunset.

  4. Camí de Cavalls

    Activity

    The Camí de Cavalls coastal path near Cala en Turqueta
    Photo: MontanNito, CC BY-SA 3.0

    A historic coastal path of around 185 kilometres circles the whole island, once used to defend the coast. You can walk, cycle or ride any section of it, linking coves, headlands and old watchtowers. Even a short stretch from a beach shows you the island at its best.

    Tip: Take plenty of water and sun protection, since there is little shade on exposed stretches.

Eat and drink

  1. Mahón cheese

    Food

    A slice of Mahón cheese
    Photo: Asphaltbuffet, CC BY-SA 3.0

    The island's famous cow's-milk cheese, with a protected designation of origin, ranges from soft and young to hard, tangy and crumbly when aged. Eat it with a drizzle of olive oil or local honey. A farm visit is a delicious way to see how it's made.

  2. Menorcan gin

    Food

    Gin has been distilled on Menorca since the British naval presence of the 18th century. Try a pomada, the local summer drink of gin and cloudy lemonade, served at fiestas and in terrace bars all over the island.

  3. Caldereta de langosta

    Food

    Menorca's signature dish, a stew of spiny lobster slowly cooked with onion, tomato and herbs, served in a pot with bread for the sauce. Fornells is the place to have it, and it's a splurge that's worth it.

Where to stay in Menorca

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Menorca →

Getting around

A hire car is the best way to reach the coves and ancient sites, as buses mostly link the main towns and resorts. Roads are narrow and quiet. Parking at the most popular coves is limited in summer, so go early.

When to go

May, June, September and October are warm and walkable, and the island is quieter. July and August are hot and busy at the popular beaches. Some restaurants and attractions close in the winter months.

Questions about visiting Menorca

What is Menorca best known for?
Its unspoilt beaches and coves, the old towns of Ciutadella and Maó, prehistoric monuments such as the Naveta d’es Tudons, and the Camí de Cavalls coastal path.
Is Menorca worth visiting?
Yes, particularly if you want clear water, quiet coves and a slower pace than Majorca or Ibiza. It suits couples, families and walkers.
What is there to do in Menorca with kids?
Shallow, sandy beaches such as Son Bou and Cala Galdana, boat trips on Maó harbour and the coastal paths are all good with children.
How many days do you need in Menorca?
A week is ideal for beaches, the two old towns and a few ancient sites. Four days covers the highlights.
Do you need a car in Menorca?
It helps a lot. Buses connect towns and resorts, but a car makes it easy to reach the best coves and to see both coasts.

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