Menorca: More Than Just a Beach Holiday
Crystal-clear water, hidden coves, beautiful old towns, local fiestas, boat trips and some seriously good food… Menorca has so much more to offer than simply a week by the pool.
We recently visited Menorca as a family and, honestly, it exceeded our expectations. What I loved most was how easy it was to explore. The island is relatively small, the roads are quiet and straightforward to drive, and hiring a car gave us the freedom to discover completely different parts of Menorca at our own pace.
🚗 Hire a car and explore
We chose a car hire company slightly away from the airport and simply took a short minibus transfer to collect the car. It was completely straightforward and saved us around £50 compared with some of the airport-based options.
Driving in Menorca is generally very easy. They drive on the right, roads are much quieter than we're used to in the UK and most places are easy to reach.
Just remember that parking can be limited at the smaller beaches, especially during the summer, and proper footwear is recommended when driving rather than flip-flops.
🏖️ The beaches
This is where Menorca really comes into its own.
Arenal d'en Castell is a fantastic family beach with beautiful clear water, easy parking and activities including paddleboards and pedalos with slides. We also found a lovely beach club here with incredible views and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Es Grau has a much more authentic feel, with shallow, calm water that's perfect for families and great for kayaking.
Son Parc is more developed and busier, but it's incredibly convenient for families, with nearby parking, restaurants and fun watersports.
And then there's Na Macaret, which became our favourite. Smaller, quieter and incredibly authentic, with shallow, crystal-clear water that was perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
One thing to know about Menorca is that many of the more natural beaches don't have rows of sunbeds and parasols. We actually loved this, but I'd recommend packing a reclining chair, umbrella, cool bag, plenty of water and snacks — and definitely bring the snorkelling gear!
🚤 Get out on the water
One of our favourite experiences was hiring a small motorboat and exploring the coastline ourselves.
It was much easier and more affordable than I expected, and being able to reach some of the beautiful coves and beaches that aren't easily accessible by road was fantastic.
The water is so clear that snorkelling straight from the boat was a highlight for all of us.
If you're travelling to Menorca, I'd definitely put a boat trip on your list.
⚓ Mahón & Ciutadella
Both of Menorca's main towns are well worth exploring, but they offer completely different experiences.
Mahón has its beautiful natural harbour, yachts, boats, restaurants and a lovely atmosphere around the waterfront. We also enjoyed the local night market, with handmade jewellery, clothing, artwork, children's rides and plenty of food.
Ciutadella was another favourite. The historic old town is beautiful, with atmospheric streets, impressive architecture, the cathedral and a pretty harbour. We also found the shopping here particularly good, with lots of independent boutiques and local shops.
🛍️ Es Mercadal
Es Mercadal is another place I'd recommend adding to your list, particularly when the evening market is taking place.
The square comes alive with stalls, food, entertainment and children's rides, and there are plenty of lovely places to stop for a drink and watch the atmosphere build.
It's also a great place to experience a little more of traditional Menorca.
🐎 Experience a Menorcan fiesta
If you're travelling in the summer, check the local fiesta calendar.
We experienced one in Fornells, complete with traditional horse processions, music and the incredible atmosphere that comes with these celebrations.
It's a completely different side of Menorca and something I'd definitely recommend experiencing if your dates allow.
And yes… Pomada became my drink of choice! 🍋🥂
🌅 Food, views and sunsets
One of the things that surprised me most about Menorca was the choice of restaurants.
Whether you're looking for traditional tapas, authentic Spanish food, relaxed beach bars, family-friendly restaurants or something a little more sophisticated, there's plenty of choice.
And the settings can be incredible.
From restaurants overlooking the marina in Fornells to beach clubs overlooking the sea and sunset dinners near the lighthouses around Ciutadella, there are plenty of opportunities to combine great food with amazing views.
❤️ So, what did we think?
We loved it.
Menorca gives you the flexibility to create exactly the holiday you want.
You can stay in a self-catering apartment, hire a car and explore the island, or choose a family-friendly resort where everything you need is on your doorstep.
You can spend your holiday doing absolutely nothing — or fill it with beaches, boat trips, snorkelling, kayaking, markets, historic towns, restaurants and local fiestas.
Other areas worth considering include Cala Galdana, Son Bou, Cala en Porter, Punta Prima, Binibeca, Santo Tomás, Cala Blanca and Cala'n Bosch, each offering something slightly different.
For me, the biggest appeal is that Menorca feels like a place you can actually experience rather than simply visit.
✈️ My advice?
Don't just book the hotel. Book the holiday.
Where you stay, whether you hire a car, which beaches you visit and what experiences you add can completely change your Menorca holiday.
And if you want my full list of favourite beaches, restaurants, beach clubs, boat trips and the best areas to stay for families, send me a message.
I'll help you plan the Menorca holiday that works for you. 💙
