Menorca overview
Successive changes of fortune have left their mark on Menorca and cultural influences range from Moorish to Colonial, but it’s the unspoilt coastline, the beaches and the unhurried pace of life which ensure a relaxed holiday environment.
The second largest and most north eastern of the Balearic Islands, Menorca differs from the other islands in both climate and landscape. Throughout the course of history, successive changes of fortune have left their mark here, as have the diverse cultural influences of the main people who have occupied the island over the centuries as reflected in the Moorish and Colonial style architecture you will see throughout the island. This past history has endowed Menorca with an original, distinctive character and the island offers a wealth of things to see and do and Menorcans are renowned for their openness, generosity and, as one would expect, their hospitality.
Beaches
The whole of Menorca’s coastline has been declared a protected area which is apparent in the unspoilt countryside and the abundance of soft sand beaches and coves scattered around the island, indeed Menorca offers areas of natural beauty that are almost unsurpassed anywhere else in the Mediterranean.
The most popular beaches are found at the eastern end of the south coast although there are many delightful ones further to the west and in the northeast. Punta Prima, the southernmost beach of Menorca, overlooking Illa de l’Aire is one of the most popular whilst that at Son Bou is the longest.
Map
Climate
Menorca enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot daytime temperatures during the summer months of June through to September.
Did you know?
The harbour at Mao, the island’s capital, is the second largest natural deep water port in the world - the largest being Pearl Harbour. The whole island is a European Biological Reserve and Unesco Biosphere Reserve aiming to preserve environmental areas. More than a 75% of the territory is protected. Menorca is also home to more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
Menorca hotels
Hotel Agamenon
Enjoying a magnificent position on the water's edge overlooking the harbour in the quiet town of Es Castell
Hotel Audax Spa & Wellness Centre
Hotel Audax offers a number of dining options and a wide variety of leisure activities
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Hotel Port Ciutadella
The four star Hotel Port Ciutadella is located on the west coast of the island in the charming town of Ciutadella which was formerly the capital of Menorca.
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Hotel Port Mahon
Situated in a residential area overlooking Mahon's attractive harbour
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Hotel S'Algar
Built in typical Menorcan style, the hotel offers friendly service accompanied by a wide range of dining alternatives
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Hotel Santo Tomas
In a prime location on the beach of Santo Tomas this stylish well-maintained hotel proves a popular choice.
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Insotel Club Punta Prima
This aparthotel is built in typical Menorcan style and located 300m from the sandy beach
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Insotel Punta Prima Prestige
Directly on the sea front in a privileged position next to Insotel Club Punta Prima, and just 150m from the beach
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La Quinta
Located between the two sandy beaches of Son Xoriguer and Cala'n Bosch
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Map
Climate
Menorca enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot daytime temperatures during the summer months of June through to September.
Did you know?
The harbour at Mao, the island’s capital, is the second largest natural deep water port in the world - the largest being Pearl Harbour. The whole island is a European Biological Reserve and Unesco Biosphere Reserve aiming to preserve environmental areas. More than a 75% of the territory is protected. Menorca is also home to more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
Menorca sightseeing
Mahon
The capital of Menorca, is a small town situated in a bay that is one of the largest natural harbours in the world, second only to Pearl Harbour. It is a fascinating place to explore with remains of old city walls and beautiful churches.
Ciutadella
The former capital of Menorca, is a picturesque town with narrow winding streets, handsome palaces and a busy harbour. Most of the Menorcan aristocracy continued to make it their home even after Mahon became the capital. There are numerous opulent palaces and Gothic and Baroque churches to visit, plus delightful squares with bars, cafes and restaurants
Son Xoriguer
The resort of Son Xoriguer in the southwest corner is the starting point for trips on horseback through the nearby nature reserve. The delightful route leads past two beaches and along the seashore.
Cruises
Choose between a cruise from the harbour in Ciutadella to the unspolit beaches of the western coast, or visit the little island of Illa d'en Aire in a glass bottomed boat from Mahon. Alternatively sail from Mahon in a catamaran during the evening and enjoy snorkelling in the sunset.
Map
Climate
Menorca enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot daytime temperatures during the summer months of June through to September.
Did you know?
The harbour at Mao, the island’s capital, is the second largest natural deep water port in the world - the largest being Pearl Harbour. The whole island is a European Biological Reserve and Unesco Biosphere Reserve aiming to preserve environmental areas. More than a 75% of the territory is protected. Menorca is also home to more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
Menorca cuisine
Menorcan gastronomy is varied but arguably the most famous dish was once referred to as simple fare, nowadays Caldereta de Langosta (lobster stew) is considered food fit for a king and is served at many restaurants throughout the island. An abundance of seafood as well as grill restaurants and fine dining can be found.
Dating back to the British occupation of the island Gin Xoriguer is distilled from juniper berries and is mixed with lemon to form the traditional drink, Pomada, which is drunk at the many fiestas celebrated throughout the summer months. Other industries on the island include the production of Menorcan gin and cheese.
Fiestas
Each town celebrates its own fiesta, during which the islanders have always exuded their enthusiasm for merriment, today they are joined by the many summer visitors.
The fiestas start at the beginning of May in Ferreries and continue around the island throughout the summer reaching a climax in the capital, Mahon’s, fiesta of Our Lady of Grace. By far the most famous of the celebrations and one to which people travel from all over Spain is the fiesta of San Juan in Ciutadella. Menorcan horses perform the Jaleo, where the horse rears up on its back legs, and locals run to touch the stomach of the animal – not for the faint hearted!
Map
Climate
Menorca enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot daytime temperatures during the summer months of June through to September.
Did you know?
The harbour at Mao, the island’s capital, is the second largest natural deep water port in the world - the largest being Pearl Harbour. The whole island is a European Biological Reserve and Unesco Biosphere Reserve aiming to preserve environmental areas. More than a 75% of the territory is protected. Menorca is also home to more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined.
Menorca offers
Hotel Agamenon
Enjoying a magnificent position on the water's edge overlooking the harbour in the quiet town of Es Castell
1 offer
Hotel Audax Spa & Wellness Centre
Hotel Audax offers a number of dining options and a wide variety of leisure activities
2 offers
-
-
Hotel Port Ciutadella
The four star Hotel Port Ciutadella is located on the west coast of the island in the charming town of Ciutadella which was formerly the capital of Menorca.
2 offers
-
Hotel Port Mahon
Situated in a residential area overlooking Mahon's attractive harbour
1 offer
-
-
Hotel S'Algar
Built in typical Menorcan style, the hotel offers friendly service accompanied by a wide range of dining alternatives
3 offers
-
Hotel Santo Tomas
In a prime location on the beach of Santo Tomas this stylish well-maintained hotel proves a popular choice.
3 offers
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-
Insotel Club Punta Prima
This aparthotel is built in typical Menorcan style and located 300m from the sandy beach
1 offer
-
Insotel Punta Prima Prestige
Directly on the sea front in a privileged position next to Insotel Club Punta Prima, and just 150m from the beach
1 offer
-
-
La Quinta
Located between the two sandy beaches of Son Xoriguer and Cala'n Bosch
1 offer
-
-
Map
Climate
Menorca enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot daytime temperatures during the summer months of June through to September.
Did you know?
The harbour at Mao, the island’s capital, is the second largest natural deep water port in the world - the largest being Pearl Harbour. The whole island is a European Biological Reserve and Unesco Biosphere Reserve aiming to preserve environmental areas. More than a 75% of the territory is protected. Menorca is also home to more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined.