Experience a relaxing Menorca honeymoon holiday or romantic getaway on one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, generally considered the least developed and most tranquil of the Balearic Islands.
Although barely 15km wide and 52km long, Menorca has more beaches than Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera combined, and offers all the ingredients you need for a romantic honeymoon in the Mediterranean.
Along a pine-fringed coastline, discover a mix of long golden strands of sand indented with high cliffs in the south, and tiny pockets of white sand fringing rocky coves and calas (fjord-like inlets) in the north.
Choose from several purpose-built resorts including Cala Santa Galdana (also known as Cala Galdana), a low-key resort with a stunning location facing a cobalt bay on the south coast. Or try the luxury of Son Bou resort, which faces a gorgeous 2.5km-long white-sand beach stretching along the south coast.
Explore on foot, mountain bike or by hire car a landscape of green rolling hills and wooded canyons scattered with picturesque villages, fincas (country estates) and intriguing prehistoric stone-slab structures known as navetas.
Ponder monuments (taulas) and rock mounds (talayots) at Naveta d'es Tudons, Talatí de Dalt (near Ciudadela) and Toralba d'en Salord (just east of Alaior).
For panoramic vistas across the whole island, hike up to the highest point on the island at Monte Toro (350m) or drive out to the promontory at Cap de Cavalleria on the northernmost tip of the island. Hike past 80m-high limestone cliffs in the spectacular 6km-long Algendar Gorge near Cala Santa Galdana.
Spot more than 100 species of migrating birds in the wetlands of Parc Natural S’Albufera d’es Grau, a small part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, created in 1993 to protect around 40 per cent of the island and the island’s unique archaeological sites.
In historic Ciudadela (or Cuitadela), wander the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, lined with 17th century palaces and featuring a fortress-like 13th century cathedral.
See whitewashed houses in picture-perfect Es Mercadal and in the capital Mahón (or Maó), visit the archway of San Roque, the last remains of the castle and town wall that once surrounded this port city and overlooks a vast 5.5km long natural harbour.
Visit the 13th century Esglesia de Santa María la Major church, home to one of Europe's most celebrated organs; with four keyboards and more than 3000 pipes, the organ comes to life in the annual summer music festival held in July and August.
There is more to Menorca than just the hot sun, beach and warm turquoise water. Check out the island's other must-see attractions, including the following. . .
Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, perched on a hilltop overlooking the harbour and lined with 17th century mansions and numerous churches.
Known as Ciudadela, the Old Town was the capital of Menorca until 1722, when the British rulers of the day chose Mahón as the new capital, due to its long natural harbour.
Stroll the Plaça d'es Born (Plaza del Born) to admire the 14th century Gothic Esglesia de San Francisco and its neoclassical façade, as well as the 19th century Palacio de Torre-Saura.
See Moorish-styled vaulted arches and whitewashed houses in Ses Voltes, just off the Plaça s'Esplanada, stop for an espresso at an al fresco café on Plaça Nova then browse shops and arcades along Carrer Quadrado.
To see an impressive display of Talayotic remains, visit the Museu Municipal, which adjoins part of the old city fortifications.
Ponder this 7m-high boat-shaped monument made of massive stone blocks, dating from around 1400 BC and thought to be a dwelling or a burial chamber.
Naveta des Tudons is one of the best-preserved and most significant prehistoric examples of megalithic monuments on the island of Menorca and is regarded as among the oldest monuments in Europe constructed by humans.
The site once contained prehistoric artefacts including pottery, decorative jewellery, weapons and human remains, now displayed in the Museu Municipal. Naveta des Tudons is located 6km east of Ciudadela.
Head to this northern seaside village lined with picturesque red-roofed, whitewashed villas overlooking a wide turquoise bay. Fornells also offers the island’s best conditions for kite and windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving.
(Cave of Pigeons) Once a sacred place for prehistoric people, this huge cavern is open to those wishing to stroll through the eerie 110m-long, 24m-high and 15m-wide cavern.
The cave was also once home to thousands of palomas torcaces, a species of pigeon hunted to extinction. Cova des Coloms is located on the south coast near the beach of Sant Tomas and the town of Es Migjorn.
Choose from more than 100 beaches scattered along 216km of coastline and discover long deserted strands of white sand that are perfect for a secluded romantic picnic.
Or relax with all the creature comforts on a golden-sand beach with water sports, bars and restaurants close to hand. For some of the best beaches, consider the following…
Unwind on this gorgeous white-sand beach that shelves gently into a calm horseshoe-shaped bay framed by soaring limestone cliffs and bush-clad hills.
Fringed by sweet-scented pine trees, the child-friendly 500m-long beach offers sheltered conditions for swimming with various accommodation options in a purpose-built, low key and (mainly) low rise resort. Beach facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, water sports and a selection of beachfront bars and restaurants.
Away from the beach, hike into the spectacular Algendar Gorge or sea kayak to adjacent beaches, readily found along this rugged and dramatic coastline. Cala de Santa Galdana is located on the south coast of Menorca, around 23km south of Ciudadela and 21km west of Mahón.
Escape some of the more crowded beaches for this idyllic turquoise cove, fringed by a 184m-long white-sand beach and framed by low forest-clad limestone cliffs. Sunbathe on the soft sand, relax and picnic in the shade of beachside pine trees, swim in the clean warm waters then take a scenic walk to the nearby headland for gorgeous sea views.
Except for toilets and lifeguards, there are no facilities on this beach – one reason why it’s less crowded than others. Cala en Turqueta is best reached by boat from nearby Cala Galdana.
Sunbathe on a choice of two small, idyllic white-sand beaches that lie between pine-clad limestone cliffs surrounding this fjord-like inlet near Cala Galdana. Enjoy a picnic in the shade of pine trees, sunbathe on the soft sand, enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the crystalline waters or enjoy hillside walks through the pinewoods.
Facilities include toilets and a restaurant that serves cold drinks and fresh seafood. Calas Macarella is easily reached by boat or by car from nearby Cala Galdana.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on the pale golden sands of this 2.5km-long beach framed by sand dunes and facing a turquoise bay perfect for swimming, wind surfing and kite surfing.
Behind the sand dunes of this 40m-wide beach lie freshwater reeds, home to butterflies and migrating birds. Wander to the eastern end to see the ruins of a 5th century church or perhaps bare-all on the less developed west end, an unofficial clothing-optional beach.
Facilities around the two main hotels include parasols and sun loungers for hire, lifeguards and a selection of beachfront bars and restaurants. Water sports activities include sailing catamarans, windsurfing, sea kayaks, pedalos (foot pedal boats), waterskiing, jet skiing and a sailing school.
The nearby resort also offers a children’s theme park with water chutes and a maze. Away from the beach, visit the nearby prehistoric (talayot) village of Torre d'en Gaumes. Son Bou is located on the south coast of Menorca, around 8km south of Alaior and 21km west of Mahón.
Unwind on this curve of soft white-sand that nestles beneath tree-clad cliffs and shelves into the crystalline waters of a secluded cove. Except for toilets, there are no facilities on this quiet beach. Cala Mitjana is easily reached by boat or by car from nearby Cala Galdana.
Unwind on this wide, 200m-long golden-sand beach that sits at the end of a long inlet framed by towering cliffs and ancient caves. Stroll along the cliff face or take a boat tour from the resort of the same name to see more caves where people still live.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, lifeguards, showers, toilets, a selection of beachfront bars and restaurants and various water sports. Cala en Porter is located on the south coast, around 11km west of Mahón.
Dig your toes into the pale golden sand of this 300m-long beach framed at one end by a massive 68m-high promontory and on the other by an impressive 18th century fortified tower.
This 50m-wide beach is backed by sand dunes and forest and offers facilities including parasols and sun loungers for hire, lifeguards, toilets and a beach bar. Cala Mesquida is located on the east coast, around 6km from the capital of Mao.
Relax on this broad white-sand beach surrounded by native bush and shelving into a sheltered turquoise cove. Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, lifeguards, toilets and a beach café with a bar and restaurant. Cala de Binibèquer is located on the south coast, around 10km from Mao.
Note: Nude bathing is commonplace in Menorca, although the practice is officially illegal.
Menorca offers a good range of honeymoon accommodation to suit all budgets, particularly in the capital and at popular coastal resorts. In Mahón, try the Hotel Port Mahón, a comfortable villa-style hotel overlooking the harbour.
In Ciudadela, unwind in the woodland gardens of the elegant Hotel Rural Sant Ignasi, formerly a private hacienda. In the resort of Santo Tomás, try the government rated 4-star luxury Hotel Santo Tomás and at Playa Cala Galanda, opt for Sol Gavilanes, a large hotel overlooking sugar-white sands.
Other options include the following hotels…
Hotel Artiem Carlos III – Adults Only
Location: Es Castell, Mahon
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD248 per double room
Description: Hotel Artiem Carlos III is set in a beautiful natural bay in Mahon, the capital of Menorca. The hotel offers a sea-water swimming pool and modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and panoramic sea views. All rooms are fully air conditioned. Other facilities include an en suite bathroom with hairdryer and a safe. Hotel Artiem Carlos III has an attractive restaurant and terrace, both with views over the sea. There is also a snack bar by the pool and a games room. Punta Prima, Binibeca and Cala Mesquida Beaches are just 10 kilometres away. The ferry terminals to Barcelona, Valencia and Palma are within 1 km. Cales Fonts Harbour and Es Castell shopping area are within a short walk.
PortBlue La Quinta Hotel & Spa – Adults Only
Location: Son Xoriguer
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD355 per double room
Description: The luxury PortBlue La Quinta Hotel & Spa - Adults Only is 400 metres from Cala'n Bosch Beach, Menorca. It has an outdoor pool, and offers a free minibus transfer, several times a day, to Ciutadella, 10 km away. All air-conditioned rooms at the Quinta Resort have a flat-screen TV and DVD player. There is a pillow menu, and all rooms have a private balcony with garden and pool views. The private bathroom comes with a bathrobe and slippers. The Quinta spa includes a hot tub, sauna and Turkish bath. There is a gym and heated pool, and beauty treatments are available. The hotel restaurant, Son Xoriguer, offers a comprehensive buffet breakfast, themed dinners with live music, and traditional Mediterranean cuisine. There is a grill bar with a terrace, and a cocktail bar.
Hotel Can Faustino
Location: Ciutadella
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD290 per double room
Description: Offering an outdoor pool and indoor pool, free WiFi, and an a la carte restaurant, Hotel Can Faustino is located opposite Ciutadella Port in Menorca. There is a choice of luxury suites and elegant rooms, some with sea views. Set inside a 17th-century building, each room here will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Featuring a bath or shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and bathrobes. Some rooms come with a private terrace, and sea or garden views. At Hotel Can Faustino you will find a sauna and massage therapies available for a surcharge. Hotel Can Faustino is 150 m from Menorca Cathedral, and Menorca Airport is 46 km away.
Artiem Audax Adults Only
Location: Cala Galdana
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD295 per double room
Description: Set within a nature reserve, the beachfront Artiem Audax Spa & Wellness Centre offers a free WiFi zone and an outdoor pool, overlooking Menorca’s Cala Galdana Bay. The air-conditioned rooms at the Audax Hotel have simple, bright décor. They come with a pillow menu and minibar, while bathrooms include a hairdryer and toiletries. The Audax’s spa has 3 indoor pools, contrast showers and saunas. The hotel also has a gym and tennis courts. It features a well-equipped spa and 2 restaurants. The hotel’s Oliva restaurant offers a buffet with a fusion of Mediterranean flavours, including show cooking and a contemporary atmosphere. There is also an à la carte restaurant, and the poolside La Colina Snack Bar that offers fresh smoothies, snacks and other dishes. There elegant Blue Café terrace is ideal for cocktails. The Audax Hotel is just 200 m from Cala Galdana Beach, and the historic town of Ciutadella is 15 km away.
Port Ciutadella
Location: Ciutadella
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD198 per double room
Description: Hotel Port Ciutadella offers sea views just 5 minutes’ walk from Ciutadella's Platja Gran Beach. This stylish hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, spa and rooms with balconies. The Port has large, bright rooms with air conditioning and satellite TV. All accommodation has a minibar and free wired internet access. The hotel’s buffet restaurant serves a selection of international cuisine. Guests can enjoy a drink in the lobby bar. The on-site spa has an indoor swimming pool, steam baths and a sauna. Treatments are available in the hotel’s beauty salon. Ciutadella’s pretty old town can be reached in 10 minutes, by foot, while Menorca’s airport is approximately 35 km away.
Hotel Torralbenc
Location: Cala'n Porter
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD195 per double room
Description: Set around an outdoor pool on a hill, Hotel Torralbenc offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is located in the small town of Alaior, a 10-minute drive from Menorca airport. Surrounded by gardens, each room features traditional Menorcan décor with whitewashed walls and exposed beams ceilings. There is a pleasant seating area with a flat-screen satellite TV. Guests can enjoy traditional island cuisine at Torralbenc’s restaurant, which prepares popular dishes using products sourced from local ecological farms. Cala en Porter is just 10 minutes' drive away. Here you can find a beautiful beach as well as La Cova d'en Xoroi, a clifftop bar and club offering cocktails and amazing views.
The best time to visit Menorca for a beach holiday is from late-June to mid-September. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures rarely falling below 29°C (84°F).
However, anytime from early-May to mid-October is good for a range of outdoor activities.
To avoid the summer heat and crowds, and for hiking and exploring the island, visit Mallorca during May, September and October when you can still enjoy clear, sunny days with daily high temperatures averaging 23°C (73°F). However, these months are not so good for swimming – the sea is too cold.
Menorca, the north-easternmost of the Balearic Islands, enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterised by hot, sunny summers and mild, wet winters.
Menorca is windy, especially from October to April, when the island receives the full force of the Mistral wind that blows from France. Menorca is the windiest and wettest of the Balearic Islands.
More information on Menorca weather…
Menorca (or Minorca) – the second largest of the Balearic Islands – is situated in the Mediterranean Sea around 269km (167mi) east of Barcelona, Spain.
The most convenient route to Menorca is by air to Menorca Airport (MAH), also known as Mahón Airport, located 4.5km (2.8mi) southwest of the capital, Mahón.
By sea, a frequent ferry service operates to and from Palma de Majorca, Ibiza and Barcelona.
More information on how to get to Menorca…
Latest update: Menorca: 22 May, 2023
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