12 Best Things To Do in Menorca

Menorca is one of those islands that completely takes you by surprise. Most people think to visit its neighbouring Mallorca, but Menorca is slowly on the rise and gaining popularity. Having had visited it for the first time, my best description of it would be the calmer, more refined version of Mallorca. It still feels completely untouched by tourism, and you will find mostly Spanish tourists traveling here. There is still not too much information on the best things to do and see, so as someone who experienced it, I have put together a list of 12 best things to do in Menorca. Whether you are visiting Menorca for the first or fifth time, I hope this list will be useful when planning your trip.

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Where to stay in Menorca

Menorca is not a very big island, however where you stay will determine a lot of the places you visit. You can choose to stay near Ciutadella, which is close to many beaches, restaurants, and has a lively atmosphere.

Alternatively, there are many amazing farmhouses and unique stays on the island. We stayed in one close to Mahon and honestly the location was perfect. It was called Agroturismo Santa Mariana, and was only around 30 minutes from the airport. This meant that we were close to the city but also the stay felt very remote and rural in the best way.

The hotel also has its own incredible farm to table restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The pool was another highlight – I could spend all day relaxing here. And all of this only cost 200 euros a night!

Things to do in Menorca

1. Explore Ciutadella

Ciutadella is one of the biggest cities on the island. Ciutadella has a lot to offer in terms of things to do. Here you will find many cafes, restaurants and shops. The atmosphere is particularly lively in the evening time when everyone comes out for dinner.

The location of the town is on the west side of the island, almost directly opposite of Mahon, the current capital of Menorca. Ciutadella used to be the capital for many years until it was moved to Mahon due to the larger natural harbour.

One of the things that you notice immediately in Ciutadella is the Grand limestone mansions. These were built by wealthy noble families and sit alongside tiny cobbled lanes, balconies with flowers and hidden courtyards.

Don’t miss the harbour, where you can see lots of fishing boats, cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces.

The town overall has a very relaxed, laid back vibe, which is quite different from Mallorca or Ibiza. I’d recommend wandering in the streets to discover independent shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants which set it apart from anywhere else.

If you don’t fancy exploring by yourself, you can also book a walking tour of Ciutadella.

2. Visit Mahon

Mahon, or alternatively referred to as Mao, is the capital of Menorca, located on the East side of the island. It is a very vibrant city, with lots of cafes, restaurants and shops. It is worth spending at least one day here exploring the town, or book a walking tour here.

Start the day at the Moll de Llevant, the waterfront area. Here you will find many seafood restaurants, bars and more. You can also admire the boats in the harbour. Alternatively, join a boat tour which can give you a nice idea of what the city is like from the water.

Then, head into the historic centre. Here you can wander and get lost in the picturesque streets, or enjoy a coffee at one of the outdoor patios. The shops here are great too, whether you enjoy local fashion or souvenirs. You can also buy the “Menorquinas”, handmade traditional sandals which are very popular in Spain and originate in Menorca.

Also don’t miss the fish market. This is the perfect place to go for lunch if you want to try some of the local cuisine and sample the fresh seafood. They have everything from seafood to tapas, Menorcan cheese, hams and more.

3. Take a boat to Isla del Rey

One of the most unique things to do in Menorca, in my opinion, is to visit Isla del Rey. This is a historic island very close to the capital Mahon.

To get here, you will need to get a ferry from Mahon which departs every hour from the harbour. In a few minutes, you will arrive on an the small island. You can check the ferry timetable and book here.

Isla del Rey is home to Hauser & Wirth, a contemporary art gallery, where world renowned artists exhibit their work. When we visited, the installation here was a room filled with balloons, which was very entertaining for both adults and kids.

If you visit the island, don’t miss the chance to eat at the iconic Cantina restaurant. with a huge back garden with views of the sea, and an open kitchen setting, this restaurant serves delicious seasonal Mediterranean dishes. You can book a table at the same website here.

Isla del Rey is a lovely place to spend half a day, and definitely a surprising spot.

4. Dinner at Nonna Bazaar

If you are looking for a memorable dining experience in Menorca, Nonna Bazaar is a restaurant you need to add to your list. It is located close to Ciutadella so it is the ideal place for dinner if you are staying close to this side of the island.

What makes this restaurant special is the setting. It is set inside a converted Menorcan farm house, blending traditional and bohemian architecture. Around sunset, there is a DJ playing background music which adds to the atmosphere.

The food is a blend of Mediterranean influences, including Spanish and Italian. They serve everything from fresh mezze and wood-fired pizzas to grilled meats and seasonal local produce.

5. Wine tasting at Bodega Binifadet

If you love wine and want want to try the local wines of Menorca, then I highly recommend doing the wine tasting tour at Bodega Binifadet. This is a privately owned winery and a restaurant only 5 minute drive away from Mahon.

Although Menorca is best known for its beautiful beaches, the island has a wine making history that dates back 2,000 years. Binifadet was founded with the goal of bringing back this tradition. This is apparent in the way the wine is made here. You will find multiple international varieties including Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah, but also some native grapes including Giró Ros and Garnacha Blanca.

The best way to experience the winery is to book a wine tasting tour. The tour is offered in English, Spanish and French. They will show you the vineyards and the barrels, and tell you more about the family that owns that winery as well as the wines themselves. You will also get to try the wines and get the chance to buy some to take home with you.

If you don’t come for the wine tasting, it is still worth visiting for the restaurant. They serve delicious local dishes made with seasonal ingredients, paired with the local wine. The setting is also very nice, with an outdoor terrace and stylish umbrellas. It is the perfect place to enjoy a lunch or dinner.

6. Visit Binibeca Vell

This village in Menorca is a must visit and definitely the most picturesque town on the island. It is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island and best visited during golden hour.

The white washed buildings and narrow alleyways make this town feel like a real life postcard. You can wander through and find so many aesthetic picture spots.

It is important to remember, however, that this is a residential area, with local houses and Airbnbs. So if you visit have this in mind and be respectful of your surroundings.

7. Sunset at Pont d’en Gill

If you are looking for a sunset viewing spot, Pont d’en Gill is the best place for it. Located a 10 minute drive from Ciutadella, this is a dramatic natural limestone arch, carved over the years by the sea.

It is easily accessible – once you park the car, you will only need to walk for about 10-15 minutes to reach it. Once here, the be aware that the terrain is rocky so sturdy shoes are recommended. There are no cafes or restaurants in the area so you can bring your own picnic with a view, or visit before or after your dinner.

8. Relax at Cala Macarella & Cala Macarelleta

One of the must things to do in Menorca is to visit the beaches. Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta in my opinion are the most beautiful and definitely worth a visit, even if accessing them is a little more difficult.

To access the beaches, you will need to first drive to Cala Galdana. Make sure to arrive early as parking in the area is limited and gets very full by mid day.

Once here, you can hike or take a boat to Cala Macarella. The hike takes around 30-40 minutes, and the boat costs 12 euros per person and takes under 10 minutes. We took the boat as the hike can feel intense in the heat!

When you arrive, you will find yourself at Cala Macarella. From here you can do a short 10 minute hike to Cala Macarelleta, which is even more beautiful in my opinion. The views along this hike were some of my favourite on the trip. The blues of the water and the boats make for a picture perfect spot.

Tip: if you come here, bring some snacks. There is a small restaurant at Cala Macarella but not much else in terms of facilities.

9. Drinks at Cova d’en Xoroi

For the most unique sunset experience, you need to visit Cova d’en Xoroi.

This is a bar carved into a cave, on the side of a cliff overlooking the sea. It is by far one of the most unique places I have ever visited!

You can buy a ticket in advance or get one on the spot, but I recommend booking one in advance to avoid being turned away. Especially if you are visiting for the sunset slot during the summer, it is more likely to be sold out.

Once inside, the ticket includes one drink per person. There is a DJ playing lively music inside the cave. The vibe is amazing – people dancing, watching the sunset and enjoying the atmosphere.

10. Dinner at Isabella Beach Club

Located above the Platges de Fornells is a stylish beach club. As it is right on the sea, the restaurant offers spectacular sunset views. I recommend arriving before the sun sets to enjoy that golden light and see the sun set beyond the horizon.

What makes this restaurant special is the setting and the atmosphere. People who come here make the effort to dress up, as it really feels like a “special occasion” restaurant. So if you have one night in your Menorca itinerary where you want to go all out, this is the place for it.

The menu is a mix of cuisines, you’ll find a mix sushi, grilled meats, seafood, salads and sharing plates. We had steaks and they were pretty good, although it was not the most memorable meal. They also offer a variety of cocktails and an extensive wine list of course.

I highly recommend booking your table in advance if you plan to visit Isabella Beach Club for dinner, especially if you want a table by the sea.

11. Brunch at Jardin Ses Bruixes

For the most aesthetic brunch place on the island, head to Jardin Ses Bruixes in Mahon. This is a restaurant which is part of a hotel, but anyone can walk in from outside to have a brunch or coffee here.

The restaurant is set inside a courtyard, surrounded with chandeliers and lush plants. The food you will find here is everything from eggs, coffee, juices, smoothies and more. It is the ideal place to start the day and fuel up before a day of relaxing on the beach or exploring.

12. Lunch at Bucaneros Beach Bar

Menorca has some of the most unique beach bars I have ever seen. Bucaneros is one of them.

Located at the Playa de Binibeca, this cosy restaurant has seating directly overlooking the water. They serve delicious fresh seafood, which is absolutely worth trying here. The staff are also very friendly and efficient with their service.

The tables here are first come, first serve basis so if you plan to spend some time at the Binibeca Beach (which is stunning by the way!), you can have a slow lunch by the water at Bucaneros.

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I hope this list of 12 best things to do in Menorca has been helpful for planning your trip. Menorca is one of my favourite trips I have done recently, so I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.