Most problems on a first trip to Menorca have to do with summer: roads closed to cars, car parks full before 8:00 and plans that sell out. These are the ten mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them.
1 and 2. Driving to Macarella or Favàritx in summer
From 1 June to 30 September you can’t drive to Macarella, and from mid-May to 30 September you can’t drive to Favàritx lighthouse either. You get there on buses L69 and L43, or on foot.
The Macarella bus leaves Ciutadella from 8:25, and the Favàritx bus leaves Maó bus station. All the summer changes, in summer access in Menorca.
3. Reaching the coves mid-morning
In July and August, the Cala Turqueta car park closes when full around 8:00, and the Binimel·là one, for Cala Pregonda, fills before midday. Arrive early or after 17:00.
In the afternoon the coves empty and the light is better. If you are late, change plans: beaches with facilities such as Cala Galdana or Son Bou have bigger car parks.
Recommended itinerary
7 days
Beaches and coves
Menorca’s coves with the family
A week of beaches: one area a day, short drives and a plan for every rainy day.
4 and 5. Crossing the island every day and not booking
Give each day to one area so you don’t cross the island twice, and book ahead in summer: the Cova d’en Xoroi sunset sells out and restaurants in Fornells and Ciutadella harbour fill up.
For a week, stay in two bases, as we explain in Menorca in a week. Cova d’en Xoroi tickets are sold on its website.
Recommended itinerary
6 days
Charming places
The best of Menorca in 6 days
The whole island in six days: Maó, the south-east, the north, the southern coves, Ciutadella and Macarella.
6 and 7. Going to an unspoilt cove without water or shade, and forgetting the tramontana
Unspoilt coves have no facilities: bring water, food and shade. And check the wind: when the tramontana (the north wind) blows, the northern coves get waves and the southern ones are more sheltered.
At Cap de Cavalleria and across the north the tramontana blows hard: keep away from cliff edges. The differences between the coasts, in beaches on Menorca’s north coast.
8 and 9. Leaving museums for a Monday and visiting Binibeca at the wrong time
On Mondays the Museu de Menorca and Maó’s Mercat des Peix are closed. Binibeca Vell is a lived-in estate: visit between 10:00 and 22:00, and quietly.
Make the most of Sundays: the Museu de Menorca is free. Visit Binibeca Vell in the morning, before 11:00, while there is still parking.
10. Walking at midday or driving after a night out
In summer, walk the Camí de Cavalls early with at least 1.5 litres of water per person. And if you go out for drinks, take a taxi back: Radio Taxi Menorca is on 971 367 111 and 971 482 222.
The Camí de Cavalls has little shade and no reliable water source. The first taxi number covers Maó, Sant Lluís and Es Castell; the second, Ciutadella and Ferreries.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
6 days
Charming places
The best of Menorca in 6 days
The whole island in six days: Maó, the south-east, the north, the southern coves, Ciutadella and Macarella.
3 days
Beaches and coves
Menorca without a car
Three days by bus and on foot: Es Grau, Ciutadella, Macarella, Cala Galdana and Cala Mitjana.
