A week is enough to see the whole of Menorca without rushing. The key is to sleep in two bases —three nights in the east (Maó or Es Castell) and the rest in the west (Ciutadella)— and to give each day to one area, so you never cross the island twice in a day. Keep one day free in case the tramontana blows or it rains.
Two bases: east and west
With Maó or Es Castell as your first base and Ciutadella as the second, you never spend more than an hour in the car: the Me-1 road links the two towns in about 45–50 minutes.
If you’d rather not move, inland (Es Mercadal, Alaior or Ferreries) is less than 30 minutes from both coasts. The pros of each area, in where to stay in Menorca.
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.
Days 1 to 3: Maó, the south-east and the north
From the eastern base: Maó and La Mola fortress; Binibeca, Cales Coves and sunset at the Cova d’en Xoroi; and a day in the north with Monte Toro, Fornells and Cavalleria lighthouse.
- Maó and La Mola fortress (€8.25, ticket office only), with dinner in Cales Fonts.
- Binibeca Vell (visits 10:00 to 22:00), Cales Coves and the Cova d’en Xoroi: sunset tickets sell out in summer.
- Monte Toro, Fornells and Cavalleria lighthouse.
Days 4 to 6: the southern coves and Ciutadella
From Ciutadella: Cala Mitjana, Cala Galdana and the Algendar gorge; the Naveta des Tudons, the old town and Cala Turqueta with sunset at Punta Nati; and a morning in Macarella.
From 1 June to 30 September you can only reach Macarella on bus L69 from Ciutadella or on foot: take one of the first buses, from 8:25. Cala Mitjana, the Algendar gorge, the Naveta des Tudons and Punta Nati lighthouse each have a page with how to get there.
Day 7: a flexible day
Keep the last day for whatever the weather stopped you doing, or to go back to your favourite cove. If it rains, the Museu de Menorca, the Lithica quarries or a cheese dairy are good plans.
More ideas in what to do in Menorca when it rains. When the tramontana (the north wind) blows, the southern coves are more sheltered.
A week to suit your trip
With children, one beach a day and short drives; on foot, five days of paths and the Camí de Cavalls; and if you love history, four days of Talayotic sites, fortresses and museums.
- Menorca’s coves with the family: seven days with a plan for every rainy day.
- Menorca on foot: s’Albufera des Grau, the red north, the Algendar gorge and the southern Camí de Cavalls.
- Menorca history route: from Talayotic sites to British fortresses.
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.
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.
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.
