In winter Menorca is quiet, green and full of sites you can visit for free. From November to March the old towns of Maó and Ciutadella, the Museu de Menorca and Lithica (mornings) stay open; the Illa del Rei opens on Sunday mornings and you can drive to Favàritx again. Many coastal hotels and restaurants close, so it is best to stay in Maó, Ciutadella or inland.
Sites with free access
From November to April the Naveta des Tudons is free to visit; Torre d’en Galmés is free from November to Easter and Talatí de Dalt from November to March. Cales Coves can be visited freely all year.
Start at the Naveta des Tudons, near Ciutadella, then Torre d’en Galmés and Talatí de Dalt. With no heat and no crowds, it is the best time to explore Talayotic Menorca; we explain it in this guide.
Recommended itinerary
4 days
History and culture
Menorca history route
Four days of talayots, British fortresses, museums and the old capital, from east to west.
Museums and indoor visits
The Museu de Menorca opens Tuesday to Sunday (free on Sundays), Lithica from 9:00 to 14:00, and La Mola fortress from 10:00 to 14:00 in February, March and November; it closes in January and from 9 December.
The Illa del Rei opens from November to March on Sunday mornings only, by boat from the Hospital de Cala Fontanillas jetty in Es Castell. At Lithica, last entry is at 12:30; and La Mola fortress closes on Mondays in winter.
Lighthouses and nature without the crowds
From October to mid-May you can drive up to Favàritx lighthouse, and the Camí de Cavalls and s’Albufera des Grau are pleasant without the heat. Bring a coat: the tramontana blows more often in winter.
In December and January the sun sets around 17:30: plan the day to watch it from Monte Toro, whose bar opens at weekends from November to March, or from Favàritx lighthouse. For walking, the Camí de Cavalls.
Where to eat and sleep in winter
Stay in Maó, Ciutadella or inland, where hotels and restaurants open all year. In Fornells, some lobster stew restaurants close in December, January and February.
Maó’s Mercat des Claustre opens all year (Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 21:00 and Sunday mornings). Call before going to a coastal restaurant: many close for holidays.
A winter weekend
On Saturday, the west and the centre (the Naveta, Lithica, Ciutadella, Torre d’en Galmés and sunset on Monte Toro); on Sunday, the east (the Illa del Rei, the free Museu de Menorca and Favàritx).
Recommended itinerary
2 days
Charming places
Menorca in winter: a weekend
Saturday in the west and centre, Sunday in Maó and Favàritx: what’s open from November to March.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
2 days
Charming places
Menorca in winter: a weekend
Saturday in the west and centre, Sunday in Maó and Favàritx: what’s open from November to March.
4 days
History and culture
Menorca history route
Four days of talayots, British fortresses, museums and the old capital, from east to west.
