Menorca is an easy island with children: drives are short, there are plenty of sandy beaches with calm water and many plans need little walking. With young children, choose beaches with facilities that you can reach without a walk, such as Es Grau, Son Bou or Cala Galdana, and leave the unspoilt coves you can only reach on foot for later.
The best beaches for children
Es Grau has water that stays shallow for many metres; Son Bou, almost 3 km of sand; Cala Galdana, a shell-shaped bay with calm water and facilities; and Cala en Porter, sand between two cliffs.
- Es Grau: a sheltered bay 15 minutes from Maó, with a free car park and bus L23 all year.
- Son Bou: the longest beach on the island, with free car parks along the sand.
- Cala Galdana: everything to hand, from restaurants to sunbed and kayak hire; parking is paid in season.
- Cala en Porter: you walk down steps from the resort.
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.
Unspoilt coves you can do with children
With children who walk well, the easiest are Cala Turqueta, 10 minutes from its car park, and Macarelleta, 10 minutes from Macarella. Cala Mitjana is 20–30 minutes from Cala Galdana.
None has guaranteed shade and only Macarella has a beach bar: bring water, food and a sunshade. Walking times and paths, in coves you reach on foot.
Things children love
Kayaking in Fornells bay, the mazes of the Lithica quarries (free for under-12s), the flat trails of s’Albufera des Grau and the Naveta des Tudons, shaped like an upturned boat.
- Fornells: its shallow, sheltered bay is one of the best for a first go at kayaking.
- Lithica: mazes and gardens inside old quarries.
- S’Albufera des Grau: three short, flat trails with birdwatching hides.
- Naveta des Tudons: 500 metres on foot from the car park.
When it rains or it’s too hot
The Museu de Menorca, the underground galleries of La Mola fortress and the lower Algendar gorge, cooler than the coast, are good alternatives.
More ideas in what to do in Menorca when it rains. The Museu de Menorca is free on Sundays and closed on Mondays.
Where to stay as a family
The south coast (Cala Galdana, Son Bou or the Binibeca area) has places to stay right by the beach: the easiest option with young children, although you’ll be further from the old towns.
Compare areas in where to stay in Menorca.
Tips for travelling with children
In summer, go to the beach early and late in the afternoon and rest in the middle of the day. If you hire a car, book the child seat with it and check it is included in the final price.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
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.
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.
