If it’s your first visit and you want to explore the island, stay in Ciutadella or Maó: they are the two towns with most services, linked by the Me-1 road that crosses Menorca from west to east in about 45 minutes. To relax by the sea, the south-coast resorts keep you close to the coves; for a quiet trip, choose the north or the interior.
Ciutadella: old town and the southern coves
Ciutadella, at the western tip, is the best base if you want a historic centre, restaurants by the harbour and the unspoilt southern coves less than 30 minutes away.
It was the island’s capital until the 18th century and keeps an old town of narrow streets around the cathedral. The buses to Macarella and Cala Turqueta leave from here, and in 15 minutes you’re at Punta Nati lighthouse for sunset.
Recommended itinerary
1 day
History and culture
Ciutadella in a day
The naveta, the marès quarries, the old capital, an unspoilt cove and sunset at Punta Nati.
Maó (Mahón): the harbour and town life
Maó, in the east, is the capital: the airport is 15 minutes away by bus, it has the Museu de Menorca and one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
It’s the easiest choice if you fly in and want to use public transport: buses to the rest of the island leave from its station. Next door is Es Castell, with waterside dinners in Cales Fonts, and at the harbour mouth, La Mola fortress.
Recommended itinerary
1 day
Food and local markets
Maó in a day, on foot
Markets, museum, tapas by the harbour, a gin tasting and dinner in Cales Fonts, no car needed. Ideal for cruise passengers.
South coast: sandy beaches and resorts
The south coast has resorts next to fine sandy beaches with calm water: the easiest option with children.
Cala Galdana, Son Bou (the island’s longest beach) or Binibeca have beachfront accommodation. In return, you’ll be further from the old towns and more dependent on the car.
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.
North and interior: peace and landscape
The north has a wilder coast and small villages such as Fornells; the interior (Es Mercadal, Alaior, Ferreries) is less than 30 minutes from Maó and Ciutadella.
Fornells is known for its lobster stew and its calm bay. Inland you’ll find country houses and farm stays: a good base if you hire a car and want to reach any part of the island easily.
Recommended itinerary
5 days
Nature and hiking
Menorca on foot
Five days of trails: s’Albufera des Grau, the red north, the Algendar gorge and the southern Camí de Cavalls.
How to choose for your trip
First visit without a car: Maó or Ciutadella. With children: the south coast. A quiet trip: the north or the interior. With a car, the area matters less: the island is about 50 km end to end.
| Area | Best for | Bear in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Ciutadella | Historic centre, harbour dinners and the unspoilt southern coves | At the western tip, 50 min from the airport |
| Maó | Flying in, getting around by bus and the Museu de Menorca | More town life than beach life |
| South coast | Families with children and calm sandy beaches | Further from the old towns; you rely more on the car |
| North and interior | Quiet trips, landscape and small villages such as Fornells | Best explored by car |
- Book well ahead for July and August: that’s when the island is busiest.
- Check whether your accommodation includes parking, especially in the old towns.
- For a week, two bases (one in the east and one in the west) save a lot of driving.
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.
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.
