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  • Charming places
  • 3 days

Lighthouses and villages of Menorca

One day for each coast of the island, never crossing it twice. The east of slate lighthouses and fishing villages; the wild north from the roof of Menorca to Cape Cavalleria; and the west, with Ciutadella and the island’s two best sunsets.

Overview

Length
3 days
Activity level
Moderate short walks on uneven ground and quite a lot of driving
Type of experience
Charming places, Beaches and coves

Itinerary

Day 1The east: Favàritx, Es Grau and La Mola
  1. Morning

    09:15–11:15

    Maó

  2. Midday

    11:45–15:30

    Maó

  3. Afternoon

    16:30–18:30

    Maó

  4. Evening

    19:30–22:30

    Es Castell

Days 2 to 3 are in the full itinerary

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  • Each day, with times
  • A card for each place
  • Phone numbers and tips
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What’s included

  • A plan for every day with approximate times, from morning to night
  • Online itinerary to mark each place as visited during your trip
  • Downloadable PDF with every detail, to use offline too
  • How to get from one stop to the next: time, distance, parking and bus
  • Several places to eat in each area, in case one is full
  • An indoor alternative for rainy days
  • Summer and winter opening hours and access restrictions
  • A card for each place with the day and time of your visit, car parks and bus lines
  • Timetables of the summer shuttle buses to Favàritx and Punta Nati

Places you’ll visit

Tap a place to see its card without leaving the itinerary.

  • Charming places

    A black-and-white striped lighthouse on a cape of dark slate, inside the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park. One of Menorca’s most striking landscapes.

  • Beaches and coves

    A small fishing village with a very calm, shallow beach, the gateway to the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park.

  • History and culture

    Isabel II’s fortress, built in the 19th century to defend the entrance to Maó harbour. Underground galleries, bastions and a large Vavasseur gun at Spain’s easternmost point.

  • Charming places

    The little harbour of Es Castell, at the mouth of Maó harbour: old fishermen’s caves turned into restaurants with tables by the water.

  • Charming places

    Menorca’s highest point (358 m), in the centre of the island. At the top are the sanctuary of the Virgin of El Toro and a viewpoint from which you can see almost all of Menorca.

  • Charming places

    A fishing village in the north, at the end of a large, calm bay. It’s famous for its lobster stew and its 18th-century defence tower.

  • Beaches and coves

    An unspoilt cove in the north with reddish sand and rocks and islets off the shore. You reach it on foot from Binimel·là in about 35 minutes.

  • Charming places

    The lighthouse at Menorca’s northernmost point, above 90-metre cliffs. From here you see the north coast, the natural harbour of Sanitja and, on clear days, Mallorca.

  • History and culture

    Menorca’s old capital: palaces, the Gothic cathedral, plaça des Born and the arcaded streets of Ses Voltes, all on foot within less than a kilometre.

  • Nightlife and leisure

    Ciutadella’s narrow, elongated natural harbour gathers terraces, restaurants and cocktail bars: where people dine and go out in the west of the island.

  • Charming places

    A black-and-white striped lighthouse at the south-western tip of Menorca, next to Cala en Bosc. Facing Mallorca, it’s another great spot for sunset.

  • Charming places

    A 1913 lighthouse on Ciutadella’s north coast, about 7 km from the centre, surrounded by a landscape of dry-stone walls. One of the island’s best sunsets.

Related guides

Favàritx lighthouse with black and white stripes on the dark rocky cape

Charming places · Maó

Favàritx lighthouse

A black-and-white striped lighthouse on a cape of dark slate, inside the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park. One of Menorca’s most striking landscapes.

A cape of slate

Unlike the rest of the north coast, the rock here is black, heavily eroded slate, which gives the cape an almost lunar look. The lighthouse, from 1922, has become one of the island’s most recognisable images.

Close by are the coves of Presili and Tortuga, which you reach on foot along the Camí de Cavalls.

Before you go

It’s a protected area: there are no bars and no shade. In summer, plan your visit around the shuttle bus times and bring water.

Practical information

Municipality
Maó
Location
Cap de Favàritx, north of Maó, inside the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park
Best time
Morning or late afternoon
Seasonal access
From mid-May to 30 September you can’t drive up: bus L43 from Maó bus station (first departure around 9:45 and last return around 19:45; €3.60 ticket). From October to mid-May you can drive there.
By car
From Maó, 25 min (16 km) along the Fornells road and the Favàritx turn-off. Only from October to mid-May: in season the road is closed to cars.
Parking
From October to mid-May, a small car park at the end of the road
By bus
Line L43 Maó–Favàritx from Maó bus station, from mid-May to 30 September. Stops at the lighthouse and at the beach paths. Bus timetables: Favàritx bus (opens in a new tab)

See the details

White houses and boats of Es Grau by the water

Beaches and coves · Maó

Es Grau

A small fishing village with a very calm, shallow beach, the gateway to the s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park.

What it’s like

The beach sits in a sheltered bay, with sand and water that stays shallow for many metres: one of the best for small children.

The village has restaurants with terraces over the water, and paths lead from here to the lagoon and the Camí de Cavalls.

Practical information

Municipality
Maó
Location
9 km from Maó
Best time
Morning and midday
By car
From Maó, 15 min (9 km). Free parking at the entrance to the village.
Parking
Free car park at the entrance to the village
By bus
Line L23 Maó–Es Grau, all year round, more often in summer. Bus timetables: Beach buses (opens in a new tab)

See the details

Main gate of La Mola fortress in Maó

History and culture · Maó

La Mola fortress

Isabel II’s fortress, built in the 19th century to defend the entrance to Maó harbour. Underground galleries, bastions and a large Vavasseur gun at Spain’s easternmost point.

The fortress

It was built between 1848 and 1875 and is one of the best examples of fortification of its time in Europe. You walk through loopholed galleries, the Queen’s Gate and the gun battery.

Part of the visit is underground, so it’s a good option on very hot days or in light rain.

Practical information

Municipality
Maó
Location
La Mola peninsula, at the northern mouth of Maó harbour
Best time
Morning or afternoon (a visit of about 2 h)
Opening hours
From April to September, 10:00 to 20:00 (June to August, until 20:30). October, 10:00 to 18:00–19:30. February, March and November, 10:00 to 14:00 (closed on Mondays). Closed in January and from 9 December. General admission €8.25, at the ticket office only.
By car
From Maó, 15 min (8 km) round the harbour along the La Mola road. Free parking.
Parking
Free car park at the fortress
By bus
No bus goes to the fortress: take a taxi from Maó (about 15 minutes).

See the details

Boats moored in front of the colourful houses of Cales Fonts

Charming places · Es Castell

Cales Fonts (Es Castell)

The little harbour of Es Castell, at the mouth of Maó harbour: old fishermen’s caves turned into restaurants with tables by the water.

The easternmost harbour

Es Castell grew as the suburb of Sant Felip castle during British rule: hence its parade ground and Georgian-style houses.

Cales Fonts is the cove where boats took shelter; today it’s one of the liveliest places for an evening stroll.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Castell
Location
Es Castell, 3 km from Maó
Best time
Sunset and dinner
By car
From Maó, 8 min (3 km). In summer, park in the upper part of Es Castell and walk down.
Parking
Street parking in Es Castell; in summer, better park at the top and walk down
By bus
Line Maó–Es Castell, with frequent departures from Maó town centre. Bus timetables: Island bus lines (opens in a new tab)

See the details

View from Monte Toro over the fields of central Menorca and the village of Es Mercadal

Charming places · Es Mercadal

Monte Toro

Menorca’s highest point (358 m), in the centre of the island. At the top are the sanctuary of the Virgin of El Toro and a viewpoint from which you can see almost all of Menorca.

The roof of Menorca

The Franciscan sanctuary was built from 1670 on the site of an old Gothic church. From the terrace you can see Fornells bay, the north coast and, on clear days, Mallorca.

The road up is narrow and winding: take it slowly.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
3 km from Es Mercadal along the Me-13 road
Best time
First thing in the morning or sunset, with a clear sky
Opening hours
The drive up and the sanctuary are free. The Sa Posada del Toro bar-restaurant opens daily from 1 May to 31 October and only at weekends from November to March.
By car
From Es Mercadal, 10 min (3 km) along the Me-13, narrow and winding. Free parking at the top.
Parking
Free car park at the top
By bus
The Maó–Ciutadella bus stops in Es Mercadal. From there, a taxi or a 1-hour uphill walk. Bus timetables: Island bus lines (opens in a new tab)

See the details

Fornells harbour with boats and palm trees in front of the white houses

Charming places · Es Mercadal

Fornells

A fishing village in the north, at the end of a large, calm bay. It’s famous for its lobster stew and its 18th-century defence tower.

What to see

The harbour promenade, with fishing boats and terraces, leads to the Fornells tower, a British defence tower from the late 18th century overlooking the mouth of the bay.

The bay, shallow and sheltered, is one of the island’s best places to try kayaking or paddleboarding.

The caldereta

Lobster stew (caldereta) is the village’s best-known dish. It’s expensive and worth booking, especially in summer. Several restaurants close in the winter months.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
Fornells bay, 9 km from Es Mercadal
Best time
Midday (for lunch) or afternoon
By car
From Es Mercadal, 12 min (9 km) along the Me-15; from Maó, 35 min. Free parking at the entrance to the village.
Parking
Free car park at the entrance to the village
By bus
Line Es Mercadal–Fornells–Son Parc–Arenal d'en Castell–Maó, and the Fornells–Es Mercadal line, which connects with the Maó–Ciutadella bus. Bus timetables: Beach buses (opens in a new tab)

See the details

Reddish rocks and turquoise water in Cala Pregonda

Beaches and coves · Es Mercadal

Cala Pregonda

An unspoilt cove in the north with reddish sand and rocks and islets off the shore. You reach it on foot from Binimel·là in about 35 minutes.

What it’s like

Its reddish colour, the pines and the islets give it a different feel from the southern coves. There are no facilities.

In July and August the Binimel·là car park fills up before midday: it’s best to arrive between 9:00 and 10:00.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
North coast of Es Mercadal
Best time
Morning (in August, first thing)
By car
From Es Mercadal, 25 min (13 km); the last 2 km are a dirt track. Binimel·là car park and a 35-minute walk.
Parking
Binimel·là car park (dirt track for the last 2 km); then 30–40 minutes on foot along the Camí de Cavalls, with no shade
By bus
No bus goes there: you need a car or a taxi.

See the details

Cavalleria lighthouse, a white tower beside the keeper’s house

Charming places · Es Mercadal

Cavalleria lighthouse

The lighthouse at Menorca’s northernmost point, above 90-metre cliffs. From here you see the north coast, the natural harbour of Sanitja and, on clear days, Mallorca.

The wildest north

The lighthouse was built in 1857 on the cape that closes the island to the north. Around it, a landscape of low scrub and rock falling sheer into the sea, home to seabirds.

On the way you pass the natural harbour of Sanitja, where there was a Roman settlement, and Cavalleria beach, with reddish sand.

Tips

The tramontana wind blows hard: hold on to your hat and stay away from the cliff edge.

Practical information

Municipality
Es Mercadal
Location
Cap de Cavalleria, north of Es Mercadal (CF-3 road)
Best time
Afternoon and sunset
By car
From Es Mercadal, 20 min (15 km) along the Me-15 and the CF-3 road. Parking next to the lighthouse.
Parking
Car park next to the lighthouse; in July and August arrive before midday
By bus
No bus goes there. The nearest is the Fornells bus: take a taxi from there.

See the details

Façade of Ciutadella cathedral on the cathedral square

History and culture · Ciutadella de Menorca

Ciutadella old town

Menorca’s old capital: palaces, the Gothic cathedral, plaça des Born and the arcaded streets of Ses Voltes, all on foot within less than a kilometre.

What to see

Plaça des Born, with its obelisk and the town hall on the walls; the cathedral, built on the site of the old mosque after the Catalan conquest of 1287; and the Ses Voltes arcades, full of shops.

From the Born you walk down to the harbour, where many of the town’s restaurants are.

Tip

On rainy days, Ses Voltes and the cathedral let you carry on your visit under cover.

Practical information

Municipality
Ciutadella de Menorca
Location
Ciutadella town centre, between plaça des Born and the cathedral
Best time
Morning or from 18:00 in summer
Opening hours
Cathedral (free visit): 8:00 to 13:00 and 18:00 to 20:00; no tourist visits on Sundays and public holidays.
By car
From Maó, 50 min (45 km) along the Me-1. Park on the ring roads (Contramurada): the centre is pedestrian.
Parking
Car parks on the ring roads (Contramurada); the historic centre is pedestrian
By bus
Line Maó–Ciutadella every 30 minutes (and the non-stop Express Bus). The station is a 10-minute walk from the Born. Bus timetables: Island bus lines (opens in a new tab)

See the details

Ciutadella harbour with moored boats and whitewashed houses

Nightlife and leisure · Ciutadella de Menorca

Ciutadella harbour

Ciutadella’s narrow, elongated natural harbour gathers terraces, restaurants and cocktail bars: where people dine and go out in the west of the island.

At night

The terraces fill up from 21:00. Further along, towards the end of the harbour, are the cocktail bars and places with music.

In summer it’s worth booking a table for dinner.

Practical information

Municipality
Ciutadella de Menorca
Location
Baixada Capllonch and Passeig del Port, Ciutadella
Best time
Sunset and evening
By car
Park on the Contramurada or near plaça des Born and walk down the Baixada Capllonch steps.
Parking
Car parks near plaça des Born or on the Contramurada
By bus
Line Maó–Ciutadella to Ciutadella station and a 15-minute walk. Bus timetables: Island bus lines (opens in a new tab)

See the details

Artrutx lighthouse at sunset on Menorca’s south-west coast

Charming places · Ciutadella de Menorca

Artrutx lighthouse

A black-and-white striped lighthouse at the south-western tip of Menorca, next to Cala en Bosc. Facing Mallorca, it’s another great spot for sunset.

The south-western point

The lighthouse marks the channel between Menorca and Mallorca, which you can see across the water on clear days. The coast is low and rocky, ideal for a sunset walk.

A few minutes away are Cala en Bosc, with its marina and restaurants, and the beaches of Son Xoriguer.

Practical information

Municipality
Ciutadella de Menorca
Location
Cap d’Artrutx, next to Cala en Bosc (south of Ciutadella)
Best time
Sunset
By car
From Ciutadella, 20 min (11 km) south along the Cala en Bosc road. Free parking next to the lighthouse.
Parking
Free car park next to the lighthouse
By bus
Line Ciutadella–Sa Caleta–Cala en Bosc–Son Xoriguer: get off at Cala en Bosc and walk 15 minutes. Bus timetables: Beach buses (opens in a new tab)

See the details

Punta Nati lighthouse among stone walls on Ciutadella’s north coast

Charming places · Ciutadella de Menorca

Punta Nati lighthouse

A 1913 lighthouse on Ciutadella’s north coast, about 7 km from the centre, surrounded by a landscape of dry-stone walls. One of the island’s best sunsets.

History

The shipwrecks of the early 20th century, especially that of the French steamer “Général Chanzy” in 1910, led to its construction. The lighthouse opened on 1 September 1913.

It is 11.5 metres tall and its light can be seen about 26 miles away. The surroundings, a rocky plain with dry-stone huts and walls, are part of Menorca’s traditional farming landscape.

Tips for your visit

The sun sets over the sea, so arrive half an hour early. Bring a warm layer even in summer: it’s usually windy on the point.

There are no facilities: bring water and a torch to get back to the car after dark.

Practical information

Municipality
Ciutadella de Menorca
Location
North coast of Ciutadella, at the end of the CF-5 road
Best time
Sunset
Seasonal access
In July and August, at sunset, access is by shuttle bus from Ciutadella (avinguda Josep Mascaró Passarius). The rest of the year you can drive there.
By car
From Ciutadella, 15 min (7 km) north along the CF-5 road. Free parking before the lighthouse.
Parking
Free car park before the lighthouse, with limited spaces
By bus
No regular line. In July and August, at sunset, a shuttle bus leaves from Ciutadella's ring road (avinguda Josep Mascaró Passarius); booking needed. Bus timetables: Punta Nati lighthouse bus (opens in a new tab)

See the details

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