MENORCA

Menorca view

The name Menorca comes from Latin, meaning a “smaller island”,* because it’s smaller than its sister Majorca, but it's still the second largest island of the Balearic islands, with Mahon as its capital. According to a legend, after his victory in Menorca, French duke Richelieu brought a white sauce to France and called it mayonnaise, because it was invented in Mahon.

Menorca panorama

Menorca with a luggage

Menorca

8 km from Mahón there is a cute little village with white fishing houses called Binibeca Vell. You can explore the village and its little fishing port.

On your way to Ciutadella you stop by a place called “Lithica” that used to be Minorca’s Quarries where minorquis extracted the limestone. There you can see a stone labyrinth and beautiful gardens. And they also have a cubical amphitheater for summer concerts.

Ciutadella of Menorca

The most beautiful town in Menorca in my humble opinion is Ciutadella, which is the historical capital of the island. It has a very cute and elegant old town where you can see the Cathedral Basilica of Ciutadella de Menorca. It has its very cute little port, Puerto de Ciutadella.

The society that lived on the Balearic Islands during the Iron Age (before the Romans) is called Talayotic Culture. In Menorca there is a touristic route called Ruta talayotica.

One of the examples of this culture is la naveta des tudons built in 1200 BC, which makes it the oldest fully preserved building in Europe. Another example is Necropolis de Cala morell which is the oldest and best preserved caves.

If you are like me and love cave bars you’ll appreciate the Cova d'en Xoroi which is one of the coolest places in Menorca in my opinion.

But the main reason for the tourists to come to Menorca is its amazing beaches. The water there is super crystal clear and the sand is the softest and whitest ever. And most beaches are kinda in the same area.

Cala Santandria

Cala Turqueta

Macarella viewpoint

Another beach is Macarella which is absolutely stunning and you should also do a little hiking up the rock to get to see the spectacular panoramic views of the area.

Macarelleta

If you get to the other side of rock you can find a smaller and more beautiful version of the beach called Macarelleta which is my personal favorite.

Another beach is Cala Mitjana is also a cala with crystal clear water.

Cala Mitjana

Son Saura

One of the largest beaches of Menorca is arenal de son saura, great for the big families.

Cala Blanca

If you wanna go to a cute restaurant with a good sea view you can visit cala Blanca, where you can find a cute restaurant called Sa Cova de Cala Blanca.

Cala en Bosch

Cala en Brut

If you are staying in Ciutadella you can walk to a little different kind of cala, Cala en Brut. it is not a sandy beach , you lay on the stone platforms and if you want to swim you jump into the water.

Cala en Blanes

Fornells

On the north of Menorca there are beaches with reddish sand such as Playa de Cavalleria and Playas de Fornells.

Fornells is one more cute little village worth visiting. It has its little charming port and a local Tower Torre de Fornells which is one of the many defense towers that surround the coast of Menorca. You can also find a place to eat the traditional dish Caldereta de langosta. On the east of the island you can visit Faro de Favaritx which is the most picturesque lighthouse in Menorca, playa de Tortuga with grayish sand and The most important Natural park of the island of Menorca S'Albufera des Grau which has a very impressive flora and fauna.

The highest viewpoint in Menorca is Monte Toro, you can visit the catholic church there called Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Toro, buy souvenirs in a shop EL Toro and go to a restaurant Sa Posada del Toro.

Lastly, You can find a variety of Castles in Menorca such as fortification de la mola built for Isabel II, Fortaleza Marlborough built by the British people, and Castillo de San Felipe.

But to be completely honest if you just come to Menorca to enjoy its beaches you won't feel like you missed any of the sights. The beaches are so unbelievably beautiful and peaceful they will fill you with inspiration and emotions. But If you are a party freak, the choice for the best island for you is obvious. You have to visit Ibiza.