2 weeks Ago By The Telegraph
The second largest of the Balearic islands, and a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Menorca certainly packs a punch. With a tumultuous history that witnessed countless assaults from the Romans, Vandals, Muslims, French and British, it’s hardly surprising that today the island’s rich heritage is a result of an impressive melding of cultures. From the elegance of the historic capital, Mahón, with its British influences, and vast natural harbour, to the colourful Gothic and Baroque architecture, churches and palaces of Ciutadella, Menorca has it all.
In the two principal towns there are vibrant shops, cafés and restaurants, while scattered across the island you’ll find magnificent megalithic monuments, bearing testimony to the island’s ancient Talayotic history. Wedged between Ciutadella in the west and Mahón in the east, pretty market towns are surrounded by lush countryside, while the coastline is abundant with hidden coves and pristine beaches with clean waters and the whitest of sand. For further inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants , things to do , nightlife and beaches .
In this guide How to spend your weekend Day one: morning Get ready for an action-packed day by car. Starting in the capital, Mahón, enjoy an early wake-up breakfast at the American Bar before delving into the island’s absorbing Talayotic history at the majestic Museum of Menorca. Afterwards, head to the atmospheric harbour for the exhilarating fast ferry ride across the picturesque bay to the tiny island of Isla del Rey .
Step back in time at the fascinating 18th-century former military hospital with its medicinal garden and apothecary, and visit the elegant Hauser & Wirth Gallery. Here you can inspect the new and temporary art collections and visit its café in a forested garden. Back in Mahón, take the 15-minute drive along the Me-3 to the imposing Fortress of Isabel II at La Mola.
Admire its impressive military architecture and explore the labyrinth-like underground bunkers before revelling in the beguiling views out to sea. Back in Mahón, treat yourself to a well-deserved seafood platter on the shady terrace of El Rais in the port. Afternoon A relaxing afternoon beckons in nearby Sant Lluís on the eastern tip, just a 10-minute drive from central Mahón.
En route, you’ll pass the large Talayotic settlement of Trepucó where you can make a pit stop if it takes your fancy, and also the charming old Molí de Dalt flour mill, built in 1762, which you can see on the main road in Sant Lluís. At Bodegas Binifadet make the most of the glorious vineyard views and walk through the attractive grounds while learning about the different grape varieties, and sampling delicious wines (note that it’s best to book your guided tour and tasting online before your trip). If time allows, take a refreshing dip in one of the local coves, such as nearby Cala Rafalet or Binibeca Nou.
Late Just a few minutes’ drive outside Sant Lluís is the inviting Sa Pedrera d’es Pujol restaurant, housed in an attractive, authentic rural property surrounded by rolling countryside. This is where you can sit on the stylish terrace and indulge in the mouthwatering Menorcan gastronomy of celebrated chef Daniel Mora, whose signature dishes are legendary. Back in Mahón after your whirlwind day, what could be better than a relaxing postprandial snifter on the waterfront at lively Latitud 40 , where you can cast your eyes over the glittering water and delight in the views of the twinkling lights of the town.
Day two: morning An early start beckons in lively Ciutadella, arguably the most aesthetically pleasing of the island’s towns. Beat the crowds and start at the Cathedral of Santa Maria , a Gothic masterpiece, with its leering gargoyles gracing the buttresses, before popping next door to the sumptuous 17th-century Olivar Palace . Next, take a peek at elegant Plaça des Born before strolling past colourful historic palaces, and Baroque and Gothic churches, to the peaceful Convent of Sant Agustí – all included in the cathedral ticket price.
Enjoy a reviving drink at a café in the picturesque and bustling harbour before setting off to Lithica Quarry , five minutes away by road. This enormous limestone quarry is best explored in comfy shoes as there’s a lot of ground to cover and much to see, including gardens and art exhibits. From here, head for the idyllic Cala Galdana, just a 15-minute drive away, stopping along the road to take a peek at two splendid Talayotic sites – Naveta des Tudons and Torretrencada.
Afternoon In sandy Galdana bay take a refreshing dip in the clear, turquoise waters before tucking into a scrumptious pasta or a fresh seafood platter on the shady terrace of Italian restaurant Francesca Menorca . Afterwards, drive to Es Mercadal in the rural heartland for a visit to the charming Artisanal Centre housed in the old town barracks to learn about traditional local handcrafts and to stock up on gifts in the shop. Your final stop is just beyond the market town of Alaior where you’ll find Lloc de Menorca , an inspiring zoological park and sanctuary for a multitude of illegally trafficked or abandoned domestic and exotic animal species and reptiles.
While here, don’t miss the Naveta de Biniac Oriental or the two further Talayotic sites across the road. Next, visit nearby Binibeca farm to learn about cheesemaking before heading back to Ciutadella. Late After freshening up at your hotel, call at the peaceful garden of La Margarete restaurant and bar near the cathedral and savour a zesty pomada made with local Xoriguer gin.
Feeling mellow, take the five-minute walk to elegant Es Tast de na Silvia , with its whitewashed walls decorated with pots of herbs and flowers. Feast on locally sourced market-fresh fare offered on the exquisite and varied tasting menu. For a little night music head to the cool terrace of the vibrant Jazzbah Club and enjoy the views in the attractive harbour.
Where to stay Luxury living The centuries-old history of a Menorcan country palace meets modern luxury at the 22-room Santa Ponsa . Lush Moorish gardens descend in traditional terraces to a dazzling spa, housed in an ancient cistern. Between the fabulous indoor and outdoor pools and the excellent restaurant, there’s plenty to do.
Read our full review here Boutique beauty Casa Ladico is an appealing alternative to the island’s large-scale beach hotels. This elegant 18th-century urban mansion has been reimagined as a sophisticated boutique hotel – complete with a tranquil patio and outdoor pool, a stylish bistro and a bijou basement spa. Read our full review here Budget bolthole The building housing Nou Sant Antoni dates back to medieval times, and maintains decorative elements of its ancient past.
The boutique six-room stay – situated just minutes from the storied streets of Menorca’s one-time capital, Ciutadella – suits travellers preferring singular surrounds sans the frills. Read our full review here How to get there and how to get around Conveniently, Mahón Airport is served by several UK airlines ( EasyJet , British Airways , Ryanair ) and for island hopping, there are Balearic inter-island flights and ferries . Countless taxis and hire car companies are available at the airport, and the regular L-10 bus to Mahón centre runs throughout the year and is only 10 minutes away by road.
There is an excellent bus network island-wide during the high season but during winter, the service can be sparse. When to go The joy of Menorca is that it has a temperate climate all year round. From June to September it can be very hot so best not plan anything too energetic during these months.
The perfect period for hiking and cycling is in the spring and autumn when Menorca is less busy, and it is sunny and mild. The most thrillingly authentic and rowdy fiesta with Menorcan-bred horses is Sant Joan in Ciutadella on June 23 to 24. Know before you go Local laws and etiquette Islanders are easy-going and welcoming although they dislike boorish, drunken behaviour and the wearing of flimsy beach attire beyond the resorts.
The Minorcans speak their own dialect of Catalan, and many signs are in the local language. Tipping is at one’s discretion but 10 per cent is acceptable. Accessibility for travellers with disabilities is generally good across the island.
About our expert Anna Nicholas is Telegraph Travel’s Majorca expert. A resident of Majorca for 23 years, she is a frequent visitor to Menorca. The Hauser & Wirth gallery on Isla del Rey is a favourite haunt where she loves to browse the latest exhibits.
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