Menorca Guide
Types of Solos – Active, Beach History, Nature Solo
Although most people head to Mallorca or Ibiza, Menorca (or Minorca) is an island that shouldn’t be overlooked. Being lesser known means that you can escape all the tourists and really get away from it all. If you love nature and a slower pace of life, Menorca is your island. If you're planning a trip to this island, this short Menorca guide covers things to do in Menorca, how to get around and recommended places to stay.
Must-Sees in Menorca
Menorca is the second-largest in the Balearic Islands, known for its beaches but there is more to do here than just sunbathe. Recognised as a natural biosphere reserve, Menorca has conserved its heritage and has lots of nature to explore with hidden coves and wild nature.
Mahon and Ciutadella are the main cities here and are located on either side of the island. Mahon is the Mediterranean’s natural harbour. Explore the historic centre on foot, take the colourful train that stops at some of the sights or hop aboard one of the boat trips from here to see Menorca from the coast. Mahon also has one of the oldest opera houses in Spain.
Over the years the island has been influenced by the Arabs, Romans, and French, with the British also leaving their legacy. There is also prehistoric evidence on the island with megalithic stone monuments and burial monuments known as “navetas,” dating back to 9th century B.C.
Menorca is definitely one for the history buffs, and has an old military fortress to explore at Fort Marlborough. Visit vineyards and salt marshes or just spend a day sunbathing and shopping.
History solos can discover what life was like for the islanders back in the 19th century at the Museo Binissues including how the lords lived. Plus if you like wildlife, you can visit the Museum of Natural Sciences to see the creepy crawlies too.
The Cami de Cavalls path is an ancient path which takes you 360 degrees around the island. Hike across gorges, coastline or past fortresses on Menorca’s own Camino de Santiago. Walk the whole path or just a section.
Get a great view at the Cavalleria Lighthouse and watch the sunset from the cliffs. Or go to the highest point of the island at Monte Toro for views of the island and watch the sunset from there.
For the beach GatG, Menorca has dozens of beaches and each one with a different landscape from the next. The most picturesque beach is Macerella with white sand and clear waters but there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Other favourites are Mitjana and Turqueta. Be prepared that some of the beaches are nudist beaches and you may get more than you bargained for!
If it's adrenalin that you're after, take advantage of the water sports that Menorca has to offer, such as kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing or stand up paddleboarding. With the water being so clear it is also a great place to dive with scuba-diving courses on the island.
Or do the touristy thing on a glass-bottom boat to sail past the island’s bays and learn more about the history of the natural harbour. Boats depart from the port of Mahon.
In the evening, experience the sunset over the sea on a cruise along the west coast of Menorca seeing some of the island’s landmarks such as Post d’en Gil or the Ciutadella Harbour. You even get a glass of cava too!
Calasfonts Cales Fonts Port
Bars and Restaurants
PiQniQ – This small restaurant in Ciutadella is a great place to eat whether you prefer Mediterranean or European healthy dishes. They cater for vegans and vegetarians. Choose from a vegan salad or burger, or an apple crumble dessert. Find at Calle Sant Pere 7.
Meet others at Paput. This “beach” bar and restaurant is in Mahon and its lively atmosphere makes it easy to meet others. In the evenings you can party here to the live DJs and enjoy one of their delicious burgers. You’ll find this kiosk at the entrance to the promenade.
Cova d’en Xoroi is a pub in a cave. You do need to be fit to get in there as there are approx 100 steps to get into the pub which also doubles up as a nightclub. The view from the bathrooms is amazing.
If you like gin, you can find the local one called Pomada nearly everywhere on the island. Or visit the Xoriguer Gin Factory and see the distillery process with the original copper stills.
Menorca Tours
Get Your Guide helps you to find worldwide top-rated tours and activities including tours in Menorca. Using local companies and guides, you can choose a coves and beaches sailing trip with a paella lunch, kayak and snorkel the beaches and caves instead or try your hand at scuba diving and explore the Menorca marine reserve.
Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are several to book as a solo and it’s really simple to use. Just check the rating reviews, price and availability then book online.
* Check prices and availability for tours and activities in Menorca
Accommodation in Menorca
Menorca has all types of accommodation to stay in from self-catering apartments to villas, 2 to 5-star hotels and all-inclusive properties. If you're here on a budget and searching for cheap Menorca accommodation, there are a couple of hostels such as Hostel Menorca and Hostal Restaurant s'Algaret (which is more of a 2-star hotel).
All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other accommodation, click on the link below and search for the solo traveller reviews.
* To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Menorca
Hostal Restaurant S'Algaret – $
For those on a budget, Hostal S'Algaret offers single rooms in a great location just a 12 minute walk from the beach in Fornells. There’s an outdoor swimming pool that’s open in the summer months and a buffet breakfast is included. There is also a restaurant on site but if you are here during the low season (from October) it’s not open all the time so consider hiring a car if you visit outside of the peak season.
- Prices start from £36/€42 for a single room
- Check prices, dates and availability: Hostal Restaurant S'Algaret
White Sands Beach Club By Diamond Resorts – $$
Menorca is a great place to stay in the comfort of a resort especially when it is only a two-minute walk from the beach. This luxury resort has a gorgeous swimming pool and sun lounger if you prefer to laze around the pool. Studios are equipped with kitchenettes so you can cook your own food if you don’t venture to the onsite restaurant or bar. They also come with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.
- Prices start from £84/€98 in the low season for a studio apartment
- Check prices, dates and availability: White Sands Beach Club
Agroturismo Matxani Gran – $$$
For those seeking somewhere more rural, Agroturismo Matxani Gran is a relaxing 4 star property on the east side of the island. Mingle with the sheep and resident donkeys or just relax in the swimming pool enjoying the views. The staff are super friendly and breakfast is included too! Choose from a single room with a private bathroom or a double or a twin.
- Prices start from £103/€120 in the low season for a single room
- Check prices, dates and availability: Agroturismo Matxani Gran
Getting Around Menorca
There are buses on the island but you need to change at either Mahon or Ciutadella. From there you can additional buses to various places on the island. For some areas such as Santo Tomas, hiring a car or scooter is a better option as buses are limited here.
Taxi drivers are friendly but check the price before they start driving. You can also get water taxis between Es Castell and Mahon. Or hire a car and drive yourself around the island (just remember they drive on the right-hand side.)
From Menorca Airport
Menorca Airport is less than 5km from Mahon, the island’s capital. Buses only take 10 minutes to the capital. If you are staying in Ciutadella, the bus takes 1.5 hours. Buses run every 30 minutes during the week and every hour on the weekends and go to the bus station in Mahon.
From here you can take another bus to a different part of the island. A taxi costs approx €20 from the airport to the capital and more than €60 to Ciutadella.
Check Rome2Rio to plan your journey or book a transfer with Hoppa, to have someone waiting at the airport for you when you arrive.
