Menorca is the second-largest island in the Balearic archipelago, roughly 48 km long and 16 km wide. With a population around 100,000, it remains quieter and less crowded than neighbouring Mallorca and Ibiza. The island hosts as many beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined. The capital, Mahón, on the eastern end, has the world's second-largest natural deep-water harbour. Menorca is Europe's richest site for prehistoric settlements: Taulas (T-shaped stone formations) and Talayots (stone towers) date from the Talaiotic Period (2000–1000 BC). Horses are central to local culture and appear in all major festivals; the Cami de Cavalls, a path encircling the island, was once used for coastal defence by horse and now serves walkers and riders.
Menorca
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Language
- Catalan, Spanish; also English
- Power plug
- Type C/F, 230 V
- Visa
- Schengen
- Time zone
- UTC+1 / UTC+2 (CET/CEST)
- Tap water
- Safe; mineral taste in the south
- Tipping
- Not expected; 5–10% for great service
- Emergency
- 112
Things to do
All tours in Menorca on GetYourGuide
Paid links: booking through them supports YowJourney.
When to go
High season
May – Oct
Peak season. Tourist crowds dominate May to October, especially July and August. Weather is sunny and warm; water is swimmable. Many beach bars and restaurants operate at full capacity.
Low season
Nov – Apr
Off-season. Fewer tourists and quieter conditions make this ideal for walking and exploring. Weather is mild but cooler. Some tourist services reduce hours or close seasonally.
How long to stay
Three to four days covers main beaches and towns. Five to seven days allows time for prehistoric sites, the interior villages, and quieter coves. Ten days enables a full circuit of the Cami de Cavalls and unhurried exploration.
Getting around
By car. The main road, ME-1, connects Ciutadella and Mahón; all other routes branch from it. Rent at the airport or resorts; book ahead in summer. Avoid 'full to empty' fuel policies—you will not use a full tank on the small island and rental agencies charge a premium to refill.
By bus. Three operators run frequent services. TMSA covers the east coast and airport (€4–5 between Mahón and Ciutadella, hourly). Torres runs the west coast from Ciutadella. Autos Fornells serves northern resorts. Buses are reliable and inexpensive.
By taxi. Radio Taxis offers English-speaking booking: +34 971 367 111. Expect higher costs than buses; best for late arrivals or short journeys.
Walking. The Cami de Cavalls, a fully signposted path around the island, reaches beaches quickly and offers coastal views.
What to see
Destinations in Menorca
Nearby islands (2)
Frequently asked questions
How many beaches does Menorca have?
Menorca has as many beaches as Mallorca and Ibiza combined, despite being smaller. The main resort beaches line the south coast; quieter coves are scattered around the island.What are Taulas and Talayots?
Taulas are T-shaped stone formations thought to have served as spiritual sanctuaries; Talayots are stone towers believed to have been lookout posts. Both date from the Talaiotic Period (2000–1000 BC). Menorca holds Europe's densest collection of these prehistoric monuments, yet their exact original purpose remains uncertain.What is the Cami de Cavalls?
A fully signposted path encircling the island, the Cami de Cavalls translates to 'horse path'. Originally used for coastal defence by mounted riders, it now serves walkers and horse riders. It is one of the most scenic ways to reach distant beaches.Why are horses important in Menorcan culture?
Horses are central to Menorcan identity and feature in all major festivals. The island bred its own race of black horses. Riders ('caixers') form the centrepiece of celebrations, and the local connection to horses dates back centuries.What is Menorcan Gin?
Menorcan Gin (Ginet) was invented when the British fleet harboured at Mahón and local juniper was distilled into a new spirit. It differs from London Gin by using grape-based spirit instead of cereal-based. Pomada, gin mixed with bitter lemon, is the official drink of island festivals.