Inspiration ideas for Friends groups, Solos and Couples on Holiday on Menorca. Beyond the house beach and resort there's a whole lot of Menorca waiting for you...
Menorca Holidays for Couples, Solos and Adult Friends Groups
If you love beautiful landscapes, dream of remote natural sandy beaches, love to dine well and sip drinks under dreamy stars then read on. While Menorca is no 'Clubbers paradise', there are still plenty of places where you can dance the night away, none
more spectacular so than Covas den Xoroi set in natural caves 25m above the bay in Cala en Porter with well known guest DJs from UK and Ibiza. Most of the dance clubs can be found in the harbour areas with smaller music and "chill out" bars
in the side streets of of Mahon and Ciutadella as well as in Es Castell. There is a water taxi between Mahon's and Es Castell's attractive harbours that is an especially delightful way ' to arrive' on summer evenings.
Menorca Holiday Tips
The island is compact so get Out and About around Menorca . The Bus Network is cheap but time consuming, Scooters or
small Hire Cars give you freedom especially in the shoulder seasons ( when beaches are empty ) .
Menorca has a lots of unspoilt coastlines and countryside with spectacluar landscapes away from the beach resort - sparsely populated, nature is dominant here. Rich visual history in the two main Cities
Two Cities Ciutadella and Mahon with beautiful old city centres, packed with Cafe Bars, Restaurants and harbours for Boat trips.
Check out the nightlife at your resort, but the better stuff is probably elsewhere!
You can choose between authentic hideaways sipping drinks at one the island's country house hotel bars, a waterside restaurant and bar. Listen to music or dance into the sunrise at one of the islands' clubs.
Menorca is always described in comparison to it's Balearic neighbours as 'quiet'. That's true but it doesn't mean there's not plenty of good (and lively) places for the young and not so young to go out in the evenings. The biggest concentraton of the
best nightlife is located in the harbour areas of the Menorca's two cities - Ciutadella and Mahon aswell as Cales Fonts/Moll den Pons harbour areas of Es Castell. The better places are not just for the tourists but open all year round for islanders
- so things start late, often after midnight. Don't be surprised if you turn up earlier and the places seem quieter and emptier than you expected. But then again, maybe that's what you prefer.
Star Gazing
Yes that's right. Take a trip out to S'Albufera park , or a remote spot on the north coast on a clear night and you will be treated to a display to take your breath away. With no street lighting and the night sky shielded from any streetlights and city light overspill you'll see just how many stars there are out there.
Music and Dance
Clubs (Music,Dance)
Yes, there are dance and chill out clubs on this little island and some in surprising locations too! Check out Ciutadella harbour area ( Pla de Sant Joan ), outdoor and rooftop terraces to enjoy summer nights. And in the old city there are chilled out Cafe Bars in gardens and former wine cellars. Mahon's clubs and venues gather around the harbour and in the old town .
For most clubs go very late, midnight and onwards!
Fiesta not Siesta! All during summer each town has its own Fiesta with street parties , bands and last night firework displays
Live bands will play at night on outdoors stages into the early hours in the bigger fiestas
The Towns' bars close and open up with streetside sound systems and bar counters for pretty wild street parties ...
Fiesta Street Party
Fiesta Street Party
Cafe Bars - People Watching
Best in the authentic towns and cities of Menorca
Around the city centres and harbour areas of Ciutadela, Mahon, Fornells and Es Castell there are a wide variety of Cafe Bars to suit varying ages, tastes and styles, from simple traditional to more contemporary modern. Best to wander along and pick out
a place on sight and impulse. A few tips below:-
The best shopping is AWAY from the beach resorts in the island's 2 big cities and towns.
Ciutadella and Mahon are particulalrly delightful for window shopping, clothes and fashion items ... lots in the old pedestrian city centres,but DO wander the sidestreets where often the best are to be found. Siesta rules! ( 13-13:30 - 17:00)
You will not find any big shopping centres - Island is too small.
Fashion Shopping
Fashion Shopping
Fashion Shopping
Fashion Shopping
Fashion Shopping
Outlets on Menorca? not really but see Menorca shopping Ideas where to find factory shops
You can get a plane hop (Iberia(Air Nostrum ), Air Berlin) from Mahon to Majorca, Palma to go and get back in the same day. So you can take in Palma town shopping and culture for a more "up tempo" scene. Alternatively there is a fast catamaran
ferry ( 1hour ) to North East Majorca( Alcudia ) from Ciutadella port for foot and car passengers. NOTE for ferry You will need to book a cheap hotel for the overnight stay though.
Horse Riding
The horse holds a special place in the hearts of the islanders. The Island native race is a magnificent, beautiful animal. You can enjoy the island scenery from on top of and behind (in a carriage) a horse. Ride through enchanting woods, gallop along
the beach. Riders of all levels are catered for.
The island boasts a good network of signed routes, on and mainly off road routes. Mostly requiring off road capable bicyles eg Mountain bikes. In the larger resorts and cities where space allows there are now dedicated 'green lane' cycle ways.
Enjoy a day out in Menorca's two biggest Cities for buzzy local cafes, fine dining, fashion shopping and lots more sights. Overnight stay? Why not and live the real menorcan nighlife.
Ciutadella
A taste of former elegant times with fine old spanish palaces, moorish influences, a wonderful old centre and a charming little harbour. Ciutadella was the original capital of the island lying at the western edge of the island looking out to its bigger neighbour Mallorca. A superb contrast to the beach and holiday resort. Great atmosphere and shopping and a place to wander the pedestrianised old city and its many narrow streets with hidden shops and Cafe treats. Also competes with Mahon for the title of the best music bars and venues on the island. The scene for the spectacular Sant Joan festival in June, when stunning native black horses parade through the streets and the brave try to "touch the horses' heart" as it rears in front of them.
Mahon has a great mediterranean charm around the centre and harbour. Busy pavement Cafes and Bars, superb fruit and fish markets and all enclosed in a maze of narrow streets with architecture and many reminders of it's Georgian past. In addition to the traditional the town offers a myriad of stylish shops and bars. Along the whole length of the harbour quayside (Moll de Llevant) there is an electic collection of Cafes, Bars and Restaurants for all pockets and styles. A spectacular setting above the huge natural harbour with ships and boats of every shape and sizes.
Walking Menorca's Coast, Nature Parks, Countryside and Hidden Valleys
All Year - best time Springtime
Casual walkers and hardened day trekkers will love Menorca's walking pleasures. Walk off long lunches or all day hikes there is a so much to choose from. Lush hidden valleys, coastal walks to secret coves and turquoise bays.
Cala Galdana : Explore the coast on foot, Mountain Bike,Horseback, Kayaks and Boat Trips
Two long routes east and westward starting at Cala Galdana ( so you can stock up on last minute water/food for trip) along the Cami de Cavalls. Route will take you along stunning coastlines where you can visit
four of the island's most attractive Virgin Beaches. Bus no. 51 Mahon-Cala Galdana , Bus no. 52 Ciutadella-Cala Galdana and No. 53 From Ferreries.
Westward to Cala Turqueta 4.3 Km one way ( approx 3 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain easy ) also passing Cala Macarella virgin beach. Startpoint in Galdana is signposted at steps next to Hotel Audax,ewestern end of resort.
Eastward to Santo Tomas 4.4 Km one way ( approx 4.5 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain medium ) more up/down and also passing Cala Mitjana, Tebaluger, Escoxada . I.e te crem del creme of south coast virgin beaches. Startpoint in Galdana
is along Avinguida de la Punta ( 3rd Left turn ).
Menorca Holiday Tip You could also have a friend drop off/pick up at either end as Turqueta/Santo Tomas is accessible by car.
Monte Torro is the highest point on the island the name most likely coming from the Arabic, al-tor, meaning highest mountain. Though not a mountain it is worth a visit if you have a hire car for the stunning views ( particularly in spring
when you can see over the length of the island) There is a pleasant Bar Restaurant Sa Posado del Toro at the top with inside seating and an open terrace with views to the south. Monte Toro is signposted from Es Mercadal in the dead centre of the island along the ME-1. El Toro in Catalan or Monte Toro in Spanish has viewing areas to take in the views to the north and west. Can also be walked along the good access road as is 'only' 350 meters high.
Wealthy landowners built their Palaces in Ciutadella and Mahon. While some are still privately owned today several are to view with multi-language guided tours
If your own motor yacht is in dry dock or you're not rich enough to charter a Fairline or Sunseeker then an increasingly popular way to see the island is to charter or join a group on a 'rib'. These are safe rigid hulled sporty boats, lots of fun and
can take you close into the coast line.
All though Menorca is well known for it's relaxing style and quiet places, there is a growing number of adventure activities for those who can't just sit still by the pool or on the beach.
With so many beaches, that are not just a few square feet of imported sand you'll easily find a spot away from the 'beach rats'. Take in our Virgin beach guide- It's really is a sin to visit the island and not spend at last some time on one of these magical
beaches. At Es Grau you can even get the fisherman to ferry you across to a small Island beach.
Menorca Beach Inspirations
Visit the beaches after five, thats when the locals will be arriving, enjoy a picnic with Cava? and watch the sun set.
At Es Grau a local will ferry you out to the local uninhabited island of Illa Den Colom to while away the day on the two idylic sandy beaches there. Don't forget a water bottle and some food. There are regular pickups though out the day until sunset,but make an arranged time!
Not surprising for a small island that water sports are all on the coasts in the sea.
Water Sports
Water Sports
Sea Kayaks
An increasingly popular activity and a great way to see the beautiful coastline up close is from a kayak. Sea Kayaks can be hired from the beach to explore your resorts waters , at specialist centres close to interesting coves or you can be part of
a small guided tour starting at various points along the coast. There will be single, double and three seaters with life jackets provided.
The waters of Menorca are a real holiday memory. They are amazingly clear so even with just a simple snorkel you will see lots, not murky haze. And because the water is in such good condition you'll see lots of fish too. Often the beaches will have shallow sandy bottoms fringed with rocks.
The island is a haven for divers not only due to these conditions but especially due to the many underwater caves cut out of the soft rock particularly on the south coast.
Cales Coves Snorkelling Tip
Cales Coves, well known for its caves cut into the limestome rocks is also a great place for snorkel fans. With three very attractive bays to explore, sandy bottoms interchange with rocks. It was the original harbour used by the Romans. Access to
Cales Coves is via a 1.5km long unsurfaced track from Son Vitamina (ME-12) which is passable with care by car or best on Mountain bike. ( access keeps it quiet and seculded! ) .
If you love windsurfing or want to try windsurfing then head for Fornells bay or Punta Prima. Sat on the north coast where the wind is favourable the bay is like a large salt water lake making it ideal for all things with sails. Plus the water is lovely
and warm if you fall off!
