Confused, undecided? Over 30+ years we've spent a LOT of holiday time on Menorca, at all ages, with and without children across ALL seasons. First timer / returning and different resort ? - it can be a particulary difficult decision on Menorca where literally no two resorts are alike!
Our personal and in-depth guides covering resorts, beaches are independent and we think give you an honest picture. They will help you find your right place to stay, both the accommodation and best resort / location for you.
...more insights
Best resort? is not an easy decision because of Resort Individuallity - In reality not one Menorca beach resort is similar to any other, each has their own styling and appeal. Why? For historical reasons towns were rarely built on the coast : so most of the beach resorts have developed from a small coastal village or are a restricted ( environmental laws ) low level resort development from the 70 and 80s. Beach Resorts are generally smallscale and much less commercialised than on Majorca or Ibizia. Menorca's coastline is very natural and unlike many other spanish destinations not tainted by development and hotel Skylines.
Menorca was on the 'losing side' with Franco in the civil war and on the winning side now as it was "spared the victor's money" to develop tourism aka build ugly high rise concrete hotel skylines directly behind it's beaches.
Holiday resort complexes - only a tiny few may fit that definition on Menorca. It's not what Menorca does! And who wants to go somewhere so beautiful and never leave the hotel grounds?
Menorca is not for young couples - not true
The big numbers of Spanish, French and Italian couples who holiday in Spring, July and August know different and so do we. If you are active ( watersports,cycling) love amazing beaches and want to combine with lively but not full on bars and cafes Menorca has plenty for you. But without any of the neon and binge drinkers. - Where to stay Couples
Beach Stays
Menorca's beach resorts have no hosting towns, are self contained and along south,east and north coasts surrounded by attractive undeveloped countryside and farmlands. The furthest Resort from Menorca Airport is ~ 1 hour transfer time so even with youngsters, you have the whole island to choose from. West coast resorts (e.g Cala Blanca, Calan/Bosch, Cala en Blanes ) tend to be larger, more touristically developed, flat but also in less attractive landscapes in our view.
Menorca retains it's original charms away from the beach in the handful of Towns and island's two main cities.
Menorca's two main cities, Ciutadella and Mahon each have a lot of charm, are quite different to each other, but both equally appealing. Inland and harbour towns are never that far from a sandy beach and allow you to enjoy an authenic atmosphere not found at a beach resort where very few residents live. They all provide a great base to explore the island and experience it's culture.
Where to Stay in Menorca for Hiking/Walking
Spring time - mid March to early May and mid Sept onwards has ideal weather for longer walks. October means warm seas for mid-walk swims
We recommend the following Es Mercadal, Cala Galdana , Ferreries as they have beautiful unbuilt countryside,valleys and nature surrounding them.
Where to Stay in Menorca in Springtime
As few residents live in the summer beach resorts they effectvely hibernate so opt for Mahon,Ciutadella ,Es Castell where popular hotels will be open and you can enjoy life with the locals in cafe-bars, restaurants and cultural and gastronomic events e.g Flower , Jazz
Menorca's beach resorts offer 'no noise' watersports Paddle,Kayaks. True Watersports fans should head to Fornells which has a huge proteced bay, great for beginners and Es Grau for idylic surroundings within a Marine Reserve. Activity providers in Fornells offer Diving,Sailing,JetSkis,Waterski and more. Es Grau activities
Best Places to Stay in Menorca (younger) Couples
Where to stay for Romantics and Adults Only
Ciutadella's old city is difficult to beat and with the beach buses you don't have to miss out sunning on Menorca's stunning virgin beaches.
Mahon is a great base for the 'best' end of Menorca
Depending on how many you are and resort some options work out better value, so always get a free quote
Transfer times
Menorca is very small so times average 40mins direct. Longest Transfer time is circa 1hr 50m to Cala'Bosch in Summer peak with heavier traffic and multiple drop offs
Shared Transfers
Most economical for less than three passengers - circa 13 Eur one way any - Door to Door not guaranteed, possible waits for other passengers and multiple dropoffs
Private Transfers
No wait and Door to Door from 35 Eur one way upto 3 passengers. Best value for groups and larger families