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Thinking of spending a week in Menorca? This is such a good length of time to spend on the island. Having visited the island more times than I can count, I have put together this perfect itinerary for a week in Menorca to ensure you have the best time.
It gives you time to explore all the best bits of the island, without feeling too rushed or like you are cramming too much in. Part of the charm of Menorca is how relaxed it makes you feel, and a week in Menorca should leave you feeling just that!
Why You Should Visit Menorca
If you are a fan of unreal, clear and sparkly seas, gorgeous sand beaches, pretty and charming villages and incredible food, then you need to visit Menorca. The less well-known, less talked-about little island in the Balearics. It is often overlooked in favour of its noisier neighbours, but missing this slice of paradise would be a mistake. It is unspoilt, charming and relaxed and quite frankly the perfect summer getaway.
To help plan your trip to Menorca, check out all my guides HERE:
MENORCA GUIDES
Why A Week in Menorca Works
While Menorca is only a small island, around 50KM long, there is so much to see. This itinerary covers one week in Menorca, so you can see the highlights of the island, as well as some of the more hidden gems. And all without feeling too rushed. Despite the island not being too big, it isn’t always easy to get between coastal spots. The road network generally has one main road that runs through the middle of the island, from Mahón to Ciutadella. And then beaches and towns are reached by roads coming off this. Meaning while you might want to visit a beach just down the coastline from where you are, it requires some backtracking.
A week in Menorca allows you to see multiple destinations without feeling like you’ve spent all your time in the car!
If you don’t have a full week in Menorca, this guide covers the perfect 5-day itinerary:
5-Day Menorca Itinerary: For The Best Short Trip
Day 1: Arrive and Explore The Mahón Area
The first day of your week in Menorca is about arriving, spending some time in Mahón, and enjoying some gorgeous coastal views.
Arrival and a Wander Around Mahón
Arriving in Menorca could not be easier. There is only one airport, Menorca Airport Mahon, located about 5 km from Mahon. Daily flights from the UK run in the summer and shoulder seasons, so I recommend an early flight to make the most of your week in Menorca!
If you arrive early, your accommodation will not yet be ready. So grab a hire car and head into Mahon to spend a late morning wandering around the capital. Start with a walk around the Old Town. A good place to start is Plaça de la Constitució, the main square next to the Town Hall, which is lined with cafe terraces and is the perfect spot to sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.
Use this guide to help find all the best things to see and do in Mahon:
14 Exciting Things to Do in Mahon: The Capital of Menorca
Hauser & Wirth Menorca and Lunch at Cantina
After a morning in Mahon, catch the boat to Illa del Rei, an island in the middle of Mahon Harbour. This historic island is now home to the Hauser & Wirth contemporary art gallery, which is worth a wander around. Afterwards, eat lunch under the shade of the olive trees at the wonderful Cantina.
Es Castell
Head to Es Castell in the late afternoon to have a walk down Calesfontes and enjoy a drink overlooking the harbour. Es Castell is the port town located at the entrance to Mahon Harbour. Calesfontes is the charming, picturesque harbour area which is lined with waterside restaurants, bars and shops. With the boats bobbing in the harbour, it is the perfect place to relax into your week in Menorca.
Sunset Drinks at Cova d’en Xoroi
To finish your first day in Menorca in style, take a visit to Cova d’en Xoroi for sunset. This is a natural cave found in Cala en Porter, which has been converted into a bar. The best time to visit is at sunset, which is quite spectacular. There are areas that have been turned into terraces for you to enjoy the view. A band or DJ plays inside the cave if you want some dancing before heading home.
Day 2: Exploring the South Coast Beaches Via the Cami de Cavalls
For the second day of your week in Menorca, if you are feeling energetic, this is the time to explore some of the stunning southern beaches via the Cami de Cavalls. This incredible pathway has existed since the 1300’s, when King James III required all settlers on the island to keep an armed horse at the ready to defend the island if needed. The settlers and their horses used the path to do so, hence Cami de Cavalls, which translates to ‘way of the horses’. Today, the path is divided into 20 sections; it is 185km long, and you can hike all or some of them.
All the beaches mentioned below are all in section 14, which runs from Cala Galdana to Santo Tomas. So if you feel like donning your hiking boots, this day covers a 10.8KM walking distance, with a time of around 4 hours, excluding any stops on the beaches! If you are going to walk, I would recommend getting the bus to Cala Galdana to start (the 51 from Mahon, or 52 or 53 from Ciutadella) and then the bus home from Sant Tomàs (71 to Mahon or 72 to Ciutadella). Check out the timetables HERE. Alternatively, take the detour mentioned below and then walk back towards Cala Galdana along the Cami de Cavalls for a rare circular route in Menorca!
If you don’t feel like walking, these beaches are all stunning, so pick a couple to visit during the day. Drive and park your car at the nearest spot. Be aware, there is still a walk to Mitjana, Trebalúger and Binigaus.
Cala Galdana
Cala Galdana is a stunning horseshoe-shaped beach, is 400m long and is surrounded by cliffs with absolutely stunning turquoise water. The small river, the Algendar, flows into the sea here, adding to the setting. It is easy to access and more developed than some of the other beaches on the island, with sunbeds, restaurants, and water sports along the shoreline. Because of this, it can get crowded, so it’s good to get there in the morning. After spending a bit of time enjoying the beach, find the start of section 14 of the Camí de Cavalls at the eastern end of Cala Galdana, in the uppermost residential part.
Cala Mitjana and Mitjaneta
After around 25 minutes walking along the Camí de Cavalls, you will reach Cala Mitjana (my personal favourite beach in Menorca!) and Cala Mitjaneta. If you thought you had seen turquoise before at some of the other beaches, the sea here will take your breath away. It is a small cove beach with cliffs on either side, and there are even a few jumping spots where you can jump into the sea from high.
If you aren’t walking, it is still about a 25-minute walk from the car park, and it can get busy as the day goes on. Again, for a quieter experience, carry on from Cala Mitjana to Cala Mitjaneta, which offers similar views but is quieter given it is harder to get to.
Cala Trebalúger
After Mitjana, I would actually recommend taking a detour off the Cami de Cavalls to reach the stunning beach of Cala Trebalúger. It is around a 40-minute walk from Mitjana to reach the relatively unspoilt beach of Trebalúger. Because it isn’t actually on the Cami, it is often quieter than the other beaches mentioned in this day.
Expect the typical white sands and turquoise waters. It is framed by cliffs on three sides, and shaded by pine trees. The Trebalúger river forms a shallow pool at the beach before it enters the sea. So worth it for the pristine conditions.
Platja Binigaus and Sant Tomàs
For the final section, walk from Trebalúger along the coastal path (not the Cami), for around 20 minutes to reach Platja Binigaus. This beach marks the end of the cliffs and gullies that are found on the western end of the island, and begins the flatter and smoother central section of the coast. Platja Binigaus is long and not too wide, with very shallow water.
After Binigaus, you can then rejoin the Cami de Cavalls and head in either direction. It is a 10-minute walk towards Sano Tomas, which is a pretty but very popular beach. Stop in the well-known Es Bruc for a well-deserved snack or drink. Be aware there is often a queue. Alternatively, you can head back towards Cala Galdana to pick up your car, along the inland part of the Cami de Cavalls that you missed heading along the coastal path; this will take around 2.5 hours to reach Mitjana again.
Find out more about these beaches, and other fabulous ones, with this guide:
Best Beaches in Menorca: 23 Stunning Places
Day 3: Ciutadella, Lithica and the West
Today head to the west of the island to visit the old capital and explore the surrounding area.
A morning in Ciutadella
Ciutadella was the old capital of Menorca, before the arrival of the British. As such, it has a real sense of history, and also feels very different from the whitewashed buildings you might expect from Menorca. It is known for its honey-hued buildings, cobbled alleyways, a pretty harbour and churches and cathedrals. Make sure to walk around the Old Town, visit Ciutadella Cathedral and have some lunch in the port.
To make sure you don’t miss anything, use this guide:
15 Beautiful Things to Do in Ciutadella: Menorca’s Charming Old Capital
Visit Lithica
After lunch, head over to Lithica. This is one place you definitely don’t want to miss when visiting Menorca. It was formerly a quarry that produced the stone used on the island. When it closed, instead of being abandoned, it was turned into a cultural and unique heritage space. The huge cavern that was carved from the removal of stone has been turned into a place for gardens and mazes. As well as an interesting insight into an important part of Menorca’s history.
Here is why you need to visit Lithica:
Lithica Quarry Menorca: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Swim Off the Rocks at Cala en Brut
Finish your day by taking a dip off the rocks at Cala en Brut. This is a sandless cove located about 15 minutes from Ciutadella. The water is bright turquoise and absolutely gorgeous; you won’t be able to resist diving in! There are lots of concrete platforms dotted around to relax on, plenty of places to enter the sea from and excellent snorkelling. People often take drinks down and enjoy the day, so there is a fun vibe.
Day 4: Binibeca, Binifadet and the Southeast
For your 4th day in your week in Menorca, visit one of the prettiest towns in Menorca, relax on the beach and enjoy some local food and wine.
Breakfast at Buncaneros
Head over to Binibeca beach to start the day by having breakfast with possibly the best view. Buncaneros is a little bar set right on the edge of Binibeca beach, which offers delicious food and drink. It can get very busy during the day, but you will find it at its quietest when it first opens. Enjoy a selection of freshly made juices, pastries and a continental breakfast option sat overlooking the beautiful water. Just be aware, though: their website says it opens at 9 am, Google maps say 9.30 am, but when I went, it opened at 10 am. If you’re early, just an excuse for an early morning swim before!
Relax on the Beach
After breakfast, spend the morning relaxing on the beach. You can choose to stay at Binibeca Playa; this is one of the few beaches in Menorca where you can rent sunloungers. It is a beautiful curved beach with white sand. The water is shallow and calm, so it is great for families. But because of this, and its proximity to the road, it can get very busy, particularly in peak summer season.
The alternative is to head to the next-door little village of Binisfua. This also sheltered beach is much smaller and less well known, meaning it can be quieter. The beach itself isn’t as big, and is sheltered by small cliffs on each side. Again, shallow and calm waters.
Visit Binibeca
Binibeca is one of the most famous villages in Menorca, thanks to its picturesque whitewashed buildings and alleyways. It was built in the 60s and designed to look like a traditional fisherman’s village. 165 houses and a small church, all woven together with a small maze of cobbled streets winding through the whitewashed buildings. It doesn’t take long to walk through them all, and while it might feel like you are getting lost, they all eventually lead out to the parade of shops and restaurants. Perfect for a drink or snack. Check Sa Musclera for local tapas, Bambu for a fancier bite to eat or BBs for cocktails.
There is so much more to do in Binibeca. Use this guide to make sure you don’t miss anything:
Binibeca, Menorca: Ultimate Guide to Visiting this Charming Town
Dinner in a Vineyard
For something a little special, head to Binifadet for dinner! Did you know Menorca produces its own wine? Binifadet is the largest producer on the island and is a great little spot! You can eat under the vines, and you can also take tours and wine tastings before dinner. Start with learning about the production, including a full tour of the vineyards and the cellars. Afterwards, sample the wines, as they are paired with cheese. It was such an interesting experience! Finish your evening with locally sourced food from the restaurant.
Day 5: The North Coast
The North Coast is known for being the wilder and more rugged side of the island, so day 5 of your week in Menorca gives you a chance to explore another side of Menorca. Expect dramatic cliffs, shorelines, reddish sand and fewer crowds.
Cap de Cavalleria and the Lighthouse
Start your day by heading to Cap de Cavalleria, which is the northernmost point of Menorca. Head here to see some of the wildest parts of the island: the point stands on cliffs up to 80 m above the sea and offers the most spectacular views. Found right at the tip is the white tower of Cavalleria lighthouse. It is 15m tall, visible from 22 nautical miles and flashes every 10 seconds.
It began to operate in 1857 and was built in this spot because over 700 shipwrecks had occurred since the fourteenth century, and it is one of 7 built on the island. There is a small museum inside the lighthouse which is dedicated to the history of lighthouses on the island.
Cavalleria Beach
4KM down the road from Cap de Cavalleria, you can find Platja de Cavalleria, a stunning unspoiled natural beach. In contrast to the south of the island, here you can find striking reddish-gold sand, clay cliffs as well as beautifully clear blue water. It is around 500m long and split up by rocky formations. The north of the island is windier, so you can often find a breeze on this beach. This, combined with excellent swimming and snorkelling, makes it an excellent way to spend a morning!
Lunch at Binimel·la
After relaxing on the beach, head to Binimel·la for, in my opinion, the best paella in Menorca. The road down to Binimel.la is little more than a wide dirt track, but you soon reach a car park where Restaurante Binimel·la is located. Make sure to book in advance, and also request a table outside. The inside is nothing special, but outside you sit under the shade of the olive trees, with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Cala Pregonda
After lunch, you can either head to Pla Platja de Binimel·là or the nearby Cala Pregonda. Leaving your car in the Binimel.la car park, expect to walk around 25-30 minutes along the Camí de Cavalls to reach the beach. It has a wild feel to it, and there are offshore rocks which keep the sea close to the shore relatively calm, making it great for swimming.
Dinner in Fornells
To end your day, head into the small town of Fornells. It is a picturesque fishing village, home to around 1000 people. It is known for its pretty white buildings, slow-paced Mediterranean charm, traditional llaut fishing boats, and palm-lined quayside. But also an excellent destination for food. It is home to the traditional caldereta de llagosta (a famous local spiny lobster stew). There are plenty of ipscale and traditional places to sample this. One of the most popular is Es Cranc, which is listed in the MICHELIN guide.
Day 6: Es Grau and the S’Albufera Natural Park
Day 6 in your week in Menorca is a chance to slow down and see a different side of the island, taking in the island’s natural park, a dramatic lighthouse, a charming fishing village and the highest point on the island.
Es Grau Village
The small village of Es Grau is a collection of whitewashed houses set on the shore. Charming, small, laid-back, and the perfect place to while away a morning. This isn’t the largest village, but well worth a wander for some picturesque moments. Home to a few restaurants and shops, but generally a place where you can feel local life.
After a walk, head down to the half-moon-shaped beach. It is far from a manicured beach and has soft red sand. But it’s the clear, shallow water that makes it great for swimming and the beach’s biggest appeal. One of the most popular things to do on this beach is to hire a kayak or SUP, and there is a kiosk where you can do so on the beach.
Enjoy lunch at El bar de Tamarindos, which has tables outside under the shade of trees overlooking the water. It is the more informal, walk-in part of the famous Tamarindos, the main restaurant, which requires booking in advance and is a more formal lunch setting.
S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park
After lunch, take a walk through S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park. This was designated a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, and Menorca is considered to have one of the most diverse ecosystems in all of the Mediterranean, with this natural park sitting right in the middle of this. It’s essentially the “green lung” of the island, acting as the core of the reserve. You’ve got everything here: freshwater lagoons, dunes, olive groves, and wild coastline. If you’re a birdwatcher, then keep your eyes peeled for ospreys and flamingos.
There are three main signposted routes starting from the visitor centre, but the Sa Gola route is a personal favourite. It’s an easy 45-minute loop that takes you over wooden boardwalks and up to viewpoints with some of the best panoramic views of the lagoon.
Favaritx Lighthouse
The Favaritx Lighthouse is on the extreme northeast of Menorca and is one of the most visited on the island. It is 28 m high and is white with a black band that spirals its way up the structure. Set on a harsh, almost lunar-like landscape, it is very striking in appearance.
Es Mercadal
The town of Es Mercadal essentially sits at the crossroads of the island; while perhaps not geographically in the centre, it is a town you will pass through when travelling north to south and east to west. Being an inland town, it has a feel of being more local than some of the other areas on the island. The old historic centre is pretty and worth a wander around.
Make sure to try an ensaïmada, with some of the bakeries having queues of Menorcan’s waiting to buy one. The Can Pons has even won awards! Es Mercadal is also home to a lot of local produce, so an excellent place to buy a pair of Menorcan sandals, buy lots of local food and drink from the delis and even keep an eye out for the workshops making the traditional Menorcan gate.
Monte Toro
To finish the day, head up to Monte Toro, which is a short drive from Es Mercadal. It is the highest peak in Menorca, really the only peak in Menorca, and at 358 m it isn’t even that high. But it is still the place to go for panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see towards the bay of Fornells and Mallorca. It is a spiritually important place to locals, and as such there is a whitewashed convent perched on the top. This is the Mare de Déu del Toro sanctuary and convent, which is still run by a small community of nuns to this day.
Day 7: Prehistoric and Natural Sites
A surprising fact about Menorca is that it has one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric monuments in the world! So spend your final morning visiting a couple, before a last lunch and your journey home.
The Talayotic period in Menorca was nearly 3,000 years ago, and the sites on the island were inhabited until around 110 AD, when the Romans arrived. There are over 1,500 of these on the island, so it is hard not to spot one! They vary in size and impressiveness, and the boards at the sites categorise them as ‘must-sees’, ‘other interesting sites’ and ‘other prehistoric sites’. With 13 on the must-see list and 17 on the ‘interesting sites’ list. Today covers two of the most impressive.
Naveta des Tudons
Naveta des Tudons is a funeral building that was in use from 1200 BC to 750 BC, and is the oldest fully preserved building in Europe. The name ‘naveta’ comes from the Catalan ‘little boat’ and is given because the building looks like an upside-down boat. When the structure was excavated in the 1950s, the remains of over 100 graves were found inside, along with funerary belongings such as bone buttons, bronze jewellery, and pottery.
Torre d’en Galmés
The second of the Talayotic sites to visit in Menorca is Torre d’en Galmés. It is one of the largest Talayotic sites in the Balearic Islands, and as such needs to be visited during your week in Menorca. The site consists of three talaiots (stone towers made from large blocks), and a taula enclosure (T-shaped stone monument), as well as private houses that can be found down the hill. These buildings are circular, with rooms leading off a middle courtyard and underground water cisterns.
An absolutely fascinating insight into the unique prehistoric culture found on Menorca.
A Final Lunch in Mahón
For a final bite to eat, I would suggest heading back into Mahón and checking out the Mercat Des Peix. This is a historic fish market which is housed in a 1920s market building. A lively place full of hustle and bustle and still home to several fish stalls. If you go there in the morning, you can even grab locally caught fish sold at seven of the stalls.
But it is at lunchtime when the place really comes to life. Half of the original counters have been turned into pintxo and tapas bars, where you can grab your choice of bites to eat. The tapas stalls and bars generally open from 11:00 AM to roughly 11:00 PM (Monday–Saturday; closed on Sundays).
Head to the Airport
After your final lunch, it is time to head to the airport. Ideally, take a late afternoon or evening flight, which will allow you to make the most of the final day of your week in Menorca.
Menorca Airport Mahon is quite small, so you don’t need to get there too early for your flight. If you are flying to the UK, you will need to go through passport control, and there can be a queue, but generally an hour and a half is more than enough time at Menorca Airport.
One Week in Menorca: Where to Stay
For this Menorca itinerary, I would recommend basing yourself in one of the following places. This allows you to easily access the main ME-1 road, which you can take all over the island.
CALA GALDANA
A central location on the south coast, which isn’t too far from the airport and has good access to all of the locations.
Take a look at options HERE.
BINIBECA
It is only a 25-minute drive from the airport and is ideal for the second half of the itinerary. While still not too long a drive to Ciutadella and the north coast. Plus, it is a lovely place to stay with great restaurants and close to beaches. (This is where I stay when I visit Menorca).
Take a look at places to stay HERE.
AGROTOURISM
For something a little different, try staying at a rural farmhouse in the centre of the island, which puts you equidistant from pretty much everything. A brilliant option if you want something more characterful and away from the resort areas.
Check out the best HERE.
ES MERCADAL
For truly the easiest access to everywhere on the island, Es Mercadal is the place to base yourself. From here you can head in any direction with the most ease the island can offer, cutting down time when traversing. The downside is that you are in a very central location and, as such, have less access to beaches.
Take a look at options HERE.
One Week in Menorca: How to Get Around
For this itinerary, you will need a hire car. While a lot of the places are accessible via public transport, particularly from Mahon and Ciutadella, a car is essential for getting to some of the more remote spots such as Monte Toro and the lighthouses.
Aside from accessibility, the bus routes are fairly slow and will often require changing buses in spots such as Ferries to get from one side of the island to the other. As such, you will need to factor in significantly more time for travel, making it harder to see so much in one week in Menorca.
Top Tip: Find out all the essentials regarding car hire on the island:
Hiring A Car in Menorca: Everything You Need to Know
Is One Week in Menorca Enough?
Spending one week in Menorca is certainly enough time for you to not only get the feel of the island, but also delve a little deeper into some of the hidden gems Menorca has to offer. You can spend time in the cities, relax on the beach and visit the pretty villages, as well as hike some of the famous Cami de Cavalls. However, Menorca is the sort of place where you just want to slow down. The island has a distinctly unhurried feel, and so if you are able to spend longer, you can truly relax and enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace!
If you don’t have time for a full week in Menorca, this will help you plan a shorter trip:
5-Day Menorca Itinerary: For The Best Short Trip
FAQs: One Week in Menorca
How do you get to Menorca?
Menorca has one airport, Menorca Airport Mahon, which is 5KM from the capital. There are regular direct flights from across the UK throughout the summer and shoulder seasons, with airlines including Jet2, TUI and easyJet operating routes from most major airports.
Is Menorca good for families?
It is a perfect destination for families! The beaches on the south coast are calm and sheltered, making them ideal for younger swimmers, and the island is small enough to navigate easily with children.
Is Menorca expensive?
Menorca is not cheap, but it is consistently the most affordable of the Balearic Islands. Beaches are free, there is plenty to do at little cost, and eating out is very reasonable if you eat where the locals eat. Shoulder season, May, June or September, will also save you significantly on flights and accommodation. For a full breakdown of costs, head to this guide: Is Menorca Expensive?
When is the best time to visit Menorca?
May, early June, September and early October are perfect times to visit Menorca. The island isn’t as busy as in peak summer, and the temperatures are slightly cooler. July and August are when the island is most vibrant and alive.
Is Menorca better than Mallorca or Ibiza?
It depends on what you are after! Ibiza is the place for nightlife and partying. Mallorca is bigger, busier and more developed. Menorca is quieter, less commercialised, and has excellent food, nature and beaches. If you want a relaxed, unspoilt Mediterranean island without the chaos of peak-season Ibiza or the size of Mallorca, Menorca is the place to go.
And in my opinion, yes, Menorca is better than Mallorca or Ibiza!
Planning a week in Menorca? These guides will help you plan in depth:
- Is Menorca Expensive? Epic Things to Do in Menorca on a Budget for the Best Time
- Best Beaches in Menorca: 23 Stunning Places
- Things to Do in Menorca, 23 Amazing Must-Do’s!
- The Ultimate Guide to Menorca Fiestas
- Binibeca, Menorca: Ultimate Guide to Visiting this Charming Town
- Lithica Quarry Menorca: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
- 14 Exciting Things to Do in Mahon: The Capital of Menorca
- 15 Beautiful Things to Do in Ciutadella: Menorca’s Charming Old Capital
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