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Mellower than its bigger Balearic neighbors of Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca packs plenty into its 30-mile-long (48-kilometer-long) frame. White-sand coves, waterparks, and low-key resorts such as Arenal d’en Castell and Cala Bosch lure fun-seeking families. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts hit the aquamarine seas on catamaran, snorkel, kayak, and scuba excursions; and sightseers roam the 18th-century streets, plazas, and harborside restaurants of the honey-stone capital Maó and its smaller sister, Ciutadella. Other popular things to do in Menorca include exploring prehistoric stone monuments and following peaceful country trails on foot, horseback, or bike.
Menorca is busiest during Europeans’ school holidays, but this peak season is bookended by quieter periods. July and August see packed beaches and average highs of 84°F (29°C). Savvy visitors come in May or June, when the weather is gentler, and in September or October, when the crowds thin out and the sea is at its warmest. The shoulder seasons also bring Ciutadella’s Sant Joan Festival, in late June, and Mahon’s Mare de Déu de Gràcia, in September. Both feature street processions, equestrian displays, and fireworks.
Menorca’s affordable buses are relatively convenient and run more frequently during the summer. If you’re traveling the island’s length, you’ll probably have to change buses at Ciutadella or Mahón, which are the two hubs for local routes. Inside the resort areas, you can find cabs to ferry you around town; expect to pay a premium if you’re crossing into another region. The quickest and most flexible way to get around and discover Menorca’s hidden corners, however, is to rent a car or moped.
If you want to enjoy time on the beach on Menorca, take a page from the locals, who know how the island’s strong winds can buffet the sands and whip up the waves enough to spoil the day. The local rule of thumb is simple: if the wind is from the south, head for the northern coast; if it’s blowing from the north, choose the southern beaches.
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Menorca has a 134-mile (216-kilometer) coastline full of sugar-sand bays, so the beaches here are not to be missed; Playa de Son Bou and Cala Macarelleta are popular favorites. Other “unmissable” activities include an amble through Ciutadella and, if you have time, a hike along the Camí de Cavalls.
...MoreIf you want to experience the beauty of the Balearic Islands with less of the hedonism you’d find in Mallorca and Ibiza, then, yes, Menorca is definitely worth visiting. The island also sees fewer tourists, so it’s perfect for those in search of tranquil coves and rural landscapes.
...MoreMenorca has many beautiful areas. The city of Ciutadella is full of honey-hued monuments, while the village of Binibeca Vell offers views of whitewashed cottages against the blue sea. Picking the loveliest beaches is a hard call, but the virgin coves of the island’s northern coast offer lots of wild beauty.
...MoreThe island is famous for its beaches and its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, which protects its diverse coastal landscapes. Natural beauty aside, Menorca is also known for its megalithic sites, its distinctive Mahón cheese, and—wait for it—its mayonnaise. Per Menorcan legend, this island is the birthplace of mayonnaise.
...MoreMenorca does not have the nightlife that some of its sister islands are famous for. But if you do want to dance until the early hours, there are some good spots. For the most options, head to the island’s capital, Mahón. The area around Ciutadella’s port also boasts a number of bars.
...MoreBeach lovers will enjoy spending a full week on the island, basking in the sun and exploring different coves. If you have more time, two weeks will let you check out Ciutadella, Mahón, and Menorca’s inland delights, too, without feeling at all rushed.
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