Menorca

Day 1: South-coast coves and Ciutadella’s old-world charm

Ease into Menorca’s poc a poc rhythm on the postcard-pretty south coast, then drift through Ciutadella’s aristocratic lanes at dusk. Plan around wind: if the Tramuntana (north wind) is blowing, the southern coves are calmer and clearer.

• Morning: Park at Cala Galdana and follow the Camí de Cavalls 20 minutes to Cala Mitjana (or continue to tiny Mitjaneta). Wear proper trainers, carry at least 1.5L water per person, and respect the Posidonia seagrass deposits (they protect the beach). In summer, access to Cala Macarella/Macarelleta is by bus from Ciutadella—go early to beat queues.
• Midday: Swim and picnic under the pines (there are no services at virgin coves). If the sea is flat, rent a kayak/SUP in Cala Galdana to reach hidden inlets like Trebalúger; if jellyfish flags are up, stick to shaded walks and cove-hopping on foot.
• Afternoon: Stroll Ciutadella’s old town (Ses Voltes, Plaça des Born, cathedral) and the pretty harbour. Browse avarques (look for the “Avarca de Menorca” authenticity label) and pause for a vermut or gelat; most small shops close for siesta (roughly 13:30–17:00).
• Evening: Sunset at Pont d’en Gil (15–20-minute flat walk; arrive early in July–August) or the wild headland of Punta Nati (bring a windbreaker and a torch for the return). For an easy option, sip a pomada at Sa Posta de Sol over the sea, then dine late on the harbour—book ahead in high season.

Day 2: Menorca’s wild north and Fornells flavours

Today shows Menorca’s rugged Tramuntana face—reddish headlands, big skies, and quiet bays—balanced by a slow seafood lunch in Fornells. If the north wind howls, flip the plan and head south instead.

• Morning: Putter around Es Grau village and the S’Albufera des Grau paths, or kayak across to the beaches on Illa d’en Colom (calm, shallow, family-friendly). Bird hides, boardwalks and gentle trails make this the island’s Biosphere heart.
• Midday: Drive to Fornells for caldereta de langosta (reserve; it’s the village speciality). If that’s too dear or unavailable, try rice with lobster, grilled local fish, and a light pomada; linger by the boats bobbing in the bay.
• Afternoon: Walk 30 minutes from Binimel·là to Cala Pregonda for otherworldly red sands, or choose Platja de Cavalleria for an easier-access northern sweep. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and snorkel around rocky points; skip the clay “mud baths” to protect the headland.
• Evening: Catch the sunset from the Cavalleria lighthouse cliffs—vast horizons and big colours (bring a layer; winds can bite). On crisp nights, stargazing is excellent; if conditions are rough, head inland to Es Mercadal’s bakeries and drive up Monte Toro for twilight island-wide views.

Day 3: Mahón harbour, inland makers, and a cliffside farewell

Trace Menorca’s maritime story in one of the Mediterranean’s great natural harbours, meet its makers inland, then toast the island from a cliff cave. Off-season, you’ll swap buzz for deep tranquillity and easy parking.

• Morning: Take a Mahón harbour boat tour for fortifications, islets and naval lore, or roam La Mola fortress for commanding views. Pop into the Xoriguer gin distillery for a taste, then graze tapas at the lively Mercat del Peix (afternoons get buzzy outside summer).
• Midday: Go inland for lunch in Es Mercadal or visit a farm shop signed “Venda directa de formatge” for Mahón-Menorca cheese. If you’re keen on shoes, check factory outlets in Ferreries/Alaior—but mind siesta hours (typ. 10:00–13:30 and 17:00–20:30).
• Afternoon: Wander Líthica Pedreres de s’Hostal, a reclaimed limestone quarry turned labyrinth and garden—cool stone, beautiful light, and calm. Alternatively, walk a quieter Camí de Cavalls stretch near Algaiarens for north-coast panoramas.
• Evening: Book the sunset session at Cova d’en Xoroi in Cala en Porter (entry includes a drink; lots of steps; bring a light jacket). Prefer it quieter? Opt for a low-key sunset cruise from Mahón or a harbour-side drink in Ciutadella; remember many cliff spots are unfenced—keep back from edges and carry a torch.

By Air

• Menorca Airport (MAH) sits 5 km (10–15 minutes) from Maó and about 45–50 minutes from Ciutadella via the ME-1.
• Frequent domestic flights: Barcelona (~50–55 minutes), Palma de Mallorca (~35–40 minutes), Madrid (~1h25), Valencia/Alicante (around 1–1h15; often seasonal).
• Seasonal direct flights from many UK and European cities (e.g., London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Paris, Milan, Berlin). Typical UK flight times: ~2h15–2h45.
• Taxis, pre-booked transfers and local buses connect MAH with major towns and resorts.

By Ferry

• Main ports on Menorca: Maó (east) and Ciutadella (west).
• From Mallorca: Alcúdia–Ciutadella (high-speed) ~1–1h30; multiple daily services (Balearia/Trasmed).
• From Barcelona: to Ciutadella or Maó in ~4–9 hours depending on vessel; daytime and overnight options.
• From Valencia: to Maó or Ciutadella typically ~6–9 hours (less frequent than Barcelona).
• From Dénia: to Ciutadella (usually seasonal) ~4–5½ hours.
• From France: Toulon–Ciutadella (seasonal; overnight) ~10–12 hours (Corsica Ferries).
• Foot passengers and vehicles are accepted; advance booking is essential in summer.

By Train

• No rail to Menorca (island). Use high-speed/long-distance trains to mainland ferry gateways, then connect to the port:
  • Madrid–Barcelona Sants ~2h30 (AVE); Sants to Barcelona port ~20–30 minutes by taxi/metro.
  • Madrid–Valencia Joaquín Sorolla ~1h45 (AVE); station to Valencia port ~15–20 minutes by taxi.
  • Trains also serve Alicante/Toulon for connections to relevant ferry routes (check seasonal services).

By Car

• Drive to mainland ferry ports and take a car ferry to Menorca:
  • Barcelona port: well signed from city ring roads; crossings to Maó/Ciutadella ~4–9 hours.
  • Valencia port: crossings ~6–9 hours (check schedules).
  • Dénia port: seasonal fast services to Ciutadella ~4–5½ hours.
• On arrival: Ciutadella–Maó is ~45 km (about 50 minutes) along the ME-1. Major resorts are 15–35 minutes from their nearest port/airport depending on location.