Menorca: Spain’s Quaint Balearic Island
Spain is the largest country of the Iberian Peninsula and one of the most visited countries in the world. Much of this country sits along the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Many visitors to Spain stay inland; however, a visit to one of the Balearic Islands is also a fun adventure.
200 kilometers east of Barcelona is Menorca- a small island with tons of character. Menorca (also spelled Minorca in English) is the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands behind Mallorca and Ibiza. For a sunny escape in the Mediterranean Sea with a less touristy vibe, Menorca is the perfect destination.
Bodegas Binifadet, Menorca
Beaches and Coves
Despite only measuring 10 miles wide and 35 miles long, Menorca has over 360 beaches ranging from secluded to family friendly (and yes, some nude beaches also).
Many of the beaches in Menorca are surrounded by interesting pebbles
Menorca is famous for stunning sea coves that are present throughout the island
The capital of Menorca is Mahon which is where you will fly in to, should you choose to fly. It is an easy 1 hour flight from Barcelona. If flying is not your style, there are also ferries from Barcelona that take around 3.5 hours to get to Menorca.
Menorcan landscape has rolling hills with flower fields that neighbor the beaches
Getting Around
Unless you are staying solely in Mahon, renting a car is your best option for travel, as the island is small and easy to navigate. Since Menorca is a Spanish island, traffic is on the right side of the road as it is in mainland Spain. There are multiple car rental companies located in Mahon and at the Mahon Airport.
Agroturisme Son Vives, Menorca
Menorcan Cuisine
If you are a foodie, Menorca has a treasure trove of fantastic cuisine to experience. One of the most famous foods from Menorca is Mahon cheese. Although this cheese is named after the island’s capital, you can find producers (or queserias) all over the island. Take a tour of a queseria and learn how to make Mahon cheese or buy direct from the producers during the local markets in towns across the island.
Other well-known Menorcan foods include Sobrassada sausage and the light, fluffy pastry known as ensaimada. Since Menorca is an island, there are vast seafood options available fresh from the Mediterranean Sea.
And, of course, you must try fantastic Menorcan wine while you’re here. A beautiful place to experience excellent Menorcan cuisine and wine is at Bodegas Binifadet winery. They offer wine tours, tastings, and also have a full-service restaurant where you can enjoy your meal with a pretty view of the vineyards.
Ensaimada, Menorca
Menorcan cheese and dried sausage, Ciutadella de Menorca
Ciutadella de Menorca
Take a day trip to the beautiful city of Ciutadella de Menorca while you’re exploring the island. Ciutadella de Menorca is located on the western coast of Menorca and is a charming city famous for its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Spend the afternoon wandering the streets while you do some shopping. Stop into the beautiful 14th-century Cathedral of Santa María de Ciutadella for awe-inspiring architecture.
Cathedral of Santa María de Ciutadella, Ciutadella de Menorca
Ciutadella de Menorca
It’s time for your Menorcan getaway!
Published: June 16, 2024 - Updated August 27, 2025
