Darlings, I’ve just returned from majestic Menorca and can I just say…WOW?! I’ve been lucky enough to visit both Ibiza and Mallorca, and perhaps this is a reflection of where I am in life presently, but when it comes to the Balearic Islands, Menorca is it for me.
The island strikes the perfect balance between chic and bohemian, with incredible boutiques, exceptional restaurants, lively nightlife, fascinating history and, of course, some of the most stunning beaches and turquoise waters in the Mediterranean. It feels effortlessly stylish yet wonderfully unspoiled; a combination that completely stole my heart.
Below, I’m sharing my guide to everything I did, saw, ate and loved during my time on this magical island. Vamos!
Day 1: Settle in and Explore Cala en Porter
Cala en Porter Beach Day
I stayed at a villa in Cala en Porter with friends, situated about a 20-minute drive from the airport, which was super ideal after a long travel day! There are villas available to rent in the area, and I’ve also heard great things about Fontenille Menorca, which is nearby. Head down to Cala en Porter beach, grab a sunbed and spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling or kayaking in the bay before heading to…
Cova d’en Xoroi
This famous cliffside bar and nightclub, built into natural sea caves some 30 meters above the Mediterranean Sea, is an absolute must for sunset. Tables go quickly, so definitely book in advance. I suggest grabbing a 6:30 p.m. reservation so you can spend the evening sipping cocktails while watching the sun meet the sea, followed by a live band performance inside the caves. It’s such a spectacular setting and easily one of the most memorable experiences on the island.
Day 2: Explore Mahón and Hauser & Wirth
Mahón
Head into Mahón around 10:00 a.m. and give yourself a few hours to wander before the afternoon siesta. Start with breakfast at Pigalle before heading across the street to check out the super chic boutiques Hetra, Es More and Can Sab. One of the things I loved most about shopping in Menorca is the absence of the big blockbuster luxury chains. Instead, you’ll find beautifully curated independent boutiques filled with local designers, artisan-made pieces and a fantastic edit of fashion and homewares that you’re far less likely to see everywhere else.
From there, grab lunch at Candela overlooking Mercat des Peix before making your way down to Port de Maó to catch the shuttle boat to…
Hauser & Wirth Menorca
An absolute must for art and design lovers! Hauser & Wirth Menorca is located on Illa del Rei, a tiny island set right in the middle of Mahón’s spectacular natural harbor. The only way to reach it is by boat, which makes the journey part of the experience. Shuttle boats depart from Mahón harbor and can be booked in advance through Hauser & Wirth. Definitely reserve your boat ticket ahead of time, particularly during the busy summer months. Give yourself plenty of time to wander through the exhibitions and gardens before settling in for a bite at Cantina, the gallery’s open-air restaurant tucked beneath the shade of olive trees.
Day 3: Cala Morell & Ivette Beach Club
I was determined to see as many different parts of the island as possible on this trip, so when I discovered that Ivette Beach Club was located in Cala Morell, about a 50-minute drive from where I was staying, I decided to make an adventure out of it. Set on Menorca’s rugged northwestern coast, Cala Morell is one of the island’s most striking little enclaves. Think dramatic rocky cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise water and clusters of brilliant white houses cascading down the hillside. The area is also home to the fascinating Necrópolis de Cala Morell, a collection of 14 prehistoric burial caves carved directly into the rock. Definitely worth adding to your itinerary if you have some extra time.
I made a 1 p.m. reservation at Ivette and luxuriated in the long drive across the island. Just as we were approaching Cala Morell, my taxi driver made a wrong turn that unexpectedly took us high above the bay. It ended up being the happiest of accidents: suddenly we were looking out over the most extraordinary landscape of towering cliffs topped with stark white houses against a stellar blue sky. Absolutely breathtaking! Once we eventually found our way to Ivette Beach Club, I was promptly informed that I had exactly 1.5 hours at my table. Transparently, the food at Ivette was nothing to write home about, but the setting more than made up for it. Perched directly above Cala Morell, the restaurant has spectacular views over the bay and its impossibly blue water. Come for the scenery, cocktails and atmosphere and book ahead during the summer months.
After lunch, give yourself some time to explore Cala Morell itself. The cove is quite different from Menorca’s sprawling sandy beaches: it’s small and rocky, with bathing platforms built into the shoreline and beautifully clear water that’s ideal for a swim or snorkel. If you’re interested in the island’s extraordinary prehistoric history, make a quick detour to the nearby necropolis before heading home.
Day 4: Fornells & Catamaran Boat Day
Half-Day Catamaran with Katayak
I booked a half-day catamaran excursion with Katayak, departing from Fornells at 10 a.m. It was very no-frills, but honestly perfect for what I wanted: a few hours out on the Mediterranean exploring Menorca from the water. We stopped at a couple of different coves along the way to swim and snorkel, with snacks and drinks provided onboard. It was amazing to experience more of the island’s wild northern coastline from the sea, which feels noticeably more rugged and dramatic than the south.
Lunch at Es Cranc
Once we arrived back in Fornells Bay, I headed for lunch at Es Cranc, a wonderfully traditional seafood restaurant and one of the best-known places in Fornells for caldereta de langosta, Menorca’s famous lobster stew. Fornells is particularly famous for its lobster, so if there’s one place on the island to splurge on caldereta, this is it. After a morning spent swimming and sailing along the northern coast, settling in for a long seafood lunch felt like the perfect way to round out the adventure.
Dinner at Son Ganxo
That evening, we headed south for dinner at Son Ganxo, a gorgeous seaside chiringuito perched directly on the rocks overlooking the Mediterranean. The setting is really what makes this place special: think open-air tables, uninterrupted sea views and even a swimming pool overlooking the water. The menu is centered around simple Mediterranean cooking and local ingredients, with fresh seafood, grilled fish and meats, rice dishes and plenty of plates designed for sharing.
Day 5: Líthica and Ciutadella
Líthica
Located just outside Ciutadella, this spectacular site is set within the former Pedreres de s’Hostal limestone quarries, which have been transformed into a surreal landscape of towering stone walls, gardens and labyrinths. Highly recommend visiting Líthica first thing in the morning before it gets too hot. Give yourself around 1.5-2 hours to explore the grounds. Comfortable shoes and water are a must! Walking through the enormous hand-carved and mechanically cut quarries feels completely otherworldly and was easily one of the most unexpected highlights of the trip.
Ciutadella
After Líthica, I jumped in a cab for the short ride into the heart of Ciutadella for lunch along the water at Café Balear. My cab driver insisted that the lobster with fried eggs and potatoes was the dish to order, so naturally I did. Fair warning: it was PRICEY. That one dish alone came to €150! Definitely ask the market price before ordering if you don’t fancy a surprise when the bill arrives.
After lunch, I wandered through the gorgeous historic center, a maze of narrow streets, honey-colored stone buildings, beautiful old palaces and independent boutiques centered around the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Don’t miss Plaça des Born and the picturesque old harbor, but otherwise Ciutadella is the kind of place best explored without much of an agenda.
There are still a few places I would have loved to check out, like Nonna Bazaar and Experimental Menorca, but that just gives me even more reason to return! At the end of the day, you have to leave some time to simply relax, soak it all in and enjoy time with friends, which is exactly what I did.
If I missed any other Menorca musts, do let me know in the comments so I can add them to my list for next time!
