MENORCA (Minorca)

Menorca, a great low key Balearic island in the Mediterranean Sea. It's known for its endless, mile long sand beaches, with turquoise watered bays called "calas". The landscape is pretty interesting with its Pine trees dotting the coast. Hiking is a must with some great geological, scenic beaches, forests, inland pastures, and cultivated hiking routes.

There are also some pretty cool urban areas in Maó-Mahón, Minorcan capital in the East and Ciutadella de Menorca in the West. The island boasts some beautiful Georgian mansions and a church with 13th-century roots.

Cala Galdana:

Lot's of tourism and Ferries in this part of the island. This part of the island also has some of the most beautiful bays in Menorca, with a shallow and protected water beach. This place is really ideal for families having smaller children, but is adapted to all children of all ages.

Your whole family will find the beaches well-equipped with all the activities that you will need and to entertain, even those picky kids.

Besides the beach, Cala Galdana offers beautiful natural surroundings, and close proximity to a pine forest south of the bay. Here you will find some of the most photogenic beaches in all of the Balearic Islands like : Cala Mitjaneta, Cala Mitjana, and Trebaluger beaches.

Best Places to Stay in Cala Galdana

Our accommodations:

We went with the kiddos, so we picked Meliá Cala Galdan -this hotel is great for kids (they have 3 different Meliá's on the island). They have a kids pool, play area, club, and many activities in the hotel, as well as on the beach. The hotel is located on the south part of the island, known as the town of the ferries.

Other Family/kid friendly accommodations:

Hotel Boutique Ses 5 Claus, Torre Vella Fontenille Menorca,

Smoix hotel, and Hotel Boutique Can Sastre

Here is some other highly recommend Adult / Couple accommodations:

Even though we did not stay here (but enjoyed a nice lunch), Torralbenc is a must to visit, or stay at. It's a low key hotel, that is romantic, with a traditional Menorcan farm (dating from the 19th century). It has been renovated into a luxury boutique hotel. They are located close to the Alaior area, on a beautiful small hill surrounded by vineyards and views of the Mediterranean. It's not situated on the beach, but it's between Mahón and Ciudadela, close to some of the most extensive sandy beaches on the island.

The area has archaeological remains dating from the second millennium BC , overseeing the southern coast of Menorca. They also have a wine cellar, wellness center, and much much more!

More couples/adult accommodations:

Torre Vella Fontenille Menorca, Hotel Ca S'Arader Turismo de Interior, and Agroturismo Llucasaldent Gran Menorca - Adults Only.

These hotels in Menorca are also highly rated by couples: Hotel Hevresac, Hotel Romantic Los 5 Sentidos, and Sindic Hotel - Adults Only.

Ciutadella:

Lot's of history dating back with the The Contramurada Wall, being a big focal point. An ideal place to start if you want to study the island’s history. Ciutadella also offers some fantastic culinary by the port. An excellent choice to accompany any meal here is a Pomada (gin xoriguer mixed in with lemonade). Ciutadella is the island's Menorcan religious center, where you can see the beautiful little Cathedral of the Plaza de Pio XII. This town is very walkable and is best enjoyed by just wandering down narrow streets where you can mix with the locals. Avenida Negrete, is a great street to take it all in, with endless rows of palm trees. It also makes for a lovely stroll before you walk into Plaza de Los Pinos and end in Plaza Borne Ciudadela, which is next to the town’s hall. The town hall building is beautiful, with attraction walkways providing phenomenal views of the below marina, which is one of the smallest harbors in Europe.

If you happen to be visiting in the months of July or August, you can take in the showcase of classical styled concerts and artists in the Summer Music Festival, with its local Capella Davidica folk group.

Smaller hotels and family run hostels would comprise most of the accommodation in Ciutadella. Bigger hotels can be found in the nearby beach areas. Ciutadella city and its surroundings is the most touristic area in Menorca.

Best Hotels to Stay in Ciutadella

(€€€) Hotel Can Faustino Relais & Chateaux
(€€) Hotel Port Ciutadella
(€) Hostal Menurka

Mahon:

Mahón, also called Mao, is a huge representation of the islands main attraction. Its harbor, is one of the biggest natural harbors anywhere on earth, and the second largest in Europe. It was named the island’s capital in 1721 after it took over the longstanding tradition from Ciutadella. Today the port is vibrant by day, but the true enjoyment comes to life at night. There is a huge selection of night life that range from smaller, intimate clubs to bars that will keep you entertained all night long.

If you're a music lover like us, you will find music and jazz concerts around the year in several venues such as the Es Freginald Park. The summer festival offers opera weeks on a regular basis from May through December.

If you are into discovering old, unique, churches, then the Santa Maria is one not to miss! The church pretty much takes over the main square! It's main attraction is the impressive organ that contains more than 3,000 individual pipes!

Walking down these beautiful streets, viewing trendy boutiques, pastry, seafood, pottery,and leather shops, was a treat, and should not be missed!

The old convent building also has a fresh market twice a week, as well as a wide range of concerts and other musical events.

On the northern side of Mahon’s harbor is a huge Fortress La Mola de Menorca. This attraction is a definite must. It contains the enormous Vickers Gun, long tunnels that can be explored, and great photo opportunities for all you photo, and IG buffs.

A water taxi or a tour is the best options to take you across the beautiful harbor from the port of Mahon over to La Mola. Upon arrival you will have a chance to view some fantastic views of the harbor from a unique perspective.

Mao offers a range of different accommodation choices. If you are looking for a port stay versus a beach one, the accommodation here vary from little family run hostels hidden in the countless historic backstreets on up to four star luxury hotels that boast staggering views over the harbor and island.

Best Places to Stay in Mahon

(€€€) Jardí de Ses Bruixes Boutique Hotelaccommodation
(€€) Hotel Port Mahón
(€) Hostal La Isla

Binibeca:

Binibeca is a beautiful place to stay in Menorca, and has not been taken over by too many tourism/travel companies. This location is framed by beaches and rocky coves both along the west and the east.

If you are coming with a family or a large group, this is a good choice, since the accommodation is mainly rental villas, which locals own and rent out to selective tourists. It also allows for quality, peaceful, holiday experience.

To fully enjoy this area, you will want to rent a car, since the local area’s public transportation is not recommended. The only reliable form of transportation is a mini fun train, which runs to the more built up Punta Prima throughout the course of each day as well as a regular bus line that connects with Sant Lluís and Mahon.

The beaches of Binibeca is one of the town’s great attractions. The beaches are a short walk off of the main road across sand dunes and through trees. Here you will find golden sands and shallow waters which provide water sports equipment and amenities that you can rent.

Just east of Binibeca you will find Cala Torret, a small development that is traffic-free. It is made up of low lying apartments, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

West of Binibeca is the Pueblo de Pescadores, where the island is recreating a Mediterranean style fishing village.

Best Places to Stay in Binibeca