3rd July 2019
Guest Blog Post by Rachel Corcoran from 'Love Menorca' blog. Great tips for anyone visiting Menorca for the first time!
When to visit Menorca
For everything to be open, the season is between May and mid to late October. Having said that, out of season is one of my favourite times to visit – the weather is (almost!) always better than the UK, the island is tranquil and the scenery is just as beautiful. It’s also wonderful to mingle with the locals in local bars and restaurants and take long walks along the coast or Cami de Cavalls. Winter months can be damp, windy and chilly as well as sunny – so ensure your accommodation has heating just in case!
Travel plans
You can choose from package holidays and DIY trips where you book flights and accommodation yourself. Package holidays include everything, and some are all-inclusive, however, remember that self-catering and eating out can cost the same or less than the package you will be offered by the tour operators in peak season. You can also sleep happy that you are supporting local business owners and have the flexibility of choosing when and where you eat. I have always been tied to school holidays because of children, and have managed to book a private villa, car and flights and eat out every day for better value than an all-inclusive package. Half the fun of the holiday is discovering new places!
Arriving in Menorca
The airport is small and spotlessly clean, and never very busy like you will find on the other Balearic Islands and the mainland. You will find a taxi rank outside, or you can book shuttle bus transfers in advance. Best bet, in my opinion, is to hire a car which gives you the flexibility to explore the island during your stay. You can choose from local car hire companies or the big car hire firms you will normally find in the terminal (but these usually are more expensive). Bear in mind that some firms are ‘off terminal’ which means catching a shuttle bus to their base on the nearby Poligono (industrial park) – not ideal if you arrive late with irritated small children.
Where to go in Menorca
If you’re looking for nightclubs and huge resorts then Menorca isn’t for you. The vibe is laidback and family-friendly. You really can’t go too far wrong when it comes to areas to stay. Many bars and restaurants in the coastal villages have children’s play areas and bouncy castles so parents can enjoy their evening too!
Some ideas of initial attractions to visit during your stay:
- Monte Toro – the highest point in Menorca, with a viewing point, church, museum and small bar/café
- Lithica – a maze and botanical gardens sited in a centuries-old quarry near Ciutadella
- Lloc de Menorca - Menorca’s zoo
- Somni – Son Martorellet – Menorca’s dancing horse show
- Trotting Racing Cala ‘n Blanes
- Xoriguer Gin – Mahon Harbour
- Ciutadella Harbour and cathedral
- Es Grau to fish the rock pools and shallow waters with fishing nets
- Fornells for Caldareta Langosta – the famous lobster stew
- Mahon Fish Market for tapas
- One of the water parks on the island
- One of the many lighthouses
- A Menorcan cheese factory
- An Avarca shop or factory (Menorcan sandals)
- Cala Fonts in Es Castell for a cold glass of wine and to watch the world go by
- Binibeca to explore the tiny streets and quirky houses
- A boat trip from Mahon or Ciutadella
- Cova d’en Xoroi - Cliffside Cave Bar in Cala ‘n Porter
I could go on and on and on… Most importantly come and discover what makes Menorca so special for yourself!
This blog post was written by Rachel Corcoran, writer of Love Menorca blog. If these tips have tempted you to discover Menorca for the first time then get in touch with us via our enquiry form and we'll be more than happy to help you find your ideal villa in Menorca!
