A week in Menorca: what to do in 6, 7 or 8 days?
Do you want to spend a week in Menorca, Spain?
To help you organize your trip, I have prepared a one-week itinerary for you in Menorca to discover the unmissable places of interest on this sublime island located in the Balearic Islands.
On the program: the visit of the 2 cities, Mahon and Ciutadella; pretty walks by the sea; boat trips; and the main thing, the discovery of splendid creeks with turquoise water!
I give you all my advice for visiting Menorca in 6, 7 or 8 days with the details of things to do every day as well as my selection of the best hotels to sleep.
So what to do and see in Menorca in 1 week?
Table of Contents
Day 1: Mahon and the Mola fortress
A small precision before starting: since you will be staying in the same place for the whole week, you can interchange the days. You don’t have to do day 1, day 2 in a row. The order doesn’t matter.
For the first day, I suggest you start with a visit to the capital of Menorca: Mahon. Everything can be done easily on foot because the historic center is not very extensive.
I therefore advise you to park your car in the covered car park in Plaça de la Miranda (2€/hour) located next to the market where you can go first.
The Mahon market, the “mercat del Claustre” is located in an old cloister and has a few shops under the arcades. There are mainly fruits and vegetables, charcuterie and cheese.
Then pass by the fish market (the “mercat des Peix”) which is right next door. It is divided into 2 parts: one with stalls selling fresh fish and the other has many really very appetizing tapas!
Then explore the pedestrian streets lined with boutiques such as Carrer Nou, Carrer del Hannover and Carrer de ses Moreres.
Also to see in Mahon :
- The Church of Santa Maria de Mahon and its organ with more than 3200 pipes
- Portal de Sant Roc and its 2 towers, one of the only remains of the old wall
- The Menorca Museum traces the history of the island. It is located in the former convent of Sant Francesc.
- The Center for Art and History (Ca’n Oliver) on the history of the town and the port.
After lunch, get back in the car, heading for another place to see on this week-long trip to Menorca: La Mola Fortress. It is a 20 minute drive from the center of Mahon, at the most easterly tip of the island.
Built in the 19th century to defend the port in the event of attacks, it is superbly well preserved and also allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the coast. The site is quite extensive, it takes about 2h30 to visit it on foot, but you can also rent golf carts.
Admission costs €8 with a supplement for an audio guide, but you can also directly scan the QR codes present everywhere to have explanations on the history of the fortress and all the buildings.
For the rest of the afternoon, I suggest you join the first beach of this week-long tour in Menorca, the beautiful sandy beach bordered by a small cape of Cala Mesquida. It is 15 minutes from the fortress.
Spend your first night in Menorca. You will find my selection of the best hotels on the whole island a little further down in the article.
Tips:
To admire beautiful views of the colonial houses of Mahon, the fortress and the small islands located around it, I advise you to take a short one-hour cruise in the bay of Mahon.
Day 2: Boat trip along the south coast of Menorca
For the second day of your week-long stay in Menorca, I suggest you embark on a day cruise along the south coast of Menorca.
The departure is every day around 10am from the port of Ciutadella, in the west of the island. However, it is mandatory to book in advance.
You will sail quietly while admiring the beautiful coastal landscapes to Cala de Son Saura, where you will have 2 hours to swim in this pretty cove made up of 2 beaches.
You can also take the opportunity to stroll by the sea and see Cala des Talaier, a small cove accessible in just 10 minutes on foot from Son Saura.
It will then be time to get back on the boat to enjoy the included lunch: a paella accompanied by a good glass of sangria. It’s hard to get more typical Spanish than that!
You will then leave in the direction of Cala en Turqueta where you will have 1h30 to swim. Nestled in the pine forest, with its turquoise water, it is one of the most beautiful coves I have seen during my week-long road trip to Menorca!
Return to the port of Ciutadella at the end of the afternoon.
Day 3: Walk on the Cami de Cavalls / Cavalry / Fornells
For the third day of this one week tour in Menorca, I suggest you explore a small part of the North of the island.
First go to the beach of Binimel-là. You will have to leave your car in the parking lot next to the restaurant and walk to the beach (5 minutes). Then take the path starting from the left of the beach, which is in fact part of the Cami de Cavalls.
The Cami de Cavalls allows you to go all around the island of Menorca on foot (or by bike or on horseback), i.e. 185 km, divided into several stages of 5 to 14 km. Today, I therefore suggest that you cover a very small portion of it starting from Binimel.
The walk is super pretty to go to Cala Pregonda and allows you to discover 4 coves of ocher sand and translucent water. I found the landscape particularly beautiful with the color contrasts offered by the turquoise water, the red rocks and the trees.
Do not hesitate to choose the place you like the most to swim!
Then go back by car for 15 minutes to Cavalleria beach. The beach is easily accessible, just 300 meters on foot from the car park.
You will then discover a pretty stretch of golden sand forming a cove bordered by crystal clear water. No doubt you’ll want to take a little dip here too!
From the car park, and by car, then follow the one and only road that will take you to the northernmost point of the island, Cap de Cavalleria where the Cavalleria lighthouse is also located .
The interior consists of a small museum on the history and the construction of the lighthouses of Menorca but if I made you come here it is above all because the place is famous for offering beautiful points of view on all the north coast of Menorca.
After having been amazed, you can reach Fornells, the last stage of the day.
Located by the sea, this charming typical village with white houses where it is pleasant to walk is known for its culinary specialty: the caldereta of Llagosta, which is in fact a delicious lobster casserole.
I therefore recommend that you end the day by tasting this dish in one of the 2 best restaurants in Fornells: Sa Llagosta or Es Cranc. Please note that reservations are mandatory!
Day 4: The most beautiful coves around Cala Galdana
We continue these holidays with another day dedicated to the most beautiful coves to see in Menorca in 1 week. Today, I take you to discover some of the splendid coves located on each side of Cala Galdana.
They all have the same color of crystal clear water and are bordered by pine forest. You can swim and take the opportunity to snorkel , so don’t forget to bring your mask and snorkel.
Most of these coves are only accessible by boat or on foot (but if you choose this option, you will not necessarily be able to do them all in the same day). I give you the information for the 2 options.
1) Rent a boat in Cala Galdana
To visit the coves by boat, you will first need to drive to the resort of Cala Galdana. At the level of the small port, you will find parking spaces and the huts of the companies offering boat rentals.
I strongly advise you to book your boat in advance because there are not dozens either. We went by Iguana Boat.
You do not need a license for this type of boat and the boats are very easy to handle (even if you have never done one).
Leaving the port, I advise you to start on the right side with Cala Macarella and Macarelleta.
Continuing a little further, you then have the Cala en Turqueta but if you did the day 2 boat trip, you will have already been there so it is not necessarily useful.
You can then turn around and discover the beaches to the left of Cala Galdana: the superb Cala Mitjana (in my top 5 of the most beautiful places to swim during this week-long stay in Menorca!), the Cala de Trebaluger, Cala Fustam, Cala Escorxada, Platja Binigaus and Sant Adeodato beach which is in Sant Tomas.
You do not have the right to go further by boat (question of rental time and quantity of gasoline).
2) Access on foot to the coves of the South coast
For those who wish to see 2 or 3 coves during the day and get there on foot, here are some details.
Note that you can choose to connect several creeks in a row on foot by following the Cami de Cavalls or to take your car each time after each creek (but you will still not escape the walk since the car parks are not so close).
- Cala Macarella: 1.1 km from the parking lot or 2.2 km from Cala Galdana by the Cami de Cavalls
- Cala en Turqueta: 1 km from the parking or 2.5 km from Cala Macarella
- Cala Mitjana: 1.2 km from the car park or 1.2 km from Cala Galdana. You have a very nice viewpoint on the right of the beach by following the path which continues to a second small cove.
- Cala de Trebaluger: accessible only by the seaside path from Cala Mitjana (about 1.7 km).
- Cala Fustam: à 1.6 km from Trebaluger
- Cala Escorxada: which you can reach by the coastal path that starts from Sant Tomas (about 3.3 km on foot).
Tips:
If you have decided to visit Menorca for 1 week with your family (with young children), you can also spend the day on an easier-to-access beach.
Cala Galdana beach or Sant Adeodato beach are ideal as they are large sandy beaches with shallow water. You can rent deckchairs/umbrellas and pedal boats there.
Day 5: Coves of West Menorca / Ciutadella / Pont d’En Gil /
For the fifth day of this stay in Menorca of 1 week, here is the program that I propose to you.
In the morning, head for one of the pretty coves located south of the city of Ciutadella. I particularly recommend:
- La Cala Blanca which is at the bottom of a small canyon. There are a few bars and restaurants around.
- La Cala Santadria, a small cove also located at the bottom of a fjord with some nice little restaurants
- Sa Caleta: a very beautiful cove with shallow turquoise water. I found the place really beautiful with the view of the tower.
After a relaxing morning, hop back in the car to reach the historic center of Ciutadella, which was the ancient capital of Menorca before Mahon took over.
A walk in the streets of the old town will allow you to admire the beautiful buildings including many bourgeois houses with pretty facades and several churches.
I also recommend that you go through:
- The square of Es Born where the town hall and an obelisk are located
- The main shopping street of Ses Voltes
- The cathedral of Ciutadella
- The fish market where there are a few restaurants where you can taste the catch of the day for lunch. And if you’re not too keen on fish and seafood, you also have several restaurants in the historic center.
In the afternoon, I recommend that you take a tour of the most beautiful coves located north of the city. Choose from:
- La jolie baie de Cala en Blanes
- Cala en Brut: a very beautiful place made up of several terraced platforms from which you can jump directly into the water or descend by ladders. However, there is no beach.
- Cala en Forcat: a pretty cove with lots of rocks at the water’s edge. The water is very shallow. The place is great for snorkeling. Only small downside in terms of the landscape: there is a big hotel at the top of the cliff which dominates it.
- Cala Piques which is rather pretty and where you can rent deckchairs and parasols. At the parking lot, I advise you to park on the right side of the beach, it’s easier than on the left.
If you are still around when the sun goes down, you can go to Pont d’en Gil. From the car park, it only takes 10 minutes on foot to reach this stone arch jutting out into the water.
The place is reputed to be one of the best places to go in Menorca in 1 week to admire the sun setting over the sea.
Tips:
If you want to integrate 2 more atypical visits during this day, before arriving in Ciutadella, you can stop:
- At the Naveta des Tudons: this funerary site dating from the Talayotic period is classified as unique in the world (even in Majorca nothing similar has been discovered).
- At the old sandstone quarry of Lithica (Pedreres de s’Hostal) which has been transformed into a giant maze. To do in Menorca with in a week with children!
Day 6: The North of Menorca
For this sixth day of your week-long road trip in Menorca, I recommend that you start at the Monte Toro viewpoint.
Located in the center of the island, at 358 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in Menorca. It allows you to admire a beautiful panorama over a good part of the island and sometimes even as far as Majorca if the sky is clear.
Coming down from Monte Toro you will pass through Es Mercadal, a small typical Menorcan village with its white houses and its main square with a few cafes and 2 bakeries. Here you can buy some pastries from the Balearic Islands such as ensaïmadas and crespells.
If you have decided to leave for 7 days in Menorca, it is also to taste some local specialties!
Then head to Cala Algaiarens, a 30-minute drive from Es Mercadal. This very pretty, completely wild sandy beach is made up of a double cove bordered by dunes and pine forest.
Continuing 5 minutes on foot on the right side by the seaside and the rocks, you can also reach the Platja des Bot. The beach is also very pretty and has a shallow sandbar.
The place is really quiet and relaxing.
Place for swimming and relaxation!
If you don’t want to spend the whole afternoon in the same place, you can then take your car back to the Cala Pilar car park, 35 minutes from Algaiarens.
Reachable in 45 minutes on foot along an easy path, Cala Pilar is a pretty sandy beach with red rocks.
Day 7: The eastern coves of Menorca
For the penultimate day of your week-long itinerary in Menorca, I suggest you discover the east of the island. You had already had a small glimpse of it when visiting Mahon on the first day.
Today, you will be able to admire and swim in the most beautiful coves and beaches located in the surroundings.
Here is my selection of my favorite places in the area (of course you don’t have to do everything if you just want to hang out somewhere!):
- Cala’n Porter: a white sand beach surrounded by cliffs. You can rent kayaks there.
- Cales Coves: accessible only on foot in 20 minutes or by boat. This protected cove surrounded by cliffs is totally wild. It’s not a real beach, it’s just rocks.
- Cala Canutells: a quiet seaside resort with a pretty cove at the bottom of the bay
- Cala Binidali: a really quiet little cove with crystal clear water and super calm
- Biniparatx which is also very beautiful and super quiet (accessible only on foot)
- Calo Blanc: a beautiful place but really tiny, there is just a very small stretch of sand at the edge of turquoise water
- Cala Binibequer: a large sandy beach less wild than all the others I have just mentioned
- Playa Punta Prima: more touristy because it is a supervised beach. There are restaurants and bars around.
Day 8: It’s the end!
Here you are at the end of this week-long vacation in Menorca .
Depending on your departure time, you can enjoy the beaches of the island one last time or go to the Es Grau side. For example, you can take a walk in the S’Albufera d’Es Grau natural park or relax on the long sandy beach.
From Es Grau, it is also possible to take a boat shuttle to reach the small island opposite. The transfer is reserved by clicking here!
A good way to end this 7-8 day itinerary in Menorca in style!
Tips:
For a 6 day Menorca road trip, you can remove any of the days. To see according to your interests.
Ditto for a 7-day stay in Menorca.
Accommodation in Menorca?
I have prepared for you my selection of the best hotels to sleep in Menorca according to your budget.
If you have planned a week-long Menorca itinerary, you do not necessarily need to change accommodation several times. The island is not very big, it is possible to radiate quite easily.
The best hotels near Mahon
- Eurohotel: Located in the heart of Mahon, this small, unpretentious establishment offers fairly basic but very clean rooms from €110 per night. Most: the friendliness of the staff, the location close to the city center.
- Catalonia Mirador des Port: Located not far from the Menorca Museum, in the center of Mahon. Spacious and comfortable double room with a nice view from 130€ per night. Most: the swimming pool, the jacuzzi, the varied breakfast.
- ARTIEM Capri: Modern and well-equipped double room, with comfortable bedding, from €160, breakfast included. The pluses: the swimming pool and jacuzzi on the roof, cold drinks and unlimited free snacks served in the Green space, the hearty breakfast. One of the best hotels to sleep in Menorca!
- Bordoy Casa Ládico – Hotel Boutique Adults Only: This 5* hotel offers superb suites with terrace, with refined decoration from €330 per night, breakfast included. Most: the caring staff, intimate hotel, the swimming pool, the homemade breakfast and to the minute. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Mahon.
The best hotels near Ciutadella and surroundings
- Hostel Menorca: Hostel located in the center of Ciutadella. Bed in dormitory from 30€ per night. Ideal for cheap accommodation in Menorca.
- Prinsotel La Caleta : Located 5 minutes walk from the beach. Super comfortable and bright double room or apartment, with balcony, from €150 per night, breakfast included. Most: the beautiful pool area and its garden, the setting, the calm, the excellent breakfast. It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio!
- Aparthotel Ferrer Skyline: Located just in front of the sea and 1 km from the historic center of Ciutadella. Modern, very spacious 1 to 3 bedroom apartment with terrace that can accommodate up to 6 people, from €180 per night. Most: the swimming pools, the view, the cleanliness, the calm. A great hotel to stay in Menorca with the family!
- Hotel Playa Santandria Adults Only : Located 5 meters from Cala Santandria cove. Double room with balcony and some with sea view, from €180, breakfast included. Most: the exceptional location on the beach, the very good breakfast, the calm.
- Faustino Gran Relais & Chateaux : Superb luxury hotel located in a magnificent 17th century building. Everything is elegant, refined and neat. Double room from €400 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the decoration, the quality of the catering, the swimming pools, the spa, the concierge. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Ciutadella!
Where to stay on the south coast of Menorca
- Son Bou Playa Gold: Located 10 min walk from the large beach of Son Bou. Several small houses divided into apartments. The superior apartments have been refurbished and fitted out with taste, from 80€ per night. Most: the calm, the swimming pool, well equipped, numerous parking spaces. It is our favorite for its price/performance ratio in Menorca!
- Seth Mestral & Llebeig: Located 100 meters from Santo Tomas beach. Recent, functional and well-equipped apartments with 1 to 3 bedrooms from €120 per night. It is also possible to book half-board. The pluses: the large well-maintained swimming pools, the games for children, the beach right next to it. If you have chosen to visit Menorca with children, this is the perfect accommodation!
- Menorca Binibeca by Pierre & Vacances Premium Adults Only: Located in the village of Binibeca. Cozy double room with kitchenette, jacuzzi bath and large terrace from €160, breakfast included. Most: the breathtaking sea view, the superb setting, the swimming pools, the good breakfast buffet.
- ARTIEM Audax – Adults Only: Located in Cala Galdana, just 2 minutes from the beach. Double room from €240, breakfast included. Most: the spa area with its indoor pools and saunas, the outdoor pool, the magnificent view.
- Melia Cala Galdana: Located on the beautiful beach of Cala Galdana, this 5* hotel offers very cozy rooms with large bay windows and balconies with sea views from €310 per night, breakfast included. Most: the indoor and outdoor pools, the friendliness of the staff, the excellent quality of the breakfast, the incredible view. This is our recommendation for a luxury hotel in the south of Menorca!
Accommodation in the North of Menorca
- Hostal La Palma : Located on the marina of Fornells. Fairly spacious double room with balcony overlooking the swimming pool and the garden from €110. Most: 2 swimming pools, great location, very quiet, free parking.
- TRH Tirant Playa : Located 5 min walk from Cala Tirant, in Fornells. Pleasant apartment with kitchenette from €130 per night. Most: tranquility, sea view, cleanliness.
- White Sands Beach Club By Diamond Resorts : Located in Arenal d’En Castell, on the edge of the beach. Apartment with 1 to 2 bedrooms, modern and well equipped from 185€ per night. The pluses: the quality of the welcome, the swimming pool with a view of the bay, the comfort.
- Comitas Tramontana Park : Located in Fornells, right by the sea. Aparthotel offering spacious 3-bedroom accommodation with fully equipped kitchen and lounge area, from €200, breakfast included. Most: the beautiful swimming pool, the magnificent sunset from the terrace, the good restaurant buffet, the entertainment.
Other activities to do for a week in Menorca
If you want to add other activities to do during your week-long trip to Menorca, I have selected some really nice ones for you.
Do not hesitate to click on the links to access the details and make your reservations:
Boat trips to the south of Menorca
- 3h30 cruise to Son Saura, Es Talaier, Turqueta, Macarella, Macarelleta, Mitjana, Trebaluger, Fustam and Escorxada + 2 stops of 30 min for bathing + aperitif – Departure from Cala Galdana
- 2 hour glass bottom boat trip from Cala Galdana + 1 hour swim
- 2-hour sea trip on a small boat that can accommodate a maximum of ten people – Passage in front of the creeks of the South and a short break for swimming. Departure from Cala Galdana also.
- 3h30 boat trip from Cala’n Bosch including 1 hour of snorkeling
- Boat trip at sunset with complimentary cocktail – From Cala’n Bosh – An excellent choice of activity to do in Menorca as a couple!
Boat trips in the North of Menorca – Departure from Fornells
- Catamaran cruise on the north coast of Menorca with snorkeling stop – Max of 10 people on the boat – The crew is also super friendly and you will have unlimited drinks.
- Full day sailing trip on beaches only accessible by boat + lunch included – Provision of paddle and masks/snorkels.
- 3h30 cruise on the beaches of the North coast, towards Cap Cavalleria + swimming in Cala Pregonda
- Speed boat trip – 3h – 2 snorkeling stops + aperitif with cheese and charcuterie
- Cruise in Llaut, a typical wooden boat of the Balearic Islands – In small group – If you are wondering what to do in Mallorca with friends or family, this is the perfect boat trip! Local aperitif and drinks are included!
- 3-hour sea trip at sunset – Speed boat.
- Sailboat sunset cruise
- Menorca Sunset Private Boat Tour
Nautical and aquatic activities
- First dive in the marine reserve
- Jet Ski Excursion on the North Coast of Menorca – Duration 1 hour
- Snorkeling trip in the caves of Macarella and in the superb cove of Cala Trebaluger, in the south of Menorca. You will be taken to the snorkeling sites by boat from Cala Galdana.
- 2-hour snorkeling trip in the marine reserve
- Kayak excursion with an instructor departing from Fornells (North). Passage at the foot of the cliffs, in the caves and swimming stop at the beach of S’Arenelet.
- South Cliffs and Caves Kayak Tour, from Cala en Porter
- Guided Sunset Kayak Tour from Fornells
- 2-hour paddle outing with an instructor, in the bay of Fornells
Other activites
- Day trip in 4*4 on track and off the beaten track.
- Horseback riding: several equestrian centers organize rides along the Cami de Cavalls.
- Hiking on the Cami de Cavalls.
Are you going to Menorca? Read also
- What to do in Menorca? The top 17 best things to do.
- Where to stay in Menorca? Our selection of the best accommodation.