Menorca Holiday Guide

Menorca lies in the Balearic Islands, just off the eastern coast of Spain in the western Mediterranean. Just 47km by 18km in size, Menorca is smaller than Majorca - its nearest Balearic Island neighbour.

Popular with British, German and Italian tourists, Menorca holidays are ideally suited to family groups, offering a more peaceful Mediterranean holiday experience with less prominent nightlife than nearby Ibiza.

This Menorca holiday guide provides ideas for day trips, fun family activities and island sightseeing.

Menorca Villas and Holiday Apartment Booking

You can find cheap Menorca holiday villas or a luxury apartment from Thomson Holidays who have special offers on Menorca holidays with late deals for autumn 2011 at discounted prices.

Alternatively, a great choice of Menorca holiday deals at affordable prices are available from top UK holiday companies, directly from our holidays page. We also provide some of the best deals on 2011 family holidays to Spain including Majorca, Menorca and the other Balearic Islands, all at bargain prices.

Menorca Weather

The best time to take Menorca holidays is between mid May and the end of September. During the summer the weather in Menorca is very warm, averaging 24 - 27C and rainfall is at its lowest. It's best to avoid taking a holiday to Menorca or the other Balearic Islands before mid May as the weather can be unsettled and cool. March and April can be too early for reliable warm weather, as we found out during a recent trip!

Menorca Travel Tips

Car hire in Menorca is cheap at around €75 for 3 days and the island (like Spain) drives on the right. It's worth noting that the island's water (although safe to drink) has a high mineral content, so we recommend drinking bottled de-mineralised water during your Menorca holiday. This is especially important for children.

If you plan on staying at self catering Menorca holiday villas or an apartment, try to shop for food at larger supermarkets in major towns such as Mahon as prices are much lower.

Menorca Sightseeing Activities

Our holiday guide to Menorca below suggests fun day trips and sightseeing activities, which have appeal both for a family group or an independent traveller:-

Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana is one of Menorca's most attractive family holiday resorts.

Situated in a sheltered cove on the south of the island, it has a good beach and shallow, calm waters for bathing. There's also a fun water park and playground for children.

Fornells

The town of Fornells, Menorca has an attractive harbour, with many self catering holiday villas and apartments.

There are good restaurants and Fornells offers good sailing and scenery. There's no beach as such, but a good bus service is provided to other resorts.

El Toro

At 358m El Toro is the highest point on Menorca offering panoramic views of the whole island. Access is by road from Es Mercadel. Majorca can be seen on a clear day.

Son Bou

Son Bou has Menorca's longest sandy beach (over 4km in length). Popular for a family Menorca holiday, the resort is located on the south of the island. The 3 star Sol Milanos hotel (pictured) offers direct beach access.

Ciutadella

Ciutadella is a large town on the west of Menorca. Highlights include the impressive gothic cathedral built in 1362.

Ciutadella has a nice harbour and cheap shopping making it a good base for your Menorca holiday.

Cala Pregonda

Cala Pregonda, Minorca is about 6km west of Fornells on the north coast. Due to access difficulties, it is quiet and very unspoilt.

Access is via a footpath starting at Binimel lá beach, and takes about 20 minutes. The footpath is unsuitable for small children.

Cala Mitjana

Cala Mitjana is one of Menorca's most beautiful coves and not to be missed during your holiday.

Access is by footpath from a Cala Galdana parking area, which can be found by taking the main access road from Ferreries to Cala Galdana. Click here for a map.

Cales Coves

Cales Coves is an attractive limestone cove between Alaior and Sant Climent on the south of Menorca, popular as a stop-off point during boat trips around the island.

Access to Cales Coves is via an unpaved, 1.5km long road which is passable with care by car.

Mahon

Mahon (Mao) is the capital of Menorca with a population of approximately 28,000 and a major deepwater port of about 6km in length. It boasts some of the island's best restaurants and is a popular destination for Mediterranean cruise liners.