Unmissable Menorca
Our guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
MAHON
The Port of Mahon (or Maó as it is known in the local language) is the finest and largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean. Unsurprisingly, the town’s most impressive feature is its seemingly endless harbourside drive, which is lined with restaurants and bars. This is a great place to try some of the local dishes and cocktails. The bars tend to get very lively after midnight, when the beautiful and the young congregate to discuss their day. Have dinner at one of the many fish restaurants along the quayside before indulging in some late night revelry.
ES CASTELL
Just south of Mahon, the port of Es Castell is well worth a visit, particularly in the evening, as it has some great fish restaurants and bars. You’ll see the huge old barracks on the hill and can find out more at the Military Museum. In the town, there’s good shopping. It’s wonderful for people watching and just letting the world go by.
TORRET
Directly south of Mahon, there is little else to do in this small inland village than dine at one of the island’s best restaurants.
ES GRAU
Located just north of Mahon, this coastal resort town is set in a nature reserve and has a good selection of restaurants, a great beach and several shops. There’s one especially lovely boutique run by a dreadlocked dude who imports everything from India, offering gorgeous inexpensive kaftans, dresses and jewellery.
ES CANUTELLS
This quiet resort village on the southeast coast makes a great base for keen divers. The Cap D’en Font underwater caves are nearby and there is good snorkelling just off the beach. You can cut into the soft coastline are the Necropolis burial caves - take extreme care and make sure children are accompanied at all times. The village has a couple of restaurants serving simple homecooked meals and snacks.
SANT CLIMENT
If you want to sip a local beer while listening to the thwack of cricket balls, this is inland village is for you. Sitting in the south of the island, Sant Climent has its own microbrewery and the Menorca Cricket Club is nearby. Find it just west of the airport.
FERRERIES
This quiet inland village sits in the centre of this island and offers an authentic insight into Menorcan life. It’s known for being the hub of the island’s shoemaking industry and there are several outlet shops worth browsing. Menorcan designer Jaime Mascaró, the man behind the Pretty Ballerinas phenomenon, has his manufacturing operation here.
ES MERCADAL
In the geographic centre of the island, this sleepy town is a local gourmet magnet and well placed for visits to Menorca’s highest point, El Toro (see page 20).
ES MIGJORN GRAN
An even drowsier inland market town with fabulous restaurants and good beaches a short drive south. A great place to buy some typical Menorcan sandals which you see every stylish Spanish child and lady wearing.
ALAIOR
A medieval inland village of winding lanes and cobbled squares, with relaxing cafés and artisan ice cream parlours. It’s well placed for southern beaches and is home to the local cheese and shoe industries – a good combination.
FORNELLS
In the north east of Menorca, this little fishing port rests on the edge of a large picturesque inland bay, whose protected waters make it the best place on the island for watersports. Not only that, Fornells is famed for its seafood. This is the place to try Menorca’s classic Caldereta de llangosta (lobster stew).
CIUTADELLA
On the west of Menorca, former island capital Ciutadella was built by Menorca’s richest families. Its cobbled lanes, Gothic churches and lavish 17th century palaces are reminiscent of Italy and make it heaven for exploring. There are also some lovely smaller shops selling white linen clothing, gifts and shoes.
Dining
Can Bernat
On the Son Vitamina roundabout between San Climent and Cala en Porter. Doesn’t look much but produces very good meat/chicken/rabbit off the grill. Not a fishy place. Dani is the owner who speaks perfect English. Child friendly.
+34 971 377 294
Torralbenc
Very close to Cala en Porter. Very smart modern cool hotel with a very good restaurant. Expensive but worth a visit if you want an haut cuisine special treat. If it’s quiet it lacks atmosphere, but the food experience is always good.
+34 971 377 211 | torralbenc.com
Jardi de ses Bruixes Café, Carrer de San Fernando
An enchanting courtyard café filled with orange trees, opulent flowers, soft stone walls and turquoise shutters. Come for the peaceful and delicious breakfasts, such as creamy scrambled eggs, fresh orange juice and excellent cappuccinos.
Mahon | +34 971 363 166 | hotelsesbruixes.com/restaurant
Es Moli de Foc
In San Climent back street; has been a destination for decades. Imaginative menu- the baked mussels are a must. A proper foodie experience.
San Climent | +34 971 153 222 | esmolidefoc.es
Hotel Experimental
Really lovely setting that was the officers mess for the garrison that manned the coastal guns. Real top end cuisine which is hard to categorise. Expensive without a doubt and cool if that dings your bell. Its almost visible from Sant Pau but you have to drive via Alaior.
Alaior | +34627369431
Txoko (Pronounced Choco)
Between Cap d’en Font and Binisafuller, really good but you definitely need to book. Lunch time place.
South Coast – Cap d’en Font | +34 971 157 395
Club Nautico
Nice sea view and good typical Menorcan food, a bit expensive, but always a good experience. Lunch time place, close to Binisafuller rock pool.
South Coast | +34971357741 | nauticobinisafua.com
Bambu
Very cool place for drinks and or dinner with spectacular sunset position. Food is very good and imaginative – full/fairly priced but worth it for the experience which is a little bit Ibiza. Need to advance book!!
Binibeca | +34 971 358 969 | bambumenorca.com
En Caragol
Overlooking the sea, this restaurant has a magnificent menu including fish.
Punta Prima, San Lluis | +34 871 872 676 | encaragol.com
Sa Punta
Top-class cuisine that caters for all tastes, in a lovely position overlooking the entrance to Mahon harbour.
Es Castel | +34690854671 | sapuntamenorca.com
Mestre
On the harbour front in Mahon; this is undoubtedly one of the gems. Small place so you must book and enjoy multiple ‘one-bite’ courses of extraordinary imagination and skill.
Mahon | +971 966 801 | mestredaixamenorca.com
Amano
In the centre of town and co-owned by Luca of Mestre. Outstanding Spanish cuisine at a sensible price; right up there with Mestre
Mahon | +971 354 144 | amanorest.com
Wepi
On the harbour front; low key informal with great Mediterranean food with a twist of Asia evident in some dishes.
Mahon | +971 354 818
Paput Bar
On the harbour at the landward end. Very chilled bar for a gin after a day in the sun.
Mahon | paputmenorca.com
Xauxa
On the harbour front opposite the ferry terminal, so at the non-trendy end (close to Paput); this is a new find for us and is truly exceptional. Modern twist but beautifully executed Spanish cuisine. The chairs are hard but could not find fault with anything else. Right up there as one of the best on the island.
Mahon
Latitud 40
Very much the go to bar/restaurant for the yachties; at the seaward end of Mahon harbour opposite Pantalon D. Need to book in summer.
Mahon | +34 971 369 900
Restaurante S’Espigo, Moll de Llevant
Serves the freshest fish with the minimum fuss, lovely harbour views from the dining terrace.
Mahon | +34 971 369 909 | sespigo.com
Restaurante Way, Carrer Moll de Llevan
The best Japanese and Chinese food on the island, including sushi, sashimi and dim sum. The décor is elegant and it’s very popular - great if you’ve had enough of the local food.
Mahon |+34 971 143 692 | restauranteway.com
Restaurant Ses Forquilles, Sa Rovellada de Dalt
A great place for lunch – traditional yet creative fare in an informal atmosphere.
Mahon |m+34 971 352 711 | sesforquilles.com | Closed Sundays & Mondays
Tapes Can Avelino, Carrer Sínia des Mure
Unassuming yet one of the best places on the island to enjoy tapas – very popular and contemporary. Great for lunch and dining with kids.
Mahon | +34 971 091 104 | canavelino.com/en
Cap Roig, Carrer Gran de sa Mesquida, near Mahon
This place is on a clifftop just north of Mahón. From its terrace you can enjoy fabulous views of the rocky coast and the bay. Try the lobster, clams, prawns or crab (it’s all fabulous), and one of the rice dishes.
Mahon | +34 971 188 383 | restaurantcaproig.com
Restaurant Nou Scirroco, Moll Cales Fonts
Airy, whitewashed seafood restaurant - delicious food and very child friendly.
Es Castell | +34 971 36 79 65 | facebook.com/nousirocomenorca
Restaurante Trebol, Moll Cales Fonts
Half carved into the rock and half sprawling out onto a cove. Delicious fresh fish and great paella.
Es Castell | +34 971 367 097 | trebolmenorca.es
Restaurant Pan y Vino, Cami Coixa
Highly recommended for a blowout meal with great food, wine and excellent service. Set in a converted whitewashed farmhouse with dining terraces framed by Menorca’s iconic dry-stone walls.
Torret | +34 971 150 201 | panyvinomenorca.com | Closed Tuesdays
Sa Pedrera d’es Pujol, Cami des Pujol
The island’s own Heston Blumenthal, Daniel Mora, finds originality in Menorca’s traditional recipes. Very chic and relatively affordable, compared to Heston…
Torret | +34 971 150 717 | sapedreradespujol.com/en | Closed Wednesdays
Bar Restaurante Tamarindos
Simple fare with delicious gazpacho, excellent sardines and fresh fish (the tuna is highly recommended but ask for whatever is fresh).
Es Grau | +34 971 359 420 | barrestaurantetamarindos.es
Restaurant Ca N´olga, Pont de Na Macarrana
Elegant family-run restaurant with a pretty garden terrace.
Es Mercadal | +34 971 375 459 | canolga.com
Ca Na Pilar, Avenida Mar
An elegant fine dining restaurant with serving brilliant modern Mediterranean cuisine in a Menorcan cottage. Overseen by the former head chef of three Michelin starred Raco de Can Fabes, in Barcelona.
Es Migjorn Gran | +34 971 370 112 | Open Friday-Sunday | canapilar.com
Es Festuc, Es Carreró
Good value set menu lunches and the option to take away - handy if you feel like taking your food to the beach.
+34 971 37 93 82 | Closed Saturday | esfestuc.com
Es Port, Gumersindo Riera
Enjoy a great choice of delicious fresh fish, including lobster. Es Port gets busy during high season, so do book ahead.
Fornells | +34 971 376 403 | Closed Mondays
Ca Na Marga Urb. Ses Salines
Very popular and busy, this fabulous restaurant is the go-to for quality meat and amazing steaks. Don’t miss the delicious sliced potatoes layered with sobresada sausage. Be sure to book your table in advance.
Fornells | +34 971 376 410 | canamarga.com/en
Es Cranc & Es Cranc Pelut
These sister restaurants are known for their caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew) - pricey, but quintessentially Menorcan.
Fornells | +34 971 37 67 43
Ses Voltes, Jose María Quandro
A sprawling tapas bar on the old town’s colonnaded main street.
Ciutadella | +34 971 381 498
Restaurant S’Amarador, Carrer de Pere Capllonch
A lovely waterfront fish restaurant with outside tables - great for summer evenings.
Ciutadella | +34 971 383 524 | samarador.com
Fish Market & Bar Ulisses
The vaulted fish market is a hive of daytime activity. Choose from a wide array of fresh seafood, then take it next door to Bar Ulisses, where they will cook it up for you. We suggest the red prawns and squid, which taste divine with garlic and lemon. Order croquetas de jamón and a glass of vermouth to wash it all down.
Ciutadella
Sights
Santa Maria Church, Mahon
A beautiful and imposing building located right in the centre of town, with a bell tower that can be seen from all around (great for getting your bearings). The facades alone are stunning but it’s worth viewing the neo-classical interior too.
Museu de Menorca, Mahon
Exhibits chronicling Menorca’s history.
museudemenorca.com/en
La Mola Fortress, Mahon
A magnificent mid-19th century Spanish fortress.
Mercado de Pescadoes, Mahon
The town’s central and buzzing fish market – note the ornate entrance gates, dated 1927.
Claustre del Carme, Mahon
Located in a former monastery in the town centre, this market is where you can find the typical Menorcan cured sausages (such as sobressada or carnixulla) and many of the island’s cheeses can be found. Many of the locals shop here so prices are usually good value.
Teatre Pricipal, Mahon
One of the oldest theatres in Europe, it still hosts musicals, operas and shows.
Xoriguer Gin Distillery, Mahon
Located at the Moll de Ponent dockside, visitors can take a look around and do gin tastings.
+34 971 362 197 | xoriguer.es
Ca’n Doblas
This third generation cobbler sells traditional avarcas (supple leather sandals) in shades of clementine, olive and sandy brown. Stop by their small shop to pick up beautiful footwear for summer strolls.
Es Mercadel
Palau Salord
An aristocratic house open to the public and stacked with antiques, tapestries and frescoes.
Ciutadella
Placa des Borns
This palm shaded square is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Spain.
Ciutadella
Museu Municipal de Ciutadella
Set in a beautiful former monastery above the main harbour, this museum exhibits artefacts and artworks dating from the Talayotic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras right up to the 18th and 20th centuries.
Ciutadella de Menorca Cathedral
A Roman Catholic 15th century masterpiece built on the site of an ancient mosque.
Lithica, near Ciutadella
A former limestone quarry transformed into an enchanting underworld of gardens and dramatic spaces.
Torralba d'en Salord, between Alaior & Mahon
A Bronze age archaeological site where you can see the enigmatic stone 'tables' of the Neolithic talayot.
Santa Catalina Cheese Tasting, near Es Grau
At this farm you’ll find a twinkly farmer’s wife, an idyllic farmhouse, and a mature cheese that has been named among the best in Spain. Located on the Fornells road from Mahon.
+34 971 188 030 | formatgesantacatalina.com | Closed Sundays
Cova d'en Xoroi, Cala en Porter
This spectacular bar is perfect for a relaxing drink. During the day, all ages are welcome. Watch the breath taking sun set over the sea from the cliff-face terrace. Later, it’s island’s only nightclub (ages 18+ only) - book a VIP sofa for the most dramatic views.
+34 971 37 72 36 | covadenxoroi.com | Seasonal opening hours | Entry fee applies
El Toro, near Es Mercadal
Menorca’s highest point, giving fantastic panoramic views of the island. Come on a clear day, as it’s a great place to help you get your bearings early on in your trip.
Horse Riding
The Menorcans have a fascination with horses and the island even has its own indigenous breed, the black coated Cavall Menorquí. Menorca a Cavall offers horse riding excursions through the island’s forests and countryside, as well as along the Cami de Cavalls. They can also give dressage lessons on a Menorcan fiesta stallion.
+34 971 374 6 | menorcaacavall.com/en
Cricket, near San Climent
Menorca Cricket Club host regular games that anyone can participate in (for a small fee of approx. EUR 5).
+34 971 350 808 | menorcacricketclub.com
Golf Son Parc, Es Mercadal
A picturesque championship quality course - ideal for beginners and experienced golfers alike.
+34 971 188 875 | golfsonparcmenorca.com/en
Aqua Center, north of Ciutadella
Small water park best for younger children.
+34 971 388 705 | +34 971 388 251 | aquacenter-menorca.com
Aquarock Parque Acuático, south of Ciutadella
Small water park with pools and slides for all ages.
+34 971 387 822 | aquarock-menorca.com
On the Water
Colom Island: Boats, Kayaks & Snorkelling
Just 200 metres from Es Grau, this 140-acre island has two pristine white sand beaches. The sheltered water between Es Grau and the island is perfect for snorkelling, with crystal clear water and countless sea life. It’s accessible with paddleboards, kayaks and medium-sized boats.
Menorca Cruising School & Menorca Sailing, Mahon or Addaya
Boat rental and yacht charter services - reserve before you travel.
+34 971 389 003 | +34 971 357 224 | menorcasailing.co.uk
Quaysport Menorca
Charter a motor cruiser boat for a day of swimming, snorkelling and being taken to hidden coves.
+34 639 678 670 | quaysportmenorca.com
Menorca Cruising, Mahon
A wide selection of boats.
+34 660 647 845 | menorcacruising.com
Sailing & Windsurfing, with Wind Fornells
Little boats can be hired in Fornells for put putting around the bay which children love doing. (There is also windsurfing a Es Grau beach).
+34 664 335 801 | windfornells.com
Kayaking
The south coast is popular for kayaking, as there are plenty of caves.
+34 669 097 977 | menorcaenkayak.com
Scuba Diving, Son Bou Scuba, Centro Comercial San Jaime
Professional PADI staff are available. Novices and experienced divers can visit the famous underwater caves at Cap D’en Font.
+34 696 628 265
Water Taxis, Ciutaella and Es Migjorn
This water taxi will take you to one of five virgin beaches (Excorxada, Fustam, Trebaluger, Macarella & Macarelleta and Turqueta), and then pick you up a few hours later.
+34 609 054 444 | menorcataximar.com
Wine & Vine
Binitord, Cala en Bosch, Ciutadella
Family owned vineyard just south of Ciutadella.
+34 655 781 275 | binitord.com
Bodegas Binifadet, Sant Lluis
Really excellent food served on a pretty dining terrace. Founded in 2004, 100,000 bottles are produced here every year (80% of which remain on the island). This vineyard is traditional Menorquin with a modern twist. The cocktail bar serves drinks to Jazz and live DJs. Don’t miss its modern barn conversion.
+34 971 150 715 | binifadet.com
Hort Sant Patrici
Right in the middle of the island, beautiful Hort Sant Patrici makes delicious cheese and a handful of excellent wines – tastings are available and there’s an interesting sculpture garden to stroll around.
+34 971 373 702 | santpatrici.com
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.