Travel made in June 2021
Duration: 5 days
Welcome to Menorca !!
Welcome to the Balearic Islands, on the island of Menorca! Menorca is a small wild and peaceful island still preserved by mass tourism unlike its neighbors Mallorca and Ibiza. It was listed as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 1993. It is an island intended for lovers, families with small children or the elderly. Life is sweet and relaxing with its small coves and Mediterranean beaches with turquoise waters, its walks and its very rich prehistoric heritage. It takes barely 2 hours of flight from Paris to reach this little paradise and thus escape the greyness of our capital.
Our itinerary:
You can click on all the photos in this article to view them in large format
Menorca, the wild island!
Day 1: Welcome to Menorca!
Menorca being a small island, we chose to travel by scooter. It is possible to book your 2 wheels online on the rideon.es website. It will cost you 50 € for 6 days and 6 € / full. This mode of transport was the most financially interesting and convenient for us, the goal being to travel at a lower cost. Once your scooter is in hand, I can advise you to book an aparthotel with a view of the sea. We had benefited from an offer at 300 € / person flight + hotel for 6 days via lasminute.com. The hotel is located in the north of the island of Menorca with platges of Fornells. It takes 5 minutes on foot to reach the beach and small shops.
The apartment is clean, spacious and equipped with air conditioning, kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and balcony. The resort has a very well maintained communal swimming pool and ideal for families with small children. Once your suitcases are left at the apartment, you will be able to start your discovery of the island.
# The charming little village of Fornells!
I can advise you to visit the authentic small fishing village of Fornells and its port. You will stroll through the alleys of white houses and admire the fishermen’s boats. Life is beautiful and sweet in Fornells.
A short hike through the maquis leads to the tower of Fornells. You will not only admire the tower but above all will enjoy a beautiful view of the village, the port and the sea.
Small tip, on Monday the entrance to the tower is free but without a guided tour. On the other hand, the rest of the week it is 2.5 € with the guided tour. Do not hesitate to take your swimsuit and make a stop on the way back to cool off in a small cove between the tower and the port.
In the evening, possibility of dinner because many restaurants are available to you to taste for example fried fish accompanied by a good white wine of the country. You can also admire the sunset or the pretty look of your loved one.
Day 2: Monte Torro, the top of the island!
# Monte Torro
Monte Torro is the highest point of the island (358m). In good weather, you will get a 360-degree view of Menorca, the bay of Fornells and the island of Mallorca in the distance. When you arrive, the GSM antennas spoil the landscape a little but the imposing statue of Christ the Redeemer will make you forget this defect.
Do not hesitate to have a drink at the terrace bar to enjoy the panoramic view.
Possibility to visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Monte Torro. If you go there like us by scooter, be vigilant because it goes up a lot with many strong turns as in the photo below.
Upon arrival, parking is free.
# The enchanting Cova des Coloms
Here we go! Indicate Cova des Coloms on Waze! Be careful because your arrival will be on a somewhat bumpy path. Park your scooter and walk 10 min through the forest to Cova des Coloms.
Be careful, the trail is poorly signposted. The sign is hidden. Do not miss the panel that will be back to you, at a fork, at the level of this panel below:
Be careful! We looked for a good time! The arrival is magnificent; it is done under a tree-lined arch. As soon as you enter this huge cave, the place appears magical with the song of the birds that resonates.
It’s like an open door to an enchanted world. I let go of your imagination and make you your own dream.
You will feel small facing the 24m high cliffs that will surround you. Real giants! The ochre colors of the rock are spectacular under the sun’s rays. Let your imagination escape and maybe strange faces will be revealed before your eyes instead of rocks.
A real fairy tale! I highly recommend!
Then, continue your way to Binigaus Beach. It takes 25 minutes to walk. The path to get there is very nice and shaded.
The beach of fine white sand is long and beautiful. The sea is an indescribable turquoise blue and the ideal temperature. Sit back and enjoy this little piece of paradise to recharge your batteries in vitamin D! Possibility also to do some hikes in the vicinity.
# Cova d’en Xoroi
I absolutely recommend this unusual, unique and luxurious bar dug into the cliff! The place is hidden.
The evening entrance is 20 € / person with 1 drink included. Take a seat on a terrace overlooking the sea and admire the sunset.
Sip a glass of Gin and Tonic accompanied by a delicious Iberian ham and cheese from the country. The place is located on a cliff side. At nightfall, the bar turns into a disco with orchestra. I advise you to book online several days in advance your entrance and choose your arrival time. You will avoid an endless queue of 1 or even 2 hours! In addition, you may not enter it and have waited for nothing. The place is very popular. It is a must in Menorca. I absolutely recommend this crazy place!
And for the record ….
“Many years ago, a Moor, named Xoroi, found refuge in this famous cave following a shipwreck. In order to feed himself, he stole fruits and vegetables from nearby villages. It was then that one day, a young woman disappeared… The inhabitants of his village set out to find him, to no avail. About fifteen years later, on a snowy day, the inhabitants decided to follow the footsteps in the snow, which led them to the cave where they found the young woman, Xoroi, and 3 children. To escape the reprisals of a Moorish-Christian love story, the family had decided to live their life, cut off from the world, in the depths of the Cova d’en Xoroi. Frightened, Xoroi and his eldest son jumped into the sea and were never found again.”
Day 3: Discovering the West Island
# The labyrinth Lithica Pedreres de s’Hostal
Take a morning and get lost in the maze of botanical gardens of the former Lithica pedreres de s’hostal quarry. This quarry was saved from abandonment and transformed into a tourist place. You will appreciate this mineral beauty that surrounds you. Have fun and get lost in the beautiful and huge maze.
The tour lasts about an hour and a half. There are plenty of little nooks and crannies to explore between the plant maze, the stone maze, the lotus pond and the botanical gardens that surround them.
The visit is very informative with the evolution between manual and mechanical careers. Within the grounds of the site there is even a shelter for injured animals.
Admission will cost you 6€ and will be free for children under 13. Bring good sneakers, a cap and a bottle of water because it can be very hot! To do imperatively!
# Pont d’en Gil
The bridge of en Gil is the small Etretat of Menorca! It is a peaceful place where you will take a breath of fresh air! The view of the marine arch is grandiose and the blue of the water mesmerizing.
Possibility to make some walks in the surroundings.
# The city of Ciutadella
Do not miss the beautiful Ciutadella, ancient capital of Menorca in Arab times. This old town filled with history, with its historical monuments, is more than charming and pleasant.
You will enjoy strolling along the port, the Cathedral of Santa Maria and its palaces. It is also good to stroll there at nightfall to eat or have a drink. We had eaten a calderetta (lobster soup) there.
Normally it is a specialty of Fornells, but this dish can be found everywhere in Menorca! In the evening, the city is lively with a few souvenir stalls.
# Beach and cave Sa Cova des Pardals
Direction Sa cova des pardals. Park at the free car park. On your left take the hiking trail “cami de Cavalli” along the side for 20min to a white house. Then take the hidden staircase near this house. It leads to the secret cave!
The coastal walk is well signposted. The view of the turquoise blue ocean is stunning and breathtaking
Do not hesitate to take your mask and snorkel as you will have direct access to the sea from the cellar. The place is peaceful and pretty.
# Macarella Beach
Macarella beach has the reputation of being among the most beautiful on the island. The site is pretty but too touristy! The beach was a bit dirty and filled with algae at the water’s edge. We bathed because it was very hot but it did not give any desire at all. Go there in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The small walk on the heights is very pleasant with a magnificent view of the beach and the ocean.
Go your way, there are other beaches and coves that have more charm on Menorca, such as the beach of Cala Bibidali !
Day 4: Discovering the East of the island
# Port Mahon
We made a small stop in Port Mahon, capital of Menorca. It is a city full of charm but it remains of the city. The points of interest are the market and the ramparts. I didn’t stay more than an hour because I wasn’t transported by the city.
# Binibeca Vell
Binibeca Vell is a beautiful little fishing village, immaculate white and with alleys reminiscent of Santorini. Everything is painted white, right down to the roof tiles, and beautifully flowered.
The workers are constantly repainting the buildings to preserve this immaculate white. Under the sun, you will appreciate the contrast between the blue of the sky, the sea and the white of the houses.
It is good to get lost in this charming little labyrinth of narrow alleys. The place is totally pedestrian. Just in front of the small village of Binibeca Vell, overlooks a luxurious hotel.
The view of Binibeca Vell from this hotel is simply splendid!
The heart of the village is animated by the presence of some restaurants and shops. The only point that breaks a little the charm of this village is its history.
You should know that it is not at all authentic and that it was created from scratch in the 1970s by 2 architects (Antonio Sintes and Javier Barba Orsini) with the aim of creating a typical village of inspiration for artists. Binibeca will still charm you with its beauty and atmosphere. A must!
# Cala binidali Beach
Cala Binidali is a quiet and paradisiacal cove with beautiful pink sand. The water is crystal clear with a mesmerizing turquoise blue.
It is a small cala still preserved from tourism even if the places are restricted. It is a small haven of peace, romantic and magical. The seabed lends itself to snorkeling so do not forget your equipment. This is my favorite cove!
# Isabella beach club
On your return, I can advise you to dine at Isabella beach club ! The restaurant is located in Platges de Fornells. You will enjoy the most beautiful sunset on the island!
Be careful, it is better to book your table several days in advance because many people have been turned away after us! The welcome is perfect. We arrived without reservation and the hostess managed to find us a table. The dishes are excellent and the atmosphere is great.
The setting of the restaurant is very chic and at night the atmosphere becomes cozy and romantic. They light lamps and torches. Good value for money! This whole district of Platges de Fornells is full of sight, with impressive cacti!
Day 5: Last day
# Torre d’en Galmes
In Menorca, the Sant Agusti of the village Torre d’en Galmes is the cradle of Talayotic culture. Talayotic is a civilization that developed in the Balearic Islands in Mallorca and Menorca. The prehistoric remains of Menorca date back more than 4000 years! Impressive! The site tells the whole primitive history of Menorca. You will go back in time to Torre d’en Galmes. The site is relatively large. You will discover three talayots (stone construction of the Bronze Age), an enclosure of Taulas, several caves serving as burials and some houses of the post-talayotic period.
You will also be able to understand the management of rainwater in cisterns, communicating with houses.
The interpretation centre is about 700 metres before the city, with information and an explanatory video. The site is equipped with parking. Admission was free. Allow a good hour to visit it. The village enjoys an exceptional view of the sea!
# Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse
A pretty road with a lunar landscape will take you to the parking lot of the lighthouse of Cape Cavalleria, the northernmost point of the island of Menorca. On your way, you will be able to admire the bay of Fornells and its tower or the old port Sa Nitja.
The site is very well maintained and easy to access with free parking. Important! Do not miss to cross the small passage carved into the rock located a few steps to the left of the lighthouse, below.
Use the flashlight on your mobile phone and venture into the dark for 50m. The tunnel ends with a gate with a direct view of the cliff plunger. The view is magical! Take care to lower your head during your crossing because the passage is low. On your return, you will be charmed by the view of the lighthouse from the exit of the cave.
Do not hesitate to walk always on the left of the lighthouse in the middle of some remains of bunkers or buildings. Here you will take a nice breath of air.
# Cheese Factory Sa Cavalleria
On your return, do not miss a stop in the Sa Cavalleria cheese factory producing the delicious artisanal cheese of Mahon, specialty of the island.
Possibility to taste some varieties of cheeses more or less ripened, curado or semi-curado (dry or semi-dry cheese).
It is a cheese made from raw cow’s milk, hard, with a pronounced taste and aromas depending on its maturation. The saleswoman kindly allowed us to visit the cheese ripening room.
Once salted, clean and dry, the cheese is dried and then refined on racks in a room with an ideal temperature. We really loved this remote and peaceful corner of the island of Menorca to end our stay. And that’s it, it’s the end of our discovery of the small island of Menorca. If you want to discover even more activities and places to visit in Menorca, we invite you to click on the banner below:
I hope you have made a pleasant trip with me and I tell you very soon for a next MyOxyBubble destination!
Feel free to leave your comments on this article and share your own experiences (the form can be found a little further down).
Need advice to organize your trip? Contact me!
Advice
Transport
We advise you to travel by scooter or car.
The scooter is very convenient and inexpensive: the island is not very large, the roads are in good condition, it does not rain and there is little traffic.
If you have a lot of luggage, the rental companies offer a service (for a fee) to drop off your luggage directly at the hotel.
If you do not want to move on 2 wheels, you still have the option to rent a car.
Money
The currency is obviously the euro.
CB is accepted just about everywhere.
Before you go
Do not forget to check that your passport or ID is still valid. No visa required.
There is no need for special vaccines (except COVID).
For electrical outlets, they are identical to those in France.
Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and hat; as well as your snorkelling equipment.
