Where to stay in Menorca?

Stay in Port Mahon, Menorca's main town

Port Mahon is the capital of Menorca. Located to the east, it's just a few kilometers from Menorca's international airport. You can reach Port Mahon in just ten minutes by car or bus. The town is an excellent choice for accommodation. For example, you could spend a few days here before continuing to explore Menorca.

As its name suggests, this city is characterized by the presence of a natural harbor. At almost 6 kilometers long, it is the largest natural harbor in the Mediterranean Sea. Of great strategic importance between the great maritime powers in the past, Port Mahon became the capital of Menorca in 1723. Today, it retains many historical traces.

You'll be able to see several defensive towers, such as the San Felipe tower built by the British in 1798. You'll also be able to see fortifications such as the Mola fortress. A boat trip is another way of seeing this important heritage at first hand, passing by the small island of Lazareto and the ruins of the Castle of Saint-Philippe.

From the same pier, you can also take a boat to the Spanish mainland, to Barcelona or Valencia, for example.

Whether by air or sea, the capital is often the first port of call for visitors to Menorca. Thanks to its geographical location and its history, staying in this area can be a wise choice.

Choosing accommodation in the capital will give you time to enjoy its calm and relaxed lifestyle. If you want to enjoy the beaches, the nearest is Sa Mesquida, 7 kilometers to the north. As we'll see later, Menorca's most beautiful beaches are to the south.

Accommodation in Ciutadella, Menorca's historic city

Minorca's second largest city and former capital, Ciutadella is located in the west. Situated 45 kilometers from the capital, the city boasts many sites of interest.

A true icon of Ciutadella, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, built in 1365, is located within the city's historic center. In the same area, you can discover Ciutadella's many palaces, including those of Martorell, Saura and Olivar.

There are also a number of museums to visit. The most noteworthy is the diocesan museum inside the Sant Augusti convent. You can also explore the town's many narrow streets on foot. Finally, in the extreme south-west of the town, you can see the Castell de Sant Nicolau tower, a defensive tower dating from the 17th century. When the weather is fine, the island of Mallorca can be seen from here.

Just 5 kilometers to the east of Ciutadella, you'll also have the opportunity to see the Naveta d'Es Tudons, a prehistoric building known as the oldest monument in Europe.

Staying in Ciutadella is an excellent way to discover Menorca. In fact, this city, marked by the Spanish influence, complements Port Mahon, which is more characterized by the heritage left by the British. It can also be an important stopover before or after a stay on the southern beaches.

Ciutadella is very lively, much more so than the capital, especially in summer. There are many restaurants and bars.

The main types of accommodation available for staying in this area are apartments and hotels.

Stay in Punta Prima, for its white sandy beach

Located in the south-east of the island, Punta Prima also offers a number of advantages for a stay in Menorca. First of all, its proximity to Port Mahon and the international airport makes Punta Prima quickly accessible.

Just 10 kilometers to the south, this is quite simply the most beautiful beach within easy reach of the capital. During the high season, between May and October, you can take a bus directly to the beach.

It's also worth noting that Punta Prima beach is renowned both for its stretch of fine white sand and for its relative tranquility compared with the other beaches of southern Menorca. There are a number of restaurants and stores in the area.

You can also see the Tour de Son Ganxo, a defense tower built by the British in the late 18th century. The area is also the starting point for the Cami de Cavalls, a 25-kilometer round-trip hiking trail between Punta Prima and Port Mahon. It offers magnificent views of the island's east coast.

Staying in the Punta Prima area is an excellent choice if you want to be close to the capital while enjoying the sea and other nearby activities. Accommodation is mainly in villas and bed & breakfasts.

Because of its relatively modest size and appeal to visitors, it's advisable to book your accommodation in this area well in advance to ensure a wide choice, and at reasonable prices.

Stay at Cala'n Porter and Son Bou, to enjoy the southern beaches

Located in the south, Cala'n Porter and Son Bou are two villages highly prized for their beaches and natural surroundings. Located 8 kilometers apart, they can be reached on foot via a hike that includes sections along the coastline and inland. The walk takes between 2 and 3 hours. If you wish to reach both villages by car, however, you'll need to allow around twenty minutes.

Cala'n Porter is characterized by the presence of the village in the heights of a sandy cove encircled by cliffs. Swimming here offers pure water in a sumptuous natural setting. There's a reason why this area is so popular in summer. Quite simply, it's Menorca's most touristic beach. As a result, the atmosphere is very lively, with its many restaurants and bars. What's more, it's home to one of Spain's most famous nightclubs: the Cove d'en Xoroi. Its fame is mainly due to its location inside a natural cave on one of the cliffs.

Accommodation at Cala'n porter consists mainly of villas.

Further north, Son Bou is also of great interest during a stay in Menorca. At 2.5 kilometers long, Son Bou is quite simply Menorca 's largest beach. Located in a protected area, Son Bou is a seaside resort on a human scale, renowned for the quality of its water.

It is very popular with families, thanks to its many services and shops. Accommodation is mainly in hotels and apartments.

Accommodation in Cala Galdana, for a family vacation

Located in the southwest of Menorca, Cala Galdana is a small village renowned primarily for its beach. Set in the heart of a cove, it is one of the longest stretches of sand on the island. Its location is quite central between Menorca's two main towns. Port Mahon lies some 30 km to the east, and Ciutadella some 20 km to the west.

Cala Galdana also offers an interesting setting for families. There are a number of restaurants, boutiques and shops in the area. From here, you can also enjoy water sports such as pedalos and motorboats.

Staying at Cala Galdana can be a wise decision if you want to visit Port Mahon and Ciutadella during the day, or if you want to enjoy the beach. Accommodation is mainly in apartments and villas.

Accommodation in Fornells and Arenal d'en Castell, the island's wild coastal areas

Located on Menorca's north coast, Fornells and Arenal d'en Castell are among the island's least touristy areas. In fact, in contrast to the popular south coast, the north of Menorca has a much wilder, quieter façade. If you're looking for a quiet place to stay, these are the places to stay in Menorca.

Fornells is an authentic fishing village in the north-western part of a five-kilometre-long bay. It offers a wide range of water sports, including kayaking and windsurfing. Fornells is also home to the best calderata de langosta, Menorca's famous lobster stew. About 10 kilometers west of the Fornells beaches, you can also see the Cavalleria lighthouse, which boasts a magnificent panoramic view and one of Menorca's most beautiful sunsets. Accommodation is mainly in apartments.

Located 15 kilometers east of Fornells, Arenal d'en Castell boasts one of Menorca's most beautiful beaches in a cove. A large number of restaurants and nightclubs ensure that Arenal d'en Castell has a lively nightlife. The main accommodation options in this area are apartments, villas and a few hotels.

Lodging on Menorca's north coast, in Fornells or Arenal d'en Castell, gives you a wilder view of Menorca, without neglecting water sports and nightlife.

Accommodation in Binibeca, in the heart of the white village

Binibeca is a fishing village in the south-east of Menorca. It is best known for its whitewashed houses. Built in 1972, the village's narrow streets form a veritable labyrinth.

Just 8 km from Port Mahon, you can enjoy the small beach of Binibeca, set in a cove. However, apart from the originality of its white houses and the sea, Binibeca doesn't offer many other sites of interest.

Accommodation in Binibeca can therefore be interesting if you want to stay in atypical places close to the capital. Accommodation in Binibeca consists mainly of apartments and bed & breakfasts.

Lodging in Menorca's interior, for a global view

When planning a holiday in Menorca or any other part of the Balearic Islands, it's usually the expanses of sand, water sports and nightlife that predominate. However, you shouldn't neglect the inland areas of Menorca either.

Indeed, much of the island's natural wealth lies off the coast. These places are ideal for hiking, biking or just walking in a natural setting that is still preserved and much less frequented.

Staying in typical central villages such as Ferreries, Es Mercadal or Alaior allows you to immerse yourself more fully in local daily life, while still being close enough to the coast and Menorca's main towns. Accommodation to stay is mainly hotels and villas.