Palladium hotels in Menorca, Balearic Islands

Menorca Beach Travel Guide

Menorca is a smaller and quieter island than livelier neighbours Ibiza and Mallorca. Since 1993, Menorca has been a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and visitors to this Spanish island will see why. With hidden coves, crystal clear waters and pristine beaches, visitors to Menorca’s beaches will not be disappointed.

With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and nearly 12 hours of sunshine per day, a trip to Menorca’s beaches is a great sun worshipers’ holiday. As the first point in Spain to catch the morning sunlight, Menorca is an ideal location for a relaxed beach holiday for couples, groups and solo travellers.

Beach Hotels in Menorca

Menorca beach accommodation options range from 4-star spa hotels to well-appointed self-catering apartments. Most hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi and tour assistance is available to help you explore the island’s sights. Many hotel rooms have panoramic sea views to allow you to take in the beauty of the area. Adult only hotels can be found throughout Menorca, offering a retreat for couples and groups wanting a peaceful escape. All inclusive hotels & apartments can be found in Menorca offering on-site meals and beverages as part of the total booking price. Many properties have both indoor and outdoor pools as well as tennis and squash courts. Many self-catering apartments are available in Menorca, suitable for families and groups. With 24-hour reception desks and concierge facilities here, visitors can enjoy a flexible stay.

Beach Activities in Menorca

Menorca’s beaches are plentiful with those dotted along the south coast offering Caribbean-style sparkling white sands. Beaches to the north of the island typically have a rockier coastline with caramel sands and sweeping cliffs. Popular spots such as Cala’n Bosch, Cala’n Forcat, Punta Prima, and Santo Tomas are great locations to enjoy a day with the whole family. Kids can whittle away hours building sandcastles along the shore as sun bathers prop up umbrellas and deck chairs to catch some rays.

Set along Menorca’s south coast, Son Bou is the island’s longest beach with 2 kms of sand. Beginning on a wooded hillside, Son Bou sweeps down to a nature reserve giving visitors plenty to explore at a day on this beach. Son Bou is also a great central location to visit the island’s main towns of Ciutadella and Mahon.

Along the north of the island, Arenal d’en Castell is a popular blue flag beach just 20 minutes’ drive from Mahon. This horseshoe-shaped cove has shallow waters, ideal for swimming. Sunbathers can hire a sun lounger to kick back and soak up the Spanish sunshine. If you are looking for something faster paced, water skis can be hired along the beach.

Keen walkers and those interested in exploring Menorca’s coastline can tackle the 220km, 20 stage coastal walking path around the island. Following extensive renovation, the Cami de Cavalls also known as The Path of Horses loops the entire island. An ancient bridle path, the walk is now re-opened after 400 years. Ramblers, mountain bikers and horse riders can take in Menorca’s hidden coves, beaches, woodlands and valleys.

Places to Eat and Drink Near the Beach in Menorca

Following a long day of sunbathing, Menorca beach visitors can enjoy the many wonderful beach side restaurants and bars. Dotted right along the coast, Menorca’s larger beaches offer restaurants and cafes for beach goers to enjoy lunch, dinner and snacks throughout the day.

Menorca’s traditional dish of Caldereta de Langosta (Lobster Stew) can be found in most good restaurants. Locals argue over who serves the best, but ingredients of this seafood dish typically include steaming lobster, onions, tomatoes, garlic and parsley. Served with crusty bread, this dish will be a culinary experience to remember.

Most meals in Menorca will include allioli at some stage of the meal, typically served as a starter. This garlic mayonnaise is a popular Spanish dip, served with breads and olive oils. Menorca is also the home of ‘salsa de mahonesa’ – now commonly known as mayonnaise, which originated in the town of Mahon in the 1700s.

Diners along Menorca’s beaches will have many opportunities to try Queso de Mahon, the island’s signature cheese. Sweet, salty, nutty, buttery and creamy at the same time, locals enjoy slices with black pepper, drizzled in olive oil.

If a nightcap is on the cards, Pomada is definitely worth a try. Menorca’s local tipple is a zingy combination of lemon and gin, served as a post dinner digestif. Head on a post-dinner stroll along the island’s whitewashed houses, stopping at one of the many pastry shops to enjoy amargos, or almond macaroons, another local favourite.