Menorca is not just a perfect picture-postcard location with secluded coves and golden sunsets; it’s also a living lab, exploring how tourism can coexist alongside nature without destroying it.
The other side of paradise
Declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993, this small Balearic gem champions sustainability, showing how a different kind of travel is possible. A slower, more aware and much more transformational kind of travel.
In a world full of destinations from which every last drop has been squeezed, Menorca is a breath of fresh air. Here, luxury lies in simplicity, rather than excess: the sound of the motor-free sea, the star-studded sky with no neon lights, and authentic, additive-free flavours.
Camí de Cavalls: hiking with soul
If you really want to get to the soul of Menorca, put on your walking shoes and set off on the Camí de Cavalls. This ancient military path, running around the 185 kilometres of the island’s coastline, is much more than merely a hiking trail; it’s a journey through time.
Along this path you’ll discover hidden coves, where time seems to stand still, breathtaking cliffs and forests that whisper age-old tales. Whether you walk or cycle it, every stage invites you to connect with the landscape without intruding. Take away only your memories and leave only your footprints.
A useful tip: Download a route app (such as Wikiloc or Komoot) to follow the trail without getting lost and check the weather conditions before setting off. Take some water and local fruit with you to keep you going along the way.
Beaches that look after themselves… if you look after them too
In Menorca, you don’t invade the beaches; you discover them. Cala Macarella, Cala Escorxada or Cala Pregonda aren’t made for turning up in your car and parking right by the beach. They require some walking, exploring, getting there patiently. And that makes them more precious.
These practically untouched coves form the heart of sustainable Menorca. But it’s a fragile balance. One single plastic container can remain in the sand for centuries. Protecting them starts with small gestures: not leaving litter, not smoking on the beach, avoiding toxic suncreams.
A useful tip: Take a bag with you to put your rubbish in, as well as anything else you might find lying around if you can. Use eco-friendly, biodegradable sun protection to avoid harming the seagrass, the underwater plant that keeps the water healthy and so transparent.
Sleeping well at night: accommodation with a purpose
You don’t need to sacrifice comfort to be a responsible tourist. In Menorca, you’ll find restored country farms, eco hotels powered by solar energy and small agritourism farms where you can enjoy a breakfast of Mahón cheese made just a few metres away from your room.
Staying in sustainable accommodation not only reduces your environmental footprint, but also helps to preserve traditions, landscapes and ways of life. And, at the same time, it enables you to enjoy a more authentic and human experience.
A useful tip: Look for accommodation that is Biosphere certified or that forms part of initiatives such as “Menorca Reserva de la Biosfera”. Many will enable you to learn about rural life first hand, take part in workshops or try the local produce.
Authentic eating: zero km and infinite flavour
Menorca is best savoured slowly. At a village market, in a traditional oven, at a small family-run winery. Its cuisine, with Arab, Catalan and British influences, is a reflection of its multi-cultural history.
Opting for local produce is a delicious way of supporting the circular economy. Every piece of sobrasada, every sip of Xoriguer gin, every artisan cheese tells a story and avoids unnecessary transport emissions.
A useful tip: Always order seasonal dishes. Visit the markets in Mahón and Ciutadella and ask for “0 km” products. And don’t be afraid to try the unknown; it can often be the most delightful.
Menorca on the move: explore without polluting
The best way to discover Menorca is at walking or pedalling pace. The island is covered in cycling and walking routes, so you can explore its charms without hiring a car.
The main locations are connected by public transport and many companies rent out electric bikes. So getting around becomes part of the adventure.
A useful tip: If you do hire a car, make sure it’s electric, but it’s better to walk, cycle or take the bus if you can. Check the timetables for services in low season, as they may vary.
Beyond the summer: the beauty of off-season
Visiting Menorca in spring or autumn is an open secret among those who come in search of authenticity. The mild temperatures, peaceful paths and deserted beaches offer a version of the island only known to a few.
Off-season travel not only improves your experience but also helps to relieve the pressure on the environment during the peak months. It also allows the local population to diversify their economy throughout the year.
A useful tip: Check the calendar for local fiestas and cultural events. Many take place in spring or autumn and are a great way of discovering the true Menorca.
Your trip leaves a mark; make it a positive one
Every decision you make as a traveller has an impact. From the accommodation you choose to what you eat; from the transport you use to the beach where you lay your towel.
Sustainable travel is not about making sacrifices; it’s about making better choices. It’s about enhanced experiences, making real connections and meaningful memories. Menorca gives you the opportunity to do this. The question is: are you ready and willing to make this change?
