The island of Menorca, the second largest of the Balearic Islands, is many people’s desired summer holiday destination, due to its wonderful beaches with their turquoise waters, which have no reason to envy those of the Caribbean.
Menorca: the last paradise in the Mediterranean
The island of Menorca, the second largest of the Balearic Islands, is many people’s desired summer holiday destination, due to its wonderful beaches with their turquoise waters, which have no reason to envy those of the Caribbean.
Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, Menorca knows how to protect its wild, unspoiled nature, to remain what many call “the last paradise in the Mediterranean”.
But Menorca is not just about sun and sand; it has much more to offer the curious traveller wishing to know more about its history, food and traditions.
This is why, even though it’s a small island, 7 days in Menorca can seem a short time, but if you can’t stay any longer, don’t worry! We’ve drawn up a full day-by-day itinerary for you to make the most of your week in Menorca.
What to see in Menorca in a week
More than 80 beaches and coves, 185km of coastal paths, 6 villages, 2 towns, 32 archaeological sites… Menorca, covering an area smaller than 700km2, has a wealth of things to see and do, which, of course, can’t all be condensed into one week.
When you think that there are people who have devoted years to exploring the island in depth and who are still finding new places to discover today.
In this post, however, we wanted to focus on the key things that are essential for you to get a general idea of the beauty of Menorca and, obviously, to keep coming back to explore the rest.
7 days in Menorca: a day-by-day itinerary
We know it’s not easy to organise a week’s stay in such a plentiful destination as Menorca and how important it is to strike a good balance between things to see and do and a well-deserved rest after a busy year.
To make things easier for you, we’ve prepared a day-by-day itinerary for a one-week visit to Menorca:
Menorca in 7 days: Day 1 – The famous beaches in the south of the island and the Cap d’Artrutx lighthouse
The beaches of Menorca are world-famous and the main draw for many visiting the island. The beaches in the south of Menorca are picture-postcard perfect, with their fine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
On your first day, we suggest you treat yourself and visit a couple of the island’s most famous beaches: Macarella and Macarelleta.
To get to Macarella during the summer months, you’ll need to take the bus that goes from Ciutadella. Alternatively, you can park your vehicle at Cala Galdana and walk along one of the most beautiful sections of the Camí de Cavalls, an ancient path that runs along the coast of Menorca; in just over half an hour you’ll reach Cala Macarella.
Macarelleta, its little sister, is just 10 minutes’ walk away and is definitely worth a visit.
After a delightful day on the beach, we recommend you watch the sun set from Cap d’Artrutx, where you’ll find one of Menorca’s seven lighthouses.
Menorca in 7 days: Day 2 – The wild north of Menorca
Diverse, arid and wild, with red earth and sand, this is the wonderful north of Menorca, which we’re sure will amaze you.
On this second day of your holiday, we suggest you visit the beautiful cove of Cala Pregonda.
To get there, you’ll need to park your car at Playa Binimel·là and walk for around 40 mins along a stretch of the Camí de Cavalls. The route is in full sun, so remember to take plenty of water with you, as well as sun cream and a hat. There are no facilities at Cala Pregonda, so if you’d like to spend the whole day there, make sure you take something to eat with you.
When it’s time for dinner we suggest you move on to Cala Morell, where you’ll not only be able to take your last dip of the day, but you can also visit its prehistoric necropolis.
At Cala Morell you can also enjoy an excellent meal at one of its beautiful establishments overlooking the sea.
Menorca in 7 days: Day 3 – The west coast and Ciutadella
Ciutadella, the ancient capital of Menorca, is a small town full of charm and certainly worth a visit.
To stroll along its wonderful streets, visit the harbour and the other sights that Ciutadella has to offer, it’s worth spending at least half a day there.
But if you don’t want to miss out on a few hours on the beach, you can go to Cala Blanca and the surrounding area.
To watch the sun go down, however, we strongly recommend you to go to Pont d’En Gil, a natural arch in the rock, for a truly magical experience.
Menorca in 7 days: Day 4 – The east coast and Mahón
On your fourth day in Menorca, we suggest you visit the east part of the island, starting from the Es Grau beach and the Albufera nature park of the same name.
You can also take the opportunity to explore the area of Favaritx and its beautiful lighthouse. In the summer, however, you can only reach it by bus.
Finally, you absolutely have to visit Mahón, the capital of Menorca, and its splendid harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. Make the most of your visit and have dinner in one of its lovely restaurants.
Menorca in 7 days: Day 5 – Binibeca and Cova d’En Xoroi
Binibeca, the white fishing village, is probably the most visited (and photographed) village in Menorca, and so it’s worth including it in your week’s stay on the island.
Also, near the village, you’ll find several beaches where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
At sunset we recommend you move on to Cala en Porter to watch the sun go down from the Cova d’En Xoroi, a highly original bar/club inside a cliff-side cave overlooking the sea.
Menorca in 7 days: Day 6 – Cap de Cavalleria and Mount Toro
We’re approaching the end of our week in Menorca and on this sixth day we want to take you back to the north of the island, this time to the Cavalleria beach with the lighthouse of the same name.
This beach with its red sand and the surrounding scenery is sure to amaze you!
In the afternoon we suggest you go up to Mount Toro, the highest point on the island, to watch the sun set or simply to enjoy the stunning view.
Lastly, for dinner, you can go to Es Mercadal, one of the prettiest villages in Menorca, and enjoy a typical meal in a traditional restaurant.
Menorca in 7 days: Day 7 – Relaxation or archaeological sites
It’s your last day in Menorca and we now know how much you’re going to miss the island! On this final day you can decide to relax in the sun on a well-serviced beach, such as Son Bou, where you’ll find everything you need to hand.
But if you still fancy going out and about, why not visit at least one of the archaeological sites of the pre-Talayotic period in Menorca?
The Naveta des Tudons or the Torre d’en Galmes are two great options to learn more about the intriguing magical history of the island.
We know that the schedule we’ve suggested may be demanding and if your stamina (or enthusiasm) wanes, don’t worry; just come back to Menorca a second (or third, or fourth) time! It will never disappoint.
