If you’re planning a trip to the Balearic Islands, here’s my ultimate Menorca bucket list based on what I experienced across the island during a recent itinerary, with a mix of must-see highlights and a few spots that felt like hidden gems.
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Best Things to Do in Menorca
My Ultimate Menorca Bucket List
After spending 3 days exploring Menorca, which was already my second time on the island (despite the first being a brief stop during a Mediterranean cruise), I can say it’s one of those holiday destinations that feels quite slightly off the beaten path, compared to Mallorca or Ibiza, while at the same time providing a holiday experience that feels very complete and goes beyond just a beach holiday. You have coves with crystal-clear waters, historical ruins, lots of hiking routes, delicious food, and small towns with a local feel. So here are the top things to do in Menorca that you cannot miss if visiting the island.
1. Visit Ciutadella
One of the absolute must-visits in Menorca is Ciutadella, often called one of the most charming small towns in Spain – and I can definitely see why. It was the island’s former capital until the 18th century, when the British moved the administrative center to Mahón (or Maó).
The historic center of Ciutadella is a maze of narrow streets, quaint squares, and stunning stone buildings. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Menorca, which was built on the site of a former mosque after the Christian reconquest, and the Claustre + Esglesia del Socors. This was one of my favorite hidden churches on the island. Despite being damaged during the Spanish Civil War, it still holds a majestic atmosphere. You can catch a quick glimpse of it in the video below.
Ciutadella is also one of the best places to shop in Menorca, with many Spanish artisans and local brands having shops here.
2. Explore The Ancient Ruins
What really surprised me about Menorca is its prehistoric heritage. It’s a great destination for history lovers in Spain. Not many people know that the island is full of Talayotic ruins, and you’ll even see a stand at the airport with a free map showing all of them.
Two of the most important sites are Torre d’en Galmés, one of the largest Talayotic settlements in the Balearic Islands, and Naveta des Tudons, which is considered one of the oldest preserved buildings in Europe, dating back to around 1000 BC.
3. Visit Mahón (or Maó)
Mahón (or Maó) is another major town on the island, where both planes and cruise ships arrive, and is known for having one of the largest natural harbors in the world. It is also the current capital of the island. Beyond walking around the town, I’d recommend visiting the Museu de Menorca, which is set in a former monastery and covers the island’s history, art, and crafts across centuries.
While in Mahón, you can also stop by the Sa Plaça del Mercat for some Spanish food souvenirs, including cheese, wine, or sweets, and the Ca n’Oliver Centre d’Art if you’re interested in contemporary art.
4. Enjoy the Calas of Menorca
No trip to Menorca is complete without exploring its famous calas, often featured on lists of the most picture-perfect beach destinations in Spain. These small coves with crystal-clear turquoise water are what the island is most famous for internationally. The most photogenic ones are mainly on the northern coast, near Ciutadella.
During my recent trip, I visited the most famous ones, Cala en Turqueta and Cala Macarella, and both were absolutely stunning. Just keep in mind that in summer, access can be more complicated due to parking and crowds. So, taking a boat tour in Menorca is a great idea.
5. Go Hiking & Explore Camí de Cavalls
If you enjoy walking or hiking with coastal views, Menorca unexpectedly fits the bill – the whole island is surrounded by the looped Camí de Cavalls. This is an ancient trail that was historically used to patrol the island’s coastline, and today it is used for hiking around the entire island.
During my itinerary, I walked two sections: from S´Algar to Punta Prima, and from Cala en Turqueta to Cala Macarella. Both were beautiful – the first one a pleasant walk by the sea and the second more steep and felt like an actual hike. One thing to keep in mind is that there’s very little shade, so it can get quite hot in summer. I visited in spring, and it was perfect.
6. Visit one of the largest fortresses in Spain
Another place that belongs on any Menorca bucket list is Fortaleza de la Mola near Mahón. It’s one of the largest fortresses in Spain, built in the 19th century to defend the island, and it’s much bigger than I expected.
Historically, Menorca was of strategic importance for Spain, Britain, and France, so empires were fighting for it, and this fortress is the biggest testament to that past, which feels so distant from the quietness of Menorca now. You could easily spend 3–4 hours exploring it, although I managed to see the main parts in about 2 hours. But overall, you won’t frequently come across such a huge fortress, so visiting Menorca is a great chance to explore one.
7. Caves in Menorca
For something a bit different, you can visit the Necropolis de Cala Morell, an ancient burial site carved into the cliffs. It’s a quieter spot but very atmospheric, and you can roam around its caves at your own pace, which was a curious experience. Also, if you walk from the caves towards the cliffs, you’ll get spectacular views of the rugged coast and waves in this area, which is so surprising compared to the typical quiet calas Menorca is associated with.
8. Explore Lithica Stone Quarry
One of the most visually stunning spots in Menorca is Lithica. This ancient quarry almost feels like something you’d find in Egypt or India, with its massive carved stone walls and geometric spaces.
It’s easily one of the most picture-perfect locations in the Balearic Islands, offering a surreal contrast to the island’s reputation for beaches. I highly recommend booking tickets in advance, as entry is limited to every 30 minutes, and they have a capacity limit. Outside of the peak summer season, you’ll need to purchase tickets online.
9. Go Shopping
Menorca is a fantastic place to find Spanish artisan products, from food souvenirs to traditional leather sandals (called Avarcas or Menorquinas). I even picked up a beige pair for my summer outfits. There’s a wide variety of items perfect for gifts or souvenirs, and I’ve shared more details in my Menorca shopping guide.
10. Try typical Menorcan foods
Trying local foods in Menorca is a must – every dish I had on the island was incredible, with some focusing on the island’s unique Balearic specialties, and others perfect for fans of classic Spanish tapas. Be sure to try ensaimadas, traditional pastries, and dishes featuring sobrasada. I’ve covered everything I recommend trying in more detail in my Menorca food guide.
More things to do in Menorca
During my 3 days on the island, I didn’t visit any lighthouses since I had a similar experience in Formentera recently. However, Menorca is dotted with lighthouses, many of which are popular sunset spots. Some of the most well-known include Faro de Punta Nati, Faro de Cavalleria, and Faro de Favàritx. You can also enjoy a drink at sunset at places like Artrutx Sea Club, located in the southwest of Menorca, next to the iconic Cap d’Artrutx Lighthouse, or enjoy dinner with a view at El Faro Restaurant in Cala Torret.
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I’ve only been to Majorca, which I loved, next time I will visit Menorca – the shopping and food look very attractive.
I’ve been wanting to visit Meorca for so long, and now your photos of that beautiful blue sea have piqued my interest again. It was nice that you included a short video to show the topics you were writing about. I think I would also have to pay a visit to the handmade show shops
Been on my list for such a long time but never got to it yet… definitely need to spend some time there this summer 😀 Think i’d love this island with the beaches and the food.
Menorca looks absolutely beautiful and I love that it seems much calmer and more authentic than some of the other Balearic Islands. Ciutadella looks especially charming with those narrow streets and historic buildings. I also had no idea Menorca had such fascinating prehistoric sites — that makes the island even more interesting beyond the beaches. The combination of hiking, coves, history, and local food sounds perfect. Definitely adding Menorca to my travel bucket list!
This is such an underrated gem! Beautiful pictures and great tips – definitely adding it to my bucket list. Thank you