Inland Menorca Guide: Es Mercadal, Monte Toro & Alaior

Why go inland

Most visitors stick to the coast, but the interior is where you see the island's working life and history. Es Mercadal sits at the centre, named after the Latin word for market, and it is the natural hub for Monte Toro, the highest point on the island. The roads between Es Mercadal, Alaior, and the surrounding villages are quiet, making them a pleasure to drive.

Travellers report that renting a car is practically mandatory in Menorca, and that is especially true inland where buses are limited. If you are based in Ciutadella or Mahón, the ME-1 spine route connects you quickly to Es Mercadal and Alaior.

Monte Toro and Es Mercadal

Monte Toro (El Toro) is the island's highest point at 342 m (1,122 ft), with a monastery, cafe, and shop at the summit. The view from the top is the best panoramic introduction to Menorca's shape and scale. The Santuari de la Verge del Toro is a church built in 1670, with a defence tower from 1558 forming part of the sanctuary courtyard.

In Es Mercadal itself, you can see S'Aljub des Mercadal, an 18th-century British-built cistern. The town's festes are dedicated to Sant Martí, held in the third week of July, and like other towns on the island it hosts lively street parties in summer.

For food, Es Mercadal has several options including Hostal Jeni, which serves regional cuisine and has a large bar where locals congregate. Other spots include Tast, Restaurante Café Bistró Sol 32, Restaurant Es Molí, Sa Posada del Toro, The Tapas, Las Vegas, and Puig de Sa Roca.

Alaior and cheese country

Alaior is the island's cheese heartland, and Subaida Cheese is a working farm and attraction where you can learn about Menorca's famous cheese. The town also has a rich prehistoric heritage: Torralba d'en Salort is a Talaiotic site with a taula, and the Basilica Son Bou is an early Christian basilica on the beach at Son Bou.

Cova d'en Xoroi is a cliff-side bar and viewpoint in Alaior, known for its sunset views and night sessions. Mirador de l'Àngel is a viewpoint in the municipality, and Santa Agueda and Cala del Pilar are viewpoints in Es Mercadal worth a stop if you are driving the north coast road.

Alaior has a wide range of restaurants, from Es Canutells and Asador Restaurante Las Dunas to Compostela, Casa Andres, and Nautilus café restaurant. There is also Italian, Indian, Chinese, and pizza options if you want something different.

Quiet roads and driving tips

The interior roads are generally quiet, but you still need to drive carefully on the winding approach to Monte Toro. Travellers report that rental companies may block about €200 on your card as a gas deposit and return it, and that all rental companies will charge for gas if the car is not returned completely full. Take the cheapest rate that includes full coverage with no excess to avoid damage charges.

If you use a cheap rate without full coverage, inspect the car for marks and damage before first driving, compare with the damage report, and make a full 360 video stopping at every imperfection. Basic insurance with excess typically makes you responsible for damages up to around €1000. Autos Menorca is described as barely reacting to minor scratches, while big companies like Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar will charge heavily if you don't have full insurance.

Parking in Es Mercadal and Alaior is generally easier than at the coast, but some accommodation relies on street parking and free public parking. In Alaior, you can park near the centre and walk to the main sights.

When to go and how long to allow

Late September is a good time for inland exploring: travellers report the weather is nice enough to swim and enjoy the beach, buses across the island still run, and it is lively enough to not be dead. The season officially starts at Easter holidays with a slow open, so spring and autumn are quieter and cooler for driving.

Allow a full day for Es Mercadal, Monte Toro, and Alaior. If you want to add prehistoric sites, Torralba d'en Salort and Basilica Son Bou can be combined with a coastal stop. The Camí de Cavalls has scenic sections for hiking if you want to walk part of the interior or coast.