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5-Day Menorca Itinerary: Beyond the Obvious with Slow Days
Short answerA 5-day Menorca itinerary that goes beyond the obvious should base you in two areas: Ciutadella for the west and Es Mercadal or Fornells for the north, with a car to reach quiet calas and prehistoric sites. Spend two days exploring the west and north coasts, then take two slow days for hiking and local food, leaving one day flexible for weather or rest. Book accommodation and car early, and confirm all opening hours and bus times locally.
Arrive and settle into Ciutadella
Start in Ciutadella, the former capital with a medieval old town. After picking up your rental car at the airport, drive to Ciutadella and park at Plaça de la Pau or Plaça des Born. Spend the afternoon wandering the old town, visiting the Ciutadella Cathedral and Casa Olivar. For sunset, head to Castell de Sant Nicolau.
For dinner, choose a local restaurant in Plaça d'Alfons III. Travellers report that nightlife in Menorca is very quiet, so plan for a relaxed evening. If you want a slow start, stay two nights in Ciutadella.
West coast calas and prehistoric sites
Drive to Naveta des Tudons, a megalithic ossuary, then continue to Cala en Turqueta or Cala Macarella. Note that parking at Cala Turqueta fills up early; travellers report that 9am in July is usually too late. Alternatively, take bus line 68 from Ciutadella, but check timetables as they change in July.
In the afternoon, visit Lithica, Pedreres de s'Hostal, a sandstone quarry converted into gardens. Then relax at Cala de Santandria or Cala Blanca. For a slow day, pick just one or two spots and spend more time at each.
Local tipInstead of fighting for parking at popular calas like Cala Turqueta, take bus line 68 from Ciutadella. It runs hourly Monday to Saturday, but check timetables in July as they change. Buses are usually cheaper in off season.
North coast and Es Mercadal
Drive to Es Mercadal and up to El Toro, the highest point on the island, for panoramic views. Visit the Santuari de la Verge del Toro. Then head to Fornells for lunch; try Es Cranc for their shellfish soup 'Caldereta'.
In the afternoon, explore the north coast beaches: Platja de Cavalleria, Platja de Binimel·là, and Cala Pregonda. These have vehicular access but can be busy. For a quieter option, hike to Cala Mica or Cala en Calderer, which have no services. Consider staying overnight in Es Mercadal or Fornells to avoid long drives.
Slow day in the interior or south coast
Take a slow day. Visit Subaida Cheese near Alaior to learn about local cheese-making, or Sal de Menorca - Salinas de la Concepción to see salt flats. Both are authentic experiences. Alternatively, hike a section of the Camí de Cavalls, which travellers report has scenic sections.
If you prefer the beach, head to Son Bou, the longest beach on the island, or Cala Mitjana. Note that Cala Mitjana has no facilities, so bring shade and water. For a late afternoon, visit Cova d'en Xoroi in Cala en Porter for sunset drinks. Be aware that taxis after night sessions can be unreliable; travellers report that the Menorca Taxi App and calling taxi numbers feel like a lottery.
What travellers report
Doncars is a local firm with excellent reviews; they park cars in the short stay carpark and you drop off there too.
Platges de Fornells is a vacation rental area with small restaurants, grocery stores, nearby bay and beach, and parking right outside the homes; safe and quiet but easy to reach other parts of the island with a rental car.
Mahón and departure
Drive to Mahón, the capital, and explore its harbour, the second largest natural deep water port in the world. Visit the Mercat de Peix and walk along the port. For brunch, try Jardí de ses Bruixes, a boutique hotel in the centre; travellers report it is pricey but very nice.
If time allows, stop at Cala en Porter or Binibeca on the way to the airport. Return your rental car with a full tank to avoid charges. Travellers report that all rental companies charge for gas if the car is not returned completely full.
Questions people ask
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
Yes, travellers report that it is practically mandatory to rent a car in Menorca to reach remote beaches and sites. However, you can use buses for some routes, like bus 68 to Cala Turqueta.
What should I book in advance?
Book your rental car and accommodation early, especially in summer. Also, note that you cannot pay a car rental deposit with a debit card; a credit card is required.
Are the beaches crowded in September?
Late September is less crowded, and travellers report the weather is still nice enough to swim and enjoy the beach. Buses across the island still run, and it is lively enough to not be dead.
What if I don't want to drive?
You can base yourself in Ciutadella or Mahón and use buses to reach some beaches, but remote beaches may have only a couple of buses a day or none. Consider a private tour guide or driver for a day.
Is Menorca good for a slow holiday?
Yes, Menorca is significantly smaller and more relaxed than Mallorca. It is recommended for avoiding mass tourism, and there are many quiet calas and rural areas to explore.
Compiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About
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