Minorca, which could be called the smaller brother of Majorca, originated from the word minor = small. This magical island became more accessible from 2020 thanks to direct flights from Vienna by Wizz Air. We also flew here in August, during the second wave of the coronavirus, so it was a more unusual trip where we had expectations but also concerns. Fortunately, everything turned out well and we can summarize our top 10 most beautiful attractions for you. One of the interesting facts is the horse path Cami de Cavalis, almost 200 km long, which goes around the entire Menorca and is marked by pillars.
Detail Google map with attractions
1. Cala Macarelleta
Since the holiday in Menorca is mainly about beaches, this beach is the paper unit of the whole island, which we can only confirm. Due to the number of tourists, the parking lot at the beach is closed and you have to trek to it either from the Cala Turqueta beach or Cala Galdana. We went from the parking lot at Cala Turqueta. We recommend arriving there in the morning around 8 o’clock, as later on it might be difficult to find a parking spot. It’s about a 3 km walk through forest paths from the parking lot, which can be managed in about 40 minutes. Cala Macareletta is adjacent to the larger bay of Cala Macarella, where the water entry is not as good due to seaweed. During the walk to this beach, you will capture postcard-perfect views.
Hiking map: https://www.strava.com/activities/3968527983
2. Cala Pilar
The northern beaches of the island have a characteristic dark reddish color, and Cala Pilar is one of the most photogenic beaches. We recommend arriving at the parking lot early in the morning, otherwise they will only let you in after 3 p.m. A nice forest path combined with sand and informative boards describing the surrounding fauna leads to the beach. After about half an hour of hiking, you will feel like you are in a different world – with red-tinged soil, hills, greenery, and a beautiful beach with yellow sand.
3. Lithica
We have visited many excavations in other countries, but these Menorcan ones are definitely different. That’s why I give them a well-deserved bronze spot. Lithica is a collection of labyrinthine gardens, parks, and excavations. The stone labyrinth, set in a huge stone quarry, is accessible for wandering 🙂 In addition, other attractions include beautiful gardens set in massive rocky quarries. Here you can relax on a stone bench overlooking a fountain and the ubiquitous aloe vera. The entrance fee to the area is 6€.
4. Ciutadella de Menorca
The former capital city of Ciutadella charmed us much more than the current capital city of Mahón. If you don’t have to go to Mahón, you won’t miss out on anything. Ciutadella boasts numerous palaces with narrow streets that will make you feel like you’re in the Middle Ages. In the center of the city, there is a historic cathedral, a square with an obelisk, a town hall, and a view of the harbor. We tasted local seafood delicacies in a restaurant here.
5. Son Bou
Son Bou is one of the largest resorts, yet despite that, there is a long natural beach with white sand and we didn’t feel like we were in some kind of hotel captivity at all. It’s an ideal beach for swimming with a gradual entry into the sea. The scenery is complemented by protected sandy dunes. If you can’t reach a certain beach because of parking, this is a beach that is definitely accessible.
6. Cala Mitjana
Cala Mitjana is a beautiful cove similar to Cala Macarellete. The parking lot is large enough and you need to walk down a forest path to reach the beach itself. On the right side of the cove, you can swim to a smaller beach called Cala Mitjaneta. On the left side, there is a rocky cliff with beautiful views and the opportunity for cliff jumping. Beyond the cliff, there is a small cave where you could swim to and snorkel.
7. Cala en Brut
Cala en Brut is the best cove for cliff jumping. You won’t find a speck of sand here, you enter the water either by jumping or using ladders. We used to stay near this beach and grew very fond of it. If you want to take a swim, you should come in the morning, as it turns into a jumping arena later on and people stay even after dark. They not only watch the beautiful star-filled sky here but also the illuminated lighthouse in the background. That also adds to the romantic atmosphere.
8. Cala Morell
One of the few stony beaches, which has a quiet hilly scenery and white picturesque houses. If you park above these houses, you will have beautiful views on the way down. Cala Morell also offered excellent conditions for snorkeling. Near the beach, there is an ancient necropolis that we recommend visiting. Entrance is free.
9. Far de Cavalleria
We recommend visiting the Northern lighthouse Far de Cavalleria as a must-see. It is more accessible than the Western lighthouse Punta Nati, where the road is narrow and the sunset is so blinding that we couldn’t even get there. Along the way, there are plenty of beautiful beaches, where we stopped at Cala Pregonda and Platja de Cavalleria. Both have a reddish hue.
10. Monte Toro
Monte Toro is the highest point of Menorca with an altitude of 354m. It is located roughly in the center of the island. You can easily reach it by car through gentle switchbacks, and as a reward, you will be treated to a beautiful view of the landscape and the northern beaches.
