Maó
The best base if you arrive by plane and want to keep things simple: it is a few kilometres from the airport, with a harbour, restaurants and the bus station.
Itinerary · Menorca
Menorca in 3 days: day-by-day itinerary
3-day itinerary for Menorca: Maó harbour, Ciutadella, southern coves such as Macarella and Turqueta, Monte Toro, Fornells and Cavalleria lighthouse.
- 3days
- 10stops
- 8Areas
This 3-day itinerary is designed for first-time visitors to Menorca who want to see the best of the island without any fuss. It is divided into three areas: Maó and its harbour, Ciutadella with the southern coves, and the north with Monte Toro, Fornells and Cavalleria lighthouse. It assumes you will hire a car, although part of the route can be done by bus.
From Menorca airport, which has a single terminal, the simplest option is line 10 Maó-Airport, which drops you at Maó bus station, with a service every half hour for much of the day. Lines to the rest of the villages connect there. If you have hired a car, pick it up at the airport itself: Maó is only a few kilometres away.
Tips
- Hire your car in advance if you are travelling between June and September: that is when they are scarcest.
- The southern coves fill up in summer. Arrive early or late in the afternoon and bring water, as not all of them have facilities.
- Wear comfortable trainers: access to Macarella, Macarelleta and Turqueta includes stretches of footpath.
- The tramontana, the north wind, can be strong. If it blows, beach days are best spent on the southern coves.
- Respect the environment: Menorca is a Biosphere Reserve, so do not leave litter on the coves.
Day 1
Maó and its harbour
Port de Maó
Maó
One of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, several kilometres long. Stroll along the quay and the Costa de ses Voltes, and if you fancy seeing it from the water, there are boat trips around the bay.
Historic centre of Maó
Maó
From the harbour, steps lead up to the Plaça de s'Esplanada and the old town. The church of Santa Maria, known for its great organ, and the Claustre market are worth a stop. Try the Mahón-Menorca cheese and the local gin.
Es Castell
Es Castell
A small village with a military feel beside the harbour, a few minutes by car or bus from Maó. Its quay at Cales Fonts, with waterfront restaurants, is a good place to eat fish with a view.
Binibeca Vell
Sant Lluís
A cluster of whitewashed houses and narrow lanes imitating a fishing village on the south coast. It is photogenic and quick to explore, ideal in the late afternoon.
Day 2
Ciutadella and the southern coves
Ciutadella
Ciutadella
The island's former capital has a historic centre with a cathedral, stately palaces and arcades. Walk down to the narrow harbour, full of terraces, and stroll through the Plaça del Born. Arrive in the morning to avoid the heat.
Cala Macarella and Macarelleta
South coast
Macarella is a cove of white sand and turquoise water surrounded by pine woods. A short path leads to Macarelleta, smaller and more secluded. In summer the car parks fill up early, so set off in good time or use the bus that usually runs from Ciutadella.
Cala Turqueta
South coast
A cove of clear water between pines and rock, a few minutes by car from Macarella. It is perfect for a last swim before heading back; wear comfortable shoes because the final stretch is on foot.
Day 3
Monte Toro, Fornells and Cavalleria
Monte Toro
Es Mercadal
It is the highest point on the island. At the top there is a sanctuary and a viewpoint from which, in good weather, you can see almost all of Menorca. You drive up a winding road.
Fornells
Fornells
A white-washed fishing village on a wide bay, famous for its lobster stew (caldereta de langosta). It is a good place to eat; book a table if you go in summer.
Faro de Cavalleria
North coast
At the northern tip, Cavalleria lighthouse stands on cliffs in a landscape of red earth and wind. It is an ideal spot to watch the sunset; wrap up warm, because the tramontana blows hard.
Menorca
Where to stay in Menorca
Ciutadella
A charming option for staying in an old town with atmosphere and plenty of charm, a stone's throw from the southern coves.
Fornells
For those seeking peace and quiet on the north coast, with good food and very close to Cavalleria. You will need a car to get around.
Itinerary · Menorca
More Menorca itineraries
5 days
Menorca in 5 days
- Day 1 Maó and its harbour
- Day 2 Ciutadella, Macarella and Macarelleta
- Day 3 Monte Toro, Fornells and Cavalleria
- Day 4 Talayots and the Camí de Cavalls
- + 1 day
7 days
Menorca in 7 days
- Day 1 Maó and its harbour
- Day 2 Es Castell, La Mola and Binibeca Vell
- Day 3 Ciutadella, the harbour and Naveta des Tudons
- Day 4 Cala Macarella, Macarelleta and Turqueta
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see Menorca?
Three days is enough to see Maó, Ciutadella, a couple of coves and the north of the island. With more time you can add Talayotic sites, hikes along the Camí de Cavalls and a boat trip.
Do you need to hire a car in Menorca?
Highly recommended. The bus links Maó and Ciutadella well, but for the coves, the north and the archaeological sites a car gives you a lot of freedom. Book in advance in summer.
What is the best time to visit Menorca?
June to September is beach season, with more people around. Spring and early autumn are very pleasant for walking and sightseeing at a relaxed pace.
Photo credits
- Port de Maó: Àlex, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Ciutadella: No machine-readable author provided. 1997 assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Cala Macarella: Markus Trienke, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons