Following on from my Mallorca Notebook post a few weeks ago, I have had requests for some tips on Menorca. I have to confess that although a huge fan of the island (and hopefully buying a property there soon), we have only visited a few times, so can’t claim to know all the local haunts yet...I have however put together my initial findings, helped by the lovely Antonia from Tinker Tailor Online, who grew up on the island.
One thing I can say about Menorca though, is that is a very special place. Totally unspoilt, authentic and filled with beautiful beaches and restaurants serving local seafood, local wines and Gin & Tonic, so what's not to like?!

Stay

Casa Ladico, Mahon – as some of you may know from this previous post, when we visit the island, we have mainly stayed at this gorgeous new boutique hotel in Mahon. The interiors are stunning and it’s the perfect place to hide away and cool down away from the hustle and bustle of the City. We love the attic rooms with a terrace, so do request one of those if available.

Ses Bruixes, Mahon – this is another lovely boutique hotel in Mahon – so pretty and the bicycle outside has been Instagrammed many a time! We haven’t stayed here, but have had supper and a Gin & Tonic on their lovely terrace, which is so pretty with trees, fairy lights etc.

Can Xini, Ferreries – this is a beautiful, rural, boutique hotel in the middle of the island. We spent a couple of nights here and it was heaven! It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees, so waking up to the birdsong was magical. The rooms are a little minimal for my taste (full blog post coming soon), but the setting made up for it.

Alcaufar Vell, Sant Lluis - Another beautiful rustic hotel, this time just outside Sant Lluis and close to some of the loveliest beaches on the island. It’s also only a ten-minute drive from Mahon, so very convenient for exploring and for the airport!

Eat

There are so many amazing restaurants on the island. A great place to start is in the port in Mahon.

The marina is lined with lovely places to sit and eat whilst watching the boats go by. Our favourite was C'an Vermut, a hipster bar serving excellent cocktails and modern-style tapas. Another place not to be missed (especially in the evening) is Cales Fonts in Es Castell on the outskirts of Mahon. Trebol is a really well-known restaurant that has been there for over 30 years. It serves locally caught fish and seafood, all cooked very simply and the view is to die for. Request an outdoor table when you book.

Gastronomy at Alcaufar Vell – the restaurant at this previously mentioned Agrotourismo is lovely. The food is delicious and the setting is pretty special too. A mixture of local and international flavours.

Cranc Pellut, Fornells - Fornells is one of the many lovely seaside towns on the island. It’s so pretty and again there are so many places to choose from. We can’t wait to try more of them out, but our initial find was Cranc Pellut. A traditional and elegant seafood restaurant with lobster and various paella options on the menu, we really enjoyed our lunch here overlooking the water.

Restaurant Tamarindos, Es Grau: Es Grau is the most gorgeous little village. The water is so shallow and calm, it’s the perfect place to spend the day if you have small children.

Bar Grau is a lovely little bar right on the water, shaded by pine trees where you can sit and relax whilst watching them play. We had lunch a few steps away from Bar Grau at Restaurant Tamarindos, which again was a lovely place right on the water, serving local fish and seafood.

Finally, make sure you visit the fish market in Mahon. It's at the top of the harbour in the city and has a great party atmosphere, particularly on a Saturday lunchtime. Gastro tapas, music and plenty of cava and locally brewed larger!

Beaches

There are so many beautiful beaches on the island. We visited a number and all were breathtaking and very individual. Some of our favourites include:

Binibeca Beach - quite small and easy access with a lovely chiringito (beach bar serving snacks).

Es Grau - as above, a lovely quiet and peaceful bay, perfect for teaching children to swim. There are a selection of restaurants and a gorgeous, rustic juice bar in the village there too.

Alcaufar – a tiny beach, but with rocks to sunbathe on as well. Very beautiful and charming. I felt like I’d gone back in time to the Mediterranean of old.

Macarella & Macarelleta – we walked from Cala Galdana as it’s hard to get much closer unless on a boat. It was about a 30-minute walk, but definitely worth it, as these beaches are breathtakingly beautiful!

So those are my highlights for now and just enough to get you by for a long weekend on the island.

I would love to hear your recommendations too as we’re heading back over in October, so will have time for some more exploring then!

Laura x

Photography by Patrick Butler-Madden