You’ve probably heard of Mallorca. But have you heard of Menorca, its little sister, which is no less beautiful? When I searched for information about this place in a certain group, the answers I got were that I had a spelling error.

Related read: Top Mallorca Attractions & Activities

I admit that until I moved to Spain, I didn’t know about the existence of this place.

And how lucky we were to meet!

A wonderful vacation on an island that’s not particularly big, but packed with amazing beaches, tiny towns with picturesque alleys, and an atmosphere of eternal freedom—is it right for you?

Want to see everything in pictures? Jump to the highlight on Instagram.

Here’s an overview:

Menorca is part of the archipelago of the Balearic Islands, which also includes vibrant Ibiza, elegant Mallorca, and tiny Formentera. In addition to the four main islands, there are others in the Mediterranean Sea, only about 80–90 km from the Iberian Peninsula.

The official languages ​​are Spanish and Catalan.

As of 2025, about 100,000 people live on the island, which is roughly a 10th of the population of Mallorca.

Arrival to Menorca

There might be no direct flights depending on where you’re coming from. I always check Expedia for the latest options, so feel free to do the same!

However, there are flights with a short connection to all sorts of points in Europe.

From Barcelona, there’s a flight that takes about half an hour or a ferry that will take you and your car by sea in about eight hours.

When to Visit?

We were there in early–mid-April. The weather was wonderful: not too hot, not too cold. Just pleasant.

As for swimming in the sea, well, the brave ones among us swam, despite how cold it was. The swimming season officially starts on May 1st and lasts until October 31st.

If you have time, I’d recommend visiting in June, when the water is warm enough and the island is not yet flooded with tourists from northern Europe.

A friend told me that she came with a friend on a motorcycle in August and there were beaches where they had no place to park.

Related read: The Best Beaches in Barcelona (Including the Nude & Gay Beaches)

Car Rental in Menorca

To get around comfortably on the island, even though it’s not very large, I highly recommend renting a car.

There are a variety of vehicle rental companies that operate at Mahón Airport, plus those that are not located at the airport but will come to deliver the car to you there upon landing.

I’ve had good experiences with PAAPM, which is worth checking out.

use the Paapm Paapm search to find the best rates

Public transportation is available—use the below map or Google Maps.

Where To Stay In Menorca?

Like in Mallorca, finding a hotel room for a couple + two children can be no easy task. Luckily, we were traveling with my parents, so we split into a couple + one in each room.

The hotel I stayed in is this one:

Hotel Gran Sagitario

Small, comfortable, and gives fair value for the price.

The food was not exciting, but that was our impression of the food on the island in general. What was convenient was the indoor pool, which we frequented for a few days.

The thing I liked most was the cove, a two-minute walk from the hotel—small and so picturesque. It was my view for my morning run.

The city, which I really liked, Ciutadella, is about a seven-minute drive away. So, everything is close enough, but not crowded.

Book it here!

Other Great Places To Stay In Menorca

As usual, I have lists from the US to the UK of all the places I want to stay.

Here are some of the ones I picked that weren’t available at the time and that I would have loved to stay at in Menorca.

Alcaufar Vell Hotel Rural & Restaurant

The place that I was most disappointed wasn’t available for us. Exactly my taste—rustic with a restaurant. That’s all you need, I think.

Book it here!

Ses Sucreres Small & Slow Hotel

I have a special fondness for slow places, and when they come in an old 19th-century building it’s a real treat. Simple rooms but with a touch of chic and a local breakfast.

Book it here!

Hotel Hevresac Singular & Small

A 4-star hotel and 250m from the capital, it’s small, delightfully decorated, and great value for money. It has a very high rating on the different booking plattforms.

Book it here!

Carema Garden Village

A 3-star hotel we passed by and it just looked really lovely. The area is also beautiful and quiet.

Book it here!

Barceló Nura

A 5-star hotel, very close to Splash Water Park, with an outdoor pool, indoor pool, and spa. It’s great for families.

Book it here!

The Cami de Cavalls, a coastal path that encircles Menorca, allows energetic hikers to explore the island’s rugged coastline and secluded spots. For water-sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking, surfing, and snorkeling.

The Capital City, Mahón

Well, Mahón didn’t leave any significant impression on me. Apart from a cute promenade and a distillery that we’ll talk about soon, I don’t think it’s a must-see on a holiday in Menorca.

Maybe I missed something, but I really didn’t find anything exciting here.

The Distillery Xoringeur Gin Distillery

The distillery has been here since the 17th century (!), when it was founded by the Xoringeur family, whose origins are in Italy. Since then, traditional techniques have been used, passed down from generation to generation.

But wait—gin is British. How did it get here?

Menorca was under British rule (not at all surprising that they were looking for some sunny island and didn’t want to give it back). Sailors from the Royal Navy brought the art of production to the island.

To this day, as mentioned, the distillery proudly continues this tradition, using only the finest ingredients and traditional copper stills.

Take a guided tour here and see all the traditional tools that were used back then. At the end of the tour, you can taste a wide variety of gin flavors, from the classic London Derry to special versions fermented with local plants.

Currently, more than half a million bottles are produced here per year, which are sold not only in Spain but also in the United States, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Mexico, and New Zealand.

We came here spontaneously and there was no guided tour available at the time. We walked around the place independently, tasted the different types of gin, and bought a few bottles to take home. 😋

To book a guided tour, visit their website.

Address: Moll de Ponent, 91, 07701 Maó, Illes Balears

If you do visit, hop to the other side of the road; maybe you’ll be lucky and a fishing boat will dock and you can observe the sea catch.

The Cardamom Menorca Indian Restaurant

Food that always makes the human heart happy, especially vegetarians.

I highly recommend this restaurant, which convinced even my mother and young son who are not really into Indian food.

Address: Moll de Llevant, 267, 07701 Maó, Illes Balears

Ciutadella

Ciutadella was once the capital and dates back to the 13th century. It has an old town with an impressive cathedral and alleys lined with boutique shops and restaurants.

Today it’s a port city and an important commercial center for the entire island.

Of the beaches, Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta are two gems with turquoise waters and fine white sand.

Café Central

A heavenly cafe, and something I have not seen anywhere else. It has the atmosphere of a monastery with Jesus on the wall.

The tea was poured with a wooden stick that reminded me of a matcha house in Tokyo.

The dishes were special and beautiful. The thick meaty cookie we ate was bursting with peanuts and flavor. Soft and a little crispy on the edges.

Don’t miss this place!

Address: Carrer de Ca’l Bisbe, 1, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Illes Balears

Gelateria Deliri DeLaCrem

We know DeLaCrem ice cream from Barcelona and couldn’t be happier to find out that they have a Menorcan branch. Same high standard, same excellent service.

It’s one of the best I’ve had in recent years. Actually, in my life.

Nibs Healthy Bar

This is a great place for lunch and is vegetarian-friendly. It’s in a prime location—in a beautiful central square.

Address: Plaça d’Artrutx, 7, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, Illes Balears

Self-Sailing From Ciutadella

This was one of our most memorable experiences from our vacation. No license is required—you can rent a small motorboat for self-sail.

In April, we had a hard time finding a place to rent it to us, though, since it was before the season. However, we didn’t give up and found the last guy who miraculously had a boat available for us.

When we arrived, happy and cheerful, with cold drinks we bought on the way, hats, swimsuits, and sunscreen in case the sun broke out, it turned out that the engine was broken.

“I’ll be back in half an hour with a new boat.” Well, well. So it was clear that it wasn’t half an hour. And luckily so. Because we had time to check out the nearby heavenly cafe (there’s no other definition).

After an hour and a half, the guy returned with a new boat in tow. It even managed to start. And so, we set off into the heart of the sea, happy and cheerful still.

Wind in our hair, the roar of the struggling engine, the bounces on the waves, the intoxicating views. The 11-year-old in our group quickly mastered the steering and was happy to be the captain for four hours, while we rested and drank cold drinks.

What a joy. I would venture to say that it doesn’t really matter where you sail, you will definitely find beautiful beaches—plenty of them. We were happy to reach places we already knew from before.

Some of us whose lineage is rooted in Eastern Europe were excited to jump into the water when there were gray clouds and it was 16 degrees outside. An especially worthwhile experience.

Pay attention:

1. Don’t go too far from the coast.
2. The ferries leave from Ciutadella (and also from Mahón). They are extremely large and make high waves.

Recommended Beaches in Menorca

Cala en Brut

Almost the first beach we visited. How beautiful it is!

Very easy to get to, but there are a few steps to go down. Clear, crystal water. There is no real access to the beach, just concrete with steps to the water.

Cala Mitjana/Mitjaneta

If there’s a place I’d like to stay, it’s here. A piece of paradise, my dear. A beach worth the kilometer walk to get to.

Park in the lot and start walking along the path. After fifteen minutes (or less, if you don’t have children 😊) you’re there.

A hot tip: Continue along the path to Cala Mitjaneta, the tiny bay farther on. It will take you a while to get there, not because the road is long, but because every step is an opportunity for another mesmerizing photo.

There are no beach services here, so bring everything you need with you.

Simply a dream of a place.

North of the Island: Fornells and the Area

One of the most beautiful towns worth a visit is Fornells on the northern end of the island. It has a small port, a few restaurants and cafes and some small, picturesque streets.

In between are white houses with green shutters. It’s simply lovely to wander around here.

From there, drive to the beach of Fornells: Platges de Fornells, park your car there, and walk to Cala Tirant. The view here is simply lovely.

When you get tired, drive to the Cape Cavalleria Lighthouse. When you leave the car park, you’ll see a kiosk. Buy something cold to drink, some ice cream, and walk around the lighthouse area.

Related read: A Week in Spain: From Madrid to Barcelona

South of the Island

Binibeca

The main town here is Binibeca, and it’s super cute. It’s worth hopping onto the Bufador de Binibequer beach and walking there for a while.

Cala en Porter

A beautiful view of a small but impressive bay—Mirador Cala en Porter.

Just park your car and walk 10 meters until you see this beautiful beach, then continue down to the sand.

Cova d’en Xoroi

A place we didn’t get to, unfortunately, because we arrived with tired children and even more so parents, just as it was closing in the afternoon.

I’m also not sure how suitable the place is for children. It’s a music bar-club. Anyway, look at the pictures on Google Maps and you’ll see what a cool little nook it is. It’s a bit reminiscent of Rosh HaNikra.

There’s a fee to enter here—see the place’s website. If you go, tag me on Instagram and tell me how it was.

Related read: The Best Beach Bars in Barcelona

Visiting a Dairy

So not only does Manorca dabble in traditional gin, it’s proud of its cheese, too, called—you guessed it—Mahón cheese.

This dairy, which is right in the center of the island, makes the cheeses on site. You can take a guided tour or order a tasting platter with snacks. We toured independently (how did we miss all the guided tours?) and sat down to eat.

I admit, there are better cheeses than this, mostly in northern Spain. For cheese fans, I recommend you at least try it, though.

In the air-conditioned factory store, you can also purchase other delicacies.

Address: Carretera Alaior a Arenal d’en Castell s/n, 07740, Balearic Islands

For decades, travelers seeking sun, sand, and the supreme biodiversity of the most pristine ecosystems in the Americas have passed over Nicaragua for neighboring Costa Rica. However, as Nicaragua is celebrating a coveted spot on Travel + Leisure‘s list of the 50 best places to visit in 2025, that finally seems poised to change.

“Many parts of Costa Rica have become busy, built-up, and expensive over the years,” says John Kendall, a boutique hotel owner with years of experience on the cutting edge of Nicaragua’s nascent travel industry. “Meanwhile, Nicaragua still has a raw, real magic to it that travelers are only now starting to see,” Nestled along the sands of Little Corn Island, Kendall’s Yemaya Reefs is one of those magical places, a destination so stunning it has been named among the most beautiful places in the Caribbean.

With a brand-new coastal highway set to connect hundreds of miles of beachfront along the Emerald Coast, it will soon be easier than ever to experience destinations in Nicaragua once reserved only for the most adventurous visitors. Amidst a growing demand from both luxury-minded travelers and the intrepid backpackers who first told tales of the country’s incomparable beauty, Nicaragua now stakes its claim among its neighbors as a destination worth traveling for.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Jicaro Island Lodge

Part of the Cayuga Collection of sustainable luxury hotels in Central America, Jicaro Island Lodge is a luxe, private island hideaway surrounded by the serene waters of Lake Nicaragua. Among volcano-studded landscapes coated in forests, the island’s nine casitas just as easily welcome adrenaline seekers eyeing water sports and hiking trails as they do those looking to spend long, lazy days floating in the infinity pool or balancing in a hammock, book in hand.

Yemaya Reefs

Feel the stress melt away instantly at Yemaya Reefs, the gem of Nicaragua’s Corn Islands in the heart of the Caribbean. The boutique property, named for the colorful corals that sit just offshore, features 20 oceanfront casitas, each perfectly secluded amidst lush jungle foliage that opens onto golden sands. Yemaya Reefs also features an intimate spa, a yoga shala, and an Afro-Caribbean-inspired dining concept. It is part of the Colibri Boutique Hotels collection with four stunning sister properties in Tulum.

Rancho Santana

A sprawling 2,700-acre resort and residential community nestled among sea and sand, Rancho Santana is the star of the surf-obsessed Emerald Coast. However, there’s much more to Rancho Santana than just catching waves, with an expansive spa and impressive wellness program, five distinct beaches, a turtle sanctuary, and more than 20 miles of hiking trails to keep guests busy. The property even maintains its own 80-acre working farm, from which it sources most of the ingredients used across numerous dining concepts that range from fine dining to casual taco spots.

Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge

Located just north of San Juan del Sur, Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge is renowned for curating an immersive and sustainable jungle experience that feels singular in Nicaragua. The property’s 15 bungalows and three villas were designed to preserve as much old-growth foliage as possible, using natural materials and incorporating design elements like thatched roofs that provide shade for private pools. Every angle highlights views of verdant jungle canopy and frames a tranquil crescent of sand below.

Best Things to Do

Explore the jungle.

Immense biodiversity and vast swaths of raw, untouched jungle make Nicaragua a dream for adventurous travelers. Take a tiny boat from Lake Nicaragua to the ultra-sustainable Guacimo Lodge for an immersive experience among tropical birds and monkeys in the Indio Maíz Biological Reserve. Up north, Matagalpa is the gateway to cloud forests native to the Peñas Blancas Massif Nature Reserve, which is packed with hiking trails to hidden jungle waterfalls in an area known as the “Land of Eternal Spring.”

Visit historic cities.

Many of Nicaragua’s cities still bear the richly layered architectural legacy of their colonial past, lending them an undeniable and colorful charm that visitors love. Granada is one of the oldest cities in the Americas, having just celebrated its 500th anniversary. With a canary-yellow church at its center, it’s just as vibrant and vivacious as you’d expect. From there, head to León to take in the view of whitewashed domes on the roof of the city’s church, set against brilliant blue skies.

Go surfing.

Summertime swells draw surfers from far and wide to Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast. San Juan del Sur on the sunny Emerald Coast reigns supreme as a destination for surfers of all skill levels. Or, travel with Rise Up Surf, a company with years of experience curating laid-back surfing and wellness retreats in stunning spots up and down the West Coast.

Try volcano boarding.

If surfing isn’t your scene, don a jumpsuit and grab a board to slide down the black-sand slopes of Cerro Negro instead. This active volcano is considered Central America’s youngest, having first appeared in 1850 and erupted dozens of times since. Volcano boarding is better left to only the most adventurous, as speeds can get up to 40 miles per hour for the five-minute ride to the bottom of the volcano. It’s just as wild as it sounds.

Best Restaurants

NM, Granada

“True fine-dining options in Nicaragua are still few and far between,” says Karen Emanuel, owner of Jicaro Island Lodge, with inspirational spots like NM in Granada charting a new path in local cuisine. Deeply faithful to the restaurant’s farm-to-table concept, chefs at NM curate seasonal menus featuring local ingredients. The eight-course tasting menu and craft cocktail list are highlights of the experience.

Boca Baco, Granada

Steps from historic Granada’s cathedral, Boca Baco fills a breezy, beautiful patio space with local art and draping greenery for an unpretentious spot to enjoy one of the best meals in town. Unexpected Asian fusion dishes and sushi rolls set it apart, but a menu including fan favorites like pasta and burgers caters to every palette.

La Cocina de Doña Haydée, Managua

Any no-frills restaurant in Nicaragua will serve classic local dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and vaho (beef, yuca, and plantains cooked inside banana leaves), but La Cocina de Doña Haydée is where they shine. There are now three outposts of this popular eatery located around Managua.

Cervecería San Juan del Sur, San Juan del Sur

Nicaragua’s first brewpub perfectly fits San Juan del Sur’s beachy, surf-town vibe. A beloved haunt dedicated to using traditional brewing methods and mindfully-sourced ingredients in its beers for over a decade, Cervecería San Juan del Sur is a must for great food, live music, and a good time just a few blocks from the sand.

Magnific Rock Café, Popoyo

Head south from the breaks in Popoyo to Magnific Rock Café, a surf resort and yoga retreat with a chill cliffside eatery known for its stunning 270-degree views over the golden sands and rolling waves of the Pacific.

Downstairs, the Rock Bottom Bar is even more lively, with frequent live music and DJ sets on Saturday that transform this relatively sleepy coastal spot into a party.

Areas to Visit

Managua

Visitors will be content with merely passing through Nicaragua’s capital city of Managua on their way to more picturesque parts of the country. “Unfortunately, a lot of the historic charm of Managua was destroyed in a devastating earthquake in the 1970s,” explains Kendall, “and there isn’t much appeal to the city for most travelers.”

Granada

Bask in the beauty of Granada, studded with cobblestone streets and facades dating back as far as the 16th century. Colorful colonial architecture hides modern restaurants and cafes, making the city “an instant favorite among visitors,” says Emanuel. The city’s lakeside location makes it convenient for exploring some of the country’s most gorgeous destinations, including the nearby crater lake, Laguna de Apoyo.

Ometepe Island

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Ometepe Island sits at the heart of Lake Nicaragua. The island’s name originates from the native Nahuatl words ome (“two”) and tepetl (“mountain”), speaking to its striking hourglass shape anchored by two towering volcanoes. It’s now a haven for ecotourism with hiking trails, wildlife-laden forests, natural pools, and hidden beaches. “Many visitors say it’s their favorite part of Nicaragua,” says Kendall.

The Corn Islands

Flung more than 40 miles off the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands have long been spoken of by in-the-know travelers looking for a truly tranquil escape. This pair of palm-fringed, white-sand islands rimmed with colorful reefs are nothing short of paradise, with the car-free Little Corn Island embodying the essence of the unhurried, undisturbed Caribbean of decades past.

Emerald Coast

Long known for its stellar surfing, the Emerald Coast is now an emerging destination for adventure and wellness-minded luxury travelers looking for their next escape. Most visitors will stay put in or around San Juan del Sur, but there are other smaller towns up the coast with even better surf breaks and plenty to see. Popoyo’s new Hide & Seek Resort and a slew of other surf schools with sleek accommodations speak to the region’s rising profile and draw comparisons with the Tulum of 20 years ago.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Nicaragua is between mid-November and April, when the country’s delightful dry season brings clear skies, and temperatures are more springlike than sticky. The rainy season starts in May and lasts until early November, though rains generally tend to pass quickly. Sustained, sometimes travel-impacting downpours make it best to avoid Nicaragua in September and October.

Visitors heading to Little Corn Island should be aware that windy conditions from December through February can make the boat ride from Big Corn Island rough, or on the rare occassion, cause it to be canceled outright. Though unlikely, tropical storms and hurricanes are possible in the Corn Islands during the Atlantic hurricane season from June through November.

Known as Semana Santa, the week leading up to Easter is one of the busiest times to travel, with locals streaming out of cities and heading straight to the coasts. Expect travel to be punctuated by memorable cultural experiences like processionals, traditional foods, and music, but destinations will be notably crowded and more expensive.

How to Get There

Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua is Nicaragua’s main international airport. United Airlines now offers daily flights between Managua and its Houston hub, adding even more flights during peak travel periods. It’s the only airline that provides direct service to Managua from destinations outside of Florida, where several airlines offer flights out of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Travelers headed for destinations in southern Nicaragua like San Juan del Sur and the Emerald Coast may also consider flying into nearby Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Though the drive takes slightly over two hours, the drive from Managua is just as long, and the Guanacaste airport offers numerous direct flights from cities across the United States.

How to Get Around

With no significant rideshare programs available in Nicaragua, most travelers take taxis when traveling locally. Budget-conscious travelers can also take local or regional buses for a fraction of the cost (and an extra helping of adventure).

When it comes to regional travel, “I usually recommend visitors take a private transfer between cities rather than renting a car. While roads are decently good in much of the country, private transfers tend to be highly affordable and save a lot of hassle,” says Emanuel. The proximity of Nicaragua’s most popular destinations rules out domestic flights unless you’re traveling to the hard-to-reach Caribbean Coast or the Corn Islands.