Menorca is a beautiful Mediterranean island. With rugged cliffs, perfect beaches, endless sunny days, and amazing local dishes. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular vacation destination in Spain for so many. But where are the best places to stay in Menorca?
There are loads of amazing things to do in Menorca, so you want to make sure you’re close to many of them.
Whether you intend to explore the countless incredible beaches on the island, walk the Camí de Cavalls, or soak up the atmosphere in one of the island’s cultural hubs, this guide is going to help you choose where to stay in Menorca for the perfect holiday.
Where to Stay in Menorca – Top Areas and Hotels
1. Fornells – Best for Couples, Charm, and Exploring the North
The beaches in the north of Menorca are some of the most stunning. They’re rugged, wild, and often hard to get to. They may not be ideal for kids, but they’re perfect for anyone who wants pristine waters and more space.
Fornells is a well-located old fishing town, close to some of these amazing beaches. There’s both Platja de Fornells, which is home to one of the best beach bars in Menorca, and Fornells village.
Fornells is a white-washed village with winding alleyways, amazing restaurants, and a charming little port that’s perfect for watching Menorquina boats pass by. It’s one of the best places in Menorca because it’s less touristy than some of the bigger resorts in the south.
The beach in Fornells is pretty average by Menorca’s standard, so you will have to travel – either by car or scooter – to get around. If its your first time renting a car on the island, check out our guide to renting a car in Spain so you know what to expect.
Things to Do in Fornells
- Walk along to Mirador Torre Fornells for amazing views.
- Walk around the harbor.
- Eat in one of the amazing fish restaurants, including Sa Rumbada.
- Spend a day at the beach! Platja d’en Tortuga, Platja de Cavalleria, and Cala Pregonda are all close.
- Go on a marine reserve snorkeling tour in a kayak.
The Best Places to Stay in Fornells
- Luxury: Villa La Plaza is a beautiful, spacious, and stylish accommodation in the heart of Fornells. It has a panoramic terrace, balcony, and fully equipped kitchen. There are lots of shops, supermarkets, and restaurants close by. Book your stay at Villa La Plaza here.
- Mid-Range: Apartamentos La Palma Fornells are wonderful suites with a sea view, terrace, and free parking. They’re close to the harbor, village center, and shops. The apartments are clean and decorated in a Mediterranean style with several different suits to choose from to accommodate different groups and desires. Book your stay at Apartamentos La Palma here.
- Budget: Hostal S’Algaret is a great, 2-star hostel in central Fornells with an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and restaurant. There’s a sun terrace, free WiFi and all the rooms have a private bathroom. Book your stay at Hostal S’Algaret here.
There are so many great places to stay in Menorca, it all depends what vibe you are looking for on your trip to the island.
2. Ciutadella – Best for Culture, City-Life, and Those Without a Car
If you decide not to rent a car in Menorca, it’s best to base yourself in one of the bigger towns or cities so you have access to public transport. Ciutadella is a beautiful port town on the west of the island that’s rich in history and culture.
The historic center of Ciutadella is bustling with shops and restaurants and on every winding street you go down, you’ll see stunning architecture and impressive villas.
There are lots of great things to do in Ciutadella and it’s also really well located for access to other parts of the island. You can easily get to the stunning beaches in the southwest and to those in the north.
Things to Do in Ciutadella
- Admire the lively port of Ciutadella with its mega yachts and traditional fishing boats.
- Take a day trip to one of the amazing beaches nearby, including Cala en Brut, Cala Blanca, Cala en Bosc, and Cala en Blanes.
- Visit the beautiful Cathedral de Ciutadella.
- Wander around the Mercat Municipal de Ciutadella, the beating heart of the city where locals go to buy food, chat, and sell.
- Eat freshly caught fish in one of the incredible restaurants in the port.
- Take a boat trip from the port to discover the rest of the island.
The Best Places to Stay in Ciutadella
- Luxury: S’Hotelet d’es Born is a chic hotel in the middle of Ciutadella. There are different suites to choose from as well as an amazing underground spa to relax in. It’s close to the port of Ciutadella and there’s private parking. Book your stay at S’Hotelet d’es Born here.
- Mid-Range: Hotel Patricia Menorca is a beautiful and modern hotel in an excellent location in one of the best areas in Menorca. It has a fitness studio, sun terrace, and outdoor pool as well as a delicious buffet breakfast. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and it’s very close to the port. Book your stay at Hotel Patricia Menorca here.
- Budget: Hostal Menurka is just 400m from the city center and offers clean rooms with a balcony and city views. The rooms are well-equipped with various sizes and styles to choose from. There’s a buffet breakfast, bar, and parking close by. Book your stay at Hostal Menurka here.
Whether you want to find a cozy villa or you want a resort close to the beach, there are tons of great hotels Menorca to choose from.
3. Cala Galdana – Best for Families and Access to Southern Beaches
There are incredible beaches in Menorca. While those in the north are a little wilder, some of the best beaches in the south of the island offer dazzling white sand and turquoise water. They’re also easily accessible, making them ideal for kids.
Cala Galdana is in a great location and very close to several other beautiful beaches along this part of the coastline.
There are many great accommodation options for families and the bay is fairly long and sheltered, meaning there’s space to play and the water is often calm for swimming or splashing around in.
Things to Do in Cala Galdana
- Head to the beach! Some of the best are Cala Mitjaneta, Macarelleta, Cala en Turqueta, and Cala de Trebalúger.
- Menorca is also a stunning place to go hiking. The Camí de Cavalls is a beautiful trail that goes right the way around the island and passes Cala Galdana.
- Hire boats from various places along the seafront or go on an organized boat trip.
- Chiringuitos are classic Spanish beach bars and there are plenty of them to enjoy in town!
The Best Places to Stay in Cala Galdana
- Luxury: Meliá Cala Galdana is a modern, 5-star hotel with beautiful views out over the bay. The resort has two swimming pools, four excellent restaurants and there’s a kids club in high season too. The amazing views and beautifully decorated rooms make it one of the best hotels in Menorca. Book your stay at Meliá Cala Galdana here.
- Mid-Range: Minura Cala Galdana & Apartamentos d’Aljander are a 4-star accommodation complex with 2 swimming pools, a fitness center, a garden, a sun terrace, and a bar. The rooms are clean and bright and have a balcony, many with a sea view. They serve an excellent breakfast and offer free parking too. Book your stay at Minura Cala Galdana & Apartamentos d’Aljander here.
- Budget: Apartamentos Alta Galdana are clean, spacious, and well-decorated with all amenities. They have an outdoor pool and family-friendly rooms and amenities. The apartments are located just 300m from the beach and are close to restaurants, cafes, and kids’ attractions. Book your stay at Apartamentos Alta Galdana here.
The white-washed villages of Spain are so picture-perfect and Menorca has a few of its own to enjoy.
4. Es Castell – Best for Access to the East of the Island and Proximity to Mahón
One of the best areas to stay in Menorca is in Es Castell and the little villages and coves that surround it. Mahón is just a 10-minute drive away so it’s perfect for exploring Menorca’s capital too.
The architecture in Es Castell is beautiful and there’s a wonderful mix between quaint fishing townhouses and grand buildings that offer a glimpse into Menorca’s British-ruled past.
The red town hall dominates the central square and there are lots of great restaurants, shops, and independent businesses to enjoy in the town too.
Things to Do in Es Castell
- Admire the boats coming and going in Es Castell’s famous little harbor.
- Take a day trip to other parts of the island, including Binibeca – a beautiful village just 20 minutes away.
- Enjoy the beaches to the north and south of the island, such as those in Parque Natural de s’Albufera d’Es Grau and the popular southern beaches like Cala en Porter and Son Bou.
- Eat amazing food! One of the best is Sa Punta, a modern and innovative restaurant serving classic and contemporary Spanish dishes.
The Best Places to Stay in Es Castells
- Luxury: Hotel Rural Sant Joan de Binissaida is a charming and rustic hotel on the outskirts of Es Castells. In this secluded accommodation, you’ll be surrounded by olive groves and vineyards and will enjoy the large gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, and an excellent restaurant. It’s one of the best places to stay in Menorca if you’re after beauty and tranquility. Book your stay at Hotel Rural Sant Joan de Binissaida here.
- Mid-Range: Artiem Carlos (adults only) is a wonderful and modern hotel that has incredible views over the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for watching large ships coming and going from Mahón port from your own balcony. It’s centrally located but quiet and close to restaurants and Es Castell harbor. Book your stay at Artiem Carlos here.
- Budget: Hotel Victori is a stylish hotel in the center of Es Castell. The rooms are well-equipped with basic amenities and there are different suites and sizes to choose from. It’s close to the port and just a short walk from the water’s edge as well as restaurants, supermarkets, and bars. Book your stay at Hotel Victori here.
The Best Places to Stay in Menorca – Final Thoughts
Menorca is a stunning island and one you need to put on your list of must-visit destinations. It’s pretty small and easy to get around so wherever you end up staying, you’ll be able to explore everything the island has to offer.
There’s a great balance of cultural cities, small fishing villages, and beach resorts to choose from and accommodation options to match everyone’s budget.