How to Spend 48 Hours in Menorca

Breakfast at Bar Imperi

Start your two-day extravaganza with an authentic Menorcan breakfast at this favourite locals’ haunt. Grab a seat outside overlooking the courtyard, dip your flakey ensaimada (pastry) into a freshly brewed cafe con leche and watch the city awaken.

Bar Imperi, Plaça des Born, 5, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, +34 971382220

Grab a Picnic for Later

Before heading out of Ciutadella for the day, pick up a picnic at Piqniq to take with you for when hunger strikes again. Borrow a cooler and load up with delectable salads, vegan burgers, veggie quiches and slabs of homemade banana bread to finish.

Piqniq, Carrer Sant Pere, 7, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, +34 971482354

Take a Bus to the Beach

Some of the best beaches are surprisingly easy to reach by bus from the centre of Ciutadella. Cala Galdana is everything you want from a Balearic beach: soft white sand and calm clear waters, all framed with plenty of pine trees perfect for taking a break in the shade. Take a 25-minute hike along the coastal path to Cala Mitjana or kayak with a guide around the bay, exploring some caves and pausing to snorkel along the way.

Cala Galdana

Cala Mitjana

Head Back to Ciutadella

Return to the island’s second city later in the afternoon for a wander around the cobbled streets of its pretty Old Town, shopping and drinking in the arch-covered lanes of Ses Voltes. One of the loveliest spots for a early evening tipple has to be on the harbour front. Sit waterside on the terrace at Bar Restaurant Club Nàutic Ciutadella and enjoy the sunset as it it bathes the bobbing boats in warm red light.

Bar Restaurant Club Nàutic Ciutadella, Camino Baix 8, 07760 Ciutadella, Menorca, +34 971386375

Cook Dinner for Yourself

One of the most novel ways to end the day in Ciutadella is to cook your own dinner at Cuk-Cuk. Learn how to rustle up a hearty Menorcan fish stew or an authentic paella and dine with your new co-chefs on long, social tables with a glass or two of locally produced wine.

Cuk-Cuk, Carrer de Sant Pere d’Alcàntara, 13, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, +34 971380703

Stay at Hotel Can Faustino

Why not bed down for the night at one of the most luxurious residences in the city? With gorgeous views overlooking the port, the stately 16th-century palace of Hotel Can Faustino is worthy of every one of its five stars. In the morning, take breakfast on the gorgeous vine-covered terraces and be sure to make use of the cave-like underground spa before you leave. Speak to reception about hiring a car for the day to give you better access to the rest of the island, and venture out of the city for day two of your Menorcan adventure.

Can Faustino, Carrer de sa Muradeta, 22, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca, +34 971489191

Visit Lithica

One of the most popular excursions on the island is to see the spectacular quarries of Lithica. Carved out of sandstone, these magnificent cavernous spaces have been cultivated more recently into a series of gardens and mazes. Shaded paths wind through arches, past cooling fountains and little hidden gardens that showcase many species of native plants. There are four labyrinths to explore at Lithica, all of which meander through the quarries and the pretty gardens that have flourished within.

Lithica, Camí Vell, km. 1, Ciutadella de Menorca, +34 971481578

Lunch at El Gallo in Ferreries

For a really rustic and authentic Menorcan lunch, make your way along the country roads to the very special Meson El Gallo restaurant. Sit under a canopy of vines in the courtyard outside and order from a mouthwatering menu of traditional island fare. The beef in particular, prepared the same way for over 40 years, is the melt-in-the-mouth experience that steak lovers dream of.

Meson El Gallo, Carretera Cala Galdana, Km 1.5, 07750 Ferreries, +34 971373039

Pick up Some Authentic Menorcan Sandals

While you’re in the area, swing by the famous Can Doblas store in Ferreries. No trip to Menorca is complete without the purchase (and wearing) of Avarca sandals. These classic shoes, made from soft leather and with sturdy rubber soles, are both perfect for hiking in the countryside, strolling on the beach and exploring pretty whitewashed towns.

Can Doblas store, Placa Juame 2, 1 07750, Ferreries, Menorca, +34 971155021

Hike up El Toro

If you are feeling adventurous and in need of walking off some of that heavy lunch, go for a hike up to El Toro. The lookout from the top of this hill, located almost bang in the centre of the island, is quite spectacular. With breathtaking panoramic views that seem to stretch the length of the isle, you will not be disappointed after your efforts.

Head to Mahon

Approximately 45 minutes drive from Ciutadella lies Menorca’s only other city and the capital, Mahon. Check in here at the gorgeous and very cozy boutique hotel Jardí de Ses Bruixes. The beautiful interiors at this converted 19th-century townhouse are hard to beat. It’s situated in the heart of the Old Town, so you will find all the capital’s attractions within easy strolling distance.

Hotel Jardí de Ses Bruixes, Carrer de San Fernando 26 Mahón, Menorca, +34 971363166

Wander the Streets of Mahon

Check out the cathedral nearby for a dive into Mahon’s rich cultural history, or take a leisurely stroll down to the harbour. The tapas bars in Mercat de Pescados are a sure hit with many visitors. Soak up the atmosphere and rub shoulders with the locals while sipping on a chilled glass of Cava or two and eating some oysters.

Mercat de Pescados, Placa del Carme, 28, Mahón, Menorca

Dinner at Mestre D’aixa

Still a little hungry? Take a pew at Mestre D’aixa, overlooking Mahon harbour. Perched directly opposite a line of super-yachts on the waterfront, and decorated like the inside hull of a ship, the nautical theme prevails here. Sloping walls, rope ladders, dangling fishing baskets and a fantastic array of fresh seafood on the newspaper-like menu all make for a novel and enjoyable dining experience.

Mestre D’aixa, Moll de llevant 209, 07701 Mahon, Menorca, +34 971966801

Sunset Cocktails and Dancing

You must not leave the island without visiting the Cova D’en Xoroi, one of the most famous bars in the Balearics. This incredible venue is best enjoyed at dusk, when you can sit on the terrace, cocktail in hand, and admire the sunset as it dips into the horizon out at sea. Then head into the caverns (yes, literally) for a night of revelry and dancing as the DJ spins some tunes to an enthusiastic crowd. Just don’t get too carried away and forget that you have to catch your flight in the morning.

Cova D’en Xoroi Carrer de Sa Cova no 2 07730 Cala en Porter, Alaior – Menorca, +34 971377236