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An overview of Menorca's most beautiful villages to visit 

Written on : 21 June 2024
By : Alexis Steinman
An overview of Menorca's most beautiful villages to visit 

Easily accessible from all over Europe, the Balearic Islands offer a complete change of scene that does not disappoint. With friends, family, or as a couple, your Spanish holidays in Ibiza, Formentera or Mallorca are always a delight, thanks to their idyllic beaches, magical sunsets, Mediterranean cuisine, chill way of life and warm welcome by the locals.

This time it's the smallest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca, that you'll want to discover. Are you dreaming of swimming in crystal-clear waters at the most beautiful beaches, feasting at the best restaurants, and marvelling at the wild nature and incredible sights? There's no doubt that Menorca is an excellent choice, as the island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is also known for its villages, each more charming than the last. 

Mahon, Ciutadella, Fornells, and Es Castell. Find our choice picks of some of Menorca's prettiest villages and the best restaurants that we've found for you. All of them are easy to explore from your home base at your luxury villa in Menorca. You can even take an organised tour thanks to our concierge service, who are dedicated to making your every wish come true!

Mahon and its spectacular natural port 

Mahon and its spectacular natural port 

Mahon, the island's capital, is a blend of tradition and modernity. One of Menorca's larger towns, you won't want to miss the its beautiful, 5km harbour and old town, where you'll love wandering through the narrow streets and admiring the stately homes and historic buildings.

We recommend a visit to the La Mola fortress, the Menorca Museum, the Town Hall, the Sant Roc bastion and Santa Maria Church. Take a culinary break at our favourite restaurant, Passió Mediterrània, beloved for its relaxed atmosphere and gourmet Menorcan cuisine.

Passió Mediterrània, Moll de Llevant, 298 Puerto de Mahón, 07701 Mahón

Ciutadella and its medieval streets 

Ciutadella and its medieval streets 

The island's former capital and the largest city in Menorca, Ciutadella is sure to charm you as you stroll its narrow streets and marvel at its architecture. Be sure to visit the port, which is lively at any hour. During the day, the quais are lined with fishermen and pleasure boats for water sports. At night, the port bustles with bars and fish & seafood restaurants.

On the programme: the historic centre, San Nicolás castle, Ses Voltes square and its magnificent harbour, not forgetting a stop to sample tapas, fish, lobster, paellas, and the best local ingredients at Cafè Balear. The restaurant has their own fishing boat, hence their 'from sea to table' motto. So we recommend ordering the daily catch or their signature dish, lobster stew. 

Cafè Balear, Passeig es Pla de Sant Joan, 15, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca

Alaior (or Alayor) and its local craftsmanship 

Alaior (or Alayor) and its local craftsmanship 

Artistic, welcoming and authentic, Alaior is a unique Menorca village. Located inland, the island's third-largest municipality is well worth a visit for Santa Eulalia Church, the Talayotic settlement of Torre d'en Galmés, the Calescoves necropolis and the air raid shelter from the Civil War. If you want to enjoy the Mediterranean, nearby Son Bou has a long stretch of sandy beach ideal that is kid-friendly.

Above all, be sure to reserve at Cova d’en Xoroi, a totally unique restaurant that is tucked inside a grotto and offers panoramic views of the turquoise sea. It doesn't get much better than this...admiring the most beautiful sunsets as you savour an unforgettable aperitif or dinner on the edge of a cliff. If you're in the mood to party, you can even stretch out the evening on the dance floor.

Cova d’en Xoroi, Cala en Porter, Carrer de sa Cova, 2, 07730 Alaior

Es Castell and its British history

Es Castell and its British history

Situated on the east of the island, Es Castell (Catalan for 'castle') inherited its name from Castell de San Felipe, the huge ancient fortress that the Spanish destroyed in 1782. Located just 2 kms from the village, your Villanovo concierge can book you a tour. The memory of Menorca's British rule in 1708-1802 is most notable in Es  Castell, as witnessed by its burgundy buildings, Victorian houses, and military-style street layout.

The main attractions here are the Plaza Mayor, surrounded by former English barracks, the Calas Fonts port, San Felipe Castle, the Tower of En Pujat and Fort Marlborough. Fine wine lovers should head to Bodega Binifadet, a winery that produces over 50,000 bottles each year. Located in Sant Lluis, it's the ideal place to enjoy top-quality Mediterranean and Menorcan cuisine and sip a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards.

Bodega Binifadet, Cami De Ses Barraques, S/N Ctra. Sant Lluís - Es Castell, km. 0,5, 07710 

Fornells and its fishing tradition 

Fornells and its fishing tradition 

Situated on the north coast of the island, this small, traditional fishing village has retained its charm and authenticity. Above all, it is one of the best places on the island to enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood dishes. If you're looking for a great hike, El Toro, the highest point in Menorca near the white houses in Es Mercadel, boasts incredible views. 

A visit to the Torre de Fornells, built by the English in the early 19th century, provides a magnificent view of the coast. Then, we recommend a well-deserved stopover at Isabella Beach Club. Located on the edge of Platges de Fornells in a heavenly setting, you can enjoy a delicious Mediterranean dinner, sushi or tapas. Open in the summer months, don't miss the house cocktails, best paired with a sunset and the sounds of the sea.

Isabella Beach Club, Carrer Tramuntana, s/n, 07748 Platges de Fornells

Villanovo in the Balearic Islands: Exceptional stays and luxury concierge service 

A collection of exclusive villas in Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca 

Whether you choose Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca or Formentera, you can't go wrong. Your family holiday in the Balearic Islands is sure to be divine. Your only difficulty may be how to choose your villa from our exclusive selection of the most beautiful luxury villas which Villanovo has hand-picked for you! 
Carefully selected and located on the most beautiful sites, these exceptional homes in Spain with a private swimming pool, on the beach, with a house staff or a private chef, will enable you to experience unforgettable moments together in the most beautiful settings. They are the ideal home base for travelling around the island with your family to discover all the secrets that these small paradises on earth have in store for you.

A tailor-made concierge service

Thanks to Villanovo's luxury concierge service, our dedicated team will fulfil the needs and wishes of young and old alike and reccomend the best things to do. Ensuring that everyone leaves your stay in Spain with a heart full of delightfully unique memories and the desire to return on holiday, with family or friends, to the Balearic Islands: Formentera, Ibiza, Majorca, or Menorca again.

Discover Villanovo's selection of luxury villas for Menorca

Villa Sonriente

(2 reviews)
337 € - 775 € per night
6 3 2
"Charming 3 bedroom villa located in San Jaime Mediteraneo on the heights of Son Bou beach, south coast of Menorca. Nice outdoors, garden, terraces..."
Menorca - Alaior

Villa Rocamar

(2 reviews)
411 € - 1 447 € per night
8 4 4
"Amazing 4 bedrooms cliffside villa, located on the north-western coast of Menorca island, with privileged access to the bathing areas and the..."
Menorca - Ciutadella