GAY FRIENDLY MENORCA
Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, tips about where to sleep and what to eat, and above all many small special tips to enjoy your journey !
Welcome to Menorca, the island of a thousand surprises. Get ready to take your breath away in one of its many paradisiacal beaches and coves or get lost in the towns of Mahon and Ciutadella among the many craft shops and trendy clubs.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this island at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - (West Menorca) Ciutadella, Naveta d'es Tudons & Cala n Forcat - Google Maps
Day 2 - (West Menorca) Cala en Turqueta or Macarella & Macarelleta (Attention: only reachable by bus from Ciutadella) - Google Maps
Day 3 - (South Menorca) Cala Mitjana & Cala Galdana - Google Maps
Day 4 - (South Menorca) Cala en Porter, Cova d'en Xoroi, Son Bou, Son Saura & Es Talaier - Google Maps
Day 5 - (North Menorca) Cala Pregonda, Faro di Cap de Cavalleria, Fornells, Es Mercadal & Monte Toro - Google Maps
Day 6 - (South-East Menorca) Faro di Favaritx, Platja d'en Tortuga, Mahón & Binibequer Vell - Google Maps
Extra - Excursion to MAJORCA with Ferry Baleària (click here for more info)
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our itinerary)
Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map
WHAT TO SEE in MENORCA?
10 THINGS TO SEE in MENORCA
Mahón
The capital of the island and one of the most beautiful cities to see in Menorca. In addition to having one of the most beautiful ports in the world, Mahón has a beautiful old town. Don't forget to try the Mahón cheese, typical of the Balearics. It is also worth getting a little out of the city to visit the La Mola Fortress.
Menorca Coves
the wonder of the coves of Minora will leave you speechless (we'll talk about it in detail below).
Binibeca Vell
A small fishing village full of charm. A labyrinth of narrow streets and white houses that will leave you speechless. Without doubt, one of the best places to see in Menorca.
Ciutadella
Ancient capital of the island. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center until you meet enchanting places such as Plaza del Borne, Plaza de Ses Voltes and Mercat des Peix, the Castle of San Nicolás and the Cathedral.
Naveta Des Tudons
Located 5 kilometers from Ciudadella, it is the best known prehistoric monument to see in Menorca. It is a prehistoric tomb in which more than 100 human remains and objects have been found.
Cova d'en Xoroi
Another of the best things to do in Menorca is to enjoy a sunset in the Cova d'en Xoroi while listening to music and sipping a cocktail or a beer. This cave located on a cliff on the southern coast of the island, has several viewpoints, a bar and an exclusive nightclub, which fills up every night.
Monte Toro
The highest mountain in Menorca, with its 358 meters above sea level offers fantastic panoramic views of the whole island and even of Mallorca when the day is clear. At the top, easily accessible by car, is the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Monte Toro.
S'Albufera des Grau
A protected Natural Park of over 5,000 hectares with a great diversity of flora and fauna. Go to the Information Center and choose one of the three routes that cross the park.
Faro di Favàritx
The most iconic of the island's seven lighthouses. Nestled in a lunar landscape of black slate cliffs with no trace of vegetation, this lighthouse located on a small promontory, within S'Albufera des Grau, is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset. Other lighthouses to admire beautiful sunsets are Artrutx, Cavalleria and Punta Nati.
Fornells
This fishing village in the north of the island has a beautiful harbor and a huge tower with great views of the Mediterranean.
WHAT TO DO in MENORCA
Take a trip to one of the many coves and beaches of Menorca
Here are the 10 best beaches and coves not to be missed:
Cala en Turqueta (West) - A bay surrounded by cliffs and pine forests, famous for its turquoise waters and fine sand. It also has parking, but in summer if you don't arrive very early it is always full. Attention (!) It is accessible in high season only by bus from Ciutadella because the road is closed to traffic for cars.
Cala Macarella (West) - Close to Cala Turqueta, it is the most famous beach in Menorca. Next to it is a small cove called Macarelleta, frequented by nudists. Attention (!) It is accessible in high season only by Bus from Ciutadella because the road is closed to traffic for cars.
Cala Mitjana (West) - Another crystal clear water cove located in a small natural bay and with parking located a short distance away.
Cala Galdana (West) - Connected to Cala Mitjana by a path that can be covered in about 20 minutes, it has an extensive beach of fine sand, ideal for families.
Cala Escorxada (West) - An isolated bay without any kind of infrastructure. To get there you have to park in Cala Mitjana and walk an hour and a half.
Playa Es Talaier (West) - One of the smallest beaches in Menorca, only 50 meters long and 80 meters wide. It stands out for its shallow waters which make it ideal for snorkeling. To get there you can park for free in the Son Saura car park and walk along the fantastic Camí de Cavalls for about 15 minutes.
Cala Pilar (North) - A lonely northern beach with reddish sand. Located within a Marine Reserve, it can be reached by following a path between dunes and woods.
Cala Pregonda (North) - In the north of the island, it is another of the most emblematic coves of Menorca. Reddish sand and waters so clear they are perfect for snorkeling. To reach the bay you can park for free on the beach of Binimel·la and walk for about 30 minutes following a rocky path.
Playas de Algaiarens (North) - Algaiarens or de La Vall, formed by two inlets separated by a rocky ledge, in the north of the island. These two beaches have the distinction of having white sand, something unusual in the north, and among the clearest waters in all of Menorca. The first beach you will find after walking for about 10 minutes from the car park is Playa dels Tancats, the longest and most popular, while Playa des Bot is quieter.
Cala en Porter (South) - Surrounded by high cliffs that protect it from the waves and with the incredible Cova d'en Xoroi just a few meters away, it is another of the best coves in Menorca to fully enjoy a day of sun and beach. It has all the services, ideal for families and for those who prefer comfort.
Menorca Boat Trips
Do not miss the opportunity to take a boat or kayak trip along the coast of Menorca and its beautiful coves. Among the most beautiful tours there are:
Boat trip through the southern coves from Cala Galdana
Catamaran trip in the north of Menorca
Menorca on a sailing boat, full day tour
Kayak tour through the caves of Cala en Porter
Kayak excursion with snorkeling
Boat trip through the southern coves from Ciutadella
Getting lost in its Traditional Markets
Another of the things not to be missed in Menorca are the traditional markets which are held weekly in most cities. Don't miss the Mercat de Peix in Mahon, where you will find lots of delicious Tapas to taste!
Taste Typical Local Products
The estates are typical farms where Mahón cheese is produced in the traditional way and is sold directly to the public. To find them, just look for the signs advertising them on the streets of Menorca.
Eat a Lobster Stew
Do not miss this typical dish prepared in many places and, although years ago it was considered a poor dish for fishermen, today it is more than valuable.
Drinking a Pomada
It is obtained by mixing one part of Gin Xoriguer, a gin produced in Mahón, with two parts of lemonade. Perfect for warm summer evenings.
BEST EVENTS in MENORCA
San Juan de Ciudadela (June 24)
One of the most famous parties on the island. Horses, period costumes and lots of Pomada, the typical drink of Menorca, cannot be missing.
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Gracia en Mahon (September)
The feast of Our Lady of Grace gives its name to the festivities of Mahón. They are celebrated in the first week of September and the main animal is the horse.
Fiestas de San Lorenzo en Alaior (August)
During the second weekend of August, the feast of Alaior is celebrated, a town near Mahón, in the eastern part of the island.
WHERE TO STAY in MENORCA?
BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS, VILLAS & APARTMENTS in MENORCA
Ciutadella (West) - Hotel & Rte Morvedra Nou - Only Adults
Ciutadella (West) - Hotel Rural & Restaurant Sant Ignasi ***
Alaior (South Center) - Fontenille Menorca Torre Vella
Alaior (South Center) - Hotel Antic Menorca *****
Mahón (East) - Hotel Hevresac ****
Sa Caleta (West) - Vacances Menorca Blanc Palace ****
Sant Lluis (South Center) - Alcaufar Vell ****
Los Delfines (North East) - Estel Blanc Apartaments - Adults Only
WHERE TO EAT in MENORCA?
BEST TYPICAL RESTAURANTS of MENORCA Quality / Price
Ciutadella - €€ - Rels
Ciutadella - €€ - Mon Restaurant i Fonda
Ciutadella - €€ - S’Amarador
Ciutadella - €€€ - Café Balear
Mahón - €€ - Es Dineret
Mahón - €€ - El Rais
Mahón - € - Es Musclet De Menorca (Tapas Bar)
Fornells - €€€ - Es Cranc
Fornells - €€ - Sa Llagosta
Sant Lluís - €€ - Sa Pedrera d’es Pujol
Alaior - €€ - Torralbenc
WHAT TO EAT in MENORCA and BALEARIC ISLANDS?
BEST TYPICAL DISHES of MENORCA and BALEARIC ISLANDS
Caldereta de Langosta
Without doubt, one of the most popular dishes of Menorcan cuisine. The lobster with vegetable sauce served with a few slices of toasted garlic bread will win you over.
Oliaigua
A tasty soup with water, oil, tomatoes, green pepper and garlic and served in a bowl with toasted black bread base.
Arroz de la Tierra
Don't get confused by the name, as this dish does not contain rice, but wheat and pork.
Embutidos
Menorca is a paradise for charcuterie lovers. Sobrasada is the best known sausage, but there are many other indigenous varieties of sausages such as Cuixot, a dark-colored salami made from pork and seasoned with a wide variety of spices, black and white Botifarró, and Carnixulla , the oldest sausage in Menorca, made with lean meat and pork belly seasoned with spices.
Perol Menorquín
A classic Menorcan recipe that mixes sliced potatoes and tomatoes covered in breadcrumbs, garlic and parsley. It is served au gratin and you can add both meat and fish.
Raya al Horno
The breed is a very popular fish on the island, so there is a wide variety of dishes that have this fish as the main ingredient. Traditionally it is cooked in a clay pot and seasoned with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, sweet paprika and chopped parsley.
Queso de Mahón
A reference point for Menorcan gastronomy. This cheese is made from cow's milk and the salty flavor is due to the sea salt of the herbs the cows are fed with. The outer part is spread with butter and paprika to allow it to mature, hence the characteristic orange peel.
Ensaimada
Although its origin is in the neighboring island of Majorca, enaimada has also become one of the best known sweets in Menorcan gastronomy.
Pastisset & Duquesitas
Another of the delicacies that we recommend you try. Made with butter, water, sugar, flour and covered with powdered sugar, they have the shape of a flower with 5 or 6 petals. Of British and French influence, and similar to pastissets, Duquesitas are the typical biscuits of Menorca.
Carquinyol
Sweet and crunchy pastries made with almonds, very typical of Es Mercadal and of Arab origin.
Crespells
Pastries filled with different ingredients such as potatoes, almonds, ricotta, “suquet” (egg white with sugar), jam or in a savory version with sobrasada.
TRAVEL TIPS about MENORCA by World Mappers
Ferry Baleària, the best way to travel between the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, the cities of Ceuta and Melilla and the Canary Islands. Furthermore, Baleària is a shipping company very attentive to the environment and sustainability, using natural gas for its ships. ClicK here for info & costs - Here are all the routes:
From Ibiza to Barcelona, Dénia, Mallorca, Formentera, Valencia
From Valencia to Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera
From Barcelona to Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera
From Dénia to Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera
Enjoy the island from one of the Best Viewpoints in Menorca. Our favorites are:
Mirador del Monte Toro - The highest point of the island that reaches with its 357 meters of altitude.
Mirador de Sa Punta Cala Galdana - The Cala Galdana viewpoint is located about 15 minutes walk from the famous Galdana beach.
Torre de Fornells - One of the largest towers in Menorca and as with all the defensive towers of the island, you can see other towers that are part of the ancient defensive system.
Faro Cap d'Artrutx - Located on the promontory that gives it its name, this lighthouse occupies the southwestern tip of the island. Today the building houses a restaurant.
Mirador Macarelleta - From both Macarella and Macarelleta it is possible to access the viewpoints on each side of the cliffs.
Belvedere dell'Albufera d'es Grau - In the Albufera d'es Grau area there are various viewpoints within walking distance.
Belvedere di Cala Morell - Accessible on foot from the Camí de Cavalls which passes through Cala Morell.
Two other villages not to be missed: Alaior & Sant Lluís. The first characterized by traditional architecture stands out for its tranquility and good gastronomy. The second founded by the French, famous for its whitewashed houses and the mill.
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