What to see in Minorca in 7 days
They say that the world was made in seven days, so imagine what you can do with a week in Minorca? The island is full of spots that exude charm and, day after day, you’ll be able to discover everything from Minorca’s most hippy side, with its many summer markets, to its wilder side, with unspoilt coves and seafloor. Be sure to set aside time to learn about its history by means of the Talayotic route.
There are so many things to see in Minorca in seven days, so a good route map will make sure you don’t miss out on anything. Do you want a 5-star holiday? Here are our recommendations!
Itinerary day 1
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Torre de Fornells
Built in the nineteenth century, this is one of the defensive towers from the time of the British occupation. From the tower at Fornells, two other towers can be seen, and it is also possible to visit the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, a small shrine carved into the rock.
11.30 - 14.30
Scuba diving in Minorca
The North Minorca Marine Reserve provides the perfect setting for diving. Although the area between the bay of Fornells and the Cabo de Gros is an earthly paradise for diving enthusiasts, the island offers other possibilities too, ranging from reefs to shipwrecks, and including undersea caves and amazing fauna.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Es Crancs Restaurant
As a fishing town, Fornells is one of the best places to enjoy one of the island’s most popular traditional dishes: lobster stew. If you want a safe bet, book a table at Es Crancs, a family-run restaurant that never disappoints. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s worth every penny.
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cala Pregonda
This idyllic spot in the north of the island is not easy to access, but it is well worth the effort to gaze upon its scenery: reddish sand and crystal-clear waters—almost like something from Mars. Watching the sun set from Cala Pregonda with the sound of the waves in the background makes a perfect end to the day.
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Es Port Restaurant
What could be better than ending your first day on the island at this restaurant on the seafront promenade, enjoying sea anemones, stuffed aubergines, top-quality seafood, impeccable service, and a great atmosphere? And your week has only just started!
Itinerary day 2
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Camí de Cavalls
Divided into 20 stages, the 185 kilometres of the Camí de Cavalls trail are the perfect way to enjoy hiking along the Minorca coastline. The route, which is very well signposted, circles the island and is included in the European long-distance paths network.
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Can Bernat des Grau
After a day’s hiking, nothing can beat indulging yourself before bedtime with dinner at Can Bernat des Grau. It offers the freshest catch of the day and a truly amazing Minorcan-style stuffed squid.
Itinerary day 3
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Mount Toro
The highest mountain on Minorca rises to 358 metres above sea level. You can get to the summit of Mount Toro by car, on foot, or by cycling, and once there, admire the spectacular panorama of a fair proportion of the coastline. On your return, don’t miss a visit to Es Mercadal, a delightful inland town and the point of departure for the hiking trail.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Son Bou
Located in the south of the island, the Son Bou tourist resort has something for everyone. Relax on its spacious beach, or take a tour of the Prat de Son Bou nature reserve. Finally, go for a stroll around the ruins of the basilica of the same name and then recharge your batteries in one of the many restaurants and bars.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Es Bruc Bou Restaurant
Es Bruc Bou will impress you with its offering of contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. You can choose meat or fish, confident in the knowledge that what arrives at your table will be locally sourced and of first-class quality.
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Cova des Coloms
The Binigaus gorge is famous for its numerous caves. One of the most popular is the Cova des Coloms which—at 300 metres long, 15 metres wide and 24 metres high—is phenomenally impressive.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cala Galdana
With its shops, kiosks and beach bars, Cala Galdana offers a family atmosphere, but with all the facilities required for an afternoon at the beach. Pedaloes, boat hire, sun loungers... and as night falls, you’ll have no difficulty finding a restaurant or terrace where you can enjoy typical Minorcan food.
10:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Cala Mitjana Restaurant
Excellent value for money in a pleasant establishment specialising in dishes created around the catch of the day (their pièce de résistance is sea bass with goat’s cheese) and fresh seafood.
Itinerary day 4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Boat trip
How do you fancy sailing on crystal-clear waters, visiting undiscovered coves, exploring the seabed, and enjoying a delicious paella on board the boat? If that sounds good to you, boat trips depart from several points on the island to sail around both the north and south coasts.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Ciutadella Port
To end the day at Ciutadella harbour is a real treat. The generous array of terraces, shops and good restaurants you’ll discover here is matched only by the picturesque scene created by the yachts at the quayside, the fishing boats, and the street market.
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM
S’Amarador Restaurant
Located on Ciutadella’s harbour, this restaurant specialising in seafood rice dishes and shellfish and lobster stews, has become a benchmark thanks to the quality of its cooking and its strategic location. It has a terrace with views over the port and of the sunset.
Itinerary day 5
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Naveta des Tudons
Whether or not you’re a lover of history, if you’re in Minorca you should not miss a visit to its archaeological sites. Like an open-air museum, the island has a wide network of prehistoric monuments such as the Naveta des Tudons megalithic tomb, a type of burial chamber unique to this island.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Minorca Cathedral
Ciutadella is one of the most attractive towns on the island, as it boasts an impressive cultural and historic heritage. The cathedral was built, on the orders of Alfonso III, on the site of a former mosque. It is Minorca’s most important Gothic edifice.
2:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Aqua Park Water Park
In addition to beaches, Minorca has a number of water parks. You will find swimming pools, slides and plenty of entertainment for a day’s swimming with a difference. Aqua Park also has a restaurant which is ideal for families with children, as you can enjoy lunch without leaving the complex.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Pont d’en Gil
Another of Ciutadella’s attractions is the Pont d’en Gil ‘hanging bridge’. The gap between the cliffs allows smaller boats to pass through. Near the natural bridge is the famous undersea cave of Sa Cigonya, which can be sighted from the sea. The perfect spot from which to watch the sun set.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Firac Street Market
In Ciutadella harbour, you have a chance to enjoy the more Bohemian side of Minorca. There you will find the Firac street market, a series of stalls selling craft items, which you may like to purchase as a souvenir of your visit to the island.
10:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Restaurante Rels
Not far from the street market is this restaurant offering modern Mediterranean cuisine, gourmet skewered snacks and local artisan beer. The whole experience is even more enjoyable if you manage to book a table on the pleasant interior courtyard.
Itinerary day 6
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cala Turqueta
To travel to Minorca is to be seduced by the charms of turquoise waters such as those of Cala Turqueta, one of the finest coves on the island. The pine forests edging the beach and the low, limestone cliffs make this cove the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Cala Macarella
A short distance from Cala Turqueta, Cala Macarella is another essential stop-off on any trip to Minorca. There’s a beach bar where you can recover your energy or have a bite to eat as the afternoon turns to evening and, if you practise nudism, just 10 minutes away is the nudist cove known as Macarelleta, smaller but still very pleasant.
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cavalleria Lighthouse
In the northernmost part of Minorca stands the Cavalleria lighthouse. It is 15 metres high, and looks out over the Mediterranean from one of the most beautiful and imposing cliffs on the island. The lighthouse is open to the public between May and October.
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
Ca Na Marga Restaurant
On the way back from the lighthouse, we suggest you stop off at the Ses Salines development and enjoy an authentic Mediterranean barbecue. The finest quality meat is roasted over the coals here and, for some time now, fish and seasonal vegetables have also been available.
Itinerary day 7
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Binibeca
Its narrow streets and whitewashed houses have made this fishing village one of Minorca’s most visited places. After meandering through its maze of streets, nothing beats settling down to enjoy dinner overlooking the sea at one of the harbour bars or terraces.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Cova d´en Xoroi
One of the most popular spots for partying on Minorca is the Cova d’en Xoroi. However, this natural cave with a fantastic view is so much more than a trendy nightlife spot. Before sunset, it is also a pleasant place to enjoy an aperitif whilst taking in the stunning views.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
La Palette Restaurant
Not far from the Cova d’en Xoroi, La Palette is a good choice if you need to replenish your energy before moving on again. La Palette offers an Italian-Mediterranean menu, and the views from its terrace are, quite simply, breathtaking.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
La Mola
La Mola stands proudly at the entrance to the port of Mahón, a strategic placement for one of the largest European fortresses constructed during the nineteenth century. Its historic interest makes it worth visiting, but the setting and the views it affords of the northern and eastern coasts are also most attractive.
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Museu de Menorca
If you are interested in gaining a deeper insight into the island’s history, the Museum of Minorca is an essential visit. The very appearance of this Baroque-style former Franciscan monastery gives an indication of the richness of the heritage it contains. You can visit the museum free of charge, or pay for a guided tour.
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Mahón
Minorca’s capital has much to offer. The home of Mahón cheese, its charms are by no means limited to gastronomy. The Bastion of Sant Roc, the Town Hall, the city’s historic quarter, the beaches... Nor will it be difficult to find a restaurant or terrace where you can enjoy good food along with attractive views.
10:00 PM - 12:00 AM
La Mojigata Restaurant
Our one-week Minorca itinerary concludes with a suggestion for an enjoyable, laid-back meal. On the menu at La Mojigata, you will find adventurous offerings such as chicken popcorn with ras-el-hanout mayonnaise, or a squid sandwich made with squid ink bread.