What to see in Minorca in 3 days
Known for its wonderful coves and natural landscapes, exploring Minorca in three days may sound like insufficient time, but it’s just enough to get a good idea of the island’s amazing atmosphere and magic. With this guide you’ll discover the best beaches and the prettiest towns and villages and you’ll get enough pointers on how to find unique spots from where you can watch those sunsets that you’ve seen on postcards hundreds of times.
Minorca also has other attractions to offer, such as its cuisine and lively nightlife. Concentrate on savouring the island in your own time, without watching the clock.
Itinerary day 1
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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, to admire the sanctuary and behold the sunset from the top. On your way back, don’t miss a visit to Es Mercadal, a delightful inland town and the point of departure for the hiking trail.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Surfing
Enjoying water sports is another attraction the island has to offer. Surfing is the star sport, but you can also opt for sailing or paddle surfing. The most recommended beaches are those in the town of Fornells, whose location makes them perfect for practising this sport.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Lunch at Can Tanu
Enjoy Minorca’s delicious local cuisine at this small, but charming, family-run restaurant. The caldereta de langosta [lobster stew] and seafood paella are just two of the many options available. The quality and the excellent, attentive and friendly service have made this place a benchmark on the island.
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Fornells
To help your digestion, nothing beats a stroll around this attractive town located in the north of the island. The white houses are representative of the local architecture and, wandering around its streets, you will feel that you have stepped back into the past. You will fall in love with this fishing village.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
S’Albufera des Grau
Although it involves a few kilometres’ drive, it is worth visiting s’Albufera des Grau to watch the sun set. This natural park, occupying over 5,000 hectares, is the finest place on the island to enjoy nature.
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Dinner at Tamarindos
Nothing can replenish your energies better than a menu based around local ingredients and authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Tamarindos is a traditional restaurant with two decades of flourishing trade to vouch for its quality. It provides a convivial atmosphere for couples and families alike, and offers sufficient variety to please everyone.
Itinerary day 2
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Enjoying the coves: Cala Macarella
Cala Galdana, Cala Turqueta, Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana are some of the most popular coves on the island. You can visit all four of them in one morning, as they are only a short distance apart. You can even walk between some of them!
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Café Balear
After such a busy morning, it will be a pleasure to stop off at the Café Balear, in the heart of Ciutadella. In this harbour tavern, you can choose from among fish, seafood dishes or tapas—and all at very reasonable prices.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Cathedral of Santa María
Ciutadella’s Gothic-style cathedral was built on the site of an ancient mosque and is now the emblem of the old town. This striking place of worship, located in Carrer de Ca’l Bisbe, is well worth a visit.
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Ciutadella
Have a stroll around Ciutadella’s historic centre, and be seduced by the stately charm of this small town. You really shouldn’t miss the lively Plaça des Born or Plaça de s’Esplanada. Equally essential is a visit to Ciutadella’s iconic harbour, where there is a variety of stalls where you can buy a souvenir of the island.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
De tapas en Moriarty
To continue your enjoyment of Ciutadella’s historic quarter, you should definitely try the tapas served at this unusual restaurant-cocktail bar. In addition to the food on offer, you can also enjoy the impressive views.
Itinerary day 3
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
A boat trip
Discovering Minorca by boat is another experience that you cannot miss before leaving the island. Hire a boat with a skipper and enjoy the privilege of taking a dip in the island’s most secluded coves.
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Mahón
Minorca’s capital has much to offer: the bastion of Sant Roc, the Town Hall, the streets of the city’s historic quarter and the market are just a few recommended places to visit. Moreover, it won’t be difficult to find a terrace where you can enjoy an aperitif along with the best views of the city.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Es Molí de Foc Restaurant
The establishment is ideal for couples, friends or family groups alike. This restaurant is located in a former windmill and has a very pleasant terrace. When ordering, remember that rice dishes are the speciality here.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Binibeca
A short distance by car from Mahón, you will come across Binibeca. You will adore this fishing village with its population of barely 200 residents, its whitewashed houses, its wooden balconies, and its Bohemian atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the church and the Plaza Mayor [Main Square].
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Cova d’en Xoroi
How many times have you seen pictures of wonderful Minorcan sunsets? You should know that many of these photographs are taken from Cova d’en Xoroi, located on a 30-metre-high clifftop at Cala Porter. Don’t miss the most breathtaking sunsets on the island.
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Dinner at La Vela
After your visit to the Cova d’en Xoroi cave, why not round off the evening with a mouthwatering dinner? At the La Vela restaurant, you can choose from a huge variety of tapas or traditional dishes, such as garlic prawns, mussels or suckling pig in a sauce.