Fascinating Menorca: its most beautiful villages
Dreamy coves, landscapes that seem to be taken from a Monet painting, nature in its purest state… Menorca is one of those paradises that has managed to keep its essence over time. Menorca is lie down on a secluded beach and forget about everything. It is to toast in front of a good Mahon cheese. Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993 for its rich nature, this island is an oasis of peace, gastronomy and culture, perfect to get lost in the most beautiful villages of Menorca.
Narrow street Binibeca Vell. | Shutterstock
A few kilometers from Mahon lies this particular little sanctuary. Binibeca Vell is synonymous of rest. Of calm, smooth. But also of labyrinthine streets and lively terraces. To visit Binibeca is to enter fully into a postcard village with white and whitewashed houses, as well as an ideal beach to take a long break.
The beautiful port of Fornells. | Shutterstock
Traveling to Fornells and not ordering a lobster stew, known here as ‘caldereta’, is like cooking a paella without rice: the trip is incomplete. Because arriving in this Menorcan town is the beginning of a first-class gastronomic experience. Although, if one had to highlight one of the local star dishes this would be, without a doubt, the lobster stew. And only the one from Fornells is worth a try.
Caldereta of lobster. | Shutterstock
Located in the north of the island, this picturesque little town is known for the great extension of its bay. Three kilometers long that merge with the crystal clear Mediterranean waters and the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll at sunset. One of its jewels is the famous tower of Fornells. A construction of British heritage that becomes the perfect place to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the island.
Panoramic view of Es Mercadal. | Shutterstock
A white village located right in the center of the island. Es Mercadal conquers for several reasons. The first, probably, is for its white cobbled streets and windmills. The second one is possibly even more interesting: it is one of the best villages in Menorca to get to know the most traditional flavor of this Mediterranean island.
In its wide offer of restaurants, some of them authentic treats, you can try recipes such as ‘oliaigua’, a typical soup from the island, ‘perol’, a dish made from meat and vegetables, and the delicious Menorcan baked ray. The best way to end the meal is with a good coca bamba, the Menorcan ensaimada. And to end a good meal there is nothing better than visiting the emblematic Caballería lighthouse.
Street of Llucmaçanes. | Shutterstock
Cozy, quiet and surrounded by nature. All this is Llucmaçanes. A small village located in the immensity of the green fields of Menorca. The hospitality of its inhabitants and the incredible peace that can be breathed in each of its corners make Llucmaçanes the ideal option to disconnect in the middle of an unique natural environment.
Town of Ferreries. | Shutterstock
A small valley gaurds this little village straight out of a fairy tale. Ferreries is one of those destinations that have managed to keep the charm of yesteryear and combine it with the modernity that prevails today. Its coquettish white houses mix with the green of its mountains creating beautiful contrasts.
In a landscape as magical as this it is not difficult to be inspired. Ferreries is famous for preserving its shoe design industry and for being one of the key export destinations for footwear. The traditional albarcas is a highly demanded product on the island and, the truth is that it is the perfect footwear for the summer. And if it is a designer one, all the better.
Sant Climent festivities. | Shutterstock
One of the great virtues of Sant Climent is that it is a beautiful village located a few kilometers from Calescoves, Canutells and Cala en Porter. Paradisiacal sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. This small village is the perfect place enjoy its popular tapas before following the route. For all these reasons it is one of the most charming villages in Menorca.
Alaior. | Shutterstock
One of those villages to get lost. To forget the world for hours and wander aimlessly. Alaior is charm. It is to marvel at the white facades that respond to the traditional design of Menorca. It is to walk along its narrow, cobbled streets that cross and separate. It is to enjoy conversations in the picturesque terraces of the bars.
Visiting Alaior is a real pleasure. Its traditional gastronomy is one of the best on the island and both in its restaurants and in the town in general you can enjoy a quiet and very pleasant atmosphere. Some of its star artisan products are sausages, ice creams and its famous Xoriguer gin.
Es Castell. | Shutterstock
If there is a Menorcan town that suffered the wrath of the pirates, it is undoubtedly Es Castell. Located a few kilometers from Mahón, this small town presents itself to visitors with an architecture of military design that sometimes merges with the British elegance so present in the capital. The result of this combination are architectural pearls such as La Mola, Sant Felip Castle, the Marlborough Fort and the Penjat Tower. Its lively port is an ideal place to enjoy a tasty dinner by the Mediterranean.
Little street of Sant Lluís. | Shutterstock
A white oasis located on the Menorcan coast. Sant Lluís is breathtaking. This small village is ideal if you are looking to relax away from it all in a secluded spot. According to some languages, the French founded this little village in honor of Lui XV, King of France. The Dalt windmill, an imposing wheat mill, is a must-see and a traditional symbol of Sant Lluís.
View of the beach of Santo Tomás in Binigaus. | Shutterstock
Perfect for all those who in their travel plan to Menorca mark with a double asterisk to enjoy a good rest. Binigaus is a small oasis of peace located in front of the extensive beach of Santo Tomás, in the south of the island. Surrounded by a green and blue landscape, this little village is the ideal choice to get away from civilization and surround yourself with a beautiful natural environment. The best part? The delicious offer of seafood gastronomy that can be tasted with the sound of the sea in the background.
Snorkeling enthusiasts will also find in Binigaus the perfect place for them. The crystalline waters of its beach become an idyllic setting to dive and swim with rays or the well-known Xoriguer fish. For hiking lovers, the beach of Santo Tomás is the perfect link to make a section of the Camí de Cavalls, a path that circles Menorca, until you reach the beaches of Talis and Son Bou. Two small oasis that you will fall in love with at first sight, but be careful, the first one is nudist!
Ses Salines. | Shutterstock
One of the best things of staying in Ses Salines, the last of our most beautiful villages in Menorca, is that it is the perfect destination to combine a well-deserved peaceful holidays and beach with a wide range of tours, sports, fun activities and fine gastronomy. This small urbanization, besides having the typical charm of the Mediterranean villages, is very close to the castle of San Antonio de Fornells, the cave of Na Polida and the beautiful salt mine that baptizes the village.
