Menorca with kids (and without!) has been an obsession for the past 7 years, we admit! This gem of an island charmed and spoilt us repeatedly and we kept on returning, 2023 included. The lesser known of Balearics oozes authenticity, boutique fincas, stunning varied beaches and farm-to-table expertise. We have attempted to condense in here 7 trips and our 10 favourite things to do in Menorca with kids.
1. Trekking Camí de Cavalls by the coast and inland. The recently restored around-the-island coastal path, Camí de Cavalls has been transporting goods and people around Menorca since Medieval times. Today, it’s a popular way to appreciate the vivid colours and fauna and totally feasible even with young kids. The 4 years old loved the stretch from Bucaneros, whilst at 7 and with friends, trekking in Es Castell by the wallstones, caves and salt formations was fantastic.
Take your swimsuits everywhere, dipping in the sea makes the treks even more fun!
2. Kayaking: Menorca’s mostly untouched coastline is a natural adventure playground, and there’s something for kids of all sizes. We love Es Grau half-day trips and discovering the pristine beaches of this nature reserve; if kids are younger, 1 hour or pedalo on calm waters make it a safe activity for even the youngest seafarers.
For some more great kayaking, deep caves and huge stalactites head to Es Canutells (20 min drive from Binibeca): cave of s’Esbrufador with three holes in its upper part through which you can see the sky; cave of Ses Atxes with an immense stalactite and so much more until you reach the Binicalaf area. This entire kayaking route is virgin, with high cliffs and no houses or buildings in sight; one can snack and have a drink in the kayak, snorkel and swim, couple of fantastic hours by the sea, exploring south Menorca at its best.
3. Binibiquer Bell, for a stroll in the pretty fisherman village, late lunch and more dips in the sea. Over the years we loved lunching by the sea in here and in 2023 we put together a dedicated article on food and drinks under the stars options.
4. SUP or motorized pedalo by Los Bucaneros beach always a hit with the kids and a fun wrap up to a day spent around Binibiquer Vell.
5. Mahon: Menorca’s capital is set on a ridge above the deep inlet that forms the harbour, the biggest natural port in the Mediterranean. We find is every time refreshingly elegant and laid back, reflective of its British heritage/ occupation in the 18 century, with bow-fronted houses and sash windows. Cafes and terraces are everywhere, playgrounds and stairs scattered nicely accross the town, making Mahón a very pleasant place to get into the unhurried Menorcan way of life. We have bee very lucky and spoilt in Mahon by our Menorcan friend in her gorgeous pieds a terre: sunbeds on the roof, cava and nibbles to start adventures and catch up. Mahon has great restaurant choices as well, from easy ones for exhausted starving kids, to elegant dinners by the harbour and boutique hotels.
At 9pm happy and exhaused from a beach day the first chiringuito with a nice view over the port called us! Dinner with calamari a la romana, pan con tomate, patatas bravas, lots of aioli, chicken, cava and sparkling water came at Euro18 !!! The 4 years old loved the observation point, the calamari, the friendly casual service and of course staying up sooo late. Mediterranean holidays encouraged us every time to forego the usual 8:30pm bedtime! Playground and harbour promenade at 10pm? Well there are lots of kids, babies and parents around having fun – how could we not join in? Menorca with kids like a local equates of course fully embracing the Mediteranean way & hours! Another evening we spent it strolling around Mahon cute narrow streets and Passeig Maritim. The yachts and port look gorgeous in the sunset light and we had an amazing dinner at Passio Mediterrania, one of the best restaurants in Menorca (closed sadly in 2021 but hopefully reopening in 2024).
Me lots of cava, seared tuna and octopus carpaccio, R patatas bravas, fish croquettes and pan con tomate. The crowd isfun to watch and eclectic: boat owners and the personnel washing the decks, hanging their swim clothes or just chilling and soaking in the scene. I guess after a sailing day, some are not keen to mix with the crowds, but rather meditate and observe from their decks.
Gelato, more strolling on the cobbled beautiful streets and a cute playground (fully populated 10pm), would conclude glorious days. What a difference 6 months make with the kids – with the eldest at 4, I was truly fortunate to have a partner in crime for dinners and snorkelling!
6. More beaches, swimming and snorkelling ! Some other beaches we have loved include white sand Son Bou, one of the longest beaches in Menorca (2.5km) and one of the few open seas on the island.
And the North West have some exquisite ones: Cala Escorxada surrounded by rocky cliffs and pine forests is well worth the 1 hour hike for its sparkling blue waters and little crowds. We have cheated and have done it part of sailing day from Ciutadella, where we also adored Playa Macaralleta, Cala Mitjana, Playa de Binigaus and Cala Turqueta.
7. Pool and sea combined. If the kids are young and you are after the 2 combined plus lunch, we found the White’s Bar in Arenal de’n Castell a good fit. With the swimming pool close to the restaurant, the grown ups can cath up over cava and tapas, whilst energetic kids splash and soak in the sun.
Icecreams and more cava, one can eventually head to Arenal de’n Castell cute small beach – exploring the rocks, some boards and the crystal clear waters.
Must do Menorca: beaches and water fun
Impossible to leave any decent time from the beach, R and I caught eventually a taxi back to Mahon and completely dusted, happy and exhausted, we stopped by 9pm at the first chiringuito with a nice view over the port.
8. Sailing in Menorca is a fabulous way to get to appreciate this island variety, from white sandy beaches, to coves and creeks, to terracotta sands and crystal waters. Over the years we have tested various sailing areas and it’s so difficult to decide which ones we are more fond of! Dedicated an article here .
things to do in Menorca: sailing
9. Ciutadella with its noble and aristocratic atmosphere in its narrow streets that was until the arrival of the English, the capital of the island.
Ciutadella with kids
10. Chasing sunsets. We love sunsets over wining and dinning at Bambu by Binibequer Vell ; Cova d’en Xoroi is also spectacular between the coves.
10 fab things to do in Menorca with kids
The Mediterranean lifestyle with sunshine and so much light, gorgeous, affordable and healthy food, chic real estates, beautiful beaches and lots of boats are such a contrast to our grey cold and wet London summers! A week in here is not enough and the list of fab things to do in Menorca with kids is so long!
Travelling during the pandemic (July 2021).Being fully vaccinated and travelling from UK to Menorca was easy, just a couple of extra forms. The travelling guidance is all good now (thank YOU universe), the latest UK Foreign travel advice in here just in case.
For best restaurants in Menorca, head here; for more Menorcan inspirations and getaways, head for our Sailing Days in here ; Long weekends in Mahon here; for Es Castell here; for more rural holidays by Llucmacanes head here and for latest in Binibeca in here.
I am loving the beaches and sailing trips but your description of the food is killing me. After all, this is Spain and I love Spanish food. Would like to visit the island! #FarawayFiles
Hi Ruth, great to hear I manage to convey the delights of the Spanish cuisines! Menorca is such a culinary gem, gorgeous beaches and sailing as bonus 😉
This is what travel is all about right? Shared memories of sun, food, swimming and more. As a fellow Londoner, I am very jealous of your time in Spain.. Thanks for joining #FarawayFiles
Thanks Kate, a pleasure to link in with you guys, maybe as we all Londoners moaned so much, the sun is finally out?
Looks like the perfect escape from the English summer – I need a friend who lives somewhere like that ! #CountryKids
Haha Clare good one! My friend and I go waaay back university at Oxford and Paris – I won’t mention the exact number of years 😂 she is now back after 22 years in Menorca, my plan is to see her more often!
What a great little escape to recharge batteries, looks like you packed all the essentials into your few days there with beautiful scenery, good food and fun times with friends #countrykids
Indeed, we were in bad need of a little escape to see the sun, the British summer had not been kind to is this year! Thanks for stopping by!
This looks like the perfect way to spend a short break in Menorca with R, you managed to fit in so much in 3 days! R looks like he loved his dips in the sea to cool off. I bet he wasn’t so pleased to be back in the UK having early bed times again!
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
Hehe Fiona, spot on! Rain and early bed time not popular but he’s got all his London friends and his little brother to compensate 😉 pleasure to link in with you guys!
What an idyllic holiday, it sounds so delightful, even though I’m not keen on Octopus or squid. How wonderful to have a little one to travel with, so many happy memories.
#countrykids
2 little ones to travel , just picked on this occasion the one which seemed to be more sensible the week before 😉 thanks for stopping by!
Sounds like a whirlwind trip to Menorca! Lots of ice-cream and Cava! Our kinda trip and your photos are beautiful! Popping over from #CountryKids x
Hehe, will keep on writing about these kind of trips, we are pro bubbles for sure 😉 x
That looks like total bliss, I love Spanish food and the we are also missing the weather! #CountryKids
Hey Mary! You can hardly beat Spanish food and weather indeed! Thanks for stopping by!
Looks like a lovely trip! I went to Mahon years ago and loved it 🙂 #theplaceswewillgolinky
It’s so charming, isn’t it? And I bet it did not change much!
What a beautiful little holiday. So nice to see clear blue seas and lots of sunshine! #countrykids
Indeed, I really wish it was longer! As you say it was just such a nice break from grey London skies – quite a relief this week is slightly better!
It looks absolutely gorgeous and you managed to fit so much into your three days. I’ve never been to Menorca but I’d really love to go now. #ThePlacesWeWillGoLinky
Thank you! It’s easy to fit in a lot with 2 pairs of itchy fit 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
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We went to Menorca last year and we completely fell in love with it. We had dinner in Mahon one night, and we loved the atmosphere there. Some great suggestions in there for places to eat and I jsut love Menorcan beaches #countrykids
Thank you, Mahon is so charming indeed, planning to go back already!
I’ve never been to Menorca but it looks like a lovely place for a holiday and sounds so relaxing. Bedtimes are never really followed when we go on holiday either – part of the fun isn’t it? #CountryKids
Thanks Sherry, indeed wonderful break! As long as I get my glasses of cava and have a sensible child with me, bedtime can wait as you say 😉
Menorca looks magical – I’d love to stay up late with my (not-so) littles here! Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Hehe, not so little are perfect to staying up & waking up late 😉 Pleasure to link Erin & thanks for stopping by!
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