Is Menorca worth visiting?

Fornells

If you’re looking for a quieter and more authentic experience, Fornells is an idyllic fishing village on the northern coast of Menorca, around a 30-minute drive from the airport. Set around a beautiful natural bay, the village is particularly popular for sailing, kayaking and other water sports.

Accommodation here tends to be smaller and more characterful, with family-run guesthouses, boutique hotels and apartments that give the area a relaxed, local feel.

Fornells is also famous for its food, especially seafood. Many of the island’s best seafood restaurants are found here, making it a fantastic place to enjoy long, leisurely meals overlooking the water. With its peaceful atmosphere and scenic setting, Fornells is perfect for travellers seeking a slower pace and a truly relaxing stay.

When to Visit Menorca

The best time to visit Menorca really depends on the type of trip you’re hoping for. The island has something to offer throughout the year, although prices naturally peak during the summer months of July and August.

I want to sunbathe and swim in the sea

If your main goal is beach time, visiting between May and September is ideal. The hottest weather arrives in July and August, when the island is at its busiest.

We visited in August and honestly couldn’t believe how busy some of the beaches were. If you wanted to visit the beautiful virgin beaches along the south coast, you needed to be in the car parks before 7:30am or they would already be full. A level of tourist madness I had never experienced before.

For many people, May, June or September can be the perfect compromise. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine and warm sea temperatures, but with fewer crowds and often cheaper accommodation.

I want to hike and experience nature

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Menorca if you enjoy hiking and being outdoors. The weather is cooler, the crowds are minimal, and the island’s wildflowers are in bloom.

This is the perfect time to explore the island’s coastal walking trails and natural landscapes. Just keep in mind that many beach resorts close outside the main summer season, so if you’re visiting in early spring it’s usually best to stay in one of the larger towns or cities.

I want to do a bit of everything

Autumn is a brilliant time to visit if you want a mixture of beach time, sightseeing and exploring. Temperatures remain very pleasant, with average highs of around 23°C in October.

You’re more likely to experience the occasional overcast day compared to the height of summer, but that actually makes exploring much more enjoyable. You might have one day perfect for the beach and another ideal for wandering through towns or hiking along the coast.

We attempted some of the coastal hiking trails between beaches during our August trip and quickly realised it was far too hot. Walking around a city in 38°C heat is not nearly as glamorous as it sounds.

I want a relaxing city break

Winter can actually be a fantastic time to visit Menorca if you’re looking for a quiet escape. Prices drop significantly during the low season, making it possible to find some great deals.

Mahón is a particularly good base for a short winter getaway. Menorca’s winters are mild compared with much of Europe, with December highs averaging around 15°C. The city also hosts a Christmas market and festive lights, giving it a lovely seasonal atmosphere.

One of our favourite winter travel ideas is having a picnic on an empty beach. Wrap up warm, grab some snacks from the supermarket, and enjoy a peaceful stretch of coastline that would be packed with visitors during the summer. It’s a simple experience, but one that feels surprisingly magical.

Where Did We Stay?

A lot of you like to know exactly what we did, so here’s the honest breakdown. We stayed in Santo Tomás, a quiet resort town on the south coast of the island. Would we recommend it? Maybe.

Accommodation

Our accommodation choice was based almost entirely on budget. Visiting in August and planning to explore the island by car meant the exact location mattered less than getting the best possible price.

We managed to get our flights and a week’s accommodation for £1,300 for the three of us, which is a bargain for an August stay on such a popular island. (This trip was found using our Start Your Journey website feature!)

We stayed at Vistamar Apartments, which is a great budget-friendly option for families. Our apartment had a lovely balcony overlooking the sea and a kitchen, which meant we saved a lot of money by not eating out every night.

One downside was that our room didn’t have air conditioning. It’s worth noting that many of the apartments do, though, so it seems to be a bit of luck which one you’re allocated.

The receptionist told us we should have messaged ahead to mention we were travelling with a young child and would prefer an air-conditioned room if one was available. Definitely something to do if you’re planning to stay here. Thankfully they provided several fans, which kept us comfortable enough.

There’s also a pool, an on-site restaurant, and the hotel is just steps from the beach. Santo Tomás itself isn’t the liveliest resort and restaurant options are limited, but it works well as a relaxed base if you’re planning to explore the island or simply want a quiet week by the sea.

Getting Around

For our 7-night stay we chose to hire a car, which I would highly recommend if you want to see more of the island.

Having a car means you can travel on your own schedule rather than relying on public transport. It also makes things much easier with children, especially when tiredness inevitably appears halfway through the day. You can compare car hire prices here.

We used a company called OK Mobility, which came up as the cheapest option for our dates. At just £250 for seven days in August, we were happy to take a chance on a company we hadn’t used before. Overall, the experience was good. They pick you up directly from the airport and take you to their air-conditioned office to complete the paperwork and collect your car.

I always recommend using a comparison website when booking car hire rather than going straight to one company. The best value provider can change depending on the dates and destination.

So… Is Menorca Worth Visiting?

If you’ve read this far, you probably already know our answer.

Menorca is one of those places that quietly surprises you. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in Europe, the towns are charming, and the pace of life feels wonderfully relaxed compared to some of the other Balearic Islands.

Yes, it gets busy in peak summer. But if you explore a little beyond the main resorts, you’ll find hidden coves, scenic coastal trails and some truly unforgettable views.

For families especially, it’s a fantastic destination. Safe beaches, great food, beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for adventure.

And who knows. You might end up falling for Menorca just like we did.