Menorca Yacht Charter Guide

Often overlooked for its larger, more popular neighbours of Mallorca and Ibiza, this tiny Balearic island has blue waters that rival those found in the Caribbean, a plethora of history to uncover, and an array of pristine beaches. It is so beautiful that in 1993, UNESCO designated the whole island as a biosphere reserve. This protection has halted mass tourism, which means that Menorca has retained its enchanting atmosphere and quiet charm.  
 
A hidden gem with a strong boating culture, Menorca is an ideal yacht charter destination. The quaint towns, whitewashed houses, and beautifully wild landscape create a picturesque backdrop for your next vacation.

Best time to visit: Menorca is a year-round destination, with particularly beautiful warm weather and excellent sailing conditions from April to October.

Key cruising areas: Menorca has over 200 coves to explore and over 200 kilometers of coastline to sail around. Its crystal clear blue waters offer excellent sailing conditions and are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The island's capital Mahon has a large, busy port with many berths available for yachts. It's ideally located to explore the town during the day, so you can enjoy the buzz of the mainland before returning to your yacht in the evening. For a little off-the-beaten-track location, Puerto Addaya (also known as Port d'Addaia) is a natural harbour to the north of the island.
You could spend weeks discovering the joys of Menorca, but it also is an excellent place to begin a yacht charter through the Balearic Islands. Nearby Ibiza offers some of the best nightclubs and luxury beach clubs in the Mediterranean, whereas Mallorca has a thriving yachting scene, beautiful towns to discover, and many festivals and regattas throughout the year. 

Don't miss: The gorgeous old town of Ciutadella was once the capital of Menorca and has stunning ancient architecture and a beautiful old port to explore. Best discovered on foot, visitors can spend hours walking the narrow streets, stopping at one of the many family-owned restaurants, and absorbing the town’s atmosphere. 

Best spots for wining and dining: Balear is a very popular local restaurant (booking in advance is recommended!) with a delicious menu of fresh seafood dishes – the owners catch everything on their own fishing boat. A visit to vineyard Bodegas Binifadet is an excellent way to spend the afternoon. In addition to sampling the delicious local wines, guests can enjoy platters of Iberico ham, spiced sausage, and pastries throughout the day. The most famous bar on Menorca is Cova d’en Xoroi, which is built into cliffside caves and has unbelievable views of the sunset from its terrace. A relaxed place for lunch and dinner, local bands and DJs create a lively atmosphere once the sun sets. 

Best local dish: Enjoying fresh seafood is a must while in Menorca. Caldereta de Llagosta (Lobster stew) is the island's most famous dish and a celebrated delicacy, and you can blend in with the locals by eating deep-fried prawns whole – including the head and tails! For those a little less gastronomically adventurous, hake gazpacho is a flavourful, refreshing appetizer that will be served in most restaurants. As for drinks, Pomada is the cocktail of choice for many Menorcans, a tart yet refreshing drink of gin and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Local culture: Menorca has been inhabited since 400 BC and has one of the largest collections of prehistoric sites in the world, particularly from the Talaiotic (or Talayotic) period. Throughout its history, Menorca has been part of the Roman, Ottoman, and British empires and has been strongly influenced by France, Spain, and Greece so it has an incredible mix of culture and history. Today, Menorca is a cosmopolitan destination with a low-key, relaxed atmosphere and distinctly Mediterranean feel.

Best beach: There are a remarkable number of beaches all over the island. Mitjana is a gorgeous cove popular with snorkelers, swimmers, and cliff divers; its shallow waters make it a great choice for families with young children. Macarella Beach is a hidden gem on the island and best accessed by tender, which makes it less crowded and keeps its waters pristine. The mud on Cavalleria Beach is purported to have medicinal qualities, so don’t be surprised if you see people enjoying homemade spa treatments while sunbathing!

IYC recommends: Menorca’s rugged natural beauty sets it apart from many other destinations in Europe. There are five natural parks on the island and several nature reserves that allow rare turtles and birds to thrive in peace. Menorca is a natural paradise and has many hiking trails, such as the popular El Toro. A large hill found at the centre of the island, El Toro offers unparalleled views of the surrounding landscape – visit at dusk to experience an unforgettable sunset.