Do you want to know which is the best area to stay in Menorca? Do you want to be advised on a good hotel in which to spend your holidays? If so, you're in the right place! If there is one thing we know, having experienced it in our own flesh, it is the difficulty and doubts that arise when deciding where to stay in Menorca, especially when you don't know the island and you don't know if your choice will be a success or if it will end up being a disaster because you have made the wrong choice.
Although, as you can imagine, there are hundreds of options on the island, in this article we have focused on the most popular areas, always bearing in mind the value for money factor and also trying to ensure that there are options for all types of travellers. However, bear in mind that if you are travelling in summer, it is highly advisable to book hotels as far in advance as possible, as availability in some areas is quite limited and prices tend to skyrocket during July and August.
And, of course, don't be more overwhelmed than necessary with the choice of hotel and area. In the end we can't forget that Menorca is a relatively small island and you will probably have a car to get around the sights and beaches, so if that is your plan, in the end, the important thing is that you will be in magical Menorca, whatever your choice of accommodation.
Based on the number of times we have visited the island, most recently on a 7 day tour of Menorca around the island, where we wrote this list of Menorca travel tips, here is a selection of places to stay in Menorca and the best areas and hotels. Let's get started!
Places to stay in Menorca
The first and most important thing, before starting with the recommendations of hotels in Minorca, is to know a little about the geography of the island, to know where each of the areas are located and what are their main characteristics, so that you can choose which of them best suits your tastes and needs.
In the extended description of each of them you will find more information as well as the pros and cons, always from our experience, so that before choosing, you have all the information.
As you can see in the map at the end of the article, you will find recommendations for places to stay in Menorca that cover practically all the locations on the island. All of them are located on the coast, as most travellers look for this type of location and, as always, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to organise your trip.
Ciutadella - west zone: this was our choice the last time we were on the island. With an excellent hotel and gastronomic offer, the city has a beautiful historic centre and a charming port.
Maó (Mahón) - southeast: the island's capital also has a charming historic centre and tourist infrastructures for any type of traveller.
Fornells - north area: this is one of the most charming villages on the island and one of the gastronomic centres thanks to its lobster stew, which is one of the specialities of the local restaurants.
Binibeca - south zone: this is probably one of the most beautiful villages on the island (Binibeca Vell).
Cala Galdana - south zone: this cove is one of the best known and most beautiful on the island. Famous for being one of the longest in Menorca, it is also known for having all the services and for being perfect for families who do not want to move too far from the location of the hotel.
Cala en Porter - south area: known for being very close to the famous Cova d'en Xoroi, this is another of the best areas to stay in Minorca. It is also ideal for families.
Son Bou - south area: this is the longest beach on the island and also one of the most touristy as it has all the services and infrastructures for all travellers.
Santo Tomás - southern area: located very close to the previous one, this area is known for being somewhat smaller and quieter than Son Bou.
Cala en Bosch - southwest area: if you want to stay near Ciutadella but not in the town, this area is perfect as it is only a few kilometres away and although it receives a lot of tourism in summer, it is relatively quiet.
Galdana Cove
1. Ciutadella, one of the best places to sleep in Minorca
Located in the western part of the island, Ciutadella is one of the best options to stay in Minorca if you are looking for a base to get to know the island and for you it is not necessary for the town to have a beach with direct access. With a charming historic centre, an unbeatable gastronomic offer, a privileged location and a unique natural harbour, for us this town is perfect to enjoy a few days on the island where you won't be short of anything. In addition, it has several parking areas, both free and paid (at very reasonable prices), so if you are going to travel around the island by car, you don't have to worry about this aspect.
The price of accommodation in Ciutadella is usually 120-150 euros (high season).
Pros: It has a lot of infrastructure, both in terms of hotels and restaurants. The historic centre and the port are charming and allow you to enjoy walks every afternoon after touring the island. We recommend you follow this post on places to see in Ciutadella and this one with recommendations of restaurants in Ciutadella to get to know the area better.
Cons: There is no beach in the town although there is a beach in the nearby urbanisations such as Cala d'en Blanes.
This was our choice the last time we were on the island and the truth is that we enjoyed it very much as the town has one of the best gastronomic offers on the island, so every night, we could dine in an unbeatable way.
Recommended hotels in Ciutadella
We leave you the most recommended options that we have found to stay in Ciutadella, taking into account the quality/price ratio:
Ciutadella
2. Mahón, a practical option for accommodation in Minorca
Located in the southeast of the island, Maó (Mahón in Spanish), is another of the best options to stay in Minorca, especially if you are not going to have a car to move around the island as this is where the airport (MAH) is located and also, being the administrative capital, where much of the transport that covers the island is centralised.
But the city is not only a perfect base, as Mahón has a beautiful natural harbour and a charming historic centre that is sure to delight any traveller. We recommend you to read this post to know which are the places to see in Mahón and this one for recommendations of restaurants where to eat in Mahón.
Although Ciutadella does not have direct access to beaches, in the surrounding area you have Punta Prima and Binibeca in the south and Es Grau in the north.
The price of accommodation in Maó is usually 150 euros (high season).
Pros: you will be next to the airport and you will have public transport connections with practically the whole island.
Cons: You won't have beaches within walking distance.
In case you don't have a car and you want to go from the airport to Maó or move around the island, you can opt for public transport, taxi or this comfortable private transport.
Recommended hotels in Maó
These are the hotels in Mahón with the best ratings and unbeatable value for money.
Mahón
3. Fornells, a charming village to stay in Menorca (and eat caldereta de langosta)
If you are looking for a charming village to stay in Menorca, Fornells is undoubtedly a winning option. Located in the north of the island, this small town is famous both for its seafaring past and for being one of the best places on the island to try caldereta de langosta, a typical Menorcan dish that we assure you is delicious. Don't like lobster? Wait, don't rush because Fornells also stands out for being one of the most charming villages in Menorca, you can check it out by reading this guide of places to see in Fornells, and for being relatively close to some of the best coves and beaches in Menorca such as Cala Pregonda, Cavalleria or Playas de Fornells.
All this together with the fact that it is a relatively quiet place during the summer months, make this another great option to stay in Menorca.
The price of accommodation in Fornells is usually around 130 euros in high season.
Pros: You'll be close to some of the best beaches on the island and you'll be able to taste sublime lobster dishes. Here is a post with recommendations of restaurants in Menorca including options in Fornells.
Cons: Being a small town, there are not many hotel infrastructures or big hotels.
Besides enjoying relaxing walks around the town and its gastronomy, Fornells also stands out for being an ideal spot for water sports.
Recommended hotels in Fornells
These are some of the hotels in Fornells with the best value for money, the last one located in Fornells beach.
Fornells
4. Binibeca, the most beautiful village to stay in Menorca
Yes, we know this may sound like a cliché and you have probably read or heard on more than one occasion that this village is so beautiful that it looks like a set. And yes, it probably does, but we can assure you that this does not detract from its charm and that is why we cannot fail to recommend it as one of the most beautiful places to stay in Menorca. However, it is important to know that the area is divided between Binibeca Vell, which is the best known area and where there are few accommodation options, and Binibeca Nou, where the new area and the beach are located and where there are many more hotels and restaurants.
The price of accommodation in Binibeca is usually 150 euros in high season.
Pros: You will be next to one of the most charming places on the island.
Cons: The area of Binibeca Vell is very touristy but it does not have a lot of hotel infrastructure and what there is, is expensive.
If you choose to stay in Binibeca you will have Caló Blanc, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and Cala de la Olla nearby.
Recommended hotels in Binibeca
These are some of the most recommended accommodations in Binibeca if we take into account the location, the price and the infrastructures.
Menorca Binibeca by Pierre & Vacances Premium Adults Only - Binibeca Vell
Flats HLG Binivell Park - Binibeca Vell
Binibeca Beach Villas - Binibeca Nou
Binibeca
5. Cala Galdana, the best accommodation for families in Menorca
If we had to choose a place to sleep in Minorca to relax and enjoy a few days without moving, Cala Galdana would probably be the place to choose. Known for being one of the best beaches on the island, here you can enjoy blue waters, all kinds of services and everything you need to enjoy the relaxation and magic of a beach that could appear in any travel catalogue. Moreover, this shell-shaped beach is perfect for families as the waters are shallow and, being sheltered by cliffs, there is usually not much current.
The price of accommodation in Cala Galdana tends to be 200-300 euros in high season.
Pros: it is one of the best beaches on the island, it has all kinds of services and you will be very close to other spectacular beaches such as Cala Mitjana, Cala Macarella, Cala Macarelleta, Cala Turqueta...
Cons: It is a very touristy area, so if you are looking for peace and quiet, it may not be the best place in high season.
Keep in mind that in Cala Galdana you have several free parking areas perfect to leave your car and even walk to some of the best beaches on the island following a stretch of the Camí de Cavalls.
Recommended hotels in Cala Galdana
Here is a selection of some of the best hotels in Cala Galdana.
Cala Galdana
6. Cala en Porter, the cheapest area to sleep in Menorca
Although it may seem impossible, it is possible to find cheap accommodation in Minorca. Well, it is true that in high season, the price increases a little, but despite that, this is still one of the cheapest areas to find a hotel in Minorca.
And don't think that this means that the location is bad, quite the contrary! Cala en Porter is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and it also has all the services and direct access to the beach, so if you don't want to spend as much as in Cala Galdana, this is a perfect option for families as well.
Moreover, here you will find Cova d'en Xoroi, one of the most famous places on the island where you can have a drink and enjoy unique views.
The price of accommodation in Cala en Porter is usually 100-120 euros in high season.
Pros: The beach is fully serviced and easily accessible by car. Also, being between cliffs, the waters are usually very calm.
Cons: It is an area very much focused on British tourism. This, in principle, should not be a problem but it is true that the restaurant offer is a little more limited than in other areas of the island.
If you choose Cala en Porter to stay in Menorca you will be about 15-20 minutes by car from the airport.
Recommended hotels in Cala en Porter
Here is a selection of some of the best hotels in Cala en Porter, all of which offer excellent value for money.
Cala en Porter
7. Son Bou, an ideal place to stay in Menorca for any type of traveller.
Known for being the longest beach on the island, with more than 2 kilometres, this is another of the most sought after places to stay in Minorca by travellers, especially families who want a place with all the services but at the same time relatively quiet and undeveloped. One of the characteristics of this area is that the beach is in a protected area and there are only buildings in the area at the beginning of the beach, so that as soon as you move away, you will find a practically virgin beach.
The price of accommodation in Son Bou is usually 150-200 euros in high season.
Pros: Despite being a tourist area and relatively crowded in summer, as it is such a large beach, it is easy to find a quiet area. Also, the only area of the beach that is built up is at the beginning, so you can enjoy a paradisiacal beach next to all the services.
Cons: none
Like the previous ones, this is a perfect area if you are travelling with your family as you will have all the services and also, the beach is usually quite quiet.
Recommended hotels in Son Bou
These are some of the best known hotels in the area of Son Bou, all of them with ideal characteristics if we take into account the quality-price ratio.
Son Bou
8. Santo Tomás, one of the quietest areas of Menorca to stay in
If your idea of a holiday is total relaxation, Santo Tomás should definitely be your choice or at least be considered. Just a 5-kilometre walk along the coast of San Bou, Santo Tomás can boast of being a quiet beach area, not overcrowded and perfect for children, as the water is not too overcrowded and, when the wind is not blowing, there is usually very little swell.
Moreover, its location allows you to follow a stretch of the Camí de Cavalls to some nearby beaches such as Binigaus, a very popular unspoilt beach in summer, or Talis and Son Bou, which we mentioned earlier.
The price of accommodation in Santo Tomás is usually 200 euros in high season.
Pros: If you are looking for something quiet, in the urbanization there is not much to do but relax on the beach, this is the perfect place to sleep in Menorca.
Cons: If you don't have a car it will be more complicated to get around.
Although it is a relatively quiet area, it would not be our favourite in Menorca as if you don't have a car, it will be more complicated to move around.
Recommended hotels in Santo Tomás
Below is a selection of some of the best hotels in this area of Menorca.
Santo Tomas
9. Bosch Cove
If you want to stay in Ciutadella but this option doesn't convince you because you don't have direct access to the beach, don't worry: Cala en Bosch is the solution. Located just 15 minutes away by car, this beach has all the services and, despite being in a totally urbanised environment, its transparent blue waters and white sand make it a perfect option for staying in Minorca, especially if you are travelling with children.
And if that's not enough, you'll also be next to the Artrutx lighthouse and Son Xoriguer beach, two of the island's must-sees.
The price of accommodation in Cala en Bosch is usually 200-250 euros in high season.
Pros: You'll be next to Ciutadella, one of our favourite places on the island, but also on a beach that's perfect for enjoying unforgettable swims.
Cons: If you want to move around the island you will need a car to do it comfortably.
Although it is a relatively quiet area, it would not be our favourite in Minorca as if you don't have a car, it will be more complicated to move around.
Recommended hotels in Cala en Bosch
Below you can see a selection of some of the best hotels in this area of Menorca.
Artrutx Lighthouse
Our recommended accommodation to stay in Menorca
The last time we were on the island we decided to stay in Ciutadella, since the town, as we mentioned before, has an unbeatable gastronomic offer and also has a perfect location to discover the island by car or public transport.
Our choice was the Calma Hotel, located in the historic centre, in a very quiet area, where we felt at home. Besides having all the comforts, the whole hotel is very tastefully decorated and charming.
After our experience, when we return to Menorca, we would definitely stay in Ciutadella again if we are still interested in enjoying the gastronomy, having all the services and being in an area well communicated with the rest of the points of interest.
If we were looking for a beach area we would probably opt for Cala Galdana as it has all the services and it is also next to some of our favourite beaches on the island, which makes it one of the best areas to stay in Minorca.
Beaches Menorca
Best hotels in Minorca
In addition to all the accommodations where to stay in Minorca that we have recommended in this post, if you want to enjoy an unforgettable stay and treat yourself, these options we believe are the best to live some unique days on the island.
Tips for finding cheap accommodation in Menorca
Although it may seem that looking for a cheap hotel in Menorca is an easy task, we assure you that this is not always quick, especially if your trip is in summer. That is why in addition to the recommendations of hotels that you can find in this post, which have an unbeatable quality-price ratio, we recommend that you read carefully the following tips to get cheap accommodation in Menorca.
Book as far in advance as possible. Always. Menorca is one of the most touristic destinations in the country and although the island may seem to have plenty of hotel beds, during the summer months, availability is reduced to a minimum and as you can imagine, prices skyrocket. Booking in advance will allow you to choose where to stay in Menorca and save money.
If you're driving around the island, try to make sure your hotel is located in an area where there's free parking nearby. In Ciutadella, for example, there are several free zones that are also very close to the centre, so it's important to take the time to check this aspect if you want to save money.
Don't limit your search to just one area of the island. After all, if you want to go to the beach, most (if not all) of the beaches in Menorca are spectacular. And if what you want is to go on a route, in the end you won't be in the hotel for long, so you don't need to stay in a big hotel either. Or at least not every day. Finding a good place to sleep in Menorca is important but that doesn't always mean you have to pay more to have it.
Remember that to avoid paying commissions and to always have the current exchange rate we recommend you to use the Revolut card and the N26 card. They are the ones we use, they are free and they will save you a lot of money.
Once you have found the ideal place to sleep in Menorca you can organise your routes around the island with the following guides and posts:
16 places to see in Menorca
The 10 best coves and beaches in Menorca
Where to eat in Minorca: recommended restaurants
10 essential places to see in Ciutadella
Where to eat in Ciutadella: recommended restaurants
The best free tours in Ciutadella for free
10 must-see places to visit in Mahón
Where to eat in Maó: recommended restaurants
The best free tours in Mahón for free
