The entire perimeter of the island can be walked on foot. An ancient path called the Camí de Cavalls runs all the way around Menorca for about 185 km. It was created centuries ago to allow soldiers to patrol the coast and today it is one of the most beautiful coastal treks in Europe.
A few years ago I set off for Menorca together with some friends. It was one of those trips organised on a tight budget but with a huge desire to discover a new place. That is why we decided to use Couchsurfing, sleeping at the homes of locals and experiencing the island from a local perspective rather than that of a classic tourist.
Still today I believe that travelling with Couchsurfing is one of the best ways to visit a new place. The people who host you tell you about their habits, the spots they actually go to, the restaurants where they eat and the beaches they recommend to friends. Often it is precisely these encounters that turn a trip into something more than a simple holiday.
Menorca is one of the smallest of the Balearic Islands and is often overshadowed by the more famous Mallorca (here you can find our article on Mallorca). Less nightlife, fewer giant resorts, less mass tourism. More nature, more silence and more authenticity.
Despite its small size, Menorca has a surprisingly rich history. Over the centuries it was contested by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Spanish, French and even the British.
British influence is still visible today in certain details of the local culture and architecture. During the 18th century the island passed under British control several times and the port of Mahón became one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Walking through the historic centres you can feel this mix of influences that makes Menorca different from the other Spanish islands.
The island's two main towns tell two very different stories.
Ciutadella, the old capital, is probably the place we liked the most: narrow lanes, honey-coloured stone buildings and little squares.
Mahón, the current capital, is instead more tied to its maritime history. Here you find one of the largest natural harbours in Europe, around which much of the island's economic life developed. The two towns are very different but complementary, and both are worth a visit.
If there is one thing that makes Menorca special, it is its coves. The water takes on shades that range from turquoise to deep blue, and many beaches can only be reached on foot along paths immersed in Mediterranean vegetation.
Unlike other more famous destinations, here you can still find quiet corners where you sit and listen only to the sound of the sea. Many of our days were spent exactly like this: backpack on, walks along the coast and spontaneous stops in small hidden bays.
As in much of Spain, food in Menorca is an important part of the local culture. One of the most famous products is Mahón-Menorca cheese, with its intense and slightly salty flavour, made on the island for centuries.
Among the desserts, the undisputed queen is the ensaimada, a soft spiral-shaped sweet pastry found throughout the Balearics but which here often accompanies breakfast.
A curious discovery was the pomada, the symbolic drink of Menorca. It is made by mixing local gin and lemonade. Gin may seem strange for a Spanish island, but it is one of the legacies left by the British during their rule.
In the restaurants you also find excellent dishes of fresh fish, squid, octopus and the traditional tapas to share in the middle of the table.
If you are planning a trip to the Balearics and want advice on Menorca, Couchsurfing or off-the-beaten-track itineraries, you can write to us on WhatsApp or book a free call with us.