Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Off the Beaten Track in Menorca Crowd-Free Villages and Radiant Countryside
Spain – Menorca – Ciutadella – Alaior
Your first stop is the ancient capital of Ciutadella, where you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the local history and culture on a private walking tour before whizzing into the heart of the countryside. The second chapter of your island adventure takes place in Alaior, at the heart of the island’s fragrant hinterland. Life here is slow and in tune with nature, unfolding with morning walks in the hills, afternoon dips at the beach and evenings full of delicious food and wine. It doesn’t come much better than this.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your island getaway in the Spanish Mediterranean starts today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some downtime in the lounge before departure – bring on the complimentary nibbles. It takes two-and-a-half hours to reach Menorca, giving you plenty of time to delve into your holiday read or brush up on your Spanish.
After landing, collect your rental car and drive 45 minutes to Ciutadella, a picturesque port city on the other side of the island. Check in for the next three nights, unpack and spend the rest of the day settling into your new surroundings.
If you’re in need of inspiration, turn to our destination-specific Dossier, which is full of tried-and-tested recommendations of bars and restaurants. Afterwards, find a spot for an aperitif to celebrate the start of your holiday.
It’s your first full day in Menorca, and what better way to spend it than discovering this beautiful setting with a local guide? After a delicious breakfast, head into the heart of old Ciutadella for a mix of scenic and cultural delights.
This is a great opportunity not only to soak in the sights, but also to learn more about life in Menorca. You’ll visit an eclectic mix of sites, including the 14th-century Santa Maria Cathedral, the Olivar House museum and the bustling local market, which is overflowing with seasonal vegetables, fish and seafood. Round off the walk with a delicious lunch whipped up by a local chef.
This afternoon is yours to play with. Continue exploring the city, admiring the grand palaces built by noble families in the 17th and 18th centuries, or check out the Ses Voltes shopping street. If you’re keen to rest your legs, simply head to one of the beautiful beaches nearby for a refreshing dip and a spot of sunbathing.
For your last day in this corner of the island, make use of your hire car (and its built-in GPS) to discover the breathtaking natural landscapes beyond Ciutadella.
The luscious Menorcan countryside is right on your doorstep and is perfect for exploring by road, on foot or by bike. You can also venture out to the Naveta d'Es Tudons, an ancestral tomb shaped like an overturned boat. And then, of course, there are the beaches, which vary from long sandy stretches backed by lush vegetation to tiny coves at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs.
When you’re ready for a dose of foodie fun, head to one of the many traditional eateries in town to sample the much-adored local specialities of caldereta de langosta (lobster bouillabaisse) and charcuterie produced on the island. Yum.
Swap the gentle bustle of the city for the dreamy calm of the countryside today by hopping back in your hire car and driving half an hour to Alaior, in the interior of the island. If your road trip tunes need a refresh along the way, check out our destination-specific playlist.
When you arrive, check into your next hotel – your home for the remaining five nights. The rest of today is yours to spend settling into your new environment, so head out for a stroll through the countryside before returning to your hotel for a delicious evening meal based on local culinary traditions.
The next two days are all about slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Take a dip in the pool or treat yourself to a relaxing massage in the spa before peeling yourself away from your countryside hideaway to see the surrounding area.
The idyllic beach of Cala en Porter, with its turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, is just a few minutes’ drive away. There are also plenty of hiking trails winding through the wilderness that extends beyond the estate.
Then, when your inner culture vulture is ready for some action, head to nearby Mahon for a spot of sightseeing. Here, you can visit one of the oldest Royal Naval Hospitals still standing, as well as the 19th-century fortress of Isabella II on the Mola peninsula – pretty cool, if you ask us.
Opt for a lighter breakfast today, because later, you’re heading to a traditional dairy farm to learn all about the production of local specialities and sample a selection of tasty cheeses (yes, really). The farm is particularly famous for its Queso Mahon, a soft-to-hard white cheese made from cows’ milk, named after the port of the same name.
After a hands-on experience with the cheese-making process, round off your visit with a tasting of the different varieties produced on site. Hint, hint: this would be the perfect place to pick up some mouth-watering souvenirs.
Sadly, the time has come to bid Menorca a fond farewell and embark on the journey home. After one last delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning, load up your hire car and return to the airport in Mahon.
Once you’ve dropped off the car, whizz through security and snoop around the shops before boarding your two-and-a-half-hour flight back to the UK. You’ll be home in time for dinner, during which you can stave off the post-holiday blues by whipping out those savoury souvenirs you picked up back at the farm.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
TRADITIONAL BOAT RIDE ON THE NORTH COAST
Head out on a traditional boat to explore the wild and rugged north coast of Menorca. Far from the hustle and bustle of the resorts, this sliver of coastline is quiet and unspoiled, complete with a collection of beautiful bays and islets that make the area feel like a fjord (but with all the benefits of a Mediterranean climate). Along the way, stop at a few charming little beaches, where you can relax, swim and have a go on a paddleboard.WITH A FEW MORE DAYS… VISIT MALLORCA
Just a stone's throw away from Menorca is Mallorca, a beautiful island home to hidden beaches, high limestone cliffs, fragrant fruit trees, centuries-old mills and quaint towns and villages. Hang up your hat in the heart of the rural hinterland, far from any crowded beaches or resorts. Spend a few days here lazing on white-sand beaches, swimming and snorkelling in turquoise waters and strolling through radiant countryside.
Why visit Spain with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Spain
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
