Collecting moments on the island of Menorca, Spain
We were in desperate needs of a holiday, and from the moment we stepped foot on Menorca Spain, we fell in love.
Read more to find out why!
“London is a splendid place to live in for those who can get out of it.”
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A THOUGHT…
The thought first came on the Tube.
The 18:09 Jubilee line from London Bridge to Stratford, to be exact.
It began as a niggling feeling. The type you can’t quite identify yet but you know is there; like a crick in the neck after sleeping funny. I think it was somewhere between curtailing the need for air and stepping into the claustrophobia; yoga’ing into the last available pocket of air, between the balding businessman and the snarling teenager blasting death metal.
Sometime before the daily prayer that the masses rocking side to side around me would buoy me, or after the ever-polite British voice reminded us all, again, to ‘mind the gap, please’.
Hurtling beneath the streets of London in a grey tin can, it materialised between yet another long day at work and yet another long night of freelance work to come that evening.
We were desperately in need of a holiday.
It’s probably a strange thing to comprehend. Two people who make their living by living the non-stop travel dream, in need of a getaway.
Yet there we were, having arrived in London 8 months before, straight from a hectic year of full-time travel and blogging, and launching straight into full-time work, full-time freelance, and full-time just trying to work out where the heck we were going in this chaotic new city of unfamiliarity.
Combine this with constant travel for work, and you end up with us: two utterly exhausted, drained of enthusiasm, and generally flat humans.
It’s probably why, when the opportunity to visit Menorca – Spain’s lesser-known, slower Balearic Island – presented itself, we didn’t even pause for thought.
Google told us it was the ‘true home of slow’, full of idyllic Mediterranean beaches and long lunches, and two weeks later, we were hurtling out of London in another tin can.
This time, watching the sun rise from pink skies en route to Mahon, ready to shift down a gear, recalibrate, and collect those small holiday moments that would help us find ourselves again.
COLLECTING MOMENTS ON THE ISLAND OF MENORCA
“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea”
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THE SALT WATER CURE
3... 2... 1... Deep breath.
The sudden cool of the water sends tiny shocks along my skin, warm from a morning spent kayaking Menorca’s coastline under the sun’s gaze.
Everyone always comes back from holiday exclaiming they ‘saw the bluest water, like, everrrrr’, but really, truly, they can't have seen Menorca’s. It’s a blue that names like turquoise, azure, cerulean, can’t do justice. Gliding along the surface had been a test in patience, fighting the urge to ditch off the side into its inviting waters.
So when we pull up inside the cave for a swimming stop, it takes all of two milliseconds to set aside the oars and dive straight in. It’s been a long time since we last felt the refreshing touch of salt water.
For a second I seriously consider becoming a mermaid so I can live under here forever. After a youth spent swimming competitively, there’s always a sense of comfort in returning home to the water; surrendering to the ocean and just letting go. Under the rolling blue there’s nothing to focus on but your breath and thoughts; a natural meditation of sorts.
Breaking through the surface to the sound of our friends whooping and splashing about, the happiness bubbles over. In this place of white cliffs and clear waves, there’s nothing to do but lie back and laugh to the bright blue skies as the stress dissolves away.
RELATED | Menorca’s most incredible beaches
“ There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.”
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ROLL UNDER THE SUN
Windows down, the wheels roll on.
There are five* of us today, piled into a rental car, on one of life’s great simple pleasures: a road trip with dear friends.
We do have destinations in mind, Menorca’s medina-like port town of Ciutadella and the beach cove of Mitjana, but today the freedom of the open road is just as much a part of the plan. I’ve always been fond of long car drives, and that delicious feeling of really going somewhere, both literally and metaphorically, that they invoke.
Under a brilliant summer sky, we sing at the top of our lungs and wind along quiet country lanes fringed by long grasses and wildflowers. Menorca’s gentle landscape is peppered with ancient dry stone walls that criss cross fields of green, whitewashed stones farmhouses of times past, and wooded valleys that run towards white bays and sparkling seas.
This is an island totally at ease with itself. Leisurely, beautifully natural, and content with having avoided the grasp of the modernising world. We’re a long way from the queues, skyscrapers, and blustery chaos of London.
We make it to Ciutadella and wander the cobblestones, twisting and weaving down narrow lanes and getting distracted by market stalls.
We stumble into a quaint café only to discover we’re actually in one of Menorca’s finest boutique hotels, and scramble up a flight of iron stairs to the best 360* view of Ciutadella we could imagine.
We continue to Mitjana and flop on our beach towels in the sun, feeling both totally relaxed and a little awkward due to a sudden encounter with the more relaxed European attitudes towards beach nudity.
By the time we swing back into the carpark of our hotel as the stars have begun to twinkle overhead, we’re people refreshed, our troubles left behind in the lines of the road.
*shout out to our favourite roadie buddies Girl vs Globe, Peter Parkorr, and Polkadot Passport!
““If more of us valued food and cheer and song about hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
”
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BREAKING BREAD
Legend has it that centuries ago, an unknown man came from the sea. A shipwreck survivor, an escapee - no one knows.
He took refuge in a cave, lifting supplies from nearby houses. From one house, a young woman already betrothed disappeared. Years passed with no sign of her return, until footprints left in an unexpected snow led armed men into the cave, to the couple and their three sons.
Cornered, the man, Xoroi, leapt from the cave, returning to the sea, leaving the imposing cliffs to guard their love story forever.
Today, Cova D’En Xoroi is one of Menorca’s glittering bars. I say glittering, because as the sun goes down over the cliffs to our right, the walls glow and champagne glasses flash with golden light as they clink. It’s from this magical viewpoint that we watch that vivid sunset in the company of our best friends, and contemplate the beauty and simplicity of nature.
Meals of the freshest seafood and salty olives become some of our favourite moments on this island. Lunches are long, dinners a multi-course tapas-style affair. We have no choice but to slow down and savour life. To make each bite deliberate and intentional; to be fully present, instead of scarfing pizza down wordlessly in front of Netflix.
More than that, each meal becomes a reminder to smile between mouthfuls, to belly laugh with friends over a heady mix of new tastes and local wine. To nourish our souls as we nourish our stomach.
After all, nourishing souls is what Menorca does best.
READ NEXT | The best things to do in Menorca
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR VISITING MENORCA
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WHERE IS MENORCA, SPAIN?
Stunning Menorca (sometimes known as Minorca) is located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Spain.
The second largest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is is steeped in rich history and culture, and is home to around 100,000 people.
Mallorca, Menorca’s largest sister, lies to its west.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MENORCA, SPAIN?
We visited Menorca during late May/early June and thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
During this period there was a notable lack of tourists, and the crowds were smaller and more manageable, making the island extremely pleasant. What's more, the prices of food and drinks are cheaper during the shoulder period.
Therefore, we believe visiting the Menorca during the shoulder seasons (April - early June, Sept - Oct) is the best time to holiday.
Visiting during the peak summer months of mid-June to August means you'll have to contend with thousands of visitors to the island, which means busy beaches, roads, restaurants and accommodation.
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HOW TO GET TO MENORCA
If you're coming from Europe, getting to Menorca during peak seasons is rather easy, with daily flights from London via EasyJet. Out of season, flights are irregular and will need to be booked in advance.
Check out SkyScanner now for the best deals!
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WHERE TO STAY IN MENORCA
We stayed at the all-inclusive PortBlue S'Algar San Lluis, in the resort town of s'Algar, south of Mahón, as part of a press trip with Spain tourism.
It was comfortable and pleasant enough, but if you’re like us and wish for a little less all-inclusive and a lot more adventure when on your holidays, we’d recommend opting for a more central location, in either Mahón or Ciutadella.
CIUTADELLA
Charming and beautiful, Ciutadella is our favourite town on the island - and definitely where we’d base ourselves on our next adventure here. It’s got access to some of the best beaches on Menorca, and is generally just a wonderful place to spend your time.
Hotels in Ciutadella | Search for your perfect hotel stay on Booking.com here
Airbnbs in Ciutadella | Search for your perfect Airbnb in Ciutadella here.
MAHÓN
This is Menorca’s capital, and a great place to base yourself if you’re looking to make the most of the local attractions plus have access some of the many beaches just a short drive away.
Hotels in Mahón | Search more Mahón hotels and prices on Booking.com here.
Airbnbs in Mahón | Search for your perfect Mahón Airbnb here.
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HOW TO GET AROUND MENORCA
CAR HIRE
Hiring a car on Menorca is a great way to explore the island, and provide you with the freedom to visit wherever, whenever you'd like. We hired a car for a day and explored the north of Menorca, which was heaps of fun and wonderfully air conditioned.
Fortunately, car hire on the Menorca is quite affordable, starting from €10 per day, with many local operators offering competitive prices, as well as the standard car hire companies. Car hire can be booked for pick up from the airport, or from your hotel.
To check prices and availability, check Rental Cars here
BOOK | Car rental in Menorca
PUBLIC TRANSPORT (BUS)
Public transport in the form of buses run all over the island. We travelled on the local bus many times and found them to be easy to use, clean, and most importantly, air-conditioned. Transportes Menorca runs buses all over the island, however, if you're looking to go from the north to the south, or east to west, you'll need to change buses, potentially multiple times.
THE DETAILS
Who | Transportes Menorca
Price | €1 - €5+ depending on ticket/route. Remember to carry change to purchase tickets
* If you're after more public transport information, visit the My Menorca bus info page here
SCOOTER HIRE
Sometimes, the best way to get around a little island is with the wind in your hair and two wheels under your legs. You can hire a scooter for anywhere between 24 hours and 7 days.
All you have to do then is strap on your helmet (included), plot out your adventure, and explore the best that Menorca has to offer.
Find out more about Menorca Scooter Rental here.
TAXI
Menorca is serviced by a reliable and regulated taxi service, which certainly helps if you've decided to head into town and need a late night ride back to your accommodation.
Fare prices are based on distance, but it's always best to check prices before commencing your journey. Taxi's are generally based at taxi stands known as Paradas de Taxi, so if you can't find one, ask a local who should be able to help.
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TRAVEL INSURANCE
Whatever you do, don’t travel anywhere in the world without travel insurance.
Even though Menorca is safe, things can go wrong, be it sickness, lost baggage, theft, or an accident.
Travel insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues, so grab a policy before you travel!
BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads
READ | Our ultimate guide to travel insurance
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PLANNING TO VISIT SPAIN SOON?
We have a heap of essential reading before you travel to Spain
MENORCA GUIDE | The best things to do on Menorca
MENORCA DREAMIN’ | Why Menorca should be your next summer escape
MENORCA’S BEST BEACHES | Our complete guide to Menorca’s most beautiful beaches
SANTANDER CITY GUIDE | A complete 48-hour guide to Santander, including where to stay, what to eat, and things to know
SANTANDER | 9 amazing things to do in Santander, Spain
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t leave home without travel insurance (seriously, don’t!). Click here to get the best deals with World Nomads, our trusted travel insurance provider
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
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We were hosted by Spain Tourism,Jet2.com, Visit Menorca, and Traverse as part of the #MustSeeMenorca campaign. A big thank you to the team for making our stay memorable. As always, all views are our own.
Check out #MustSeeMenorca on Twitter or Instagram.
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That, and you're officially a legend.