Short breaks in Menorca

Short breaks in Menorca

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Recharge your batteries with a weekend break in Menorca

So you don't have the time for a full two-week break in the sun - who cares? A short but sweet weekend break in Menorca makes a great getaway. This tiny Mediterranean island is small enough that you can explore it thoroughly in just a few days. If you're not in the mood for adventure, just head down to one of those gorgeous Menorcan beaches and spend your days soaking up the Balearic sunshine.

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Planning your short holiday in Menorca

Why are short trips to Menorca a good idea?

When you think of the Balearic Islands, you might imagine the legendary nightclubs of Ibiza or the wild parties of Mallorca. However, if you really want to relax and get away from it all, nothing beats Mallorca's little sister. Menorca is still a bit of a hidden gem, although trendsetting publications like Forbes Magazine are wising up to its charms. It has a more unspoiled nature than the other Balearic Islands, with 96 virgin beaches to explore. You won't have time to see them all during your weekend break in Menorca, but that just gives you a reason to come back, right? If you want to go hiking in Menorca, you'll find the epic, 185-km Camí de Cavalls to conquer. Intriguing historical monuments and great cuisine also add to the island's charm. Plus, there's the weather. Menorca has over 300 days of sunshine a year, so it's ideal for a short holiday in any season.

What can I do on a short break to Menorca?

A weekend break in Menorca offers endless possibilities, from relaxing on a beach to indulging in gourmet meals. If you fancy a city break, then look for holiday lettings in Menorca close to the island's capital, Mahón. It was founded by the Romans but has been held by dozens of civilisations over the centuries, including one hundred years as a British colony. As a result, the city has an intriguing blend of different architectural styles. Wander the maze of narrow, cobbled streets in the old town, where British fortresses stand alongside classic Spanish houses. Stop for lunch in a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a hearty bowl of caldereta de langosta, the richly-flavoured lobster soup that is the pride of the island's cuisine. As the heat of the day dies down, it's time to hit the beach. There are several charming little coves close to Mahón, including the beautiful Es Caló Blanc, with turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkelling.

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FAQs: Short breaks in Menorca

What's the best time of year for weekend breaks in Menorca?

Menorca is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. It's at its hottest - and busiest - in July and August, with daytime highs of around 31°C. From April to October, you can expect temperatures in the 20s. As Menorca sits in the north of the Balearic archipelago, its winters are colder than you'll find in Mallorca or Ibiza. The coldest month is January, with daytime temperatures of around 14°C. That drops as low as 8°C at night. If you want to swim, it's best to visit from the start of June to late October. That being said, the sea is chilly but swimmable in May and November, too. Don't be surprised if you see some brave souls going for a dip even on the coldest days of December and January - Menorca has a small community of dedicated swimmers who hit the water every day of the year.

Where should I stay in Menorca?

Menorca is a small island, so just 50 km long and around 16 km wide. Nevertheless, you'll find a different vibe as you move between the towns on the island. If you want luxury short breaks in Menorca, try Fornells. This traditional fishing village is now a chic holiday destination, with some of the best gourmet restaurants on the island. Looking for cheap holiday breaks? You can usually save money by choosing accommodation in one of the island's two biggest cities, Mahón and Ciutadella. If you're taking the kids, then you might want to opt for Alcaufar. While you'll find beautiful beaches all over the island, this town is notable for its waterpark, Splash Sur, which is one of the best options for a family day out.

How can I get around Menorca during my short holiday?

For a short holiday, you might not want to go to the trouble of renting your own car. The island has a decent bus service, connecting the larger towns, the airport and the most popular resort. When there are local fiestas taking place, extra bus services run, particularly at night. That being said, if you want to venture off the beaten track, you may need to change buses a couple of times along the way, which can be time-consuming. Many visitors prefer to get around by taxi. Taxis from the airport to Mahón cost around €15, while a ride from the airport to Ciutadella will set you back €56. Prices are higher at night, on Sundays and on public holidays.

What are the best beaches to go to in Menorca?

Ask any group of Menorcan residents for their favourite beach and you'll risk starting a heated debate. The island has a mixture of long, sandy beaches with bars and other amenities, and tiny virgin coves. Some are quite hard to get to, as you'll have to walk up and down rocky steps. Most of Menorca's coves do not have any amenities, so be sure to bring your own picnic lunch and plenty of water if you want to spend the whole day there. Es Caló Blanc is one of the most famous coves, with gloriously clear water, while Mongofre, tucked away in a forest, is perfect if you need to relax. For a family-friendly beach, head to Punta Prima. The water here is gentle and shallow, and there are good restaurants nearby. Sa Mesquida is another large, easily-accessible beach, but be warned: the ends of this beach are nudist zones.

Which UK airports fly direct to Menorca?

Menorca is well-connected, with several direct flights from the UK. In the south, you can fly from London Gatwick, Stansted or Luton, as well as Bristol. Other airports with direct flights include Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool. From Scotland, you can fly from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Cardiff and Belfast also offer direct flights. Wherever you're going from, you'll enjoy a fairly short flight. It takes around 2 hours 15 minutes to reach Menorca from London, which increases to 3 hours if you're flying from Belfast.

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