North or south Menorca: which to choose and how to tour it by car

One of the first questions when planning a trip to Menorca is whether to stay in the north or the south of the island. It's a good question, because the two coasts are surprisingly different: the landscape, the sand colour, the type of cove and even the wind all change. The good news is that Menorca is small and, with a rental car, you can enjoy both even if you stay in just one. Here are the differences so you can choose wisely.

Northern Menorca: wild landscape and coves with character

The north coast (the Menorcan Tramuntana) is the most rugged, wild part of the island. The terrain is older and darker, with reddish and black rocks, pine woods reaching the sea and a more untouched feel. Its beaches tend to have more golden or reddish sand and slightly rougher waters when the tramuntana, the north wind, blows.

Notable northern coves and beaches:

• Cala Pregonda: one of the most spectacular, reddish sand and an almost Martian look (a walk from the car park is needed).
• Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili: unspoilt, within the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, near the Favàritx lighthouse.
• Binimel·là and Cala del Pilar: natural and peaceful.
• Arenal d'en Castell and Son Parc: the most family-friendly northern options, with fine sand, calm waters and services.

The north is ideal if you want nature, characterful landscapes and less crowded coves. Many require a stretch of track or a walk, so the car is practically essential.

Southern Menorca: postcard turquoise water

The south coast is the postcard one: fine white sand, turquoise water and coves nestled between pale stone cliffs and pines. The terrain is more limestone and bright, and the waters tend to be more sheltered and calm. It's the Menorca many have in mind.

Notable southern coves and beaches:

• Cala Macarella and Macarelleta: the island's most iconic, intense turquoise water.
• Cala en Turqueta: another crystal-clear gem, somewhat more accessible.
• Cala Mitjana and Mitjaneta: beautiful and surrounded by pine woods.
• Cala Galdana: the largest and with services, perfect for families.
• Son Bou: Menorca's longest beach, with wide sand.

The south is ideal if you want those postcard turquoise coves and beaches with more services. Many of the unspoilt southern coves (Macarella, Turqueta, Mitjana) are reached by tracks and car parks that fill up early in summer.

North or south: which to choose?

There's no single answer, it depends on what you want:

• Choose the south if it's your first time and you want the most famous turquoise coves, calm water and beaches with services. It's the most "postcard".
• Choose the north if you want wild landscapes, a quiet feel, less crowded coves and don't mind walking a bit.
• Families? The south (Cala Galdana, Son Bou) and some northern spots (Arenal d'en Castell, Son Parc) are the most convenient. More ideas in the Menorca with kids guide.

The key: with a car you don't have to choose

Here's the best part: Menorca is barely 50 km end to end, so you cross from north to south in under an hour. With a rental car you can stay wherever you prefer and visit both coasts easily: one day the turquoise coves of the south, another the wild landscape of the north. Without a car, you'd be tied to your area and the bus timetables, missing half the island.

Our tip: pick your base according to the vibe you want (livelier and postcard in the south, quieter and natural in the north) and use the car to discover the rest. To plan your routes, the beaches and coves guide and the 3, 5 and 7-day itinerary guide will help.

Ready to tour both coasts? Book your car with AblaCars, with delivery at the airport, no excess or deposit and unlimited mileage to reach every cove.