Route by car through menorca
The second largest island in the Balearic archipelago – third in terms of number of inhabitants – brings together, in an area that barely exceeds 700 square kilometres, traditional fishing villages, forts, wild coves, extensive beaches, lighthouses, archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. of antiquity and endless cultural and gastronomic experiences.
The best way to discover all this is touring Menorca by car. Although you can cross the island from north to south in just over 45 minutes, the truth is that Menorca is one of those desserts that you never want to finish, savoring it little by little, stopping the car at every turn of the road that surprises you. And they will be many.
After landing at Menorca Airport, AblaCars will be waiting for you with the car. To facilitate this experience, we suggest this route by car, of about 200 km, so that you take with you an unforgettable memory of the island:
1. Starting point: Mahón
Mahón is one of the two main urban centers of Menorca (the other being Ciutadella) and a perfect place to start this route that runs through the treasures of the island. Treasures and other merchandise were also transported by the ships that anchored in the port of Mahón, the second deepest natural port in the world.
The port of Mahón and the city with its narrow streets invite you to discover it at a leisurely pace.
Try the delicious fish and shellfish in the port’s restaurants, learn about the long history of the island in the Museum of Menorca and admire the façade of the church of Santa María.
After this, the time will have come to continue your trip around Menorca by car.
2. Mahón – Isla del Rey -Fort of Marlborough – Bodegas Binifadet: 13 km
Leaving Mahón behind and taking the road to the south, after less than 4 km you will arrive at the jetty where you can take the boat to Isla del Rey.
This small island has great historical importance. A hospital for British soldiers was built here in 1711, later being used by French, Spanish, American and Dutch soldiers. In 1964, a new military hospital was built and the island was abandoned, declaring itself a nature reserve.
In 2020, the Hauser&Wirth Art Gallery was inaugurated, where you can explore contemporary works of art in the open air, from the prestigious Swiss firm. You can book your tickets on the web.
After returning to land, it is time to continue another short stretch south to reach Marlborough Fort. Built in 1720 to protect the city and its port, this fort was partially destroyed by cannon fire from ships of different flags.
Rebuilt by the Spanish at the end of the 18th century, today it tries to revive its glorious past through dramatized visits and special effects shows.
Now it’s time to head inland to try the magnificent Menorcan wines at the Binifadet Wineries. Organic wines are produced here, respecting the protected ecosystem of Menorca.
There are free tours that show the different rooms of the wineries – decorated with exquisite taste – and that usually end with a tasting of the different wines that are made here.
3. Binifadet – Binibeca Vell Wineries: 5 km
With the warmth of the Menorcan wine in your body, after a little less than 8 km you will arrive at the fishing village of Binibeca Vell.
This town is the work of the architect Antonio Sintes Mercadal, who, at the beginning of the 70s, built this set of two-story houses, with white facades and arranged like the old Moorish neighborhoods.
Stroll through its narrow cobbled streets until you reach the small port. A place to enjoy the tranquility and the hypnotic power of the waves.
4. Binibeca Vell – Cova d’En Xoroi: 19 km
Going up the coast to the northwest, you will arrive at the Cueva d’En Xoroi, the most iconic cave in Menorca. Perched on the face of a cliff that rises like a giant over the dark waters of the Mediterranean, this cave is ideal for enjoying the best sunsets on the island.
Ask the local people about the stories that circulate about the Cova d’En Xoroi. An amazing tale mix, entangled with mythology and passionate love. These ingredients, and some more, are what you will find in the cocktails that are prepared here on some summer nights, when the cave is transformed into a nightclub where the party lasts until dawn.
If you go by day, you can do a spectacular 3-hour route through the caves of the coast by kayak.
5. Cova d’En Xoroi – La Naveta des Tudons: 40 km
Now is the time to leave your rental car behind in Menorca and get into a much more cinematic model: the DeLorean from the movie ‘Back to the Future’. Only with it will you be able to go back in time to the year 1,200 before our era.
It was at that time that it is estimated that the Naveta des Tudons began to be used as a funerary construction. This legacy of Menorcan prehistory was rest
awarded in the 50s and provided valuable data on this time in history, finding the remains of more than 100 individuals and a good number of their belongings: bronze bracelets, bone buttons, weapons, ceramic bowls, necklaces…
It is one of the best preserved megalithic monuments in the Balearic Islands.
6. Naveta des Tudons – Ciutadella: 7 km
Without detracting from Mahón, the Ciudadela de Menorca (known as Ciutadella) is the most beautiful urban center on the island.
Located in the extreme west of Menorca, Ciutadella is a place that exudes history and romanticism in each of its streets. If you are touring Menorca by car in summer, in Ciutadella you will find an impressive atmosphere, with the terraces of cafes, bars and restaurants overflowing, with some national tourists and many foreigners. Not surprisingly, the island’s population doubles during the summer months.
Visit the imposing Cathedral of Santa María and wander through the narrow pedestrian streets that end in intimate squares with their emblematic facades in the old town.
7. Ciutadella – Cala en Turqueta: 15 km
Cultural visits are always good, because they help you to know the past of the place, getting to better understand its present. However, there is no good driving route through Menorca that does not include some of its spectacular beaches.
Cala en Turqueta, located on the south coast of Menorca, is an ode to nature. It is located about 14 km from Ciutadella and, during the summer, it is one of the favorites for locals and tourists. Therefore, take a good look at the information panels that you will find on the road. They will tell you if the beach parking area is full. If so, you will have access prohibited and you will have to look for an alternative.
However, if you are lucky and you can access the cove in Turqueta, you will cross a dense pine forest behind which you will find a beach of golden sands and turquoise water, of a transparency that invites diving. A rocky ledge separates the main beach from a smaller one.
If you want to walk and discover other great coves in the area, to the east you will find the beautiful coves Macarella and Macallereta, after about 45 minutes of walking.
8. Cove in Turqueta – Monte Toro: 38 km
Monte Toro, with its 354 meters high, is the highest point in Menorca. It rises in the center of the island as a relentless watchman. You will not find a better viewpoint in Menorca and, furthermore, from its top – where you will find a 13th century church – you can paraglide down. Adrenaline and great views guaranteed.
9. Monte Toro – Cala Pregonda: 14 km
Our route by car through Menorca takes you from the south coast to the north. If the northern beaches are famous for being more touristy, the northern ones tend to be more windy and wild. An example of this is Cala Pregonda.
This natural paradise presents contrasts of bright colors: reddish sand with a Martian appearance, water of various shades of blue, ocher rocks and green vegetation. The perfect palette for a crazy painter.
In addition, its difficult access – you have to walk 30 minutes from the car park – makes it a less crowded beach, even in summer.
10. Cala Pregonda – Natural Park of s’Albufera des Grau: 35 km
Heading east, our route by car through Menorca brings us closer to the starting point, Mahón. However, one last stop takes us to enjoy the natural beauty of the Natural Park of s’Albufera des Grau.
This nature reserve covers 50 square kilometers of forests, marshes, dunes, and cliffs, including five small islands. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including up to 90 different species of birds, and countless varieties of shrubs and wildflowers. To learn everything about it, you have an interpretation center with videos about the park and maps. Although it is always a better option to enjoy a guided tour.
11. Natural Park of s’Albufera des Grau – Mahón: 8 km
The end of our route by car through Menorca arrives in the same place where we started it. To celebrate such a magnificent trip and put a nice finishing touch, visit the Xoriguer Gin Distillery and have a good glass of gin while you toast to the beautiful Menorca. And it is that the English left their mark here. Of course, remember that if you drink, you should not drive!
Source: skyscanner.com