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Of the four islands, it’s Menorca (also known as Minorca) that is seeing the most dramatic evolution, with a renewed focus on preserving the island’s biosphere reserve, plus a proliferation of new hotels, restaurants and even a Hauser & Wirth gallery on its own island in the port of Mahòn.
While the neighbouring Islands of Ibiza and Mallorca continue to draw crowds, Menorca is now firmly on the map of every urbane, aspirational traveller. Wander the streets of Mahón and you’ll see all the landmarks of any hipster district in Paris, New York, Sydney or London; vegan cafés, indie galleries and beautifully curated interiors stores. But then you’ll turn a corner and be dazzled by a medieval stone archway, braced against a backdrop of the Mediterranean, and Mahón feels like an ancient city once more – an ancient city sprinkled with the very best of modernity.
Food has always been a highlight in the Balearic Islands, thanks in part to the abundance of Mediterranean produce, but also the international chefs drawn to the islands to cater for the demanding tastebuds of well-heeled travellers. Excellence on a plate is an everyday diet on Menorca island, whether you’re dining on paper-thin serrano ham, Manchego and buttery anchovies in Mahón’s old fishmarket, or a tasting menu feast prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at a rural finca restaurant.
Here is our expert guide to Menorca, from where to eat to the best Menorca accommodation.
Best Menorca accommodation
Suite at Hevresac Hotel, Menorca
This chic resort by hip French hospitality Experimental Group has set a new standard for agroturismos on the island, with 34 stylish rooms and nine luxurious villas (complete with private pools) across the estate of a 19th century manor house.
This hotel in the charming village of Ferreries feels more like staying at the manor home of a fabulously chic friend, with tasteful contemporary décor that melds magically into the original 19th century features.
The city-based sister hotel to Ses Sucreres delivers the same level of contemporary chic blended with historic elegance, in a townhouse in the heart of Mahón.
Best restaurants in Menorca
Nonna’s Bazaar terrace
(Photo: Laura Mazzello for Nonna’s Bazaar)This lively farm-to-table restaurant near Ciutadella serves inventive Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in the surroundings of a rural finca. The latest opening by superstar hotelier Arnaud Zannier, it was the hot ticket of 2022.
Mercat des Peix
Mahón’s old fishmarket is now a covered foodhall, and a superb place for tapas in the evening.
Chef Victor Lidón has worked as a chef in Michelin-starred joints in Barcelona and London, and now delivers fine dining in a traditional Menorcan house in the charming town of Migjorn Gran.
Best bars in Menorca
Cocktails at Nonna’s Bazaar, Menorca
(Photo: Laura Mazzello for Nonna’s Bazaar)Menorca has an established gin scene, owing in part to the island’s brief stint as a British colony. This classy jazz bar is the best place to grab a Xoriguer gin tonic or a Pomada, the island’s classic cocktail, a refreshing slushy, citrussy gin cocktail.
A gleaming, glamorous Mahón classic, popular since 1924, when the harbour played host to the American navy. Cocktails, churros and cakes are all served with flair.
Occupying a former shoe factory, the light-strewn courtyard of this small cocktail bar is one of the liveliest hangouts in Ciutadella’s old town.
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