Why is Menorca a unique “Best of the World 2024” destination?

The natural and cultural heritage of the island of Menorca is combined with its turquoise coves, fertile valleys, historical imprint and white stone towns that will leave you speechless during any getaway, whether as part of a unique, private trip, with friends, family or for a business trip, a seminar or an incentive trip.

Independent in nature, this green-skinned island overlooking the sea from cliffs and turquoise coves makes Menorca a unique destination that could move away from its Balearic sisters and not miss them. Its particularity lies not so much in the landscape as in the balance between tourism and nature conservation that it has maintained for decades thanks to the active defense practiced by its inhabitants. Duality is part of the island as a sign of harmony: environment and economy, agricultural world and fishing tradition, north and south coast, Mahón and Ciutadella, silent winters and dynamic summers.

It's no coincidence that 2024 has been chosen by National Geographic as one of the best travel destinations in the world. This year's Best of the World has selected 20 unique places and experiences, among which Menorca stands out thanks to its talayots, declared a World Heritage Site , and an infinite number of wonders that make it one of the most desirable islands in the world. Here are the essential reasons that make Menorca one of the unique destinations, Best of the World 2024:

THE WHITE ROCKS COASTLINE

You could say that the south of Menorca begins at Cap d'Artrutx, a must-see for admiring the sunset . Unlike the solitary, wind-exposed landscape of terrain dotted with rocks and dry-stone huts that surrounds the Punta Nati lighthouse, the Artrutx lighthouse stands in an urbanized area with low houses overlooking the cliffs .

From here, the coastline is adorned with white rocks, pine trees that almost embrace the water, and coves with turquoise waters. Some of them lead to spectacular ravines that offer walks through forests and crops. For example, Algendar, which begins in Ferreries and reaches Cala Galdana, or Son Fideu, a nesting paradise for Egyptian vultures, also located in the municipality of Ferreries; or Trebalúger, which leads to a sandy area accessible only on foot or by boat.

CAPS AND LIGHTHOUSES

One of the most shared secrets lies in the places with the best views: at the edge of the lighthouses, of course. Cape Cavalleria is the northern outpost of the island, where winds and tides reach Menorca without intermediaries , and also where most ships have been shipwrecked over the centuries. When the sea is calm, sailing along this northern coast surprises with unusual corners: caves that extend beneath the foothills of the island, golden sandy beaches, and hidden coves inland , already marked on old maps as safe harbors. Sanitja, at Cape Cavalleria, was founded by the Romans.

Another discovery is that of Favàritx, a planet of gray and black slate rock, which culminates in one of the most photogenic lighthouses in the Mediterranean and is surrounded by beaches that fascinate for their wild appearance, such as Presili Cove or Tortuga Cove.

CALA BLANCA AND CALA MORELL

Cala Morell , near Punta Nati, is another northern port, immune to the Tramuntana wind, which the first islanders already knew, since remains of a Bronze Age town and a necropolis with 17 excavated caves have been discovered nearby . Access from the sea is via a passage flanked by high rock walls; From the land, the short beach of Cala Morell, with its swaying boats and platforms covered with colorful towels in summer, can be seen at the end of a curved descent on the road, or at the end of some steep stairs that turn into a low martyrdom. Very close to Ciudadella is Cala Blanca, in the urbanization of the same name, a beach dominated by oceanic posidonia that makes it a perfect alternative for those staying in the area to bathe without having to take the car.

IT WAS THE FIRST CAPITAL

The island's capital until the British moved it to Mahón in 1722, Ciutadella retains its majestic air in its buildings made of porous, bright white marés stone, in its palaces and in its cathedral, erected over the 10th-century mosque of the current one. Only the minaret remains, converted into a bell tower. The guided tour allows you to climb to the height of the gargoyles and contemplate the city as a three-dimensional plane that unfolds beneath the bright white of the marés stone , with the clothes hanging from the roofs, the towers of the many churches and convents, the patios of the stately homes and the long tongue of the port, with the wall on one side and the coming and going of the moored boats.

MORE THAN CAVES, SANCTUARIES

The south is home to the beaches that made the island famous: Macarella and Macarelleta, Son Saura and Turqueta , preserved from the urbanization that destroyed the natural image of the coves near Mahón, and for some years now, closed to cars in summer. They are connected by the Camí de Cavalls, which circles the island in 185 km and up to 20 stages . The path that was used to monitor the horizon is now a magnet for travelers who, on foot or by bicycle, like to explore the territory, discovering the folds of the land, the nooks and crannies that the sea opens between the rocks, the plants that grow between the dunes...

ATMOSPHERES FOR ALL TASTES

Because Menorca has had many lives and remembers them all. More than 1,500 sites spread along the coast and inland speak of peoples who lived from agriculture and pastoralism, who venerated their dead and buried them ceremoniously in caves by the sea , under heavy slabs or inside buildings shaped like inverted ships. The Naveta des Tudons, the Talayotic villages of Torre d'en Galmés or Trepucó, the Bronze Age necropolis of Cala Morell , the hundred caves excavated in the rock of Cales Coves or the Roman-era notches in the quarries of s'Hostal, on the outskirts of Ciutadella, are some of the most significant examples of the island's archaeological heritage.

SA MESQUIDA, THE PROTEGE

Sa Mesquida beach is one of the closest to the minority capital. And also one of the most beautiful. The road leading there seems to want to deceive us: it crosses the long port of Mahón on the other side, avoids some military installations, and suddenly appears in the old fishing village. You have to get out of the car before touching the sand, a measure to preserve the dune vegetation that surrounds it. The sandy beach faces east, but has a sister pebble beach facing north, which has the wild appearance of coves that receive the north wind.

MAHÓN AND ITS NATURAL HARBOR

If the afternoon surprises us in Mahón, we've come to the right place. The minority capital instantly captivates with the atmosphere of its squares and streets, the views of the port, and its gastronomic and artistic offerings, with palaces transformed into cultural centers like the 18th-century Can Oliver . In the morning, a stroll through the Claustre del Carme market is a must, having an ensaimada for breakfast under its arcades and wandering among the vegetable and fish stalls. Summer nights invite you to stroll through the unusual port of Es Castell, reach Cales Fonts, the old fishing dock, and sit on a terrace for dinner.

Mahón is one of the longest natural harbors in the world. The British saw this as a safe haven for their ships and merchant vessels, moved the capital there, and built colossal military buildings that dominate every view: Fort Marlborough, San Felipe Castle (the origin of Es Castell), and the King's Island Military Hospital , a protected enclave that will open in July 2021 as the Hauser & Wirth avant-garde art center.

A PATH TO REACH ALL THE COVES

The Camí de Cavalls can also be walked in sections . The one from Cala Galdana to Sant Tomàs passes Cala Mitjana, crosses a forest and is rewarded with a last dip on Binigaus beach or a fish dish on the terrace of the Es Bruc beach bar in Sant Tomàs. The storms of recent years have caused the strip of sand to recede and there is now less space for towels, but who wants to lie in the sun with waters so transparent and full of aquatic life? Here and there, you can see someone splashing around with fins, a snorkel and diving goggles, especially near the islet of Binicodrell. Above the dry stone wall that borders the beach, Menorcan horses sometimes appear, then children abandon their games and run to give them pieces of bread.

FORNELLS, UNIQUE IN THE NORTH

Fornells is the only town on the north coast. Sheltered by a long bay, the white boats and houses wrapped around its church have withstood storms for centuries. On the opposite bank of the long cove are several small beaches accessible by boat, while the very shallow summit can only be reached by paddling a canoe or paddleboard . Every summer day, dozens of sails dot the lagoon: you can see windsurfers but also lateen sailboats leaving the port at that island speed that allows you to contemplate the landscape, eat and say hello without breaking a sweat, while the more powerful boats leave behind a wake of waves and white foam.

THE GREAT WETLANDS OF MENORCA

On this eastern coast are two of Menorca's natural treasures: the Es Grau lagoon and Cape Favàritx . After skirting sandy or rocky beaches, reaching isolated lighthouses and skirting cliffs, the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park adds a new element to the minority landscape. Located next to the town of Es Grau, 10 km from Mahón, it is an incredible refuge for water birds, both residents and those passing through on the migratory routes that cross the Mediterranean . At the first and last hour of the day, the marshes experience a frenetic activity of insect capture. It is time to walk one of the three marked routes in the park and observe kingfishers, egrets, flycatchers, several species of ducks but also red kites, kestrels and ospreys. The viewpoints of the Santa Madrona trail (2.8 km), which runs along the southwest shore of the lagoon, offer numerous birdwatching opportunities . The other two routes are the Cala Llimpa viewpoint (1.7 km) and the Sa Gola viewpoint, which reaches Es Grau beach.

PREGONDA AND OTHER CALAS

The north also offers havens of peace in the form of oases of warm, golden, thick sand accessible on foot. Cala Pilar, Pregonda, Binimel-là, Cavalleria, Cala Mica or the two beaches of La Vall or Algaiarens (Es Tancats and Es Bot) , integrated into a Natural Area of Special Interest which also includes a wetland, a forest and an agricultural area.

A MEETING AT THE MARKET

Mercadal , inland, 9 km from Fornells, is the true heart of the region. Its name already gives clues to its function as a commercial crossroads. The Torrent de l'Arpa crosses the center from north to south and intersects Carrer d'Enmig, the axis of the pedestrian center. In summer, this street, Carrer Nou and Carrer Major, is filled with strollers going to the street market, sitting on the terraces or patiently queuing at Cas Sucrer, a confectionery famous for its almond or hazelnut sweets (bitters, tatis) and for its ensaimadas with cream, chocolate or sobrasada.

THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN ON THE ISLAND

Mount Toro, the highest peak on the island, dominates the view of Mercadal and the entire island. From its viewpoint, located at 380 m and accessible by car, you can see the fields of crops divided by dry stone walls and the llocs, those white farmhouses perched on a hill. In spring the grass is green and by midsummer it is almost gone. What doesn't change its appearance is the national road, which crosses the island from east to west and, from Mercadal, tries to head towards Maó/Mahón or Ciutadella. I choose the latter so that I can also enter Ferreries, a town dedicated body and soul to the production of shoes and, above all, sandals, that leather sandal with a tire sole that everyone here wears. I buy an ensaimada at Forn Can Marc which tastes incredible and continue towards Ciutadella.

FROM PUNTA PRIMA TO THE MOST FAMOUS CAVE

From Alaior and Sant Lluís – founded by the French during their brief 4-year reign – you can access a wide variety of beaches. Some occupy the bottom of the inlets that penetrate between high walls, such as Cala'n Porter, where the famous Cova d'en Xoroi is located, the protagonist of a legend and, since the 1960s, transformed into a cocktail bar. Others are just a piece of sand with a small fishing pier between low houses and names that recall their Moorish origin: Binidalí, Binibèquer, Binisafúller... Near the latter is a gigantic aquarium that receives the evocative name of Ses Olles (the pots). Protected by Cap d'en Butifarra and the Marçal islets, this caldera concentrates an incredible quantity of fish . From the rocks, bathers dive again and again to see obladas, sarpallones, mullets or castanets swimming boldly between their feet. Also not to be missed is Punta Prima beach located between the points of Marbres and Prima, from which you can see the islet of s'Illot des Cagaire and the island of s'Illa de l'Aire, nor Son Bou, the largest beach in Menorca and one of the few open seas on the island, 2.5 km long and 50 meters wide.

A DISH THROUGH THE CENTURIES

Fornells became famous decades ago for its caldereta de llagosta , a thick and flavorful soup like all fishermen's dishes. But it is also possible to taste other traditional recipes, delicious for their simplicity and the use of vegetables, fruits, and meats from the island, now called Kilometer Zero. This local cuisine is another of Menorca's great attractions. Chefs who have opened their own restaurants, historic inns, rural houses, and hotels do not hesitate to proclaim the quality of the 100% Menorcan aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, and fruits; but also of the honey, butter, olive oil, and even wine, a small production that recovers the varieties once cultivated.

Unlike Menorca's sobrasada, the island's cow's milk cheese has a designation of origin, that of Mahón . There are fresh, tender and dry nuances that go hand in hand with the intensity of the flavor and that salty touch that the north wind is said to give to the pastures when it blows hard and carries the drops of sea inland.

ES CASTELL, OLD GEORGETOWN

The island town where the imprint of British rule left its mark in the 18th century was Es Castell, the old Georgetown in honor of George III of England. This town, which faces the sea with the city of Mahón, is directly linked to the fortification of Castell de Sant Felip, located at the entrance to the port. Its urban planning preserves the original grid of straight streets, its parade ground with the English barracks, and an architecture reminiscent of Great Britain, characterized by the typical fences and sash windows, which are well worth a stroll through.

BINIBECA, A FISHING VILLAGE

A must-see tourist spot, the fishing village of Binibequer - located 8 kilometers from Mahón - is a quiet and simple place that still attracts visitors today. It was born to attract intellectuals, bohemians, and writers in search of a place of inspiration . Its homogeneous architecture and stylistic beauty have made it today a place where one can quietly enjoy the calm of the island.

A SPECIAL ISLET

Before or after a swim in Favàritx or a walk along the lagoon, you should go to the small town of Es Grau , sit on its shallow beach and watch the boats bobbing, or rent a canoe and paddle to Illa d'en Colom. It is a little-developed islet, populated by tamarind trees and wild olive trees with leaves that gleam in the sun. It has two sandy beaches (Arenal d'en Moro and Tamarells), sheltered from the Tramuntana, frequented by kayakers and Menorcan boats or holidaymakers looking for discreet spots to finish spending the afternoon, improvise a bereneta with friends and swim. in Fosquet, to return to the port by moonlight.

“Some secrets for this unique destination”

THE OLD FERRY ROAD IN CIUTADELLA

Walking along the old path that connected Ferreries to Ciutadella is an excellent option for the cooler days of summer or any day at the rest of the year. It was a very popular route long before the road from Maó to Ciutadella crossed this wide esplanade between green hills that was once, apparently, a large marsh . The path first descends through one of the ravines closest to Ferreries, a surprisingly cool corner, once full of fruit orchards and which retains its own legend, which gives it the name Pas d'en Rebull . It then climbs between rocks that look as if they have been opened by a pickaxe until reaching a point at the summit from which the path continues through the forests, under the open sky, heading west towards Ciutadella. This short stretch starting and finishing in Ferreries can be done in a morning.

CALA ESCORXADA ON FOOT

Between Santa Galdana and Santo Tomás, the south coast of Menorca hides a series of beaches with turquoise waters, fringed by pine trees and white cliffs. They can only be reached by sea or on foot along the Camí de Cavalls . The route is easy, but keep in mind that the sun shines brightly and there are no bars or toilets. You can start at Cala Mitjana , which has its own parking lot about 15 minutes from the beach. The path runs along the rocks, enters a pine forest, and after 20 minutes descends to the first beach, Trebalúger , a long strip of sand with a river behind it that can even be climbed by canoe. On the other side of the sandy area, the path steepens again and runs along the cliffs for another 20/30 minutes until you reach the small Cala Fustam , a delight of clear waters between rocks. The last is Escorxada , at the bottom of the Sa Torra ravine, one of the many river canyons that crisscross the south coast of Menorca.

PEDRERES DE S'HOSTAL

A maze of straight walls with steps halfway up that lead nowhere and a sort of small square invaded by a few wild olive trees ( ullastres ) make up the unique cultural enclave of Lithica . These are the old quarries of s'Hostal, on the outskirts of Ciutadella, where the stone used to build most of the town's houses comes from. The visit is self-guided and allows you to wander around unhurriedly, observing the different periods of extraction and the technique used, from the walls dug into a pick to the marks of the mechanical saws. On summer nights, it hosts the music and dance performances of the Pedra Viva Festival , which takes advantage of the magnificent acoustics of Lithica's largest space, a large main square, white and dazzling even at night.

CHEESE FACTORY AND RUINS OF ITS MERCER DE BAIX

Near the town of Ferreries , the road that indicates Son Mercer de Baix climbs a hill and disappears among agricultural fields and woods that seem hundreds of kilometers from the sea. The area is delimited by several wide, fresh and fertile ravines that the first Menorcans already used to cultivate and supply themselves with fresh water. After a few minutes, you will begin to see some agricultural and livestock farms until you reach Son Mercer de Baix, producer of one of the most recognized cheeses of the DO Mahón-Menorca . In a building separate from the main house is the small store and warehouse where the cheeses are aged and stored: dry, soft, fresh, in oil, with herbs... An iron gate, which can be opened without asking permission, gives way to the stables and to a track in poor condition that leads to another unexpected place: the ruins of a Talayotic village overlooking a spectacular ravine.

LÔAC, MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART OF ALAIOR

Alaior, or as the Menorcans call it, Lô, is a town that generally goes unnoticed by tourists. However, this town (the third largest in terms of population) of Muslim origin, founded in 1304 by King Jaume II of Mallorca, has a beautiful, well-kept old town with small squares enlivened in summer by the terraces of bars and restaurants. And since 2021, it has housed a contemporary art museum with extraordinary works by artists as well-known as Joan Miró, Miquel Barceló, Marina Abramović, Jaume Plensa, Antonio Saura or Antoni Tàpies . This is LÔAC, Alaior Art Contemporani, which occupies a representative building in the historic center at 56 Santiago Pons Quintana Street (formerly Baixamar Street).

By Sandra Martín

National Geographic Travel Editor-in-Chief

THE LITTLE EXTRA: CONFIDENTIAL ATMOSPHERES

The incoming agency Menorca Island DMC brings its clients special moments during business and private trips. During tailor-made experiences , executive seminars , incentive trips , initiatory immersions , responsible awareness and thematic events , the agency suggests atmospheres that have a lasting impact with essential, sometimes secret, services between Land - Sea - Spirit.

As they like to say:

"Menorca is a Chic - Authentic - Preserved - Sustainable destination that is not for everyone, not for every project. To suggest and experience Menorca is to choose differently."

Contact :

David James

Co-Founder

www.menorca-island.fr