Menorca with Children: A Family Holiday Guide
Menorca is the quieter, gentler sister of Majorca, and that is exactly why so many families love it. The island is ringed by sheltered coves with clear, shallow water, its resorts are low-rise and relaxed, and the flight from the UK is short. It is a particularly good choice for babies, toddlers and younger school-age children.
Why Menorca suits families
- Calm, shallow coves. Many beaches, especially on the south coast, are tucked into bays where the water stays calm and clear.
- A short flight. At around two to two and a half hours from the UK, it is manageable even with very young children.
- A relaxed atmosphere. Development is generally low-key, and much of the island is protected. UNESCO declared Menorca a biosphere reserve in 1993.
- Compact size. Most places are within an hour's drive of each other, so days out don't mean long car journeys.
Where to stay
As a rule, the south coast has softer, paler sand and calmer water, while the north coast is wilder, rockier and more exposed to the wind.
Cala'n Bosch
On the south-west corner, Cala'n Bosch is built around a small marina with restaurants, shops and boat trips, and a sandy beach with gently shelving water. It is close to the historic town of Ciutadella and to the beaches of the south-west coast.
Son Bou
Son Bou, in the middle of the south coast, has the longest beach on the island, a wide stretch of sand backed by dunes. There is plenty of space, even in high summer, and it is a good choice for families who like a long beach walk.
Cala Galdana
Cala Galdana is set around a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by pine-covered cliffs. The water is usually calm, the beach is sandy, and footpaths lead to quieter coves nearby. It is one of the island's most popular family resorts.
Fornells
On the north coast, the fishing village of Fornells sits on a large, sheltered bay that is popular for sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding lessons. It is smaller and quieter than the southern resorts, and is known for its seafood restaurants.
Beaches and the sea
- South-coast coves are the best bet for toddlers, with gentle slopes into the water and some natural shade from pine trees.
- Some of the prettiest coves have no facilities and are reached on foot along a path, so take water, snacks and shade, and leave the buggy in the car where the path is rough.
- North-coast beaches can be very beautiful but rougher when the north wind blows. Pick a sheltered spot on those days.
- Small car parks at popular coves fill quickly in July and August, so arrive early.
Read our guide to beach holidays with children for more on keeping the beach days easy.
Family activities
- Boat trips along the south coast to coves that are hard to reach by land, or glass-bottom boat trips around the harbour at Mahon. Our guide to boat trips with children will help you choose.
- The Camí de Cavalls, an old coastal path that runs right around the island. Short sections between neighbouring coves make good family walks.
- Prehistoric sites: Menorca is scattered with ancient stone monuments, including towers and T-shaped structures, which are fun to explore and easy to reach.
- Ciutadella and Mahon, the two main towns, for harbour-side wandering, ice cream and evening strolls.
- Watersports in Fornells bay, where calm water makes it a good place for older children to try sailing or kayaking.
Getting there
Flights from the UK take about two to two and a half hours and land at Mahon (Maó) airport, close to the island's capital on the east coast. Because Menorca is small, transfers are usually short, rarely more than about an hour even to the far west. Direct flights run mainly in the summer season. See our tips for flying with young children for help with the journey.
When to go
Menorca's holiday season runs roughly from May to October. Outside those months many hotels and restaurants close and flights are limited.
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May and June | Warm and sunny, green countryside and quieter beaches. The sea is still cool early on. Ideal for pre-school children. |
| July and August | Hot, with a warm sea. The busiest and most expensive time, especially in school holidays. |
| September and October | Still warm, with a warm sea and fewer crowds. Weather becomes more changeable as October goes on. |
| November to April | Mild but quiet, with many resorts closed. Better for walking than beach holidays. |
Practical tips
- Car hire makes it much easier to explore the coves. Traffic drives on the right. Check hire car seats carefully or bring your own.
- Money: Menorca is part of Spain and uses the euro.
- Health: UK residents should take a GHIC as well as travel insurance. See our family travel health checklist.
- Sun: shade is limited on many beaches, so a beach tent or umbrella is worth having for babies and toddlers.
- Travel advice: check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Spain before you travel.
Choose a south-coast resort, go in late spring or early autumn if you can, and Menorca offers one of the most relaxed beach holidays around for families with young children.