Tusting Travels: A Guide to Menorca
Welcome to a new periodic series, Tusting Travels, in which we provide you with mini guides to some of our favourite destinations, including the best places to stay, where to eat and what to do. You’ve got the bag, we’ve done the homework – time to head off…
Kicking off with Tusting Travels: Menorca. This Balearic island can often be overlooked for the busier islands of Mallorca and Ibiza, yet it is the laid back, more remote vibe which makes this island a brilliant holiday spot for switching off whilst surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty.
Where to Stay
Morvedra Nou was our hotel of choice when visiting the Island. Having recently come under new ownership, and a with a fresh renovation, this child-free hotel was an immediate yes when we saw the private terraces with individual pools. Surrounded by nature, you feel instantly relaxed (the welcome cocktail potentially helps with that too). Be sure to book their sunset experience which takes you to a secluded part of the hotel’s property. There you find a little outdoor bar serving drinks and small plates of delicious food to dwell over whilst you to watch the sun go down.
Torre Vella is a beautifully refined 17 room hotel with sympathetic interiors to go hand in hand with the landscape. If relaxing by the pool is not your thing on holiday, then the activity options provided by Torre Vella will be perfect. From morning yoga, pottery workshop and horse riding tours – the team have thought of it all.
For that special occasion trip, Torralbenc must be on your list. The traditional farm has been converted into a luxury hotel and cellar and received a Michelin key in 2024 by the Michelin guide. Be sure to dine in their restaurant celebrating Spanish flavours and check out their wine cellar and tastings – an experience you won’t forget.
Where to eat
When exploring Ciutadella, Cafè Balear is a must for traditional cuisine in a waterfront setting. Reservations are not accepted outside so it’s a rock-up-and-queue situation. If you time it right around the 6.30pm mark, you’ll make the first sitting. We queued for over an hour but it was worth the wait for their Arroz Carldos De Llagosta – lobster and rice stew – I still think about this meal often.
Cantina, on the tiny and beautiful Illa del Rei island (which lies within the deep inlet that leads to Mahon, the Menorcan capital) is a magical lunchtime spot. You come for the art, and stay for the food. After exploring Hauser & Wirth, make sure to pre-book a table at Cantina. The restaurant focuses on local produce honouring the Menorcan cuisine. You’ll be sat in the shade of olive trees, sipping on a cool glass of wine taking in the view. Leisurely lunches at their finest.
En Caragol restaurant is right on the beachfront with incredible fresh seafood. Listen to the sound of the waves and enjoy simple but delicious Menorcan dishes. It’s worth booking to avoid the risk of disappointment.
What to do
If you’d like to venture out from the sanctuary that is your hotel be sure to check out the beaches around the island. Your preference of which may be dependent on the wind that day, which will dictate if the jelly fish are close to the shoreline. It’s worth noting that the island authorities often close the roads near to the beaches to stop traffic over crowding. Be prepared to walk to the more secluded spots and ask your hotel for help planning where to park.
The Lithica Quarry is a fascinating visit to see the striking rock formations and the maze. The landscape has been transformed into a work of art with plenty to explore. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Catina is already on your restaurant list, so make the most of the Island and explore the Hauser & Wirth gallery along with the old War Hospital which is run by knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers. Once you’ve enjoyed lunch, there is a path that runs around the perimeter of the small island to enjoy. Be sure to check out the gift shop before getting back on the ferry to ‘mainland’ Menorca. Prebooking ferry tickets makes the whole day easier.
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Bag options
All the Explorers make for great, robust hold luggage but the small Como Explorer proved the perfect travel companion for this trip. Just the right size as a capacious cabin bag, the trolly sleeve allows for total stability on rolling luggage when trundling between transits. It’s also eye-cathingly stylish (yes, I did get stopped by a stranger to ask where it was from) and with a colour palette that matched the Mediterranean surroundings. It also doubled up as a brilliant tote bag for when we wanted to explore the coastline thanks to the shoulder strap making it comfortable enough to carry towels, water and wine.
The island’s dress code is very relaxed, so the Alice clutch makes the perfect option for the evening with its sophisticated suede and fluid shape.
