This island’s a hidden gem unspoiled by a horde of tourists. Get there before they do.

In today’s whirlwind world, chill has a lot of charm. 

Menorca (also known as Minorca), Spain’s easternmost Balearic Island in the Mediterranean, may lack the glitz of her party sisters, Mallorca and Ibiza, and that’s exactly why you should visit. Menorca makes for a perfect relaxing wind-down to your European vacation with flights under two hours from most European hotspots. Though very LGBTQ+ friendly–this is Spain, after all–there is no major queer scene on the island. 

Related

Where does Dua Lipa love to go on vacation?
Dua loves the beach, and she knows where to find the best stretches of sand to soak up some sun in two countries.

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the best LGBTQ+ travel guides, stories, and more.
Subscribe to our Newsletter today

Instead, you get a relaxed vibe where all are welcome to explore 12,000 acres of protected land in the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, stroll through the Camí de Cavalls, a 115-mile trail hugging the coastline, and enjoy an island that was anointed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993.

But what to do with all this beauty? Here are a few GayCities recommendations to round out your relaxing trip:

Stay

Christine Bedfor Hotel packs a wallop of charm into adjoining townhouses in the center of Mahón, Menorca’s capital. The 21 rooms are each uniquely designed and range from singles to suites. Since opening in 2020, the boutique hotel has been making the rounds on “best of” lists and with good reason. Impeccably designed, the maximalist decor blends rich colors and textures while feeling serene. The enclosed garden leads to a pool and pool bar for full-service relaxation. Meanwhile, the hotel’s restaurant is making its own splash on the island’s culinary scene, led by Pau Sintes, a European Young Chef Award recipient. 

Sunrise/Sunset

As the easternmost spot of Spain, Menorca sees the sunrise before any other place in the country. An early morning trip to Es Castell, a small town on the mouth of Mahón Harbor or Es Grau, a traditional fishing village on the eastern coast, is compulsory for a sunrise view. Given Menorca’s size–you can drive the length of the island in about 45 minutes–you can bookend your solar-themed day with an epic sunset at Cova d’en Xoroi on the southwestern tip. This private bar within a cliffside cave serves drinks and stunning sunsets accompanied by live music and DJ sets. Definitely buy tickets ahead of time, as she’s become quite the sunset hotspot. 

Sip

While wine-making has been a part of Menorcan culture for over 2,000 years, the island’s modern viniculture has only blossomed in the last few decades. Bodegas Binifadet was the first to evolve Menorca’s standing within Spanish wine. Their founders planted vines in 1982, which seems quite recent compared to other European regions but makes them pioneers in Menorca. Since officially opening the winery in 2004, Binifadet has produced the island’s first sparkling wine and orange wine. Their Tanca 12 Chardonnay was named the best wine from the Balearic Islands by the Peñin Guide in the first year of its release. Today, Bodegas Binifadet covers over 32 acres, including a restaurant, shop, and guided wine tours and tastings. 

See

When Hauser & Wirth, one of the world’s premier galleries, opened an art center in Menorca in 2021, they instantly launched the island onto the European art circuit. Hauser & Wirth repurposed 18th-century buildings surrounding a naval hospital on Illa del Rei, a small island in the center of Mahón Harbor. Today’s exhibition space includes eight galleries, an outdoor sculpture trail, landscaped gardens, and Cantina, a restaurant serving reimagined Menorcan cuisine al fresco under an olive tree forest. Every Spring brings new exhibits, just a short ferry ride from central Mahón.

Splash

Menorca has more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined, with each little cove offering a unique experience. Generally, the north coast has more rugged red clay beaches, while the south coast flaunts pristine white sand and calm seas. You can spend a month beach hopping, but if you’re short on time, prioritize Cala Pregonda in the north for a quiet escape and Cala Mitjana in the south for a lively day in crystal clear waters. Of course, the best way to explore the beaches is from the sea. Take a shared or private catamaran cruise with Libermare or charter a sailboat for the day with Es Veler.

Menorca is emerging as a popular slow travel alternative to the more visited Balearic Islands. She’s stunning and inspires a relaxed exploration of her many natural assets. The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is surrounded by more than a hundred individual beaches and coves. Lace up your hiking shoes, pack a beach bag, and chill without fighting hordes of tourists. 

Join the GayCities newsletter for weekly updates on the best LGBTQ+ destinations and events—nearby and around the world.