Weekend art (& more) guide to Menorca
Travel diaries: art, culture, food, shopping, cute spots
I love to read as well as share a good ‘travel’ guide. I say travel in air quotes because I don’t mean the travel guide everyone knows - mass tourism and main sights. For me, it’s about art, culture, food, cute or interesting spots that ideally no one knows about (or at least very few people). Some time ago, I wrote a Buenos Aires guide and also something similar for London. These guides are something I would like to focus on more - a big update is coming soon.
A couple of weeks ago, I got to spend three days on the beautiful island of Menorca. I know Menorca’s big sister, Mallorca, by heart ( that guide is still in the making because there is a LOT), but I’ve been only twice to this island and I can say it’s also very much worth visiting. The vibe is completely different from the other Balearic Islands; it’s way more rural, chilled, and family-oriented, and what I love the most is that it’s not overcrowded.
My big fat Mallorca guide is coming, but before I have time to put it all together, let’s do a little detour to Menorca.
*You won’t find beach recommendations here because we didn’t have time to explore that.
🎨Art
Hauser & Wirth - Isla del Rey
Hauser & Wirth Menorca sits on Isla del Rey, a small island in Mahón’s harbor, steeped in history. Once home to an 18th-century British naval hospital, it has been lovingly restored into a sanctuary for contemporary art. The gallery flows through former medical outbuildings, now bathed in light, surrounded by wild gardens designed by Piet Oudolf.
You can also enjoy meals under an olive tree canopy in the Cantina.
Other galleries :
*The following galleries I didn’t visit this time, but I know them from before, and they are worth checking out if you have time.
Galeria Cayon - Mahon ( also come for the architecture too)
Cohle Gallery - Mahon
🍇🍅Gifs of the island
What is impressive about Menorca’s newest restaurants is that they offer local products, usually from their farm, and turn them into amazing food creations.
Toralbenc - is a hotel with its own vineyard and a Michelin guide restaurant. Tomato salad, prawns with una cope de vino is a must.
Son Blanc Farmhouse - This is truly a culinary experience made of creations from local products. For more than 4 people, there is a set menu you get served without choosing, and it takes about 3 hours.
Nonna Bazar - a viby charismatic dinner & music venue that looks more like a Mexican hacienda. I loved the cocktail menu.
Nonna Beach - Nonna Bazar’s beach sister. Well, it’s not really on the beach but nearby, so it’s perfect to stop by for a quick lunch after swimming. Get the chicken, it’s so juicy.
🛍️Little strolling and shopping
Cuitadella - a charming town with a fish market, local bakeries, and cute boutiques.
My favs were:
Villa Soleil and Rouxa
Mahon - perhaps less charming to tourists than Cuitadella, but I still very much enjoy the streets of Mahon. There is a wonderful little history museum, Museum de Menorca, and a Theatre Principal.
And more cute shops like:
Es More and Casa M
