Mellow, mysterious and magical, the easternmost of Spain’s Balearic Islands is the quieter counterpart to party-hard Ibiza and Mallorca. Just 30 miles long, Menorca offers delights for every kind of visitor. Foodies can sample the famous lobster stew. Nature-lovers can hike the Camí de Cavalls (the Path of Horses), which encircles the island. History buffs will be enthralled by the island’s Bronze Age monuments and medieval towns. And no one can resist the charms of Menorca’s secluded, sandy beaches.

Ready to go? First, read this five-minute guide to the very best things to do, see and eat in Menorca.

3 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Spain

People often wonder, “Do I need travel insurance for Spain? What could possibly go wrong on an island as relaxed as Menorca?” The answers: Yes, and lots! Here’s why you should insure your trip.

1. Travel insurance can protect your vacation investment. Menorca, while less expensive than its neighbors Ibiza and Mallorca, isn’t exactly a budget destination. Safeguard the money you spend by purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits, which can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.
2. Emergency medical benefits are crucial. The U.S. Embassy in Spain urges American travelers to buy insurance. Medicare does not provide coverage in other countries, and Spanish hospitals will expect you to pay for any treatment you receive.¹ Travel insurance with emergency medical benefits can protect your finances and ensure you get good care.
3. A medical evacuation can wreck your finances. American citizens in Spain sometimes ask the U.S. Embassy for help arranging a medical evacuation to the United States. The U.S. government will not cover the cost — which can be up to $100,000.² Fortunately, travel insurance with emergency medical transportation benefits can cover the cost of a medically necessary evacuation, should a covered illness or injury occur during your trip and the local medical facilities are unable to provide appropriate medical treatment.

What’s the best travel insurance plan for Spain? Our most popular plan is OneTrip Prime, which includes a wide spectrum of benefits and also covers kids 17 and under for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). To find the best plan for you, get a quote!

3 of the Best Things to Do in Menorca

1. Find your favorite beach. Menorca is justly famous for its lovely beaches, with shimmering blue water and sheltering cliffs. Some have bathrooms and parking lots, while others are so remote you’ll need a boat, or some good hiking boots, to get there.
2. Wander through the centuries. In the old capital of Ciutadella de Menorca, you’ll find medieval churches, palaces and winding streets. To go further back in time, visit the Naveta des Tudons prehistoric burial site, or any of Menorca’s other Bronze Age ruins.
3. Photograph a postcard-perfect village. The all-white town of Binibequer Vell was built in the 1960s and ‘70s to mimic a classic Mediterranean fishing town. While it may not be authentic, it’s still delightful to explore its labyrinth of passageways and then cool down with a cold drink at the Bucaneros Binibequer beach bar.

3 Boutique Hotels in Menorca

Budget travelers adore Pardela Menorca, a crisp yet affordable hotel in Es Castell, the easternmost town in Menorca. There’s no front desk; just enter your code and relax in your spacious, white-and-blue room. The Cales Fonts harbor area is just steps away.

For something a little more luxe, try the new Menorca Experimental, a luxury hotel in a restored 19^th-century finca. Nine private villas, each with a soaking pool, and 43 breezy rooms invite guests to slip into a serene state of mind. Spend the morning hiking, horseback riding, or walking to a secluded beach.

Conde Nast Traveler calls Casa Telmo “obscenely creative” and “delightfully kitsch,” with vintage decorations and funky art in its five guestrooms.³ Perks include Spanish linens, Marshall speakers and free Netflix for post-beach chilling.

3 of the Best Places to Eat in Menorca

Menorca’s signature dish is lobster stew, or caldereta de llagosta. Made by boiling lobster shells, fish bones, saffron and pepper “and who knows what else for days until it turns into an intense, briny broth,” as Travel+Leisure describes it, it’s served with chunks of lobster still in the shell.⁴ El Cranc is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Menorca for lobster stew, but it can be tough to get a table.

Cuk-Cuk, in Ciutadella, is more than a restaurant — it’s a cooking school. Learn how to make a classic caldereta or paella as you sip a glass of Menorcan wine. Then, savor your creation as you relax in the courtyard garden. Cocktail and charcuterie workshops are also available.

For the freshest seafood in Menorca, head to Can Bernat des Grau. While the outside is unassuming, inside you’ll find warm hospitality and outstanding authentic cuisine. The restaurant has its own fishing boat, so the menu changes daily, but the fish stew is always a standout.

Wherever your next adventure takes you, be sure to bring the protection of travel insurance along with you. See your plan options for trips both international and domestic.

What Do I Need to Travel to Menorca?

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