Menorca is a very family orientated picturesque island which has spectacular silver sanded beaches, gently curving bay leaves and rocky inlets with pine tree settings. There is lots to see and do with the children although it is quieter and more family focused than many of the other Baleric Islands for a great family holiday. There is a wide choice of good family accommodation set in beautiful scenery.
Menorca has beach resorts for all of the family and there are over 100 beaches to choose from. Some are quite crowded and many have shallow waters and gently sloping sands which are ideal for children. In the north you are likely to find quieter more picturesque beaches some accessible only by boat.
If you are travelling with teenagers you should be aware that the night life is very quiet and they may prefer to stay closer Cala en Porter. It is quite a small island and is probably best suited for in one week family break.
When and how
The bigger resorts can be busy and hot in high summer and if it is possible to travel out of high season you should try to do that. May and September are good options.
There are several flights options from most Irish and UK airports with options ranging from the budget airlines through to scheduled flights and tour operator packages. You can book flights here. Companies that feature this destination include Directholidays.ie and Panorama.
If you have booked with a tour operator your holiday is likely to include transfers to and from your accommodation. Even if it does we would recommend you rent a car so that you can explore the numerous beaches and the beautiful mountains. The island is very manageable and you can explore the island. Book car hire here for the best deals and special offers for you for your car hire here.
Family friendly accommodation
Menorca has lots of family friendly accommodation ranging from apartments to hotels and luxury villas with private pools. You can book accommodation here with booking.com.
If you would like to book an independent holiday the Insotel Club Punta Prima is only 300m from the quiet Punta Prima beach. Families can stay in spacious suites set within attractive gardens which accommodate two adults and two children. There is a playground and supervised games activity programme and a baby club for children aged between two and three years of age. On request the hotel can provide bottle warmers, babysitting, pushchairs, baby phones nappy bins and high chairs. There is a mini club for children between four and six, a maxi club for children between seven and twelve and a teenager club for children aged between thirteen and sixteen. The hotel facilities include a wellness centre with an indoor pool, outdoor pools, sports facilities and sun terraces.You can book special offers and deals for this hotel here with booking.com.
You should also consider the Hotel Club Sur which was voted one of the top ten family beach resorts by Trip Advisor in 2007. This hotel is situated in Cala Biniancolla 200 metres from the sea front. There are double rooms and 2-bedroom apartments available in the complex and the option of half board stay. Additional family friendly facilities include sports facilities, two swimming pools (one for children) and a children’s play area. You can book special offers and deals here with booking.com.
Visitmenorca.com is the official website for ASHOME, the Menorca Hotel Association, which offers lodging on the island of Menorca in 1-4 star Hotels, Apartments and Villas. All locations strive to offer the best service and hospitality on Menorca across a massive range of 268 hotels from 12 companies, which are all conveniently bookable from one website.Hotels on offer cover all areas of the island of Menorca including: Alaior, Ciutadella, es Castell, es Mercadal, es Migjorn Gran, Ferreries, Mao and Sant IIuis.
If you would prefer a package deal with a tour operator you could consider the Club Hotel Almirante Farragut or the Floramar Aparthotel featured by Panorama or the Blanc Palace Apartments featured by Directholidays.ie.
Given that you are considering Menorca one of the most tranquil islands in the Mediterranean you may prefer to choose a self-catering villa. If you prefer to rent a family villa and Meon Villas have a number of family friendly villas in great locations many of which have private pools and good access to beaches. If you have a baby or a toddler you might like to consider having your supplies such as nappies sent to your destination by tinytotsaway.
What to do and see with the kids
If you are looking for family friendly things to do and see in Menorca have a look at the experiences offered by isango before you go and book online. This helps you plan and saves you time and hassle on holidays. They include boat trips, waterpark trips and sightseeing tours to explore the tranquil island of Menorca.
Top tips for family activities
The beaches are superb although some can be crowded and others deserted gems which are only accessible by boat or on foot. Explore many of the island’s beaches as possible. Cala en Turqueta and Cala Santa Galdana are both good options.
The Los Delfines Aqua Park in Ciutadella is a great water park to cool off in.
Aqua Rock is another water park. Splash in the swimming pool and enjoy the artificial waves or simply relax in a jacuzzi. You and your family can have loads of fun trying out the exciting rides, trampolines and various water activities.
An amalgamation of blue, white and ochre, the quaint fishing village of Fornells has sparkling blue waters, occasional village houses and white sails dotting the water. Traditional Menorcan fishing crafts can be seen moored in the little harbour and ancient village houses and you can sample the catch of the day.
For older children who might like some retail therapy you could shop in Mahon, the capital of Menorca and explore its local market. Shop for local souvenirs like jewellery, clothes and artwork from an array of boutiques that line the street.
Take a catamaran cruise from Port of Mahon in Menorca and enjoy the underwater life from the glass bottom panels. Take a dip in the aqua-blue waters of the Mediterranean or simply stretch on the sun deck. Do check safety issues with younger children.
Explore the dunes, wetlands, scrub and Roman ruins of S'Albufera des Grau an 8km-long coastal nature reserve. Stroll in the pine woods lining the lagoon and spot migrating cormorants, in addition to one hundred other bird species. You can also learn all about the different habitats at the visitor centre.
Wander among the well-preserved monuments of Torre d’en Gaumes to the west of the island the Balearics’ biggest prehistoric settlement.
You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday.
Sign up for our free newsletter to be kept updated with all of the latest special offers for family holidays and family travel news. Remember to enter our fantastic competitions which have super prizes and best of all are free.