Car Hire Menorca

If you’re arriving by air, Menorca Airport is situated just a few kilometres south-west of the capital Mahón via the ME-12. The island’s other city, Ciutadella, is less than an hour’s drive away on the west coast, accessible via the ME-1. This is the main road on the island and runs all the way from east to west.

Menorca is just 60km across and 20km from north to south, making it easy to get around by car. Use the ME-1 to reach Monte Toro, the highest spot on the island, about half an hour’s drive from Mahón.

Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau nature reserve is less than 10km and about 15 minutes from the capital via the ME-5, while the idyllic harbour town of Fornells, on the northern tip of the island, is around half an hour away along the ME-7. 

Driving is on the right, with overtaking on the left. There are no motorways on Menorca and very few dual carriageways, but the road network is well-maintained and easy to navigate. Unless otherwise signposted, the speed limit in most towns is 50km/h, generally rising to 90km/h outside urban areas, but always keep an eye on signs for the route that you are on

Like other parts of Spain, paid parking spaces in Menorca are indicated by blue lines. You’ll need to buy a ticket from one of the machines, and some spaces have a time limit of two hours. White lines indicate parking is free and yellow means parking is prohibited.

As well as on-street parking, you’ll find plenty of car parks where you can leave your hire car to explore on foot. There’s a large underground car park in Mahón at the Plaza de la Explanada, while Ciutadella has parking available at the Passeig de Sant Nicolou and Placa Quintana del Mar. 

Menorca’s northern coast is wild, rugged and characterful, while the south is home to gentle sandy shores and sun-soaked resorts.

With a hire car you can explore both sides of the island, and take a trip inland to see its other natural wonders.

The sunny south and rugged north 

Menorca’s southern coast boasts bustling resorts with stylish hotels, trendy restaurants and excellent water sports facilities.

Cala Galdana is an excellent family-friendly beach, with clean sand, calm waters and plenty of sunbeds.

Other great options include Cala Turqueta, a small cove ideal for snorkelling, and the beaches of Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta. Here you can park up and enjoy a scenic forest walk down to the beach – just make sure you bring your own supplies, as there are no shops or restaurants nearby.

Stunning natural landscapes line Menorca’s north coast, meanwhile, and with a hire car you’ll be well-placed to uncover the best beaches off the beaten track. Head for Sa Mesquida, just a 15-minute drive or so north of Mahón, and you’ll find a wide stretch of sand and pleasant warm waters you won’t be able to resist swimming in.

Other popular beaches along the north coast include Cala Cavalleria and Cala del Pilar, both distinctive for their fine, red sand. Once you’ve parked your car, enjoy the spectacular surrounding natural landscape as you walk down to the ocean front.

Into the wild

On the east coast of the island lies Parc Natural de s'Albufera des Grau, home to Cala Tortuga beach and a haven for wildlife.

This is the heart of Menorca’s protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it boasts varied, stunning landscapes ranging from forests to wetlands.

Head for the visitor centre to learn about the wildlife before you hit the walking trails. There are ospreys, flamingos, red kites and even wild tortoises living in the park. Autumn and winter are the best times for wildlife spotting, though the beautiful scenery makes this a great day out any time of year.

City culture

Menorca’s two cities lie at opposite ends of the island, but with only 45 kilometres and around a 45-minute drive between them, they’re both in easy reach with a hire car.

The capital, Mahón, is home to one of the largest natural harbours in the world, packed with boutique shops, cafes and restaurants in which to relax with a delicious plateful of seafood while enjoying the views.

Take a guided boat tour to learn all about the city and the wider history of Menorca – many even have glass floors so you can see the colourful marine life below. Another highlight of any trip to the city is La Mola, a well-preserved 19^th-century military fortress that stands on a peninsula at the mouth of the port. 

The island’s other big city is Ciutadella, home to beautiful Baroque and Gothic buildings and open-air markets where you can browse for handmade jewellery and crafts. It’s also just a 15-minute drive from Cala’n Blanes beach.

Hire a car in Menorca to explore all this and more, and enjoy a spectacular stay.