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Idyllic Menorca

Honey-coloured coves, flower-filled meadows
 
By day, cycle self-guided, while your luggage is transported, through Menorca’s sleepy whitewashed villages, to dramatic cliffs, pristine coves, sandy beaches and fascinating Talayotic monuments, and then relax in charming hotels each evening.
Idyllic Menorca. 6 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Idyllic Menorca. 6 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A cycling holiday in Menorca

The least developed of the Balearic Islands, Menorca's rural interior of red sandstone rock, green rolling hills and pretty pastures gradually gives way to rocky coves, idyllic sandy beaches and fishing villages that line the coastline between the grand ports of Maó and Ciutadella. The landscapes are awash with prehistoric sites, medieval palaces and historic churches, making it a fascinating island to explore by bike or on which to relax by the sea.
Your two-centre holiday begins at the very heart of the island at the foot of Monte Toro, from where you discover both the rugged northern and softer southern coasts. Country lanes wind past fascinating archaeological remains, alongside ancient dry stone walls through pristine white villages to end at stunning cliffs and coves. You then cycle to the east coast where whitewashed houses and windmills give way to ancient forts and crumbling castles. You also have time to take in Ciutadella, the gracious Spanish port of the west, as well as the dramatic fortifications that once commanded the entrance of the eastern British capital of Maó.
 

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What we’re doing so you can book and travel with confidence >
Our flexible booking policies >
Check the destination entry requirements >
 
Gallery
 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.

    The best time for flowers is March, April and May, when there are also lots of butterflies.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 14 14 15 17 21 25 28 28 26 22 18 15
    mm 61 52 50 45 32 17 5 23 61 99 84 78
  • Arrival in Es Mercadal
    Night 1: at Es Mercadal (the first of three nights here).
    As your first night's accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of cycling.
  • Choice of routes from Es Mercadal: both 35km 

    Circular route via Cavalleria and Binimel-là: 35km
    This leisurely circuit is a wonderful introduction to Menorca's tranquil rural interior and attractive northern coast. The first section of the route leads you through rolling agricultural hills and pretty pastureland, before the scenery becomes increasingly rugged and remote as you approach the most northerly point of the island, the lighthouse at Cap de Cavalleria. Here, you'll find the beautiful natural beaches of Cavalleria and Binimel-là, and there is also the option to walk to the classic cove of Cala Pregonda (1.5km each way), a small beach of fine sand backed by pine forest.

    Circular route via Fornells: 35km
    This varied route gives a real taste of all that Menorca has to offer. You cycle initially through the island's central plains, before passing around its highest peak of Monte Toro and heading out to the northern coast. Your destination is the palm-fringed fishing village of Fornells, where you can visit the historic watchtower, enjoy a boat trip around the bay or simply relax over a lazy lunch of caldereta – the area's famous fish stew. You return to Es Mercadal along quiet, country roads through pretty pastureland.

    Visit Ciutadella 
    If you fancy a more leisurely day, there is the option to take a bus to the elegant, western port of Ciutadella. The centre of the city is compact and easy to get around – a place of cobbled narrow streets, Baroque and Gothic palaces and churches. It’s also a place to sit and soak up the atmosphere, especially on the harbour front, which is lined with fish restaurants.
    Ciutadella
    Circular route via Cavalleria and Binimel-là: 35km
    Circular route via Fornells: 35km
  • Es Mercadal to Alcaufar: 34km; longer option via Cap de Favàritx: 56km
    Today, you cross the island to reach easterly Alcaufar. Beginning on the Camí d’en Kane – a road named after the Irish-born soldier Sir Richard Kane who did much to improve the network of roads on the island – you then cycle along narrow undulating lanes which give a sense of quiet rural life on the island. As you approach Menorca's capital, Maó, the road winds around the port and marina with glimpses of the majestic monastery and old town above. You also pass several important Talayotic sites before reaching your second hotel, the elegant and luxurious Alcaufar Vell, where you spend the final three nights. If you prefer a longer day, there is the option of extending your ride out to the remote yet striking Cap de Favàritx.
    Es Mercadal to Alcaufar: 34km
    Maó, Menorca's capital
  • Choice of routes from Alcaufar Vell: 38km to 45km

    Circular route via Cales Coves: 45km
    This lovely route begins with a 4-kilometre detour to the unspoiled hamlet and cove of Alcaufar, though this visit could be made at another time during your stay if you prefer. It then takes you through the rambling, white village of Torret to the island's southern coast and the secluded Cales Coves – an ideal spot for a swim. There are more Talayotic sites to be visited on the way, and you may even spot a wild tortoise as you cycle along the lanes that skirt the airport runway.

    Circular route via the S'Albufera Natural Park: 39km
    This route leads you to the quiet north-eastern corner of the island; first to the protected natural park at S’Albufera, where you can cycle on the trails around the reserve, then on to Es Grau, a tiny fishing village set on a lovely inlet.

    Circular route via La Mola & Maó: 38km
    A final option explores the northern edge of Maó’s natural harbour before continuing through wild and rugged moorland to reach the impressive stone fortifications of La Mola. The return route again passes through Maó, giving you the opportunity to try one of the tempting harbourside restaurants in this charming town.
    Cales Coves on the circular route around Alcaufar
    Circular route via Cales Coves: 45km
    Circular route via the S'Albufera Natural Park: 39km
    Tiny fishing village of Es Grau
    Circular route via La Mola and Maó: 38km
 

Accommodation

You stay in two excellent hotels.
 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 6 nights: 03 April 2022 - 11 July 2022 & 01 September 2022 - 31 October 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    3 - 25 Apr 2022 £965 £365
    26 Apr - 10 May 2022 £1020 £405
    11 - 29 May 2022 £1145 £545
    30 May - 13 Jun 2022 £1220 £595
    14 - 28 Jun 2022 £1295 £675
    29 Jun - 5 Jul 2022 £1360 £745
    1 - 2 Sep 2022 £1360 £745
    3 - 11 Sep 2022 £1295 £675
    12 - 15 Sep 2022 £1220 £595
    16 - 28 Sep 2022 £1145 £545
    29 Sep - 25 Oct 2022 £1020 £405
    3rd & 4th person discount -£50
    Single traveller supplement £50

    Includes accommodation, meals, bike hire, luggage transfers and any other services integral to the holiday as described, plus cycling notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Electric bikes available: add £135 per person

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Hotel Es Mercadal, Es Mercadal
    Junior suite double (no twins): 03 Apr - 30 Jun 2022 £26
    Junior suite double (no twins): 01 Sep - 31 Oct 2022 £26
    Alcaufar Vell, Alcaufar, near Sant Lluis
    Junior suite: 03 Apr - 26 May 2022 £26
    Junior suite: 27 May - 21 Jun 2022 £32
    Junior suite: 22 Jun - 11 Jul 2022 £46
    Junior suite: 01 Sep - 16 Sep 2022 £46
    Junior suite: 17 Sep - 01 Oct 2022 £32
    Junior suite: 02 Oct - 31 Oct 2022 £26
    Junior suite with terrace: 03 Apr - 26 May 2022 £40
    Junior suite with terrace: 27 May - 21 Jun 2022 £55
    Junior suite with terrace: 22 Jun - 11 Jul 2022 £75
    Junior suite with terrace: 01 Sep - 16 Sep 2022 £75
    Junior suite with terrace: 17 Sep - 01 Oct 2022 £55
    Junior suite with terrace: 02 Oct - 31 Oct 2022 £40
    'Standard' with terrace: 03 Apr - 26 May 2022 £15
    'Standard' with terrace: 27 May - 21 Jun 2022 £20
    'Standard' with terrace: 22 Jun - 11 Jul 2022 £30
    'Standard' with terrace: 01 Sep - 16 Sep 2022 £30
    'Standard' with terrace: 17 Sep - 01 Oct 2022 £20
    'Standard' with terrace: 02 Oct - 31 Oct 2022 £15

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Prices include an extra day’s hire of a standard bike. If you are upgrading to an e-bike, add a further £25pp per day.
    Hotel Es Mercadal, Es Mercadal (B&B) Double room Single room
    03 Apr - 31 May 2022 £92 £152
    01 Jun - 30 Jun 2022 £112 £194
    01 Jul - 11 Jul 2022 £140 £245
    01 Sep - 11 Sep 2022 £140 £245
    12 Sep - 30 Sep 2022 £112 £194
    01 Oct - 31 Oct 2022 £92 £152
    Alcaufar Vell, Alcaufar, near Sant Lluis (with dinner) Double room Single room
    03 Apr - 30 Apr 2022 £164 £212
    01 May - 15 May 2022 £180 £242
    16 May - 18 Jun 2022 £222 £326
    19 Jun - 11 Jul 2022 £246 £368
    01 Sep - 05 Sep 2022 £246 £368
    06 Sep - 18 Sep 2022 £222 £326
    19 Sep - 03 Oct 2022 £180 £242
    04 Oct - 31 Oct 2022 £164 £212
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Maó (Mahon)
    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly via an airport not listed. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Bournemouth - Mahon (Menorca) TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Mahon (Menorca) easyJet,  jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Cardiff - Mahon (Menorca) TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Doncaster Sheffield - Mahon (Menorca) TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Nottingham East Midlands - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  Ryanair,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Exeter - Mahon (Menorca) TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Mahon (Menorca) easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Mahon (Menorca) British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Mahon (Menorca) easyJet,  TUI 
    Gatwick - Menorca British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Mahon (Menorca) British Airways 
    Heathrow - Mahon (Menorca) (via Madrid) Iberia 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Mahon (Menorca) easyJet,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Mahon (Menorca) jet2,  TUI 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Mahon (Menorca) TUI 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly via an airport not listed. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above except those operated by Ryanair. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Maó (Mahon)

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Maó (Mahon) airport to hotel (0h30) £40 flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Maó (Mahon) airport (0h15) £24 flexible
What is included
  • 6 nights
  • 3 dinners
    6 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • high-quality bicycle
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 6 reviews
  • Mrs E Seal
    Tonbridge
    03 May 2022

    Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday, the cycle routes were interesting and generally on quiet roads with no other traffic.

  • Anon
    23 April 2022

    A very interesting tour around Menorca staying in two very different locations. We enjoyed cycling through the countryside where there was an abundance of wild flowers by the roadside and having lunch on the beach or in a harbour cafe. Es Mercadal was a bustling small town and we enjoyed eating out each night in the local tapas bars. Hotel Alcaufar Vell was exceptionally good in a very quiet location and the restaurant served excellent food. Perhaps it was because it was still low season, but we didn't have a set menu as expected - we chose our meals from the à la carte menu each evening and they included a bottle of wine with the meal.

  • Mr J Oliver
    Tavistock
    05 April 2022

    This was an ideal spring break. Well located hotels and a good selection of routes with good travel notes. Faultless.

  • Anon
    05 October 2021

    The hotel Alcaufar Vell was the highlight of the holiday. The room, food and staff were all fantastic. 

  • Mr D Waller
    Melton Mowbray
    05 October 2019

    A very relaxed experience, in fact, the best we have had with Inntravel so far. Great choice of routes (and days off!). Excellent and well-placed hotels, I really cannot fault it and would do the same holiday over again. Up to your usual standard, thank you so much!

  • Janet and Darrell
    23 September 2019

    This was a fantastic way of exploring the beautiful and largely unspoilt island of Menorca, with so much history, remote coastlines and hidden coves. Accommodation was excellent, Hotel Es Mercadal in an excellent position close to several superb restaurants and tapas bars right in the centre of the island and Hotel Rural Alcaufar Vell an amazing place set within its own large estate, with an incredibly peaceful atmosphere, close to the south east coast. Wonderful Mediterranean food served by friendly professional staff. We were delighted with our room which had a lovely terrace to sit out on in the evening. Cycling was quite challenging at times as the bikes were heavier than we are used to which added to the work load when cycling up the hills, but the effort was always worthwhile. With the exception of the occasional dirt tracks, road surfaces usually excellent, and motorists generally very considerate. Swimming in the turquoise crystal clear sea and watching innumerable fish swim by with the help of a simple pair of goggles was incredible.  This was our first visit to Menorca, and we will definitely return!
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • If your holiday plans go awry because of Coronavirus, rest assured that we’ll do right by you. Since the start of the pandemic, our flexible booking policy and prompt issuing of refunds to customers who prefer not to defer their holiday have earned us high praise in the national press.
  • We sincerely hope that your holiday experience will be as enjoyable as it would have been before the pandemic – cycling holidays are ideal in these times of social distancing, and we’re not operating holidays if the key highlights can no longer be delivered – but, naturally, there will be some changes to ensure your and other people’s safety, not least proving your vaccination status or taking a test in order to travel.
    Your holiday experience: what to expect >
    Safety measures being taken by hoteliers & others >
    Entry requirements for non-UK destinations & for re-entering the UK >
  • Our chosen bike rental shop will provide you with a trekking bike with 21 gears (grip shift system); a waterproof map case on handlebars; panniers/saddlebags; pump; puncture repair kit; and a lock. Electric bikes are available as an upgrade (see price panel), subject to availability, and must be requested at the time of booking.
  • The cycle suppliers can only provide helmets if these are booked in advance (there is a local charge of around 10€ per helmet per week). As it is a legal obligation to wear helmets on public roads in Spain, we strongly recommend bringing your own.
  • Yes, we will provide GPX tracks for this holiday prior to departure so that you can follow your route on your smartphone or dedicated GPS device if you wish. (We also provide maps and our tried-and-tested route notes, which remain the principal means of navigation).
  • We’ll send you route notes and maps 2-3 weeks before your holiday. The route notes not only contain directions to get from hotel to hotel, but also include practical information about places of interest and eateries along each route, plus cultural information about the area. On mornings when you are moving between hotels, you leave your luggage in reception as you leave, and it will be transferred ahead to your next accommodation so that all you need to take with you are a camera, sun cream, drinks, food and waterproofs.
  • You are responsible for damage to or loss of the rental bike while it is hired to you. Always be careful to lock it up, ideally to an immovable object, and remove all easy-to-steal accessories whenever you leave it unattended.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines (but not, currently, with Ryanair). As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • Absolutely! We are experts in tailored rail travel. Making use of sleeper trains or stopovers in cities along the route, we can get you from London to virtually anywhere in mainland Europe. We can even make arrangements to Mallorca, Sicily and Norway with a combination of ferries and rail. Please contact Abi and Lizzie to discuss your plans.
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to take out a policy with our recommended provider (if you live outside the UK you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    We'll ask you for the details of your policy (insurer, policy number and medical emergency phone number) so that we can help out if the worst happens while you are on holiday. It's up to you, though, to check that your policy covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs; we don't check alternative policies.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Spain, but not a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • (Castilian) Spanish is one of several official languages; Catalan, Basque and Gallego have equal status in Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia, respectively. The currency is the Euro. Spanish time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.

    At Inntravel we work in close partnership with our hoteliers, taxi drivers and other local suppliers to provide our self-guided holidays directly to you. We are entirely confident that you will continue to receive the usual warm welcome from them, regardless of what is happening in the European political sphere.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
Last fetch time is : 5/23/2022 6:15:59 PM