In this guide, we’re going to take you to the Balearics! Located on the east of Spain, the Balearics Islands are a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. These are one of the 17 autonomous regions of Spain. The four largest islands are Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca, and Formentera. But in this guide, we will focus on the islands of Ibiza and Menorca. If you’re interested in Mallorca, then don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide on Mallorca. We will tell you anything that these wonderful islands have to offer you when it comes to living there.
The official language is Catalan and Spanish. But as you can imagine, these wonderful islands Ibiza and Menorca attract people from everywhere in the world – so high chance you will find English speaking residents. Whether it is that you’re seeking a wonderful retirement destination or a fantastic place to live with your family: living in the Balearics means living your dream life. All the islands offer plenty of sunshine with hot and dry summers, and at least 8-10 hours of sunshine a day!
And not to forget mentioning the endless sandy beaches and a wide variety of countryside. With crystal-blue waters and majestic mountains, cliffs, and lots of unspoiled nature it is breathtaking.
First of all, who is Baerz & Co? We are the specialist when it comes to luxury real estate. And that’s what you need: a specialist. With our extensive network, we have in-depth knowledge of every local market, and we offer publicly invisible properties. This is because we do the necessary legwork, and make use of our wide network and proactive approach. All our properties are made of the best quality materials and are situated in the best positions possible to let you live your best life. If luxury living is your lifestyle, your goal, or your dream, we got you covered!
Furthermore, we have to offer more than a traditional real estate agent. This is because we can help you with everything you deal with when it comes to buying a property. Think about taxation, legal matters, financing advice, turn-key management in architecture, renovation, construction, interior design, landscaping and furnishing as well. On average, we save our clients more than 3 times our brokerage fee. So if you need more guidance from experts in luxury real estate, then it’s time you contact us. For now, let’s show you what living in the Balearics is about!
If we compare the Balearic Islands to the mainland of Spain, the cost of living is about 3 per cent more than the national average. It is known as the fourth most expensive region in Spain. Of all the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is the priciest of them. Still, it could be a strong choice for an investment. The demand for properties in Ibiza and Menorca has been very consistent over the years, and will probably only be on the rise.
When a lot of people think about Ibiza, they think of partying. But this is not truly what Ibiza is about. Ibiza is also a perfect destination for those who seek peace, and stunning, unspoiled nature. This is because Ibiza has lots of peaceful and picturesque spots. Especially on the south coast, you will find charming seaside villages. With lots of small mounts, hills, and cliffs you can get spectacular sea views and you will find the ideal spots to be one with nature. This is what makes Ibiza so interesting: you can go for a bustling nightlife, but you can also go for pure peace and relaxation. No matter if you want to come here to retire, or to live with your family: Ibiza can be a great destination for anyone!
Ibiza is the playground for watersport enthusiasts, as all of the main resort beaches have a watersport centre. You can do parasailing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, kayaking, paddling, and much more. Furthermore, you can go to one of the 17 diving schools in Ibiza to explore the world beneath the waves – including its magnificent drop-offs and caves. A drop off is a cliffside that plunges over 70 meters.
Moreover, there are 15 Blue Flag beaches in Ibiza! When beaches earned a Blue Flag, it means that they are clean, has excellent water quality, and have good facilities.
We have a wide range of properties for sale in Ibiza, so if you’re looking for the best quality homes you’ve come to the right place! Ibiza is less known for its number of fairy-tale and hidden coves. But let’s get you to know that you can find this in Ibiza as well as the amazing beaches and crystal clear seas. And not to forget all the cultural, gastronomic, and lively areas in Ibiza where world-class DJ’s come to play the best songs during the summer. There’s a high chance you can spot some celebrities at one of the famous hotspots.
Hidden in the central area of the Spanish island Ibiza, you find the friendly and cheerful village Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. It’s a small village, seen as the centre for those who love food. Why? Because it has so many excellent restaurants and shops with biological products. Therefore, it’s also the most culinary village in Ibiza. These fantastic restaurants are located in the charming village square and surround a lovely whitewashed church that comes from 1797. And what are a few things you can buy here? Well, think about delicious cheeses, tasty Spanish sausages, fresh fruit, and typical Ibiza fashion.
A lot of foreigners have made this little village their new home. And that’s why the cuisine is not only Spanish, but you will find lots of great foreign dishes on the menus of the restaurants. A great restaurant on the front of the church is Bar es Cantó. This is a terrace located in front of the church where you can enjoy your refreshment or food with good views of the church and the square Plaça d’Església.
Another bar is in one of the sidestreets of Plaça d’Església, named Bar Costa. It has been very popular among locals since it was opened and it’s still great to eat a sandwich. No matter where you go, at Plaça d’Església it’s great to watch the world go by!
Thanks to the influx of more foreigners, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera has developed at a rapid pace. In this beating heart of Ibiza, you can get anything that you want within the shops, bars, and many restaurants. Furthermore, it has nice little main square houses and there’s a statue of the first bishop of Ibiza named Manuel Abad y Lasierra. And because of its central place, Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera is an area you will most likely come to when you get to Ibiza, or when you live in the area. The agricultural landscape around it has goats, sheep, and the only dairy cows on the island!
Besides the great bars, restaurants, stores, and modern eateries, you can also find art galleries here. This will give you the chance to admire some good artwork. Within Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, you will be far away from the busier nightlife and find yourself in a spot where you can truly unwind and relax. And for children, there’s a nice playground in the centre of the village. It’s truly a village you must see in Ibiza, and easily accessible as it lies in the middle of Ibiza. You can easily park your car in the parking spots next to the street.
Just 5 minutes away from the village, you can find Es Jardins de Fruitera. This is a garden restaurant where you can eat traditional Ibizan cuisine. Furthermore, you can go to Banbuddha which is a restaurant surrounded by a tropical bamboo garden. This gives you an exotic experience! And what about a Japanese restaurant, with music, street art and fashion? Then head to the nearby Nagai.
We have wonderful properties for sale in San Gertrudis de Fruitera. Now, these are not necessarily located within the village, but you will be close to the village. This means you are close to the most culinary town in Ibiza. Isn’t this excellent? Let’s describe how it would look like to live close to this area. For example, you could be situated on a hill or on top of a mountain that overlooks the valley. At the same time, you’re 10 minutes away from Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera and San Juan. San Juan is known for its traditional and laid back vibe in the north of the island. From there, you can visit the beach Cala San Vicente where you go on a twisting and steep road through hills with pines.
There’s also a good chance you get yourself a property close to the Morna International College, which is a creative, progressive, and academic school that strives to retain the essence of Ibiza. Perfect for if you’re looking for a place to live with your children. Have a look at our freshest selections of properties in San Gertrudis de Fruitera. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. We’re happy to help!
A family-friendly destination in the north of Ibiza with a usually non-crowded beach is Talamanca. It has good beach facilities and the more you walk away from town, the quieter the beaches become. Talamanca is a beach area that’s 15 minutes away from Ibiza town. This can allow you to say when you have a property there, that you live at the beach of Ibiza town. The beach has great little places to eat, with lots of Balearic culinary favourites and cosmopolitan options. The waters at Talamanca beach are calm which makes it a child-friendly place to swim. What does the beach look like? Well, snow-white sand surrounded by pine-cloaked hills and the beach of Cap Martinet.
Ibiza town is the capital of Ibiza and also the largest city that has something for everyone. It consists of world-class restaurants, a wide selection of bars, a trendy marina named Botafoch, and a charming old town. It’s also the place to go for those looking for buzzing nightlife. During summer, the Pacha nightclub in Ibiza is home to world-famous DJs who come here to play their best songs. There’s a high chance you will spot quite a few celebrities during summer.
Besides the amazing nightclub, you can find history museums, art galleries, high-end fashion stores, shoe shops and more. The Marina Botafoch and Marina Ibiza are very delightful to the eye, as you will find the biggest floating pleasure palaces you have ever seen. These marinas are, of course, surrounded by excellent cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the surroundings.
Fun fact: even though Ibiza is the name of the Island in English and Spanish, the official name is Eivissa (in Catalan). This is also why some people call the capital of Ibiza Eivissa instead of Ibiza Town. Some inhabitants call it Vila d’Eivissa or simply Vila.
You can easily walk from the marina to the beach of Talamanca. It’s situated at the end of Marina Botafoch where you will find plenty of hotels. The best thing about living at Talamanca beach is that you will be close to the excellent and lively Ibiza town, and at the same time you will be at a quiet beach. Because the marinas are usually the parts where it gets busy (and of course, Ibiza town), especially at night. And for those who’d like to gamble, you can go to Casino de Ibiza.
And what about an unforgettable evening in the venue Heart, where you find live music, a variety of performances, and great gastronomy? Additionally, something you must do when you are in this area is to get yourself a boat. You can easily rent one at the Smart Charter in Ibiza Town, which is the biggest boat charter company. For a reliable price, you can go on a romantic sunset cruise or a fun day out with your friends or family. There are even boats that allow you to stay there overnight – many things are possible. Wouldn’t it be great to get amazing views of the island from the sea?
Now you know that Talamanca is a unique and wonderful location, that gives you the best of two worlds, why not have a look at a luxury property there? Because firstly, you will be located at a quiet and wonderful beach with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. You will have excellent views over the sea from your house. Secondly, you will live close to the capital of Ibiza which means unlimited access to world-class restaurants, the best nightlife and clubs that attract world-famous DJs and celebrities, and of course so much more to do and see. Have a look at our selection of properties in Talamanca and contact Baerz & Co for more help.
On the east coast of Ibiza, you find Santa Eularia des Riu. What kind of village is this? It’s one of the bigger areas and municipalities in Ibiza as it has more than 30.000 residents. At the village Santa Eularia des Riu, you will find a charming promenade that’s car-free, with plenty of restaurants, shops, bars, and wonderful beaches. Passeig de s’Alamera forms the heart of the city and runs from the beach towards the lovely town hall. This town hall is one of the few authentic buildings that date from 1795. It still has the architectural style that’s typical from the 18th century in the Ibiza area. At the central part of the square, you can find all kinds of stalls that sell handmade items during the day. Very interesting to have a look at and admire the works of people.
Santa Eularia des Riu is not the destination to go to or to look for a property if you’re looking for a bustling nightlife as what you can find in Ibiza town. Santa Eularia des Riu is ideal for families or retirees who seek a village that offers everything they need without the crowded and lively aspect of Ibiza Town. Most of the beaches in Santa Eularia des Riu are fine, sandy beaches. These beaches are great for families as they have a rather sheltered location. Furthermore, there are great facilities available such as sunbeds, showers, umbrellas, and more.
As said before, this place is ideal for families and retirees. You can see and do a lot in this area, and the beaches are excellent. For bustling nightlife, you can drive towards Ibiza Town that’s only about 20 minutes away. So, if this place doesn’t have bustling nightlife, what else does it have to offer? Well, besides the beautiful fine and sandy beaches it has lots of charming villages in the area and stunning extensive nature. Santa Eularia des Riu is also known as the cultural centre of Ibiza, but also the gastronomic centre of Ibiza.
You can find a historical monument named Puig de Missa, which is a church from the 16th century with an old cemetery and typical whitewashed buildings. As it’s located on a hill near the city of Santa Eulalia, you will also be rewarded with wonderful views of the area. Furthermore, there are many authentic villages with beautiful churches, such as Sant Carles, Jesús, and Santa Gertrudis. And for those who love to go shopping: opportunities are endless in Santa Eularia des Riu. You can find many designer shops, boutiques, and great restaurants spread throughout the whole centre, the marina, and the promenade.
Did you know that Santa Eularia des Riu is also home to famous hippy markets? At the Sant Carles market and the Es Canar market, you can find cheerful bags, artisan jewellery, beautiful clothes and much more. And even though the nightlife is less important in this area, you can still have a great and relaxing night out at one of the bars in the city. Think about having a cocktail with live music, or a cocktail bar on a roof terrace. This roof terrace bar is found at the five-star Hotel Aguas De Ibiza, by the way. It comes with stunning views as well.
And what about watersports? As common with all coastal towns in Ibiza, you can do various watersports such as skiing, diving, and using a pedal boat. And of course, you will always have the great activities of swimming and snorkelling in these beautiful blue crystal-clear waters. There are two main beaches in Santa Eularia des Riu, named Cala Es Mariners, and Santa Eulalia playa. Both are very suitable for children as the water is calm and shallow. Santa Eulalia beach has a diving school and is great for watersport lovers, and Cala Es Mariners also has a few watersports possibilities. Both beaches are close to somewhere where you can grab something nice to drink or eat.
Furthermore, we absolutely can’t forget saying that Santa Eularia des Riu is the only place in Ibiza where you can play golf. And this is what makes Santa Eularia des Riu truly unique. This golf club is named Club de Golf Ibiza, and you can find it on the road from Santa Eulalia to Cala Llonga beach. It has two golf courses, one with 18 holes and another one, which is the older one, with 9 holes. No matter how hard you want to be challenged, both beginners and experts can enjoy this! It’s a very nice course with lots of elevation so we recommend getting a buggy: this is not an unnecessary luxury. There’s even a nice kitchen there with friendly staff.
So, are you interested in living in Ibiza, and you want to live in a family-friendly destination that has everything to offer you – away from the busy nightlife of Ibiza town? The Santa Eularia des Riu is the place to look for a property. You will be close to the finest sandy beaches, extensive nature, the only golf course on the island, interesting cultural sights, and excellent restaurants. Remember: Santa Eularia des Riu was known as the gastronomic and cultural centre of Ibiza. As you know, Santa Eularia des Riu is a municipality. Our properties are spread throughout this whole area.
No matter if you want to be a few minutes away from the beaches such as Talamanca and Cala Olivera, or 15 minutes away from Ibiza Town and the airport: anything is possible! Have a look at our selection of homes in Santa Eularia des Riu – a destination that will fulfil your dream.
A stunning exclusive area, that’s what Es Cubells is about. You can find it in the southwest of Ibiza and it’s filled with spectacular landscapes and a unique history. The little village is located between Cala D’Hort and Vista Alegre, with a view of the exclusive district of Porroig. The question is here, is Es Cubells a village? Because it’s so small, you won’t believe that it has its name. Even though there’s not much to do within the area, Es Cubells is highly favoured among property buyers. And this is because the views over the sea are just magnificent. Furthermore, you will be in a rustic environment and still close to beach clubs.
From Cubells, you can easily find yourself at the beach of Cala Jondal. And even more, beaches are reachable within a 10-minute drive. Moreover, this is the part of the island where you can find attractive and popular beach bars. Once you own a property in Es Cubells, it will never really be crowded here. Es Cubells is so small that it only has a few things such as a restaurant and a church, not much more. But what you get here is the amazing views, the peace, proximity to the beach, and close interesting areas nearby such as Ibiza Town. Es Cubells is only 17,1km away from Ibiza Town, and 13km from Ibiza Airport.
If Es Cubells doesn’t have much to offer, then what does it looks like? Because this is what makes the area interesting – besides the benefit of being a tranquil and non-crowded area, of course. As one of the smallest villages in Ibiza, it offers the most breathtaking panoramic views and the most admirable and impressive frankness. Let us describe what it looks like. So, the village is formed by the white Ibicencan church that’s located on the edge of a cliff. Furthermore, the square of Es Cubells has a small grocery store, a small children’s park, a modest cultural centre, and two local authentic bars. From Es Cubells, you can get views on the south coast of Ibiza, including the smallest Balearic island Formentera and Cap Llentrisca!
Let’s zoom in a little bit on Cap Llentrisca and its beach named Cala Llentrisca. Cap Llentrisca separates the south coast from Ibiza from the west coast. And what’s most interesting, is that its bay is a small emerald green cove surrounded by amazing scenery. The beach Cala Llentrisca is also called a virgin beach as it’s still untouched. For those who seek the purest beach, this is a place to go. Don’t expect any restaurants or bars here because it’s just complete nature. You can spend your whole day here if you bring your food and drinks, of course.
Cala Llentrisca is seen as the most isolated bay on the island. It’s not well-known among tourists and is therefore rarely visited. It’s a true gem and a secret hidden spot that offers you panoramic views of the turquoise waters, and also a spectacular route along the coast. A must-visit for nature lovers and those who want to be in one of the most peaceful spots of the island!
You can put it this way: when you live in Es Cubells, you will live in a privileged area with the most magnificent views. As there’s not much to do within the village itself, it will be very tranquil and peaceful. But at the same time, you can participate in the bustling nightlife if you want to in a nearby area, or visit some of the attractive and popular beaches and beach bars. Es Cubells is one of the leading areas when it comes to real estate and luxury villas.
And as you can imagine, a property in Es Cubells means having a property with excellent sea views. Views you probably never want to change for anything else. Views that will never bore you. Simply views that are the best of the best and make you feel like you live in one of the paradises in the world. Why not have a look at our range of properties in Es Cubells?
Now we arrived at the biggest municipality of the Island of Ibiza: Sant Josep de sa Talaia with almost 24.000 residents. It’s only 15km away from the capital of Ibiza named Ibiza Town. The area is named after the Sant Josep mountain, which is the highest mountain of Ibiza with 475 meters. You can climb this mountain to get even more incredible views of this municipality as well as a big part of Ibiza, and the coast of the smallest island Formentera. Furthermore, Sant Josep de sa Talaia has an 80km long coastline where you can also get beautiful views of its neighbouring island when the weather is clear.
Because it has such a long coastline, this also makes it the area in Ibiza with the highest amounts of bays and beaches. These beaches are of excellent quality, which means they are clean, have good facilities, and consist of the finest sand. Therefore it’s not surprising that this area in Ibiza attracts thousands of tourists every year to embrace some of the best beaches and the unspoiled nature. To name a few: Cala Comte, Cala Bassa, and Cala Vedella. These beaches have crystal clear waters surrounded by pine forests. Besides, the area has beautiful bays and remote fishing creeks that all kept their authentic character.
The municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia consists of 5 picturesque towns named Es Cubells (which we described before), Sant Francesc de s’Estany, Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Sant Agustí des Vedrà, and of course: Sant Josep de sa Talaia itself.
Why the 80km long coastline of Sant Josep de sa Talaia is so special, is because there are surrounding small islands of Ibiza such as Sa Conillera, S’Espartà, and Ses Bledes. These are unspoiled treasures in the sea – a beautiful experience to look at these from the coast. The coastline is also known for its rugged cliffs which give it a very authentic and unspoiled character. When you get close to the Ses Salines Natural Park you will find an unspoiled nature reserve of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell. This nature reserve forms one whole with the surrounding islet Isolotes Poniente at the western tip of the island.
What’s a great experience, is to take a boat from Ibiza town or San Antonio and go to the uninhabited island of Es Vedrà, for example. You can also go on a snorkelling excursion or a jest-ski tour there from one of the water sports centres around the island. You can climb ashore and find wonderful wildlife, including lizards, falcons, and goats. It will almost feel like you’re in an otherworldly place, as it’s a rugged island with a monolithic slab of sheer limestone jutting out at 413 meters!
Both nature lovers and cultural fans can find treasures in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. For example, take the archaeological remains in Cala d’Hort which is located only 10 km away from Sant Josep de sa Talaia. These are remains of a Phoenician settlement of an inlet named Sa Caleta on the southwest coast. These remains date back to the 7th century BC! You can understand why it was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. But there are even more remains you can find, such as ruins from the Punic-Roman settlement of Ses Païses.
All the towns and areas within Sant Josep de sa Talaia have their unique attractions. You can visit impressive medieval churches that date back from the period between the 16th and the 18th century, or visit the folkloric folk dance group named Bal Pagés. It’s very entertaining to watch this dance as well as the beautiful jewellery and costumes. You can also find multiple pirate watchtowers within the magical nature areas, such as Platges de Comte, d’En Rovira, and Carregador at Ses Salines.
One of the pirate towers that are a must-visit is the Es Savinar, which is built in the year 1763. From there, at a height of 200 meters, you can get a wonderful view of the entire coast of Ibiza – and even the mainland of Spain!
There’s a wide diversity of landscapes and things to do and see within Sant Josep de sa Talaia. Spread throughout the whole municipality we have only the best of the best properties for sale. No matter what you’re looking for, you will always be rewarded with magnificent sea views (and if you want to, from all rooms). For example, you can get a property in San Agustin which is a very small village located in the municipality of Sant Josep de la Talaia. You can also look for a villa that’s close to one of the best beaches such as the Cala Moli and the Cala Tarida beach. As always, our properties are made of the best quality materials possible and are situated in the best locations.
So, are you looking for a quiet residential area? Then Sant Josep de sa Talaia is also your perfect destination for a fantastic villa. View our newest range of properties in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, and contact us if you’d like to know more!
To can’t make our guide of Ibiza complete without giving you some more of the treasures in Ibiza. For those interested in the highest and oldest part of Ibiza Town, then you should visit Dalt Vila with remains from the 16th century. These are strong fortifications from the Renaissance, once built by Charles V. These fortifications played a huge role in defending the island from incoming pirates as well as sovereign forces. You can take a little tour to find out more about the seven bastions. A bastion, by the way, is a projecting part of a fortification built at an angle to the line of a wall, to allow defensive fire in several directions.
And what about some excellent water and party activities? Playa d’en Bossa is the main resort of Ibiza, located next to the longest beach on the island. You can hire paddle boats, jet skis, and find great food at all places around the beach. But beware, after it gets dark this place will transform into a party area. Space and Ushuaia are the largest club of Ibiza, found here. As these clubs continue all night long, there are even people who sleep off the night under a parasol. The low-tempo music wafts over the shore.
Another area where world-famous nightclubs and beaches come together is in San Antonia. This is the second largest town of Ibiza with a wonderful promenade and other interesting sights such as the Columbus egg monument. Furthermore, what about a trip to the northern tip of Ibiza, which is very wild and remote? It has farmland, a wonderful coastline with deep coves, and pine forests. An interesting trip is to walk the cliff-top trail from Portinatx to the lighthouse, which is the largest man-made structure of Ibiza.
Remember Formentera, which is the smallest island of the Balearics? On the south coast of Ibiza, you can catch a ferry to this island. Again, Formentera will be a completely new world as the appearance and atmosphere are different from other Mediterranean destinations. As the island is so small, you will never be more than a few hundred meters away from the coast and the wonderful sandy beaches. You can explore Formentera by bike, for example. But you can also stay at one of the tropical beaches that look like the beaches in the Caribbean, with sugar-white sand and turquoise waters.
The egg monument of San Antonia has an interesting story: Columbus bet that the Spanish nobles he was dining with couldn’t make the egg stand on its end. They couldn’t, and when Columbus did it he tapped it gently on the table, breaking it slightly. This allowed the egg to stand on its end. This let the nobles understand that once somebody had done a feat once, then everyone would know how to do it.
Now it’s time to shift our focus to Menorca, the second-largest island of the Balearics! Interesting is that even though Menorca is larger than Ibiza, it has a smaller population. To be concrete, there are about 100.000 residents here whereas Ibiza has over 140.000 residents! When we compare the complete island of Menorca to Ibiza, then Menorca is a lot less vibrant. Ibiza just has a few areas where you can find yourself in the best clubs with world-class DJs and places with celebrities. And as you know, at the same time Ibiza has peace, tranquillity, unspoiled nature, and everything we said before. It’s also the island to go to for pure relaxation – just like Menorca. You must remember that.
The standard of living in Menorca is extremely high. You can tell why, as it has excellent environmental conditions, protected natural areas, immense cultural heritage, and breathtaking locations. Menorca is divided into eight municipalities: Es Mercadal, Sant Lluís and Es Migjorn Gran, Maó, Ciutadella, Alaior, Es Castell, and Ferreries. Unlike the busy Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca is a very quiet and safe island. The locals are very welcoming and friendly. It’s an environment you would love to be surrounded with.
We can tell that mass tourism is still a strange concept in Menorca. For example, if you compare the capital of Menorca with the capital of Ibiza, it will be a lot less vibrant. This makes sense, as there are fewer things to do and it doesn’t attract those world-famous DJs. No matter when you’re looking for a wonderful vacation or a place to live permanently, Menorca is known as a quiet island that’s ideal for families. It’s not for nothing that it’s called ”buggy island” as well. This stands for the children’s buggies. Menorca offers dazzling beaches, beautiful coves, and treats for nature lovers thanks to the special fauna. There’s even a natural park with over 200 species of birds.
Travelling through Menorca is made very easy. Because did you know that there’s one main road, that’s 50 km long, that crosses the entire island? This makes it very easy to get around and discover all the areas of Menorca. Furthermore, you must get to know the road named Camí de Cavalls. This is a 185 km century-old road, that was first used by King Jaume II to get his knights with their horses along the coast, to protect it from incoming attacks. Camí de Cavalls comes from Camino de los Caballos, which stands for a horse path. This coastal path is divided into 20 stages of 15 to 20km each. Therefore, you can easily do one wonderful walk per day till you reached the end of the route.
What makes the Camí de Cavalls special, is that it’s very diverse, as you’ll cross rocky areas, green forests, cross gullies, and valleys. Furthermore, you will also enjoy the natural beauty of the sea, with its clear blue water, idyllic bays and sandy beaches. And not to forget these picturesque villages that you’ll discover. It’s great to get something to eat or drink there or to maybe stay overnight to prepare yourself for the next stage of your trip. Moreover, during this route, you will encounter watchtowers, lighthouses, and trenches.
Make sure you bring a towel and swimwear with you because then you can cool off during your trip in the blue waters where you enjoy the wonderful surroundings. For those who wonder if it’s easy to get lost: it’s not, as there will be signposts over the entire route. And on these wooden signs, there’s often the indicated mileage to the endpoint. And as you know, Menorca is a quiet island. This means that this hiking route is fairly quiet so you can truly enjoy the authentic villages and the unspoiled nature around you.
A particular feature of Menorca is that the beaches are distributed in two mean zones: the north zone and the south zone. Now, what exactly are the differences and does it matter when it comes to looking for a property? First of all, the north zone is known for its dark rocks and mountainous reliefs. The south area of Menorca has a more regular landscape with lighter rocks, lighter sand and more vegetation. When it comes to the difference in beaches, the beaches in the south are usually softer. The sand is lighter, and the beaches are more clear and bright. This makes the beaches in the south more popular, with more tourists and facilities – and they are easily accessible.
Contrary to the southern beaches, the northern beaches are more difficult to access. This is because these beaches lie in unspoiled areas and on a virgin coast. Additionally, there will be fewer facilities, fewer buildings, and fewer restaurants and bars. What’s interesting is the way the wind works in north vs south Menorca. When the north wind blows, the south is usually more calmed. But when there’s a southern wind, then the north is more calmed. For those who are interested in sailing or doing a boat trip, it could be interesting to check the wind of a particular day.
Menorca is rich in history and culture, and it has many beautiful sights in cities such as Mahón and Ciutadella, for example. The Cathedral of Menorca is one of them. As the largest religious building and the largest Gothic building on the island, it’s an absolute must-visit. It’s also hard to miss this cathedral as it towers above the city of Ciutadella. With its beautiful stained glass windows, it allows a wonderful image of the light that comes through. There is no shortage of fantastic spots to explore around Menorca. The main attraction will be the coastline, but you can also dive into history, and take part in interesting activities. Let’s dive in a little further at the best places to live in Menorca!
Mahón is the capital of Menorca which is a small and charming city. Together with Ciutadella de Menorca, it’s the only city of Menorca. You can find it in the most eastern part of Menorca. It’s a very old city that was founded during the 2nd century BC by Margo Barca, a brother of the famous Carthaginian Hannibal Barkas. With a large natural harbour and a historic city, it’s an absolute pleasure to walk around. The historic city centre consists of attractive architecture and a maze of narrow streets. As you stroll along you will be reminded of its Georgian past, and whilst you soak in the history you can easily get a nice refreshment or good food at some of the cafes and bars.
Furthermore, Mahón is excellent for shopping as there are multiple handmade Jewellery shops, and a myriad of stylish clothes boutiques. And to this day, Mahón still has an important regional function. Besides the large markets it hosts every day, you can find plenty of stores and public offices. And if you’d like to get to the beach, then you can visit Sa Mesquida which is about 10km north of Mahón.
In the western part of Menorca, you find Ciutadella. This is the most populated city on the island and the 2nd biggest city after Mahón. What makes it beautiful is that it has an elevated position above the lovely harbour. It could be one of the oldest cities on Menorca that has existed as early as the time of the Talaiotish period. Some sources say that it’s even the place where the first settlers in Menorca settled! The current beauty that Ciutadella has is thanks to the British domination, as the British governor had settled in Ciutadella during his domination. The main attraction is the cathedral of Ciutadella de Menorca, which dates to the 13th century and is built on the remains of an old mosque.
Ciutadella is one of the most popular places for those who want to spend a whole day of shopping. This is because the historic centre of the city is home to numerous unique stores, boutiques, with the best restaurants nearby in the town’s marina. Another big part of what makes Ciutadella unique is that it has the cosiest and most beautiful port in Menorca. Once it was used by fishermen to provide the city with fresh seafood and to boost the economy, but nowadays the harbour is used for the cruising industry.
The only boats you can find at this harbour are for recreational purposes – maybe there’s a fisherman that goes out for catching fish, but it’s not a working fishing port anymore. Interesting is that the whole harbour of Ciutadella could get underwater, as the waves become quite high occasionally. Compared to Mahón, Ciutadella is more popular because it’s close to the most beautiful beaches in Menorca.
In the north of Menorca, you’ll find Fornells. This is a charming fishing village with a quiet fishing port and a beautiful marina where you can spot stunning boats. It has a great atmosphere which makes it nice to stroll along. To this day, fishermen still go out to catch the freshest fish that you can taste in the restaurants throughout the village. Fornells’ most popular dish is called ‘caldereta de llagosta’, which is a delicious lobster stew.
The village itself has delightful whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, and a church. Furthermore, you can visit the Torre de Fornells in the north of the city to get fantastic views of the bay and the sea. And if you’d like to do watersports, then Fornells gives you this possibility as well. The bat is full of secret places, coves, and beaches including two beaches with white sand and crystal clear water.
If you’d like to get a more active experience, you could visit Cala’n Bosch. This is a seaside town in the southwest of Menorca. It has a lively centre with vibrant nightlife. But even if you don’t come here for the nightlife, this area has a lot to offer. Think about admiring these nice picturesque houses, the white sandy beaches, and the beautiful harbour. It’s possible to do watersports and participate in all kinds of excursions.
A great nearby attraction to go to – especially with your family, is Aquarock Parque Acuático. This is a waterpark with various water playgrounds and water slides. Furthermore, Cala’n Bosch is the perfect base to explore the west part of Menorca. Think about an ancient prehistoric settlement at Son Catlar, the lighthouse at Far d’Artrutx, or the lovely town of Ciutadella which we described earlier.
The real highlight of Menorca is Monte Toro. As the highest mountain on the entire island, with a height of 342 meters, it’s one of the best places for biking and hiking. From here, you’ll get a magnificent view of the entire island and if you like you can eat or drink something at the nice restaurant. You can reach the mountain both by car or on foot. Besides the breathtaking views, you can find a lovely church on top named Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Toro, built in the year 1670. Furthermore, you will find a statue of the Virgin Mary and when you get to the top there’s another statue. We recommend going inside the church as you will find plenty of art.
Menorca is full of beautiful bays, called Calas in Spanish. On the south of the island, there are bays with wonderful coves, named Cala en Turqueta, Cala Macarelleta, and Cala Galdana. These are located next to each other which makes it perfect to visit them all on the same day! Cala en Turqueta has a lovely beach with turquoise water and is surrounded by green trees and cliffs. Cala Macarelleta is a more hidden, little cove with a nice beach, a clear blue sea and green hills. Cala Galdana is the largest of the three where can you do various watersports. There, you will also find many nice stores, restaurants, and a town.
Besides, the south of Menorca is also where you’ll find the most beautiful coves named Cala Coves. These caves date back to the Bronze Age, which makes you able to find all kinds of dwellings and tombs. Exploring these coves is an excellent experience where you can go snorkelling, swimming, admire crabs, octopuses, and beautiful fish. One cove you can’t miss is named Cova des Coloms. This is a natural cove surrounded by green forests, rolling hills, and a lovely stream. The cave is 100 meters deep and 24 meters high! The entrance is spectacular too, which is 15 meters wide. The further you get into this cave, the darker it becomes so make sure you’re not afraid of darkness and bats.
If you can admire wonderful nature, why not visit the nature park named Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau? And a secret: it’s filled with a wide variety of amazing animals, and it’s even more beautiful when the flowers are blooming. The park is located on the east of the island, close to Es Grau and the capital of Menorca named Mahón. It has more than 200 different species of birds, including predators and other animals like land turtles. Moreover, the park is characterized by vast marshes, white sandy beaches, a jagged coastline and large lakes. It is a wonderful destination for hikers as it has several hiking trails.
If you want to know more about the bird species and the trails, you can visit the village of Es Grau and go to the visitor centre. And don’t forget to take a look at Cap de Favaritx. From there, you not only have amazing views of the Mediterranean sea but you can find a lovely lighthouse.
Do you want to get an insight into the life of thousands of years ago? In the south of Menorca, you’ll find Torre d’en Galmés. This is a great and quiet destination for those who are interested in History because it’s an archaeological site. Besides, it’s situated on a hill so you will also be rewarded with a spectacular view of the island. You can find lots of Talaiots which are stone structures found on both Menorca and Mallorca. Furthermore, you can admire the remains of the houses and learn all about the history when you visit the small visitor centre. The town itself has a long history, and sources say that it was founded in 1400 BC. It was inhabited by the Romans and Muslim refugees during the Middle Ages. There’s no shop nearby, so make sure to bring enough food and water with you.
Menorca is full of opportunities to choose properties. To every part of the island you’re heading to, you will find yourself on a true adventure. The properties are very diverse, as you can choose from luxury villas on the outskirts and newly built homes in the centre, for example. As with all our properties, we strive to find those hidden gems that are located in the best positions with proximity to anything you want. Think about living a few minutes away from the beaches and coves with their turquoise water, or living close to charming towns with an excellent atmosphere and all the shops and restaurants to fulfil your needs. Are you ready to live your best life? Then contact us or have a look at our high-end properties, only made of the best quality materials.
As we offer high-end luxury properties throughout the whole of Europe, why not have a look at our other guides? Maybe there’s another location that suits you even better. Because what matters most is that the properties match your aspirations and lifestyle, for now, and in the future.
Baerz & Co is the specialist you’re looking for when it comes to finding the best luxury homes. We even have properties for sale that you won’t find anywhere else on the market. With our extensive network and experts all across Europe, we have in-depth knowledge about every local market and we can help you with anything that comes with buying your next luxury home. We can do more for you than a traditional real estate agent.
Find out your next dream destination by our ultimate guides, compare them, and feel free to ask us for any help!
Would you like to receive our free newsletters from now on? Then register here:
Dutch 
German 
Spanish 
French 
Arabic 
Chinese 
Russian 
Talamanca
