Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Ciutadella - Alaior
100% customisable for you
Your island getaway in the Spanish Mediterranean starts today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy some down time in the airport lounge with some nibbles and refreshments as you await departure. Flight time to Menorca is two-and-a-half hours, enough time to get stuck into your holiday read or brush up on your Spanish before touchdown. On arrival, collect your rental car and drive 45 minutes to Ciutadella, a picturesque port city on the other side of the island. Your first hotel and home for the next three nights is an intimate and beautifully-designed property in the centre of town. Spend the rest of today settling into your new surroundings. We recommend turning to our coveted destination-specific Dossier, which is full of tried-and-tested recommendations of bars and restaurants. Take a stroll through the nearby area and find a spot for an aperitif to celebrate the start of your holiday.
It’s your first full day in Menorca and what better way to spend it than discovering your beautiful new surroundings in the company of a friendly local guide? After a delicious breakfast this morning, head into the heart of the old town of Ciutadella to discover the endless scenic and cultural delights on offer. This is a great opportunity to not only soak in the sights of the city, but also to learn a little more about daily life in Menorca. You’ll visit an eclectic mix of interesting sites, including the 14th-century Santa Maria cathedral, the Olivar house-museum and a bustling local market, which is overflowing with seasonal vegetables, fish and seafood. Round off this morning’s walk with a delicious lunch whipped up by a local chef. This afternoon is yours to play with. You can continue discovering the city at your own leisure, taking the time to admire the many grand palaces built by noble families here in the 17th and 18th centuries. And there’s the Ses Voltes shopping street, which is well worth checking out. If you’re ready to rest your legs, you could also head to one of the many beautiful beaches nearby for a refreshing dip and a spot of sunbathing.
For your last day in this part of the island, we recommend making use of your hire car (with its built-in GPS) to discover the breathtaking natural landscapes that extend beyond Ciutadella. The luscious Menorcan countryside is right on your doorstep and is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, as is the Naveta d'Es Tudons, an ancestral tomb in the shape of an overturned boat. And then there are the beaches, which vary from long sandy stretches backed by lush vegetation to tiny coves at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs. When you’re ready for a dose of culture of the gastronomic variety, head to one of the many traditional eateries in town to sample the much-adored local specialities of caldereta de langosta (lobster bouillabaisse) and charcuterie produced on the island.
Today you’ll be switching things up, swapping the bustle of the city for the calm of the countryside. After a hearty breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and drive half an hour to Alaior, in the interior of the island. Your next hotel and home for the remaining five nights is a traditional farmhouse surrounded by acres and acres of fragrant Mediterranean flora. The design of the place is bohemian and elegant, reflecting its rustic roots while providing contemporary comforts. The rest of today is yours to spend settling into your new environment. We recommend heading out for a stroll through the countryside before heading back to the hotel for a delicious evening meal based on local culinary traditions.
The next two days are all about slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Your hotel has a beautiful pool and spa, perfect for some serious relaxation. If you manage to peel yourself away from your countryside hideaway, then there is plenty to see in the surrounding area. The idyllic beach of Cala en Porter, with is turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, is just a few minutes’ drive away. There are also plenty of hiking trails winding though the wilderness that extends beyond the estate. When your inner culture buff is ready for some action, head to nearby Mahon for a spot of sightseeing. Here, you can visit one of the oldest Royal Naval Hospitals still standing, as well as the 19th-century fortress of Isabella II on the Mola peninsula. Our team could also arrange for you to discover the north coast of the island on a traditional boat.
Opt for a light breakfast today, as later you’ll be heading out to a traditional dairy farm to learn all about the production of local produce before sampling a selection of tasty cheeses. The farm you’re going to is particularly famous for its Queso Mahon, a soft-to-hard white cheese made from cows’ milk named after the port of the same name. After getting hands-on with the cheese-making process, round off your visit with a tasting of the different varieties produced on site.
Sadly the time has come to bid Menorca a warm farewell and embark on the journey home. After one last delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning, jump back into your hire car and head to the airport in Mahon. Drop off the car, whizz through security and take the opportunity to stock up on some local specialities before boarding your two-and-a-half hour flight back to the UK. If you’re not quite ready to leave the Spanish Mediterranean behind, then our team can arrange for you to extend your holiday with a few days in Mallorca.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
