A Menorca Adventure: Four Days of Cycling, Culture, and Cuisine

Curiosity

As we began planning our second Mallorca cycling trip, we thought it might be cool to check out neighboring Menorca as well. Our flight to Palma arrived too late to catch the last ferry to Ciutadella, Menorca’s primary port for ferry traffic from Mallorca. So we spent a comfortable night at the familiar Hotel Forum in Alcudia and enjoyed a simple but satisfying dinner at Osteria el Patio - their thin-crust pizza was exactly what we needed after travel. We were ready for the 8 AM ferry the next morning.

Ferry Tales and First Impressions

The ferry from Alcudia to Ciutadella proved simpler than anticipated. While we dutifully arrived 90 minutes early with our Mercedes T Class van (turned out to be ideal for traveling with two bikes), the locals casually rolled up just 30 minutes before departure. As Americans navigating Spanish ferry logistics for the first time, we may have added unnecessary stress to what turned out to be a straightforward and comfortable journey across the water to Ciutadella, before continuing on to Mahon.

Home Base: Jardi de ses Bruixes

Our Mahón accommodation, Jardi de ses Bruixes, exceeded expectations. The spacious room easily accommodated our two bikes (despite no formal bike storage), while the mini-split air conditioning and ceiling fan combination kept us comfortable throughout our stay. The reliable Wi-Fi and excellent shower with hot water and good pressure checked all the practical boxes.

The hotel's crown jewel was undoubtedly the garden breakfast area—a special space that set a peaceful tone for each day.

Located just a few blocks from Mahón's main commercial district yet remarkably quiet, the hotel struck the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. The reserved garage behind the hotel provided secure parking for our van.

Pedaling Through Paradise

Two cycling days revealed Menorca's gentle beauty. Our rides both headed north on excellent, quiet roads lined with characteristic stone walls—a cyclist's dream. The first adventure (33.5 miles, 1,955 feet elevation gain) took us slightly south around the airport before turning north. Though iffy weather thwarted our initial plan to reach Favaritx Lighthouse, we detoured to Cap Roig and discovered Bar Sa Mesquida for a memorable seaside lunch.

Day two's weather smiled on us, allowing the full journey to Favaritx Lighthouse in the Parc Natural de s'Alburfera des Grau before returning to Mahón for lunch (32.8 miles, 1,709 feet elevation gain). The peaceful roads and stunning coastal scenery made every pedal stroke worthwhile.

Cultural Immersion at Museum de Menorca

Between rides, we explored Menorca's rich history at the Museu de Menorca. The self-guided journey through two floors takes visitors from the island's first known inhabitants through modern times. We spent a fascinating 75 minutes discovering just how long humans have called this Mediterranean gem home—a perspective that added depth to every vista we encountered on our bikes.

Culinary Adventures

Menorca's dining scene delighted us nightly. El Rais, Ses Forquilles, and Trebol each offered their own charms, but Moritz & Srta C stole our hearts on our final evening. Just a two-minute walk from our hotel, this gem featured an owner whose amazing music playlist perfectly complemented his passion for the restaurant. The menu's unique offerings refreshed our palates after days of more traditional fare. Sometimes the best discoveries are the most serendipitous.

Lunch spots proved equally memorable. Vida Una-Vermuts, a small harbor-side dive, served up excellent pork tacos with cold beer. Bar Can Miquel offered perfect pizza and beer in a high-energy shopping corridor—ideal for people-watching on beautiful weather days. Even Pizza Al Vuelo satisfied our simple cravings when needed.

Reflections

As our return ferry pulled away from Ciutadella on May 8th (heading back to Alcudia), we carried with us the satisfaction of a trip well-planned yet full of happy surprises. Menorca revealed itself as an island that rewards the curious—whether you're pedaling its quiet roads, savoring its culinary creativity, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of Mediterranean island life.

The combination of comfortable accommodations, varied cycling terrain, rich history, and extraordinary food made this four-day adventure feel much longer in the best possible way. Sometimes the most memorable journeys are the ones that remind us that the world still holds plenty of beautiful, peaceful places waiting to be discovered.