Cheap holiday Menorca

When is the best time to go?

Late April to late September is Menorca at its best: from May to October the sea is swimmable and the calas turquoise. July and August are warm (28 to 30 degrees) but also the busiest and most expensive, with Spanish and Italian holidaymakers. May, June and September are the smartest months: warm water, softer prices and empty beaches. In September the sea stays warm while the crowds thin out after the school holidays. Off-season, from November to March, the island is quiet and many beach bars close.

The best places in Menorca

• Mahon (Mao) The capital on one of the largest natural harbours in the world, home to the Xoriguer gin distillery and most flight connections.
• Ciutadella The prettiest town on the island: a 13th-century cathedral, Gothic palazzi and atmospheric courtyards, ideal as a base for the south-west coast.
• Cala Galdana A horseshoe bay on the south coast, the perfect base to walk to Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana on foot.
• Fornells A quiet fishing village on the north coast, famous for caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew).
• Binibeca Vell A fairy-tale white fishing village with narrow lanes; come early, before the coaches arrive.

Top 5 things to do in Menorca

• Cala Macarella and Macarelleta Menorca's iconic turquoise calas, ranked by Lonely Planet among Europe's finest beaches; in summer reachable only by bus or on foot.
• Cala Galdana A family-friendly bay with shallow, clear water, restaurants and water sports.
• Cami de Cavalls A historic 185 km coastal path around the whole island, walkable or cyclable in stages past hidden coves.
• Monte Toro The highest point (358 m) with a monastery and views over the whole of Menorca.
• Naveta des Tudons The best-preserved prehistoric burial monument in the Balearics, about 3,000 years old and one of Europe's oldest roofed buildings.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

There is no cheap direct flight from Eindhoven; the direct route is from Schiphol. Transavia is the only airline flying nonstop to Menorca (Mahon airport, MAH), about three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) in 2 hours 25, from around 85 euro one way. The summer season runs from April to October; the earlier you book, the cheaper. From the airport, bus line 10 (Autocares Torres) takes you to Mahon centre in 15 minutes for 2.80 euro. Across the island TMSA runs between Mahon, Ciutadella and the south coast; note that from June to September Cala Macarella and Cala Turqueta are not reachable by car, only by shuttle bus from Ciutadella or Cala Galdana. A rental car is handy for exploring the rest of the coast.

What does a Menorca holiday cost?

Menorca is quieter and a touch pricier than Mallorca or Ibiza, but good value outside the peak weeks. Hostels are scarce; expect apartments and hotels of 70 to 130 euro per night. Food: a menu del dia 14 to 18 euro, a pomada (gin with lemonade) 4 euro, fresh fish a little more. Insider: pick up a bottle of Xoriguer gin (distilled on the island since 1736) and have a sunset pomada at the clifftop bar Cova d'en Xoroi. Budget from 480 euro per person for 7 days including a flight, a long weekend from 350 euro.