Spoiler alert: Sailing around Menorca feels like stepping into a Mediterranean screensaver. This little Balearic gem surprised us with wild cliffs, silent turquoise bays, and enough dreamy anchorages to make us briefly consider never leaving.

If you’re planning to sail Menorca, or just want to live vicariously through us as we bounced from cove to cove, here’s our itinerary — including Ciutadella, Son Saura, Cales Coves, and Mahon — plus everything we loved (and learned the salty way) along the way.

Ciutadella: Charming Chaos & Mooring with a View

We kicked things off in Ciutadella, and honestly, she’s a vibe. The port is tight (3-point turns with an audience) but absolutely worth it. Cobblestone streets, buzzing tapas bars, and gothic cathedrals set the scene — all wrapped in that iconic, golden Balearic light. You can spend days walking the streets, eating great ice cream and indulging in its culture.

Son Saura: Beach Bliss & Floating in Blue

Next stop: Son Saura, one of Menorca’s most popular beaches — and for good reason. White sand. Shallow turquoise water. Space to anchor without playing fender Tetris. We dropped the hook and immediately jumped in. Zero regrets and an anchorage to remember for a while.

What We Loved:

Calm anchorage, even with a gentle swell.
Perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, and general “pretend we live here” moments.
Sunset drinks on deck with beach music drifting across the water? Yes, please.

Heads Up for sailors:

Get there early (or late). Day boats show up like it’s a floating music festival.
Holding is decent, but set your anchor well if there’s any wind forecast.
Seagrass splits the bay into 2 sections… be aware where you anchor.

Cales Coves: Cave Living and Wild Vibes

This anchorage is something else. Cales Coves is narrow, surreal, and a little spooky — in the best way. Picture ancient caves carved into cliffs, a narrow inlet lined with rocky ledges, and zero cell signal (Your Instagram can wait.)… however Starlink does still opperate.

We aimed to spend the one night here, but loved it so much we ended up staying a few! Click here to find out more about this stop.

Why You’ll Love It:

Unique landscape unlike anything else on the island.
Epic morning swims through the caves.
Absolute silence at night (unless you count fish noises?).
Great for snorkelling
Interesting history

Heads up for sailors:

Anchoring is regulated — check current rules before dropping the hook.
Not ideal in anything but settled weather - Med mooring is most efficient.

Mahon: Grand Finale in the Grandest Port

Ending in Mahon (aka Maó), Menorca’s capital, felt like docking in history. It’s one of the largest natural harbors in the world and honestly feels more like a fjord than a Mediterranean port.

We anchored in xx and spent a few days soaking up city life - and enjoyed a few attractions of the area too.

Faves in Mahon:

Walking the old town for views and boutique shopping.
Es Castell for an evening drink along the water.
Dinghy rides to the harbours islands
A trip around Isabel II Fortress - one of the most incredible forts we have been to, to date!

Sailor Tips:

As xx is the only anchorage near enough to Mahon, it is busy — be sure to get your spot early and be mindful of others.
Good provisioning options for stocking up before your next crossing, however is expensive. Try the xx market as fresh produce was cheaper here than in supermarkets.

Final Thoughts: Is Menorca Worth Sailing?

Although not my favourite island in the Balearics, Menorca is the underrated middle child of the Balearics — quieter than Mallorca, less flashy than Ibiza, but full of wild beauty and mellow charm. Whether you’re island-hopping or staying a while, visiting Menorca is a must for anyone chasing sunsets, swim spots, and a little Mediterranean magic.

Have you sailed Menorca? Got a secret cove we missed? Drop a comment or shoot us a message — we love hearing about other salty adventures.

And don’t forget to check out more of our sailboat life stories right here on That Girl at Sea.

Sailing Around Menorca: Hidden Coves, Crystal Water, and the Dreamiest Anchorages

Sailing to Cales Coves, Menorca: A stop you can’t miss!