Logbook in Menorca: the island that can only be discovered from the sea
I had often read about what to do in Menorca, and even more about renting a boat in Mahón—but I never thought they were so right.
Unspoiled coves, white villages, lighthouses, gastronomy…
No one told me that the real Menorca begins when you cast off.
This is my diary after a week sailing around the island, starting in Mahón and letting the Mediterranean guide me.
Day 1 – Mahón Harbour and the feeling of freedom
The journey began in the spectacular natural harbour of Mahón, one of the largest in Europe. Seeing the boat ready, stepping on board, and hearing the mooring lines being released… it’s a moment that marks the beginning of something different.
Many travelers look for authentic experiences on the island. For me, starting from the sea was the best decision.
If you’ve ever thought about experiencing Menorca in a different way, this is the perfect starting point.
Day 2 – Sunrise in Cala En Porter
Waking up anchored in Cala En Porter is something that is hard to put into words.
The water completely calm.
The silence.
The sun slowly rising over the cliffs.
While the first visitors were arriving by land, we had already swum, had breakfast on deck, and enjoyed the cove almost entirely to ourselves.
That’s when I understood that sailing in Menorca is not just an activity—it’s a different way of experiencing the island.
Day 3 – The real answer to “what to do in Menorca”
That day we sailed along the southern coast, passing the famous Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana, and Cala Turqueta.
Jumping into the water from the stern. Paddleboarding at sunset. Relaxed meals on board with no schedule. Snorkeling with the family. Watching shooting stars at night.
The next time someone asks me what to do in Menorca to experience something special, I won’t just talk about beaches or restaurants.
I’ll talk about waking up every day in a different cove, recognizing the island’s personality through the color of its rocks, diving into turquoise water at sunset, living with salty skin, and letting yourself be carried by the gentle motion of the boat.
Day 4 – Arrival by sea in Ciutadella
Entering Ciutadella by sea is a spectacle. The facades lit by the sunset, the atmosphere of the harbor, the blend of history and Mediterranean life.
We had dinner ashore—an incredible seafood feast—and walked slowly back to the boat. Sleeping in the harbor has something romantic, something classic, almost cinematic.
The combination of sailing and short stops on land makes the experience complete.
Day 5 – The quiet luxury of the Mediterranean
There’s something that isn’t mentioned enough: silence.
Far from traffic, rush, and crowded beaches, the sea has its own rhythm. This is what the northern coves of the island offer—the most remote and untouched.
Sleeping gently rocked by the water changes the way you rest.
Here I understood that the true luxury of a yacht is not just its design or comfort, but the space, the privacy, and the freedom to choose your own course.
Day 6 – Hidden spots you won’t find in guidebooks
Our skipper took us to small sea caves and coves that can only be reached from the water, like the cliffs beyond Arenal d’en Castell. He taught us how to fish, and we had dinner with our own catch.
Nothing simpler, nothing more satisfying.
Places with no names on Google Maps. And the best restaurant of all—no name, no labels, just fresh, direct-from-the-sea produce.
It’s in those moments that you understand why so many people choose to discover the island by sailing.
Menorca has two faces:
The one everyone knows.
And the one that is only revealed from the deck.
Day 7 – Return to Mahón, but different
We returned to Mahón from the north, making one last stop at the untouched island of Illa d’en Colom, with salty skin and the feeling of having lived something deeper than just a holiday.
The island is still the same.
But you are not.
Discovering Menorca from the sea: an experience that changes everything
If you’re planning your trip and wondering what to do in Menorca to make it truly unforgettable, consider this:
- Early access to the most iconic coves
- The possibility of exploring untouched areas
- A flexible and personalized pace
- Total privacy
- Unique sunsets in the middle of the Mediterranean
Sailing around the island completely transforms the travel experience.
And starting in Mahón allows you to design the perfect route, both towards the south and along the northern coast, combining wild landscapes with turquoise waters.
Tips before planning your sailing experience in Menorca
If it’s your first time organizing something like this, keep in mind:
- Book in advance during high season
- Choose the type of boat according to the number of people
- Hire a skipper for a more relaxed experience
- Plan a flexible route depending on wind and sea conditions
And remember—the island is best enjoyed when there’s no rush.