Menorca yacht charter
Rent a yacht;catamaran;sailing yacht;yacht around the best places in Menorca!
Charter a yacht with Arthaud Yachting and discover the Balearic islands!
Rent a yacht and discover the island of Menorca
The Balearic island of Menorca stands as the quieter and most authentic one among its siblings. It certainly doesn’t have the party-vibe of Ibiza, and attracts less crowds than Mallorca, but it is attractive nonetheless. Thanks to Arthaud Yachting, accessibility to Menorca will no longer be an issue as you can cruise to and around the island on board your own private yacht and enjoy some exclusive VIP services.
Practical information to plan your discovery of Menorca
Best time to visit Menorca when renting a yacht
While the warm season is the most obvious time to plan a trip to Menorca, from early April to October, Menorca doesn’t suffer from the “crowds” limitations of its neighbours. It’s safe to sail around the island and visit its cultural gems at all times, without feeling oppressed by the hordes of tourists which are characteristic of Mallorca and Ibiza. Of course, the climate is the same, always sunny and welcoming.
Finest cruising areas when renting a yacht in Menorca
Upon arrival off the coasts of Menorca, your prime cruising target will be the port of Mahon, the capital city of the island, with roots dating back to the time of Hannibal and the Roman Republic. The old city has been built at the end of an impressive seaway, on the eastern part of the island.
To the north, you can navigate with your yacht around the Badia de Fornells, and visit the Reserva de la Concepcion. This natural reserve has been producing sea salt since 1853, known as the “Flor de Fornells”, which you can find at the market of Mahon. Not far away, the village of Fornells offers an elegant contrast between the white of the houses and the blue of the sea.
When cruising on board your private yacht charter, to the west of the island, you’ll find the Pont d’en Gil. At the end of a busy day exploring Menorca, nothing – or almost – tops the view of the sunset from this magnificent natural rock arch on the sea.
There are also several interesting yacht anchorages. Cala Covas (southwest of the island) with its magical rock formations that plunge into the translucent waters. Cala de Tale is also an ideal spot for those who like to relax in a beautiful setting. Bahia de Fornells will delight you. It is a pretty little village at the end of a cove. The place is amazing with its different oriental influences that can be found everywhere.
You can visit the old capital La Ciutadella and its impressive cathedral. Further north, the Cavalleria lighthouse is sure to catch your eye, perched on a cliff almost 100 meters high. The road to get there is winding, but offers an incredible view at sunset.
You shouldn’t miss this on your yacht holidays
The only sunset view that bests the one from Pont d’en Gil is to be found at the Cavalerria Lighthouse. The “Mirador playa de Cavalerria” is a popular attraction at the end of the day, offering its visitors a splendid sunset over the sea and the northern shoreline of Menorca, as it is located to the north of the island. The lighthouse is best accessed by car, which you can easily rent with a private driver thanks to your on-board conciergerie.
Want a unique view of the island? You’ll have to disembark to climb to the top of Monte Toro. At almost 400 metres, it is a tourist attraction. Take advantage of your visit to discover the gigantic statue of Christ the Redeemer and the adjoining church.
Leave civilisation behind and head for a special place on the island: the Torralba d’En Salord. Here you will discover an impressive stone setting and a unique monument, the Taula.
Let’s not forget the amazing Lithica quarry. In addition to the breath-taking cliffs, there is a palace and a magnificent garden in the heart of the stones.
There are also many beach clubs on the island. We recommend the Yvette and Isabelle Beach Club in Cala Morel located in Cala Morel on the North West of the island.
Gastronomic and cultural suggestions
The best spots for wining and dining
A special recommendation we suggest is La Cantina. This typical restaurant name hides a valuable secret: it is located on the Isle of Rey, a tiny island located inside the seaway leading to Mahon. La Cantina is actually the restaurant of the Hauser & Wirth art centre, which displays artworks by Joan Miro, Louise Bourgeois, Franz West and Eduardo Chillida. Outside, you’ll find a garden designed by Piet Oudolf. After your visit, you have La Cantina to satisfy your hunger with fresh seafood.
Dining with live music can be found in the Ulysse restaurant at the Ciutadella. This city used to host the governor’s palace before Mahon became the capital of the island. It is rich with Italian-style buildings which you can admire before enjoying your dinner.
Another establishment worth visiting is the very surprising Cova d’en Xorois. Located in a cave on the side of a cliff, it offers good food and a good party after dark.
Let’s add three more restaurants to your yacht holidays. Hola Ola Mediterranean Beach in Cala Blanca, Ulysses in Ciutadella and the Experimental Hotel in Alaior. The first one is waiting for you with its superb terrace on the sea front. The second one is ideal for those who like a live music atmosphere without fail, as it offers different live performances. The third one offers the luxury of a contemporary hotel-restaurant that puts the local cuisine at the forefront.
When renting a yacht in Menorca, you should also definitely check out the Menorca Experimental Hotel situated in the South of the island close to Calas Covas. We can book a table for you on the outdoor terrace or by the infinity pool for you to taste the amazing Mediterranean menu while enjoying the Menorcan breeze in a relaxed atmosphere.
What should you eat?
In order to discover the local gastronomy of Menorca, the best option we recommend is a visit to the fish market of Mahon. Located on the Plaça d’Espanya, this vibrant and authentic market dates from 1927 and offers a wide variety of fresh fish that has just been caught around the island. However, there is more than fish in Menorca, and right next to the fish market you will also find a food market filled with local products such as ham, cheese, wine, the Flor de Fornells salt… and, of course, tapas made right on the spot.
Local culture
On the west side of the island, Ciutadella invites you to discover the rich cultural heritage of the island. Placa d’es Born, the main town square, is considered by many to be one of the most attractive in the whole of Spain. The architecture of the buildings of the city varies between the Italian Renaissance-style and the 19th Century style (Palau de Torre). The cathedral dates back from the 13th century.
Right after the summer solstice, Ciutadella comes alive with the Festa de la Sant Joan, a very important celebration paying homage to the history of the island, and – most notably – displaying an impressive equestrian show.
What is the best beach accessible by yacht?
The southern shore of the island is home to many turquoise water beaches which give the island its reputation among beachgoers. However, we believe that the finest beach you can sail to and enjoy thanks to your private charter yacht is Cala des Talaier. This small beach is located at the end of a narrow creek, giving the place the feel of a private location.
Arthaud Yachting’s recommendation when renting a yacht in Menorca
Our privileged clients on board their yacht rental are advised to visit the Cala Coves to the south of the island. Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful cliffs, and enjoy the awesome experience of mooring your private yacht at the foot of these rocky formations. These calm waters area is the ideal spot to spend the night on board your ship after a busy day cruising around the island, experiencing the markets of Mahon, the architecture of Ciutadella and the beaches like the one at Cala des Talaier. The next morning, if you’re adventurous, you can explore the cliffs, which host a necropolis dating from the Talaiotic period, about 4,000 years ago.