Day trip from Mallorca to Menorca

Are you interested in embarking on a little adventure to visit Mallorca’s sister island of Menorca? Fortunately, getting there is easy thanks to the frequent ferries between the Balearic Islands. 

In this article, we will help plan a day trip to Menorca to enjoy stunning beaches, divine seafood and historical sites. Find out how to get there from Mallorca and book ferry tickets with no hidden fees on Ferryhopper!

1. Catch the Mallorca - Menorca ferry
2. Explore the charming town of Ciutadella
3. Relax on the pristine shores of Cala Galdana
4. Late lunch and sightseeing in Fornells
5. Enjoy the view from Punta Nati Lighthouse

The picturesque harbor and seafront promenade of Ciutadella, Menorca

1. Catch the Mallorca - Menorca ferry

Reaching Menorca from Mallorca is very easy! The Mallorca - Menorca ferry route is active all year round with up to around 10 daily connections and you can travel with a conventional ferry or hydrofoil.

Mallorca has 2 ports: the port of the capital Palma de Mallorca and the port of Alcúdia. Both ports of Mallorca have ferry crossings to Menorca. The easiest and fastest trip is from the port of Alcúdia to the port of Ciutadella in Menorca. 

There are usually 4 ferry companies operating the route: Baleària, Menorca Lines, Trasmed, and Corsica Ferries. Crossings start early in the morning (around 04:30) and continue until the afternoon (around 19:00). Ferry ticket prices range from approximately €30 to €100, depending on the vessel type and company. The ferry from Mallorca to Menorca takes between 1 hour and 5.5 hours, depending on the ferry operator, destination port and type of vessel chosen.

Tip: we recommend booking your return ticket in advance, as they might sell out fast, especially in the summer. The last ferry back to Mallorca usually leaves Menorca around 21:00.

2. Explore the charming town of Ciutadella

Ciutadella, also known as Vella i Bella (the old and beautiful), is a very charming village in Menorca. Due to the almost completely traffic-free streets, it's a great spot to go for a walk. Once you arrive by ferry, you can grab a takeaway breakfast, check out the numerous gift shops and head toward the Castell de Sant Nicolau for the best views in town.

Then take a moment to stroll through the historic center, passing by Plaça des Born, Ciutadella’s main square. Make sure to visit the iconic Ciutadella cathedral, a 14th-century church with a mix of Neoclassical, Gothic and Baroque elements. Don't forget your camera to take the best photos!

Tip: to explore the island freely, we recommend having a vehicle here. You can either board yours on the ferry to Menorca or rent one from the port.

The impressive Castell de Sant Nicolau at the entrance of the Ciutadella port

3. Relax on the pristine shores of Cala Galdana

From Ciutadella, start driving towards Cala Galdana, a popular beach resort on the south coast of Menorca. If you have time, make a quick stop at the prehistoric megalithic chamber tomb of Naveta d'Es Tudons. Once you arrive at Cala Galdana, you’ll be amazed by its lush green hills, lovely sand and clear shallow waters. This is also one of the best areas in Menorca if you are traveling with children. 

You can spend a few hours lazing on the beach, but if you'd rather be more active, you can go kayaking or for a walk along the promenade. To explore the adjacent coves of Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana and Cala Turqueta, take a short boat trip from here.

The gorgeous Cala Galdana bay with vibrant turquoise waters

4. Late lunch and sightseeing in Fornells

After so much swimming, you must be feeling hungry. We recommend driving towards Fornells, another whitewashed village on Menorca. This fishing town is a foodie hotspot and the temple of one of the island’s most delicious treats: the Menorcan lobster stew. If you are a seafood lover, it’s worth trying this dish at one of the local restaurants. 

Now that you have regained your powers, are you ready for a walk around Fornells picturesque port? We also recommend walking up to Torre Fornells, one of the largest and best preserved defensive towers in Menorca.

View towards the whitewashed village of Fornells in the north of Menorca

5. Enjoy the view from Punta Nati Lighthouse

If you still have some time before taking the ferry to Mallorca, you can also visit Punta Nati Lighthouse, just 6 km from Ciutadella. You should come here whether you're interested in history or seeking peace and quiet watching nature at its best. As the ground and rocks are hard, make sure your footwear is appropriate for this excursion.

Breathtaking view from Punta Nati Lighthouse

Book online ferry tickets to Menorca

On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets to Menorca from Mallorca with ease. Find all available Mallorca - Menorca crossings, compare ferry companies and prepare for your adventure!

Tip: find more tips on how to get to Menorca from Mallorca and mainland Spain on Ferryhopper!