Along with Majorca and Ibiza, Menorca forms the Spanish Balearic archipelago. It's not necessarily the best-known of the three islands, but it's becoming increasingly popular with travellers, thanks to its many assets. These historic towns are waiting for visitors to put down their suitcases and set off to conquer its most beautiful corners. In particular, the many beaches and coves with their turquoise waters. Lined with pine trees, they offer the feeling of having reached paradise, right there in the middle of the Mediterranean. The island, shaped here and there by red earth, dressed by cliffs and fragrant vegetation, makes anyone who sets foot on it want to see as much as possible. This is made possible by the island's small size and relatively well-organized public transport network. In addition to renting a car or scooter, the bus is an option to be seriously considered if you want to enjoy a swim on Menorca's most beautiful beaches.
1. Bus: the best way to get around Menorca
Discovering Menorca is so much easier by bus. The Balearic island, declared a World Biosphere Reserve by Unesco in 1993, remains a destination particularly committed to sustainable development, respect for the environment and the well-being of the local population. Menorca is a small island, with a surface area of just 702 km2: 50 km east-west and 20 km north-south. As a result, it's easy to get to all four corners of the island in the same holiday. While it's possible to rent a car or scooter locally, in Menorca it's better to take the bus, thanks to the Mou-T program run by the Menorca Island Council. This makes it easy and environmentally friendly to reach the island's main attractions.
There's no need to waste time trying to find a parking space, especially in high season when visitor numbers soar. Travelling by bus saves time, money and allows you to see the most beautiful sites in complete safety. In Menorca, the bus network allows you to travel between the airport and the towns, to move around the island, to party without worrying and to reach more than 25 beaches! These breathtaking Mediterranean gems are easily accessible from the Mahon and Ciutadella bus stations. What's more, there are plenty of connections, and the tourist areas are also well served.
2. The ideal way to get to Menorca's coves by bus
Menorca has more than 25 beaches easily accessible by bus, out of the 130 that cover the island's 220 kilometers of coastline . From Mahon, line 51 takes you to Cala Galdana, with its magnificent lagoon, hotel and restaurant. And Cala Mitjana, one of Menorca's most beautiful unspoilt coves. These two dreamy spots are also accessible by bus from Ciutadella, taking lines 52 and 53.
From Ciutadella, in the west of Menorca, there are numerous bus connections to the coves. Line 66, for example, takes you to Son Saura, a superb wild cove in the south of the island. Snorkeling or hiking along the coast following the GR223, it's up to you to choose your favorite activity once you're there. Also from the bus station, route 61 takes you to Cala Morell, a semi-urban cove with necropolises nearby; Cala en Brut, renowned for its 5 m-high diving platforms; and Cala en Blanes, a mini-urbanized cove with great charm!
Line 62 takes you to Vall de Algaiarens, where the crystal-clear waters are fringed by pine trees. And don't forget lines 65 and 67, which serve Cala Son Xoriguer. Located south of Cala en Bosc, it can be reached after walking along the coast on the cami de cavalls. Another 15 minutes and you can visit the Cova dels Pardals, a cave open to the public.
3. Discover Menorca's beaches by bus!
Would you like to reach Menorca's most beautiful beaches on the Balearic Islands to enjoy the turquoise waters and activities? The bus network makes it easy to reach these magnificent semi-urban stretches of sand. Accessible by bus 71 from Mahon and 72 from Ciutadella, the beaches of Sant Tomas/Binigaus offer the chance to swim, dine on the seafront and, from Santo Tomas, walk 50 minutes to dive into the magnificent coves of Escorxada and Fustam.
From Mahon station, line 32 takes you to Menorca's largest beach, Son Bou. It's 2 km long, and you can hire kayaks to paddle the waves, or take a photo of the eponymous basilica at the far end. Travelers to Menorca's capital or Sant Climent can also take line 31 to discover Cala en Porter. Bars and restaurants on the cliffside offer the chance to enjoy local cuisine and refreshments. And what a splendid view from the mirador! Also just 500 m away is the Cova d'en Xoroi, Menorca's most visited cave.
Close to the quiet urbanization of Platges de Fornells, Cala Tirant is surrounded by incredible, surprising nature. You can get there by bus from Mahon, taking busno. 8. Families and travellers alike will be keen to discover Es Grau, a fishing village with a shallow beach. Another plus point is the presence of restaurants. Take busno. 93 from Mahon.
Buses also run from Mahon to Macarella and Macarelleta, two of Menorca's star coves, as well as to the quiet coves of Tortuga and Presili. Located in the heart of the S'albufera d'Es Grau nature reserve, the latter offer a magnificent view of the Favaritx lighthouse.
As you can see, Menorca's MOU-T bus network makes it easy to get around the island of Menorca and visit its most beautiful beaches and coves. But also the airport and nightlife. Download the MOU-T application to buy tickets in advance with your credit card. And follow the news live on social networks Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
