Palma airport to Menorca
Menorca is the second largest Balearic island and lies to the east of the larger Mallorca. The contrasting island names are size related, Menorca minor.
Not only in name and size is Menorca of a minor nature. Compared to Mallorca and Ibiza Menorca has a much more tranquil pace of life and isn’t overdeveloped having largely low rise buildings.
However this makes for a great place for those who like a more peaceful time and especially a family holiday.
The coastline with its coves and sandy beaches are anything but minor. The shallow turquoise waters and white sands give a sense of the Caribbean. The best bit is that it won’t be too crowed except for the first couple of weeks in August which the peak Spanish holiday time.
For those who like diving, Menorca boasts 30m/100ft water visibility. For divers, snorkelers or swimmers at Menorca the waters are warm throughout the summer season up to 25C / 77F
Away from the sea and beaches one can meander around one of the many quaint marinas or picturesque villages.
There’s also the hiking treks through the verdant rolling countryside. Not only does the island have a number of prehistoric relics, some dating from as early as 1400 BC, but Unesco confirmed Menorca a Biosphere Reserve. This for preservation of its parks and historical sites.
Menorca’s capital
Mahon is the capital of Menorca, although Ciutadella on the western side of the island was the former capital. Both have large marinas with a smattering of cafes and bars alongside.
Mahon is a busy port city popular with travelers with many old and new buildings intertwined. The appealing attractions are the Museu de Menorca, about the island’s archaeological ancient times and the Xoriguer Gin Distillery with large copper stills to see.
Menorca Airport is a small airport but has all the necessary amenities. It is situated in the city of Mahon and is only 4.5 km from the center.
This means a 10 to 15 minutes ride from the airport. There are regular buses to and from the airport to the city center. Waiting taxis costs around €15 and you can pre book a private transfer from the airport.
How to get to Menorca from Mallorca
From Palma Airport
It’s roughly 131km, 81 miles, 71 nautical miles in a straight line from Palma airport to Menorca airport. Flights go regularly from Mallorca but not every hour.
Currently there are only two airlines who fly direct to Menorca airport from Palma airport, Iberia and Air Europa.
The flight time is 35mins and the cost of a ticket sits around the €86 mark.
From Mallorca Ferries
Ferries leaves from Palma and Alcudia ports. These provide two possible routes, Palma to Mahon or Alcudia to Ciutadella.
To get to Palma ferry port from Palma airport you can use a taxi, private transfer or by take the bus. The bus route is no.1 for €3 and runs every 15min. This goes from the airport to Palma city and onto the port and then loops back on itself, so if you miss the port you get another chance.
It’s around 36min from the airport to the port using the bus.
To see the bus route for Palma port from Palma airport click the link:
http://www.emtpalma.es/EMTPalma/Front/lineas.en.svr?accion=entrada&cod_linea=1
To get to Alcudia port from Palma airport it would be best to pre-book a private transfer to get there. Also you could take a taxi or take the airport bus to the city bus station, Palma Intermodal Station, and then take the Alcudia bus.
The ferry from Palma port to Mahon is with Trasmediterranea and takes approx. 5h30min – 6h running once a week. Prices start from about €35 upwards for one person one way and €112 for one person with a car.
The ferry from Alcudia can be with Balearia or Iscomar and both sail almost twice daily and take approx. 1h 30min – 2h. Prices start from about €35 upwards for one person one way and €67 – €72 for one person with a car.