The best rural hotels on Menorca

Menorca is not just about beach life. It has a peaceful interior of fields and gentle hills that are perfect for walking, cycling or horse-riding. Two of the major features of the landscape are the rocky mounds and megalithic monuments that litter the interior; a reminder of the island’s prehistoric past. These make good landmarks for any walks, and many of the best rural hotels on Menorca are well located with walks from the doorstep

Flickr user Manua1971

You can combine inland walks with stretches of coastline. Restoration work to many of the island’s original coastal paths means you can walk between many of its hard-to-reach coves. There are also plenty of cycle lanes criss-crossing the interior.

Flickr user Helen

One of the best times to visit is in early spring when the almond blossom is at is most bewitching. Temperatures in the months at either end of the peak season are still warm enough for pleasant T-shirt strolling.

Our choice of tMenorca's rural hotels includes agriturismos, country houses and adults-only retreats. Use the guide below and start to plan your break.

For excellent value

• With just eight bright and simple rooms - exposed beams and terracotta-tiled floors - and wrapped in peaceful gardens with a pool, plus an outdoor dining terrace, Binissafullet Vell offers excellent value for money for an away-from-the-crowds retreat.
• Another village hotel, S’Engolidor Restaurante e Fonda, offers a charming, traditional slice of Menorcan life. Rooms are pretty and homely while the popular restaurant has a lovely dining terrace with views of the S’Engolidor Ravine.

For a rural hideaway

• In the countryside yet only a mile or so from the beach, Alcaufar Vell is a large, country mansion with 21 cool and airy rooms with terracotta-tiled floors and white-washed walls. Family-run, it offers a relaxed retreat plus a pool and outdoor dining under olive trees.
• A former farmhouse in extensive grounds, Binigaus Vell offers 15 large and airy, contemporary-country rooms plus a stunning freeform pool. This hotel will suit active families with bikes to borrow, walks from the front door, tennis courts plus horse-riding and sailing are easily arranged.
• Also with walks from the door, Hotel Es Mercadal, in the centre of Menorca, is a traditional village house in sleepy surrounds. Rooms are contemporary-rustic with light colours, exposed beams and tiled floors.

For an agriturismo

• With bright, fresh rooms - including seven self-catering villas - the agriturismo Biniatram has the best of both worlds; surrounded by countryside yet only a mile from the beach, and with a pool, too. It’s a place which oozes authentic charm.
• Son Triay Nou is a simple agriturismo in the heart of Menorca. There’s a choice of rooms or apartments, in simple, traditional style, plus a large pool. Excellent value.
• For an away-from-the-crowds, adults-only retreat, try Agriturismo Son Vives. With just five sleek bedrooms, that mix contemporary styling with original features, some with terraces, and stunning views from the pool, it is totally relaxing.

For adults only luxury

• Also adults-only, Biniarroca Country House Hotel is a charming 16th-century farmhouse with traditional rooms given a light touch and surrounded by tranquil gardens with plenty of romantic corners.
• Another adults-only choice, Son Tretze is a simple but stylish eight-room B&B, just outside Sant Lluis village. With a small pool, shady dining area and all rooms with a lounge area or private terrace, it provides a quiet retreat yet it’s only two miles to the coast.
• The former farmhouse and outbuildings of Torralbenc have been converted into light and sleek contemporary rooms, most with balconies or terraces, and some with private pools. Plus there’s an elegant pool and an award-winning chef overseeing the restaurant.
• Set in beautiful, flower-filled gardens, Hotel Rural Morvedra Nou offers 19 rustic-chic rooms spread throughout its grounds, many with private terraces. With a pool and nearby walks, and a beach and the town of Ciutadella within striking distance, it offers the best of all worlds.
• Also, do check out the adults-only Agriturismo Son Vives, in the above section.

Menorca may have plenty of lovely beaches but the island’s interior is the place to be if you want a relaxing holiday with the option of some great walking. Our choice of the best rural hotels on Menorca will help you find the perfect retreat. But if you're still undecided expand your search to include all the best placdes to stay in Menorca or conact a friendly guru for advice.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

posted Tuesday, 20th February 2024