10 of the best family hotels in Menorca, with all-inclusive and self-catering options for all budgets

The whole of Menorca is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means nature comes first and the island is protected from overdevelopment. Families flock here for uninterrupted sea views, rolling hills, the chirp of birdsong – and, of course, stunning beaches, which the island has in spades.

There are over 100 coves and stretches of sand dotted around the coast, from the rugged, rocky north to the more family-friendly white sands and turquoise waters of the south.

The capital city, Mahon (or Maó), sits high atop a large harbour at the island's eastern tip, populated with Georgian mansions, 13th-century churches and a restaurant-packed promenade. To the west, medieval Ciutadella is a labyrinth of gothic Catalan buildings, markets and restaurants.

Elsewhere on the island, sleepy whitewashed villages wake up for fiesta time – a Balearic tradition that's well worth checking out if you have the opportunity.

MadeForMums Head of Consumer Content, Christy McGhee, says: "It's easy to see why Menorca is a popular choice for families with young children – it offers gorgeous beaches, pleasant weather and a wide range of family-friendly hotels, just a short flight from the UK."

If you're interested in finding out more about the Balearic Islands, we've picked out the best family hotels in Majorca and Ibiza. For more Spanish destinations, check out our roundup of the best family hotels in Spain with water slides or water parks, as well as the best hotels for families in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife.

Alternatively, don't miss our guides to the best family-friendly accommodation in Crete in Greece or the 10 best family holidays in Portugal. For a different type of holiday, don't miss the best family-friendly campsites in France with waterparks. And if you're staying in the UK this year, see our pick of the best family-friendly accommodation in Cornwall.

10 of the best family hotels in Menorca at a glance

• Best Menorca hotel for overall value: Insotel Punta Prima Resort & Spa, TUI
• Best for family activities: Grupotel Turquesa Mar, Ciutadella, TUI
• Best for young families: Royal Son Bou Family Club, Royal Son Bou
• Best hotel with waterpark: Minura Sur Menorca and Water Park, TUI
• Best for city sightseeing: Hotel Port Mahon, Hotel Port Mahon
• Best luxury family break: Melia Cala Galdana, TUI
• Best for swim-up suites: Zafiro Menorca, Zafiro Hotels
• Best for sport lovers: Hotel Apartamentos Sol Parc, TUI
• Best for self-catering: Maribel Apartments & Villas, Maribel Menorca
• Best for large family groups: Menorca Hideaway, iEscape

When is the best time of year to visit Menorca?

The Menorcan summer sun peaks in July, with the mercury tipping a maximum of 31°C, on average, and not really getting below 21°C. It's the driest month, too. If you're flexible with timing, June and September can be quieter times to visit, with average temperatures of around 23°C – although the rain does start to kick in as holiday crowds ease, from around September.

What is the flight time from the UK?

Average flight times from the UK to Mahon are around 2 hours 30 minutes. There is a 1-hour time difference between the UK and Menorca.

What are the biggest attractions in Menorca?

Summer in Menorca is fiesta season, when local life stops for celebrations that honour each town's patron saint, kicking off with the Festival of Sant Joan in Ciutadella in late June and wrapping up with the Fiesta of Cala'n Porter in late September. Expect bands, horse parades, plentiful pastries, fireworks and street performances; some even have fairground rides for children.

Horses and pastries, respectively, hold a special place in Menorcan culture. The Menorcan horse breed is indigenous to the island, with many hotels offering horse riding as an activity for older children and adults. Meanwhile, the coca bamba, the island's most famous pastry, is best dipped in hot chocolate and has no age limit!

Fiestas aside, parents will find endless options for keeping little ones entertained, with on-site waterparks and kids clubs being a feature of many large hotels. Grown ups can indulge in the island's walking and cycling trails, explore historical ruins, or learn the art of cheese making.

The twin cities of Mahon and Ciutadella are worth visiting to soak up the history of the island, as well as tasting fresh-out-of-the-water seafood in restaurants that cater well to children. Don't miss the markets for fresh local produce – there's a daily market at Placa Baixamar in Mahon.

Here's our pick of the 10 best family hotels in Menorca with all-inclusive and self-catering options for all budgets

1. Insotel Punta Prima Resort & Spa

– Best Menorca hotel for overall value

Price Family apartment from £4,627 for a family of 4, 7 nights in August 2024 (all-inclusive) | Number of bedrooms 498 | Board All-inclusive | Number of swimming pools 2 outdoor plus kids' pool and indoor pool | Kids' club from 4 to 12 years, plus Teenager Club for 13 to 16-year-olds in high season | Mahon Airport 6.2 miles

Thanks to newly added and revamped children's facilities and entertainment unveiled in 2023, including playgrounds, splash park, kids club and indoor play area, the Insotel Punta Prima Resort & Spa punches above its weight when it comes to the amount of child-friendly activities on offer. The updated Insi Club kids club for 4 to 12-year-olds now features numerous indoor and outdoor areas, with two sessions of 75 minutes per day on offer.

Yet the Insotel doesn't skimp on a premium experience to please grown ups, too. Think luxurious swim-up rooms, private terraces and sea views for families with bigger budgets to spare, while all guests have free use of mountain bikes, sports courts and fields, and fitness classes. All-inclusive Gold pass holders also have access to snorkeling and diving classes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards.

With an average TripAdvisor rating of 4 out of 5, guests consistently commented that the kids club, proximity to the beach, staff friendliness, entertainment and the village feel made the Insotel Punta Prima a must-return destination.

MadeForMums' Head of Consumer Content, Christy, stayed at the Insotel Punta Prima with her 3- and 5-year old daughters, and particularly appreciated the kids' pool. "We loved the range of pools, especially the shallow pool so our non-swimmers could splash independently," said Christy. "The buffet had a decent range of food each night, and the apartment was very comfortable for our family of 4. The girls also loved the limitless supply of ice creams included in our package!"

Pros: Multiple pools, apartment-style accommodation, choice of restaurant options and activities, kids club takes babies, plenty for kids to do, close to beach and town

Cons: Busy during peak season with queues for check in, check out and food

Book at: TUI

2. Grupotel Turquesa Mar, Cala'n Bosch

– Best for family activities

Price Family apartment (sleeps 4) from £4,343 in August 2024 (all inclusive) |Number of bedrooms 192 | Board B&B, half-board or all-inclusive | Number of swimming pools 2, plus indoor pool and kids' splash pool | Kids club free from 3 to 11 years, plus BabyClub for under 3s (paid for) | Mahon airport 34 miles

The Grupotel Turquesa Mar is located between the beaches of Son Xoriguer and Cala'n Bosch, two of the most popular coves on the island, and a stone's throw away from the shops, bars and restaurants of the Cala'n Bosch Marina.

The real highlight, though, is the activity itinerary that takes in the whole family. In July and August, children aged 4 and up can hone their swimming skills at the swim school, while those aged 5 to 15 can join the Football Academy that runs from June to September. Children aged 3 to 11 can also take dance classes that culminate in a performance as part of the hotel's evening entertainment, while the hotel also puts on a weekly family fitness class – more than enough to burn off your buffet breakfast.

On TripAdvisor, the Grupotel Turquesa Mar scores a near-perfect 4.5/5, with guests praising it for having everything you'd want in a family holiday, from excellent children's facilities, high-quality entertainment, and crowd-pleasing food.

MadeforMums' Head of Consumer Content, Christy McGhee, stayed at the Grupotel Turquesa Mar with her family, saying: "Being close to an excellent beach made for a very easy holiday with young children, as we could split the day between swimming in the sea in the morning and heading back to the pool and kids club each afternoon."

Pros: Plenty to keep all ages happy, kids club for babies, bus service to Ciutadella makes for an easy day out, near to the beach

Cons: Constant activity means it can be noisy, some guests have commented on the lack of vegetarian options

Book at: TUI

3. Royal Son Bou Family Club, Playa de Son Bou

– Best Menorca hotel for young families

Price Two-bedroom apartment from £3,000 for a family of 4, 7 nights in August 2024 (all inclusive) | Number of bedrooms 252 | Board Half-board or all-inclusive | Number of swimming pools 2 | Kids club 2 clubs, from 0 to 6 years, and from 7 to 16 years | Mahon airport 12 miles

More than simply family-friendly, the Royal Son Bou is unashamedly family-oriented, with dedicated staff qualified to take care of even the youngest travellers (in their own Kikoland baby-specific area), giving new parents, in particular, a well-earned break – perhaps enjoying their first uninterrupted meal at one of the hotel’s 2 restaurants.

Older children are encouraged to discover the nearby countryside and sea, with Royal Son Bou entertainment staff on hand to accompany groups on pony rides, farm visits or to visit the ducks at Son Bou beach. A weekly parade, complete with brass and drum band, entices young and old alike onto the streets of Son Bou, to dance and spread the party atmosphere amongst the locals.

Guests on TripAdvisor rated the Royal Son Bou 4.5/5, calling it a family paradise, with the pirate-themed pool with waterslides, in particular, generating a lot of positive buzz. Parents described feeling very relaxed, especially not having to make plans as there's so much on offer.

"Everything was child friendly," said MadeforMums Tried and Tested member Jen Dooris, who stayed at the Royal Son Bou with her family. Jen particularly liked the kids club facility outside the main restaurant, where parents could leave their children to be supervised by a Royal Son Bou staff member while they enjoyed their dinner in peace – priceless. "We will definitely be back," said Jen.

Pros: Comprehensive kids club that looks after babies, the pirate-themed pool is a hit with kids, staff seem to genuinely love children

Cons: Lack of quiet spaces for parents to relax when the children are in the kids club

Book at: Royal Son Bou

4. Minura Sur Menorca and Water Park, Biniancolla

– Best hotel with waterslides / waterpark

Price Twin room with balcony (sleeps 4) from £3,386 for 7 days in August 2024 (All-inclusive ) | Number of bedrooms 217 | Board B&B, half-board or all-inclusive | Number of swimming pools One large pool with kids section | Kids club from 4 to 12 years | Mahon airport 9 miles

If you've got kids big enough (and daring enough) to scale the dizzying heights of the spiraling waterslides of the Minura Sur Menorca’s on-site waterpark, booking a stay here is a no-brainer. Older children will love racing their friends and siblings down the Multitrack 3-lane, practically vertical slide, while parents relax in the jacuzzi or on the in-pool submerged sun loungers. The boldest racers can then boast about how they took on the Kamikaze slide – the name says it all. Parents can relax with smaller children in the Rio Lento lazy river, while there's a dedicated kid's slide and tunnel for them to while the day away in – not to mention a pirate ship water playground that is sure to capture everyone's imagination and sense of adventure. The littlest travellers can also dip their toes in the baby splash zone.

When you're all water parked out, you can hop on the courtesy bus to Punta Prima beach to explore the white sands and stuff yourself with local seafood. A day trip to the Menorcan capital, Mahon, is also within easy reach.

In August, of course, the draw of spending a long, hot day at the water park means this place will be packed, but that didn't put off the nearly 1,600 guests that rated it Very Good or Excellent on TripAdvisor. People loved the proximity to the water park, saying it made the perfect family holiday, especially without the stress of having to organise activities. The main bugbears, contributing to the overall 3.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, are the price and lack of proximity to other amenities. For the cheapest rooms, children sleep on a sofabed and, while the price does include the water park, it is only a B&B rate.

However, if you're flexible and can travel in June or September, you can stay here for less than half the cost of 7 nights in August. A week in July can even come in at £1,000 cheaper. You can also book a room without water park access – but that's the whole reason families come to stay here.

Pros: The on-site water park, bus to beach and town

Cons: Pricier in peak time, water park can get very busy

Book: TUI

5. Hotel Port Mahon, Mahon

– Best for city sightseeing

Price from £3,295 for a family of 4, 7 days in August 2024 (Bed & Breakfast) | Number of bedrooms 82 | Board B&B or half-board | Number of swimming pools One with shallow area | Kids club No | Mahon airport 4 miles

Sure, holidays aren't quite the same once you have children, but that doesn't mean you can only stay in busy all-inclusive resorts for the rest of your child-rearing life. The Hotel Port Mahon, right in the heart of Menorca’'s vibrant capital, Mahon, offers the stylish decor and central location you'd expect from a classic city-break to satisfy the grown-up that still lives within you, yet with a child-friendly pool and gardens to keep little ones happy.

Ok, so there's no kids club, and the evening entertainment is tailored to more of a sophisticated crowd, but it's perfect if you have a baby that's content to be pushed along in their buggy or enjoy the view from their carrier while you sample the tapas on the Mahon waterfront, browse designer boutiques, take in the fish market, wander around the museum or relax on a boat trip around the harbour. The Hotel Port Mahon would work for older children, too, who wouldn't be averse to sightseeing with you, on the promise of an afternoon spent at the nearby Cala Mesquida beach.

There'd certainly be no better way to take in Mahon's annual Fiesta de la Mare de Deu de Gracia, which takes place in September, and sees the town streets come to life with a horse parade, fireworks and dancing.

One TripAdvisor reviewer made special mention of how they had stayed at the Hotel Port Mahon many times as a couple before they had children, loving it so much they returned with their children, and now their grandchildren – no wonder it's earned a total of 4.5 stars.

Pros: Central location, luxurious rooms, stylish colonial decor

Cons: No kids club, balcony rooms are only suitable for families with children over 13

Book: Hotel Port Mahon

6. Melia, Cala Galdana

– Best luxury family hotel in Menorca

Price from £5,337 for a family of 4, 7 days in August 2024 (Bed & Breakfast) | Number of bedrooms 339 | Board B&B or half-board | Number of swimming pools 2 (with extra infinity pool available at a surcharge) | Kids club for 8-month-olds to 12-year-olds, May to October | Mahon airport 14 miles

With an on-site beach club, 10,000 square metres of gardens, an exercise program including yoga and pilates, and a world-class entertainment offering comprising live music, DJs and shows, there's a reason the Melia is booked for most of August and comes with a premium price tag to boot.

Those craving an extra level of VIP treatment can subscribe to the appropriately named Level service, which allows access to a VIP lounge, private breakfast, cocktails and tapas at sunset, along with preferential parking and restaurant reservations.

Oh, and kids can come too – when you're sipping handpicked Menorcan wine at the adults-only pool after your guided meditation session, or enjoying a seafood dinner with sea views, rest assured the little ones are taken care of in expert hands at the Kidsdom kids club. An extensive program is tailor-made for each age group, from 8-month-old babies to 10-year-olds.

The beachfront location – right on Cala Galdana, one of the island's most family-friendly beaches – and the stunning sea views are a hit with guests on TripAdvisor, rating it 4.5/5, although the price tag often comes up as a sore point. Prices do drop in June and September if you can be flexible with your timing.

Pros: Right on the beach, sea views, on-site beach club

Cons: Expensive in peak season

Book: TUI

7. Zafiro Menorca, Cala'n Bosch

– Best for swim-up suites

Price Suite from £2,615 for a family of 4, 7 days in August 2024 (room only) | Number of bedrooms 172 | Board Room only, B&B, half-board or all-inclusive | Number of swimming pools 2, plus swim-up rooms and indoor pool | Kids club for 4 to 17-year-olds | Mahon airport 34 miles

Going away as a family can often mean squeezing into one hotel room to cut down on costs, leaving parents whispering while trying not to spill their wine after the kids are in bed. But at the Zafiro Menorca, suites are standard, allowing families to stretch out across the living room and kitchen, which is equipped with a fridge and microwave – like a home away from home.

Even better still are the swim-up suites, meaning you can roll out of bed and hop straight into the pool to while away the morning, fitting in a buffet breakfast of course. When you feel like venturing out to the rest of the resort, you can make a day of pool hopping, from the main pool with a giant Wet Bubble in the centre, to the kids pool, complete with slides, pirate ship and splash zone. When it's time for parents to take a bit of downtime, the Mini Club not only offers activities, workshops, sports, arts and crafts, but a bouncy castle for kids to burn off any extra energy they might have left after all that swimming and sliding.

While the little ones are busy, why not take a trial dive at the on-site diving school, or try your hand at archery, rifle shooting, darts or petanque? If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for a Jeep safari of the island's most exclusive locations, accessible only by private trails, opening up a world of steep gorges, unspoilt coves and stone walled farmlands. Or simply take a break from the hotel buffet and head down to the bars and restaurants at Cala’n Bosch Marina just 800 metres away.

Guests on TripAdvisor praised the Zafiro Menorca for being a kids paradise, with the bouncy castle, pirate-themed disco and spectacular sunset garnering special mentions to earn it a 4.5/5 rating.

Pros: Swim-up suites, plenty of activities for both kids and parents, proximity to Cala'n Bosch

Cons: Continuous activities means music can be loud, road runs through the centre of the resort

Book: Zafiro Hotels

8. Hotel Apartamentos Sol Parc, Son Parc

– Best for sport lovers

Price Apartments from £2,363 for a family of 4, 7 nights in August 2024 (room only) |Number of bedrooms 272 | Board Room only, B&B, half board or full board | Number of swimming pools 2 plus splash pool | Kids club for 4 to 11-year-olds | Mahon airport 16 miles

Nestled inside a pine forest, the Hotel Apartamentos Sol Parc is a world away from the manicured gardens and detailed water features of the larger, more premium resorts in Menorca. But, its laidback vibe means your family can let your hair down and make the most of the summer sunshine as you slide into the pool and cool off in the splash park.

If playing outdoor sports are what makes your family thrive, you'll be right at home here. On-site, there's beach volleyball, basketball and a mini golf course. And the real deal – Menorca's only golf course – is a short walk away, with specialist instruction provided by resident pro-golfer Gustavio Flammia for those who want to sharpen their game. Kids courses (from 4 years) run from mid-September to the end of June, meaning the whole family can get involved. If golf's not your thing, you can unwind with a morning beachfront yoga class which can also be combined with a hike.

Just metres away, via the boardwalk, Son Parc Beach is an attraction in itself – 300 metres of white sand spreading up to the town centre, with 2 buzzy beach bars at either end. This location, and the feeling of being part of nature, is what guests on TripAdvisor noted as a highlight of their trip. Nearly 500 of the 842 reviews rate it Very Good or Excellent. However, dated decor, lack of proximity to other amenities and entertainment, and communications being largely in Spanish and French have contributed to an overall 3.5/5 rating.

Pros: Beach location, sporting activities, rooms have a kitchenette

Cons: Low-key evening entertainment, dated decor

Book: TUI

9. Maribel Apartments & Villas, Cala Blanca

– Best for self-catering

Price Apartment from £1,993 for a family of 4, 7 days in August 2024 (room only) | Number of bedrooms 54 | Board Room only, on-site restaurant available | Number of swimming pools 2| Kids club No | Mahon airport 31 miles

With a choice of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom modern, spacious apartments, and situated right in the middle of the town of Cala Blanca, Maribel Apartments and Villas is ideal for big families, and for those who find self-catering the best option. Perhaps there are dietary requirements that make navigating all-inclusive buffets risky or you have typically fussy toddlers who'll only eat from their pre-approved menu of favourite meals and snacks. If that's you, not to worry – visitors on TripAdvisor noted that there are several reasonably priced supermarkets within walking distance, one with an on-site bakery serving fresh bread and pastries daily. Local restaurants and bars are a good option, too.

After a morning relaxing in the sun-drenched pool, while the kids make use of both the indoor and outdoor play areas, you can take a 10-minute walk to the white sandy coves that give Cala Blanca its name. When you're ready to venture further afield, a bus stop and taxi stand can be found right in front of the Maribel reception.

It's the perfect location for exploring the narrow streets and historical buildings of Ciutadella, the island's ancient capital, just 2 miles away. This is what makes a stay at Maribel a good value holiday overall, and what’s earned it a 4 out of 5 rating.

Pros: Spacious, fully-equipped apartments, close to the beach, shops and restaurants

Cons: Central location and the bar and restaurant downstairs mean it can be noisy, the pool can get busy as it's open to outside guests, no kids club

Book: Maribel Menorca

10. Menorca Hideaway, Alaior

– Best for large family groups

Price £5,233 for a family of 4, 7 days in August 2024 (room only) | Number of bedrooms Choice of 3 or 4 | Board Self-catering | Number of swimming pools 1 | Kids club No | Mahon airport 8 miles

With a 2.5 acre garden bursting with fruit trees – cherry, apricot, orange, lemon, pear, almond, fig and pomegranate – that the resident tortoises love to hide amongst, the Menorca Hideaway sounds like something out of a storybook. A stay at this beautifully restored 19th century manor house will be one for the whole family to cherish and remember for years to come.

You can opt to have the whole house with 3 bedrooms (sleeps up to 6) or 4 bedrooms (sleeps up to 8), making it ideal for larger family groups, or for 2 families of 4 to stay in together. The owners have thought of everything, from high chairs, cots and children’s cutlery, to a games basket complete with volleyball, badminton, beach bats, boules, frisbee and fishing nets. The pool is gated with a code lock to keep your children safe until they can be supervised.

You can spend your evenings dining al fresco in the lavender-framed garden with a simple but fresh barbecue dinner, or hire a private chef so there are no arguments over whose turn it is to cook. Or, take the 10-minute walk to the peaceful town of Alaior and its well-stocked supermarkets and bakeries, as well as a range of tapas bars and ice cream parlours for casual dining. The nearest sandy beach, Son Bou, is a 15-minute drive away.

A UK mum, who stayed at the Menorca Hideaway this year as part of a family of 4 adults and 2 children under 4, raved about the quality of the gardens and house, likening it to a magical stay in a secret retreat. They did trips to Mahon and Ciutadella in the morning, returning to the Menorca Hideaway in the afternoon to relax in the garden and by the pool. An ideal balance of sightseeing and chilling, especially when balancing the preferences of adults and young children.

Pros: Beautiful garden, fully equipped house, close to Alaior town, very luxurious

Cons: Beach is not walking distance, older children could get bored, expensive

Book: iEscape

About the author

MaryLou Costa has been a journalist for over 15 years, having written for The Guardian, The Observer, The Times, The Evening Standard, The Independent, Stylist, Women's Health and more. She writes about parenting, travel and women's issues. She's also a mum of 2 young boys and part of a family that loves to travel.