Copy it into your account, move it to your own dates and make it yours — swap stops, change the pace, add days.
Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.
Journey there
The first day is a pure driving day, over the usual 2-hour limit; things settle down considerably after that.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
This is where your journey towards the Mediterranean begins. On the first day, you head south along the motorway at an easy pace.
This little wine town in Burgundy is a pleasant first stopover with a lovely old town and good restaurants. A short evening stroll around the Hôtel-Dieu is well worth it before continuing the next day.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Journey to the ferry
Another longer drive to the ferry today; from tomorrow, you can relax fully on the island.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
In Barcelona you spend the night before the crossing to Menorca. In the evening there's time for a stroll and dinner; the ferry port is close by the next day.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Ferry and first old town
A pure arrival day: after the crossing, all that's left is settling in and a quiet evening in Ciutadella.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
The crossing takes you and your own car straight to Ciutadella in the west of the island. Overnight ferries or day crossings with vehicle transport are widely available; a seat or a cabin makes the journey more comfortable.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The old island capital delights with narrow lanes, palaces, the cathedral and the lively harbour basin. In the late afternoon the terraces fill up — the perfect place for a relaxed arrival.
Your base for the west of the island, central and within walking distance of the old town. From here you can reach the famous southern coves early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Calas and the Cami de Cavalls
Head out early, catch the finest coves while empty, then spend a relaxed afternoon in Ciutadella.
One of the finest coves on the south coast, with pale sand and brilliant turquoise water between pines and rocks. Early in the morning you'll have it almost to yourselves; later the car park fills up quickly.
From the car park or from Turqueta, the Cami de Cavalls takes you to the famous Macarella and the smaller Macarelleta. The turquoise gradient within the semicircle of cliffs is one of Menorca's most iconic sights.
Prehistory and the wild north
The north is wilder and less crowded; the walk to Pregonda is deliberately part of the experience.
This reddish-tinged bay in the north-west feels almost like another world, with ochre-coloured rock spires rising from the water. It's only reachable on foot, which limits the crowds and rewards you with peace and quiet.
North and relocation
The north in the morning, then an easy move eastward in the afternoon, arriving in Mahón.
The northernmost point of Menorca, with dramatic cliffs and wide views over the sea. Below lies the broad beach of Cala Cavalleria, ideal for a morning by the water before you move on.
One of the largest natural harbours in the world, lined with restaurants, boat moorings and the rising old town. An evening walk along the harbour reveals the maritime side of the island capital.
Your new base for the east of the island, central in Mahón with short distances to the harbour and old town. From here you can easily reach the eastern coves and the Favaritx lighthouse.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Lighthouse and white village
Short drives, plenty of time on-site; take an afternoon break and visit Binibeca Vell only towards evening.
The black-and-white lighthouse stands amid a bleak, almost otherworldly slate landscape. Short walking trails lead from here to secluded coves such as Cala Presili.
This whitewashed fishing village, with its narrow, winding lanes, feels like a small labyrinth by the sea. In the early evening, once the day visitors have left, its quiet charm comes to the fore.
Highest point and town
A relaxed day with little driving, morning views and an afternoon in town for rest.
The island's highest peak offers a panoramic view over the whole of Menorca, coast to coast. At the top stand a monastery and a small church; on a clear day, the view reaches all the way to the sea.
Mahón's upper town, with its Georgian façades, the market inside the Santa Maria church and quiet squares, invites you to wander. A visit to the Xoriguer gin distillery by the harbour reveals a local speciality.
Farewell to the island
One last morning by the sea, then take the overnight ferry to save time on the journey home.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
A final short walk along the Cami de Cavalls on the east coast near Cala Mesquida or Es Grau. Cliffs, small coves and sea views bid you farewell from the island.
From Mahón harbour, the ferry carries you and your car back to the mainland. An overnight ferry with a cabin saves a hotel night and gets the journey home off to a relaxed start.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Journey home
The journey home to Cologne is too long for a single day; with another night in Lyon, you return to your starting point the following day at a relaxed pace.
Long stage — allow for breaks.
In the morning, the ferry docks in Barcelona. From here you set off directly on the long drive north.
A good stopover on the way back to break up the journey. In the evening there's time for a meal in this famous restaurant city.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Copy it and move it to your own dates.
Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.