Tips for Renting a Car Inexpensively in Menorca
Looking for a cheap car rental in Menorca? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best deals across the island. Whether you're heading to hidden coves or exploring charming villages, a quick comparison can save you both time and money.
- Compare pick-up locations - selecting “Menorca” instead of just the airport gives you more options and better rates.
- Adjust your pick-up and drop-off times - even changing by one hour can make a big difference in the final price.
- Go for compact cars - they're usually the cheapest and much easier to park near busy beaches.
- Book early - during peak season, especially July and August, prices rise quickly and availability drops fast.
Tips when renting a car in Menorca
- Menorca may be a small island, but it's extremely popular in summer. If you plan to rent a car in Menorca, book early; fleets sell out quickly, and prices go up.
- Pick up your rental car at Menorca Airport (MAH) for the widest selection. If you're staying in Ciutadella and arriving by ferry, you'll also find rental offices in the town center.
- The ME-1 is the island's main road, connecting Maó (Mahón) and Ciutadella and branching off to other parts of the island. For exploring beaches and small villages, a small or compact car is the most convenient choice.
- Ciutadella's old town and central Mahón have traffic-restricted zones for residents only. Pay close attention to signage and avoid entering historic streets unless you know the area.
- In Ciutadella, blue zone parking is regulated in summer, usually mornings and late afternoons, with a midday break. Sundays and public holidays are typically free. Always check the schedule at the meter or on the app before leaving your car.
- During high season, park outside the historic areas and walk in: you'll save time and avoid fines. For beach parking, arrive early. Many lots are small and fill up fast.
Driving tips in Menorca
- Always carry your driver's license, rental contract, and insurance documents.
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left, and always signal your intentions.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks; make sure you stop for them.
- Roundabouts require attention. Pick your lane before entering: the inner lane for overtaking and the outer lane for exiting. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and signal right when you exit.
- Many of Menorca's secondary roads are narrow and winding. Drive slowly and be prepared to stop or yield when another vehicle is approaching.
- Popular gas stations in Menorca include Repsol, Cepsa, and BP.
- Spain has strict alcohol laws: the limit is 0.5 g/L (0.3 if your license is under two years old). Fines can easily exceed €500.
Speed limits
In Menorca, typical speed limits are:
- 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways.
- 90 km/h (55 mph) on secondary roads.
- 50 km/h (31 mph) on city streets.
- 30 km/h (19 mph) on residential or narrow streets.
- 20 km/h (12 mph) in shared pedestrian zones.
Most roads on the island are winding secondary routes, so it's wise to reduce your speed even if the limit is higher.
Road signs
Road signs in Menorca follow the European standard: clear icons and limits shown in km/h. The island has lots of roundabouts with well-marked signs pointing to towns and beaches, often written in both Catalan (Menorquín) and Spanish. In the historic centers of Mahón and Ciutadella, you'll find pedestrian or restricted access areas clearly marked to prevent unauthorized entry. You'll also see many 30 km/h zones, especially in tourist areas and city centers. Beach signage and tourist directions are very clear and easy to follow across the island.
Tolls and restricted zones
There are no toll roads in Menorca; all roads are free to drive on, including in towns and cities. You also won't find tolls when leaving urban areas, as the island's road network is simple and completely toll-free.
That said, the old towns of Mahón and Ciutadella do have access restrictions. Only residents or authorized vehicles can enter certain streets, with cameras and time schedules in place. Outside these historic zones (which are clearly marked), you can drive freely, just respecting normal pedestrian zones.
Discover Menorca by car
Menorca is a peaceful, beautifully preserved island. Renting a car gives you the freedom to drive from one end to the other and uncover hidden spots you might otherwise miss. You can reach unspoiled coves with turquoise water like Cala Pregonda in the north or Cala Turqueta in the south, and drive up to Monte Toro, the island's highest point, for a panoramic view.
Driving in Menorca is easy; there's just one main toll-free road (ME-1) running from end to end. In summer, head out early to find parking at the most popular beaches.
When to Visit
Menorca is a calm Balearic island with a Mediterranean climate: hot summers and mild winters.
- Spring (April-June): Mild temperatures, blooming countryside, and fewer tourists; perfect for hiking and beach hopping without the crowds.
- June 24 (Sant Joan in Ciutadella): Menorca's biggest festival with horses parading through the streets, live music, and traditional local celebrations.
- September-October: Cooler weather, warm sea temperatures, and a relaxed vibe after the summer rush.
Languages & Communication
In Menorca, both Spanish and Catalan (specifically, the local Menorquín dialect) are spoken. Spanish is the primary day-to-day language. In tourist hotspots like Mahón and Ciutadella, English is widely spoken, so you'll have no trouble getting by even if you don't speak Spanish.
Currency & Payments
The euro (€) is the local currency in Menorca. Most shops, hotels, and restaurants, especially in tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards. Still, it's a good idea to carry some cash if you plan to visit small villages or local craft markets, where some vendors may only accept cash. ATMs are easy to find in the island's main towns.
Top driving routes from Menorca
Menorca is perfect for scenic drives that lead to secluded beaches, scenic lighthouses, and charming villages:
- Southern coves: Cala Macarella, Macarelleta, and Cala Turqueta: white sand beaches with turquoise water and pine trees all around, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
- Ciutadella & Punta Nati Lighthouse: Wander the stone streets of the island's former capital, then drive out to Punta Nati for a dramatic sunset over the cliffs.
- Fornells & Cap de Cavalleria: Visit the colorful fishing village of Fornells, famous for its lobster stew, and continue north to the Cavalleria Lighthouse for sweeping Mediterranean views.
- Mahón & Binibeca Vell: Discover Mahón and its massive natural harbor, then head to Binibeca Vell, a postcard-perfect whitewashed village by the sea.
- Monte Toro & the rural interior: Drive up to Monte Toro for panoramic island views, and stop by Es Mercadal, a traditional inland village with local charm.