There are islands you explore and others you simply soak up. Menorca belongs to the second group: here, the pine trees reach right down to the shore, stones have been stacked without cement for centuries, and the noise never gets any louder. Planning a a break in Menorca In July, that means embracing that pace and dressing accordingly.
It’s not a destination for showing off. On the contrary, the island favours simple clothing, natural fabrics and footwear that can withstand limestone. That’s why it’s best to pack your suitcase with the same calmness with which you plan your day.
July on the island: white light and the tramontana wind
Summer in Menorca has two sides to it. To the south, coves with white sand and turquoise waters; to the north, the rugged, reddish coastline shaped by the wind. That duality influences what you wear far more than you might imagine.
On the north coast, the tramontana can pick up suddenly, even in the middle of July. Therefore, a light shirt that you can button over your T-shirt is no longer just a luxury but becomes a practical essential.
A getaway to Menorca: what sort of summer you can expect
Forget about big-hotel tourism. A getaway to Menorca is all about dirt tracks, wooden boats, long after-dinner chats and a swim at seven in the evening, when the sand has cooled down.
That way of travelling calls for clothes that work whether they’re wet, dry, or covered in sand – or not. It also calls for colours that don’t stand out when they’re covered in dust from the road.
The Camí de Cavalls sets the pace
The Camí de Cavalls It circles the island for around 185 kilometres, divided into twenty stages, and is the best way to get to know Menorca from the inside. It takes in cliffs, pine forests, unspoilt beaches and old coastguard paths.
You don’t need to do the whole thing. In fact, if you set off early in the morning, you’ll have the best cove of the day almost to yourself. Just make sure you wear proper footwear and a long-sleeved shirt: the July sun is no joke.
The perfect suitcase for a getaway to Menorca
Five days on the island can fit into a handbag if you choose wisely. Here’s the essential kit that never lets you down:
- Two swimmers: one plain and one patterned, like the seersucker swimming trunks, which dries in minutes.
- Three lightweight shirts: two plain ones and one with a bit of character for evenings.
- Two T-shirts: crew neck, cotton, neutral colours.
- Two pairs of shorts and one pair of long trousers: trousers come into their own as the sun goes down.
- A polo shirt: the versatile piece that works just as well on the beach as it does at the dinner table.
- A thin knitted layer: for the tramontana and for midnight terraces.
If you want to fine-tune your packing even further, have a look at our article on Outfits for summer getaways.
How to get dressed from the poolside to the dining table without going back to the hotel
The Menorcan trick is to structure your day in layers that you can add or remove as you go. Follow this order and you can’t go wrong:
- Base: swimming trunks that can pass for shorts without giving the game away.
- Second layer: plain T-shirt or micro-piqué polo shirt to get into any place.
- Third layer: shirt with a coral print open-back, which offers protection from the sun and is easy to slip on.
- Closure: leather sandals or espadrilles – never flip-flops.
Evenings in Ciutadella and Maó
When the sun goes down, the island takes on a different atmosphere. Ciutadella’s harbour fills with tables right by the water’s edge, whilst Maó reveals its bay, one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Neither town demands formal dress, but both appreciate a touch of care.
Swap your shorts for a pair of light-coloured trousers, button up your shirt and put on a clean pair of shoes. With this simple change, you can go from a beach bar to a restaurant without looking out of place.
Three mistakes that ruin a holiday suitcase
The first is to pack too much. On the island, people tend to wear light clothing and make do with washing their clothes in the sink. The second is to opt for synthetic fabrics that don’t breathe or dry properly.
The third, and most common, mistake is forgetting to wear closed-toe shoes. Many coves require a twenty-minute walk over rocky ground, and flip-flops turn that walk into a real ordeal. Our guide to stylish Mediterranean destinations He keeps saying the same thing for a good reason.
Frequently asked questions about your break in Menorca
How many days do I need?
Four or five days will give you time to explore both coasts at a leisurely pace. If you have less time, choose just one side of the island.
Do we need a car?
Yes, if you want to get to the coves in the south. Many of them are a long way from public transport and require a final stretch on foot.
What should I wear for the Camí de Cavalls?
A light, long-sleeved shirt, comfortable shorts, a cap and shoes with a sturdy sole. Also, always set off before nine o’clock in the morning.
Is it an expensive destination?
July is peak season, although the island offers options to suit all budgets. Booking in advance makes all the difference.
Menorca or Ibiza for a peaceful getaway to Menorca?
They’re complementary islands. If you’re looking for peace and quiet and nature, head to Menorca; if you’re after a lively nightlife, discover our shop in Ibiza.
Get your island ready with Gerry St Tropez
Menorca doesn’t need a new wardrobe. It needs the right wardrobe: a few items, good fabrics and the certainty that everything goes together.
Discover our Gerry St Tropez swimwear and pack your suitcase – the island will demand it. Because the best memory of a trip is having been comfortable throughout every single hour of it.