After dark: A guide to Menorca’s nightlife

Of the handful of beach clubs in Menorca, Arena Beach Club is the closest you’ll get to a Balearic party vibe. Sip champagne on a Balinese bed by the pool by day and slink into the chic restaurant and bar in the evening. International DJs fly in to provide the soundtrack to your night, with the occasional spot of live music to get the party started. As this is Menorca, things do stay relatively relaxed, but the Full Moon Parties are the nights to pick. Fire shows, Batucada bands and aerial dancers bring a touch of Ibiza’s showmanship to these shores, which definitely isn’t a bad thing. 

It’s too simple to say that Cova D’en Xoroi in Alaior is just a nightclub. It’s a must see destination when you’re on the island. Yes, there are club nights in these caves carved into the cliffside. But there are also chilled nights behind the VIP ropes, sunset cocktails on the terraces and live music acts drop in to gently start the evening off. Choose your night wisely – but frankly, whichever night you pick, with this cave/cliff location combo, you’re unlikely to experience anything quite like it anytime soon. 

As you may have guessed by now, Menorca’s rather light on bass thumping clubs to revel the night away in. Though, as luck would have it, Ciutadella’s got a little hotspot tucked away by the port. Kopas is frankly your best chance of a fun night’s authentic clubbing that’ll come anywhere close to the levels seen on the other Balearics. Which is either your signal to flock there asap or give it the widest of berths. Either way, know this. Kopas is a whopper of a venue, by Menorcan standards. Three floors, two terraces and the music rarely takes itself too seriously. Fun. Neon. Laser shows. Oh, and there’s a chill out terrace if it all gets a little bit too much. Which, may well be needed if you’ve fallen under Menorca’s laid back spell.  

If you love the chic lines of Isabella but want something with a smidge more variety, pull up a chair at Bambu. Though, first you have to choose between the restaurant, terrace or zen garden. All technically spots to order from the food menu, we’re certain most people pitch up for the glorious sunsets over the sea and a cocktail or two. For that, there’s the aptly named sunset bar. This south coast gem is yet another laid back spot you’ll not want to leave. Jasmine flowers pepper the zen garden, with the sweetest scents wafting in – along with the ocean breeze. Book a table in time for the sunset, but don’t be the least bit surprised to find yourself here at 2am, wishing they stayed open just a little longer. 

Bambu’s a little low on beach vibes for a beach bar. If you really want that chiringuito vibe, sand between the toes and waves crashing at your feet – head to Es Bruc in Sant Tomas. That location is important, as there are two more Es Bruc’s on the island – one of which definitely isn’t on the beach. No matter, all three are stellar spots but the Sant Tomas one is THE beach bar to quaff your pomadas in. Condensation glistening drinks of every kind compliment the laid back ‘beach barbecue’ style menu of grilled fish and meat. Simple. Stunning and a bit of a Menorcan institution. Es Bruc’s been bartending these shores for over 70 years. 

Menorca does things a little differently when it comes to nightlife. Nowhere does that show more than in the night markets. In season, you can find one running every night of the week, if you know where to look. On the weekends, head to the port in Ciutadella for a browse of the stalls. On week nights, it’s all about Alaior’s market. Items for sale tend to be a similar crop of souvenirs and tourist-centric offerings. If you’re looking to browse something a little more Menorcan, there’s a flea market on Thursday nights in Cala en Porter.