Riding a Scooter in Menorca Island: A Complete Guide

Menorca, also known as Minorca, is among the most beautiful of Spain’s Balearic Islands, and the best way to take in all that the island has to offer is by renting a motor scooter and driving around. Along the coasts, you’ll find endless stretches of beach lined with beautiful pine trees. If you travel further inland, you’ll come into friendly towns with vibrant street life. Menorca is known as the more low-key twin of Ibiza, Spain’s Mediterranean party island. Whether you want to relax on a beach, do some shopping, or see some interesting historical sites, Menorca will surely provide a memorable travel experience for every kind of person.

Menorca was once used as a base for pirates to raid Roman commercial ships until Roome finally invaded the island. By 123 BC, Menorca was under Roman rule, but there are still archaeological remnants of the pirates who once occupied the island today. The history of Menorca didn’t stop there, however. The island later played an important role in the Byzantine Empire as well as the Spanish Civil War. Clearly, Menorca has no shortage of historical significance.

However, if you’d rather just lounge on the sand and enjoy the Mediterranean sun, Menorca also offers some of the best beaches in the region. The island is also full of silvan natural beauty. If you really want to experience all that there is to see on Menorca, your best bet is to rent a scooter and explore!

This post will cover:

• Safety issues to consider when driving a rental scooter in Menorca
• The best areas to rent a scooter in Menorca
• The price of renting a scooter in Menorca
• Whether you need an international driving permit to drive in Spain
• The best places to visit by scooter in Menorca

Is it safe to ride a rental scooter in Menorca, Spain?

Menorca was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and so the road system on the island is pretty small and nonintrusive. There are no large motorways, and the roads are typically quite narrow. That being said, traffic in Menorca is usually very light, making driving on the island an easy and pleasant experience. You may find that there is a bit more traffic in July and August, but it will only be on the main roads.

In Spain, they drive on the right side of the road, which will be familiar for anyone traveling from the United States. If there are no signs posted, the speed limit on Menorca is 50 kilometers per hour. The only main road that runs through Menorca is ME-1, and you’ll spend the majority of your time driving on this road while traveling between different parts of the island.

There are very few fuel stations in Menorca, so one of your greatest risks while driving on the island is running out of gas. You should always be wary of how much gas you have and where the nearest fuel station is.

What the best areas in Menorca, Spain to rent a scooter?

If you plan on flying into Menorca, there are several scooter rental services that operate right out of the airport terminals. You can get off your flight at Menorca Airport, rent a scooter, and drive directly to your hotel.

If you want to go outside of the area around the airport to rent your scooter, there are two main concentrations of scooter rental shops in other parts of the island. The town of Mahon, which is about a 5 minute drive northeast from the airport, has a bunch of rental shops.

If you’re staying on the west side of the island, your best bet is to go to the coastal town of Ciutadella. Here you’ll find a ton of different options for scooter rental. There are places to rent scooters outside of these two towns, but they’re far more scarce.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Menorca, Spain?

Renting a scooter in Menorca is typically very affordable. You should be able to find a 50cc or 125cc scooter for no more than €25 per day. If a shop is charging much more than that, you should probably look elsewhere for a rental scooter.

If you’d prefer to rent a more powerful scooter, you can typically find 300cc scooters for right around €50 per day. The roads in Menorca are quite flat, though, and a 50cc or 125cc is definitely sufficiently powerful for getting around the island.

Do you need an international driving permit to drive a scooter in Spain?

All non-citizens driving in Spain are required to carry an international driving permit as well as a valid copy of their passport at all times while operating a motor vehicle in Spain, including a scooter. While some tourists choose not to get an international driving permit, they’re risking getting in trouble with the Spanish police by doing so.

When applying for an international driving permit, it’s important to apply at least two weeks before arriving in Spain, because that’s how long it usually takes to process. You can apply here, and there is an application fee of $20. International driving permits are valid for one year.

What are the best places to go by scooter in Menorca, Spain?

Now that you’re familiar with the process of renting a scooter in Menorca, here are some of the places you should absolutely visit while on the island:

• If you drive 25 minutes north from Menorca Airport, you can visit the highest point on the island, El Toro. You can get there by taking a windy drive up a hillside and then leave your scooter in the free parking lot. You can see nearly every inch of the island from the peak, and there’s even a restaurant at the top of the hill.

• You can’t go to Menorca without experiencing its pristine beaches, and a great place to start is Cala Galdana. This crescent bay is surrounded by pine-topped cliffs, so you can lie on the white sand and take in the beautiful natural view. The vibe on the beach is very laid-back, and Cala Galdana is a fantastic place to take kids. The area is located 30 minutes east of the airport.
• When your day is coming to an end, head over to Cova d’en Xoroi, a bar and disco club embedded into a cliff. Located about a 25 minute drive west from the airport, the location offers stunning views of the ocean and great drinks served over bars carved right into the side of the cliff. Of course, if you’re riding a scooter, you should drink responsibly, or just leave the scooter at your accommodation.

Whether you just came off a big weekend partying in Ibiza or you’re looking for a Mediterranean paradise for your family to vacation in, Menorca is a fantastic destination to put on your European travel itinerary. And the best way, by far, to explore this gorgeous island is by renting a scooter!