Menorca is a popular summer holiday spot. The island boasts abundant beautiful natural features, including white sandy beaches, blue waters, fishing towns, a stunning Castle, and traditional celebrations.
Hiring a car is your best option if you are considering vacationing in Menorca and want the flexibility to travel about the island at your pace. But with numerous car hire companies, deciding which one to go with can be overwhelming. Read on to learn what you need to hire a car in Menorca and why PoppyCars should be your car hire Menorca low-cost option.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in Menorca?
Due to its compact size, Menorca presents little logistical challenges for tourists. A drive from the island’s east side to the west takes less than an hour, and from the crimson northern coast to the pristine white beaches of the southern peninsula, it takes even less.
A common misconception about car rental in Menorca is that it’s unnecessary due to the extensive public transit alternatives available. On the contrary, it’s wrong.
Although the island isn’t well suited for road trips, visitors should hire a car for the few days or weeks they are staying. The convenience of having a vehicle at your disposal means you can go anywhere you want, whenever you like, and see as much of the island’s beautiful beaches and charming coastal villages as you want. With a rental car, you can also go to less-visited areas and see attractions you would have missed otherwise.
Typical Costs of a Hire Car in Menorca
Car hire prices in Menorca vary depending on the time of year, the type of car you want, the duration of your rental, and the rental company you choose.
The shoulder season consists of May, June, and October, when prices are more favourable. Fewer tourists visit the island at these times; therefore, fewer cars are rented out. During this period, daily rates for economy or mid-range cars run lower.
Summer’s supply and demand dynamics result in higher pricing and fewer cars being available for last-minute rentals. During the peak summer (July-September), daily rates for short-term (1-3 day) car rentals in Menorca typically range higher. For stays of 7 days or longer, the daily charges include a discount.
It’s important to note that many Menorca car rental agencies tack on extra costs like insurance, gas, a lower excess, and additional drivers. Additional fees may be imposed for things like kid safety seats. Young drivers (those under 25) are charged higher rates. Pickup and drop-off at different locations will also increase rental costs.
At PoppyCars, we offer the best price car hire in Menorca, with no hidden costs or surprises. Our prices include unlimited mileage, fully comprehensive insurance, and a flexible fuel policy.
Book Your Menorca Car Hire in Advance
When demand is high, renting a car during summer is notoriously difficult. On the other hand, if you make your reservation in advance, you stand to benefit in various ways, which include:
- Better rates: Car rental companies generally offer better rates to customers who book in advance. This is because they can plan their inventory and staffing levels more effectively when they have reservations.
- Availability: During the peak tourist season, car rentals in Menorca are in high demand. Booking a car hire should be on time to avoid missing out on the vehicle of your choice. You’ll have more options to pick from by booking in advance. Therefore, a better chance of getting the car make, model, and any optional extras you may want.
- Convenience: Booking your rental car in advance will save you time and hassle when you arrive in Menorca. You won’t have to go through searching for a car rental agency or painstakingly waiting in line to rent one. Instead, you’ll pick up your car and start exploring the island.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your car hire is already reserved can give you peace of mind and reduce travel-related stress. You won’t have to worry about finding transportation or dealing with unexpected expenses.
To book Menorca car hire in advance, you can use various online booking platforms, including rental car company websites, travel agency websites, and price comparison websites. Ensure you understand the insurance provisions, fuel rules, extra costs, and cancellation policies before making a reservation. This will ensure no unpleasant surprises or misunderstandings when picking up the vehicle.
When choosing a car rental company, consider the age and quality of the cars, responsiveness of the customer service, and any extra amenities or services that may be offered. It’s also good to read customer reviews to determine how others rate the company’s cars and services.
At PoppyCars, we make it easy for you to book your Menorca car hire online and pay on arrival. We have many cars to suit your needs and budget, from hatchbacks and sedans to large family cars and SUVs.
Bring the Proper Documents
What do you need to hire a car in Menorca? When renting a car on the island of Menorca, you’ll need to bring the proper documents with you. Here are the documents you should bring:
- Valid Driver’s License: An original driver’s license is required when renting a car in Menorca. Expired, duplicated, provisional, etc., documents are not accepted. Besides a valid driving license, you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are a non-EU citizen.
Some vehicle rental companies need a driver’s license to be at least one year old to hire a small economical car, while others have no such requirement. However, category R and S cars often need more driving expertise than lower-end vehicles.
Age and experience requirements for drivers vary widely amongst companies. However, most car rental services, rather than rejecting drivers under the age of 25, charge them more. - Passport or National ID Card The name on the identification documents must match the name on your driver’s license. This serves as proof that you are the driver or contracting party.
- Credit or debit card (for the deposit) A credit card in your name is required as a security deposit for the rental car. The card should have enough money to cover the security deposit and any additional charges that may accrue throughout the rental period. The cardholder should be the primary renter since they are the ones that sign the rental agreement and collect the vehicle.
- Rental voucher or Reservation confirmation: If you made a reservation in advance, be sure to bring the rental voucher or confirmation number provided by the rental car company. It can either be printed out or on your phone.
At PoppyCars, we don’t require a deposit or credit card; you can pay on arrival. We also provide free child and booster seats, so you don’t have to bring your own.
Tips for Driving in Menorca
Exploring Menorca by car can be an exhilarating experience. However, for a safe, pleasurable drive, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road: Like the rest of Spain, drivers in Menorca must stay on the right side of the road. Before getting behind the wheel, ensure you’ve had enough practice.
- Observe speed limits to avoid tickets: Speed limits in Menorca are generally lower than in other countries – the maximum is 80km/h (approx. 50mph). This is because most roads on the island are narrow. Therefore, observe the speed limits displayed in kilometres-per-hour (km/h). Drive at a safe speed for the current weather, traffic, and road conditions.
- Carry your driver’s license and insurance documents: A valid driver’s license is required whenever you’re behind the wheel in Menorca. These might be requested by law enforcement should you be pulled over.
- Wear your seatbelt: Menorca has a strict policy requiring all passengers to use seatbelts when driving.
- Be cautious on rural roads: Menorca has many narrow and winding rural roads, so be extra cautious when driving on them. Watch for oncoming traffic, and slow down when approaching bends or blind corners.
- Watch out for pedestrians: In Spain, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Therefore, always watch for them, particularly in urban areas.
- Avoid driving under the influence: Drunken driving is illegal in Menorca, and the penalties are severe. Don’t take any risks, and avoid driving after drinking alcohol.
- Observe parking regulations: Vehicles parked illegally are subject to towing and penalties. Most car parks are free on the island. Paid parking spaces, however, will have blue lines painted around them.
- Use GPS navigation: Menorca’s roads can be confusing, especially if you are not familiar with the area. However, driving all around the island will be a breeze if you have a GPS.
- Be patient and courteous: Be patient and courteous to other motorists at all times, but more so during the busy tourist season when the roads may be packed. Everyone wants to get where they’re going quickly and safely.
Menorca is a beautiful island, and because it’s relatively small, there’s no need to rush. Take your time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stop at vantage points to take pictures and learn more about the area.
The Road Structure of Menorca
Menorca’s road system is unique, and it was created with environmental protection and maintaining the island’s stunning scenery in mind. The road system links the island’s numerous settlements and provides easy access to its numerous beaches and other points of interest.
Menorca’s road network is like a fish’s backbone. Mahón’s harbour serves as the network’s starting point, with the major road (Me-1) crossing the island from the modern capital of Mahón to the historic city of Ciutadella. Connecting the metropolitan centres and beaches of the north and south coastlines are a plethora of subsidiary roads branching off the main road in an almost horizontal pattern on maps.
This road network has been pristine by consistent maintenance, repairs, and enhancements.
One of the unique features of Menorca’s road structure is the Camí de Cavalls, an ancient trail that encircles the island. Originally used for military purposes, the Camí de Cavalls is now a popular hiking trail that provides access to many of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches and coves.
If you are wondering, you can’t drive around the coast of Menorca. Only a few road stretches run along the island’s coastline.
Keep in mind that overtaking is not recommended on Menorca’s roadways. While this is possible in principle, the main highway, Me-1, only has two lanes in a few spots, and it’s constantly going uphill, which renders it difficult in practice.