Barcelona & Menorca
Your trip to Spain will begin in Barcelona, a city buzzing with Spanish culture, delicious food and a thriving eclectic art scene. After a few days, head to Menorca, the underrated jewel of the Balearic islands. Here, we invite you to unwind and enjoy the pristine beaches and infinite ocean views; this week is a true sample of culture, exploration and relaxation!
There’s something familiar about Spain that draws visitors, who maybe remember a few phrases of high school Spanish or harbor a vague curiosity of bullfighting or siestas. But it’s the staggering diversity—of cultures, languages, cuisines, and landscapes—that keeps travelers coming back again and again. Every barrio and pueblo offers something unique, and the Spain you thought you knew is suddenly full of surprises.
Sep. 7 – 11, 2024: Barcelona (4 nights)
Sep. 11 – 14, 2024: Menorca (3 nights)
Sep. 14, 2024: Departure
September is one of the best months to visit Spain, as summer temperatures have cooled off but days are still sunny and warm. When you're in Menorca, the sea is never far away for a refreshing dip to cool off.
U.S. passport holders don't need any special visa when traveling to Spain for tourism.
We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:
- Spotify playlists
- Dishes to try
- Helpful phrases
- Packing guide
- Tipping guides
- And more!
It’s clear from the moment you step foot in Barcelona that it’s unlike any other Spanish city. The boulevards are wider, the architecture is quirkier, and, if you have an ear for languages, you may hear that the locals are speaking Catalan, not Spanish. Gaudi’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is just one of his architectural gems scattered about the city. With something to offer art enthusiasts, adventurous foodies, and beach loungers, it’s no wonder that Barcelona is one of Europe’s top destinations.
You'll be greeted upon arrival at Barcelona Airport by your driver for private transport to your hotel in the city center.
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
There is one pick-up scheduled for the flight that arrives in the morning and a separate pick-up for the flight arriving in the afternoon.
Booked By Scenset
There's no shortage of great food in Barcelona, and some of the best meals are at the bar you stumble into by surprise. Here's a list of some top places to eat. Please let us know if you'd like reservations.
- Cocina Hemanos Torres: The well-known Torres brothers present their innovative gastronomic proposal located in the neighborhood of Les Corts. We can enjoy a nice evening while the chef cooks for us in one of the 3 islands.
- Atempo: Atempo offers us a new gastronomic format merging the waiter’s trade with the passion and creativity of the chefs. An offer based on products with soul, in an intimate and cozy environment.
- Hoffman: Hoffman is the restaurant run by the person responsible for the prestigious cookery school with the same name. With a Michelin star, her menu presents modern creations that have our Mediterranean-Catalan and French haute cuisine as a starting point. Desserts are simply spectacular. It is essential to book in advance.
- Can Ramonet: Paella is perhaps the quintessential Spanish dish, and the best place to eat it is near the coast. Head to Barceloneta neighborhood near the water and try one of their famous paellas (remember in Spain, paella is traditionally lunch food, not dinner!).
- Solomillo: Indulge all your darkest carnivorous desires at this meat-lovers’ paradise, where the name of the restaurant is the same as your order (solomillo means “sirloin steak”). This is the best steak in Barcelona and the menu is customizable to your liking.
- Berbena: Few tourists have heard of Berbena. Inside, there are daily batches of home-baked bread that smell like your grandma’s kitchen, comfort food like hearty beef with wine stew and gooey slices of Spanish omelet, platters of locally sourced cheese and charcuteries.
- Bocanariz: Visit this unassuming wine bar which has a selection of hundreds of bottles, from Cataluña, around Spain, and the world. Paired with some small bites to snack on, it's the perfect Spanish bar experience.
- La Pepita: A more casual eatery with a fun vibe and delicious menu to accompany it. It's always filled with locals, a good sign for any place to eat.
Why we love it for you: In a city as cool as Barcelona, the Almanac Hotel injects that avant-garde vibe into every detail of the property. The art deco design harmonizes with Barcelona architecture, tapas are served on a painter’s palette in homage to Dalí, and the rooftop pool with views of the Sagrada Familia is the indisputable crown jewel. Centrally located, most of Barcelona’s landmarks are just a casual stroll away.
Almanac
3x Almanac King Room
- Included: Breakfast
Barcelona is renowned for its diverse shopping scenset, ranging from high-end boutiques to quirky independent stores. Each neighborhood offers a distinctive shopping experience. Here are some of our top picks:
- El Born is a trendy district known for its chic boutiques and artisan shops. Stroll along the narrow, medieval streets and discover unique fashion, jewelry, and home decor items. Don't miss the charming Passeig del Born, lined with stylish stores and cafes - Google Maps link here.
- Gràcia is a bohemian neighborhood that's a haven for vintage and second-hand shops. Explore the vibrant Carrer de Verdi and its surrounding streets to find an eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, independant bars, retro furniture pieces and second hand bookshops. The area also hosts a lively street market every Saturday - Google Maps link here.
- Passeig de Gràcia is Barcelona's most luxurious shopping avenue, home to high-end fashion brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Even if you're not looking to splurge, the stunning modernist architecture along this street, such as Gaudí's Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, makes it worth a visit - Google Maps link here.
- La Boqueria Market is a must-visit for food lovers. This vibrant, covered market offers an array of fresh produce, fruits, meats, cheeses, and local delicacies. It's the perfect spot to sample Barcelona's culinary delights and pick up some edible souvenirs - Google Maps link here.
This is a recommendation only.
Gaudi left his mark all over Barcelona, so visit some of his most iconic works around the city. Begin with his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, which you'll see from inside and out. Afterward, head to Park Güell, which is like a wonderland fantasy but in real life.
Pick-Up Time: Afternoon
Pick-Up Location: In front of hotel
End Time: Evening
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
Almanac
3x Almanac King Room
- Included: Breakfast
Experience a tapas tour with your personal guide, tasting the various authentic dishes of the region the way that locals do: going from bar to bar, ordering a drink, and getting a different tapa with each one.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Pick-Up Location: Hotel Lobby
End Time: Early afternoon
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
Almanac
3x Almanac King Room
- Included: Breakfast
Today take a full day excursion to the town of Girona, which is known as the heart and soul of Cataluña for its strong connection to Catalan identity. Plus, it's a picturesque city overflowing with charm.
Well-known all over the planet for his eccentricity and his signature mustache, Salvador Dalí’s genius can be seen and lived in the museum he founded in his hometown of Figueres.
Girona is a charming city surrounded by rivers and dominated by an imposing cathedral on top of a hill. Its rich history that dates back to Ancient Rome, the Islamic Empire, and Jewish residents presents itself around every corner. Stroll through the maze of alleys that make up one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe while visiting some sites that may look familiar if you've seen "Game of Thrones."
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Pick-Up Location Hotel Lobby
Return Time: Evening
Guide: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
You have a lunch reservation at the restaurant Mimolet. Lunch is to be paid locally.
Booked by Scenset
Almanac
3x Almanac King Room
- Included: Breakfast
If you’ve never heard of the Spanish island of Menorca, then the locals would probably consider that a success. The Mediterranean paradise is known for its authentic local culture, locally-sourced gastronomy, and secluded beaches, especially when compared to its much more popular neighbors, Mallorca and Ibiza. While the other islands spent decades catering to big resorts and tourists, Menorca did just the opposite, meaning more virgin beaches and opportunities to fully disconnect.
You'll be picked up from your hotel for a private transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Menorca.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Driver: will be provided
Contact: will be provided
Booked By Scenset
- Click here for your boarding passes.
- Booking reference: MJTF5A
Your fare includes:
- 1 x underseat cabin bag per person (Max. 40x20x30cm)
- 1 x 10kg luggage in the overhead locker per person (Max. 55x40x20cm)
- 1 x 25kg checked in luggage per person
- Priority boarding
Booked by Scenset.
You'll be greeted upon arrival at Menorca Airport for a private transfer to your hotel in the countryside.
Contact: will be provided
Your contact is the concierge desk at the Torre Vella hotel.
Booked By Scenset
Menorca is best-known for its "kilometer zero" cuisine, meaning ingredients are locally sourced from freshly caught seafood, homegrown produce, and Menorcan cows.
- Mestre d'Aixa: This is one of the best places to eat in Mahón, located right on the port and with a creative fusion menu that never disappoints.
- Cap Roig: Fresh seafood is always good at Cap Roig, but the paella is their specialty. It's about a 10-minute drive from Mahón, but make sure to go for lunch or sunset so you can take in the incredible views.
- Binifadet: One of Menorca's top wineries, stop here to try a glass or two of local wine, paired with their delicious gourmet menu.
- Sa Pedrera des Pujol: Journey into the Menorcan countryside at this small restaurant, which is often listed as one of the best restaurants on the island.
- Pez Limon: Located in charming Ciutadella, this fun restaurant serves "comida del autor" cuisine which is original, surprising, and always tasty.
This high-brow art gallery from renowned Hauser & Wirth is located on the tiny Isla del Rey—a separate island—inside the Mahón port. It's a beautiful setting with incredible art pieces, plus an on-site restaurant that's a true gem. Also on the island is an 18th-century hospital you can tour from Menorca's days as a British colony.
It's free to visit the gallery, but you need to purchase roundtrip ferry tickets. Ferries depart every 30 minutes.
This is a recommendation only.
Your group will be picked up from your hotel in the evening in private transfer to the Cova d'en Xoroi. The Cova has a dress code of no beach wear or athletic wear, and you'll want to take pictures!
Pick-Up Time: Evening
Contact: will be provided
Your contact is the concierge desk at the hotel.
Booked by Scenset
Take a visit to the Cova d'en Xoroi, hands down one of the coolest bars you'll ever see. It's built into the side of a cave overlooking the Mediterranean, perfect for taking some pictures while enjoying a cocktail or two. Enjoy live music while watching the sunset!
- Entrance Time: Early evening
- Departure Time: Late evening
- Includes: Sunset session in private VIP zone with a bottle of champagne
- Reservation Name: will be provided
- Confirmation Code: will be provided
The Cova d'Xoroi has a dress code policy of no beachwear, no athletic wear, and no sleeveless shirts.
This VIP experience with one-way transfer has been included in your itinerary as a special perk for using Scenset!
Once you're ready to depart from the cave bar, you can ask the reception team at the venue to call a taxi either back to your hotel or onto another destination for dinner.
If you'd like a dinner reservation made, just let us know.
Why we love it for you: You may noticeably feel your breathing slow down and your muscles relax as you pull up to Torre Vella, a serene countryside estate with bucolic walking trails, on-site vineyards, and even some resident farm animals. The only thing tempting enough to pull you away from this retreat is the cerulean of Menorca's beaches, always just a short 10-minute drive away.
Torre Vella
3x Torre Villa Pool Suites
- Included: Breakfast
The best way to get around the island at your own pace is to have your own vehicle. Your car rental is organized for today and tomorrow to be picked up at your hotel. You'll pay for the car rental directly at the hotel.
Arranged by Scenset, to be paid on site.
Here are some of the best beaches you can visit—vetted by a local!
- Son Bou: The largest beach on Menorca, stretching over a kilometer. Keep walking along the beach to get away from the crowds.
- Cala Mitjana: Park and walk about 20 minutes to reach this postcard-worthy cove. If you want even more intimacy, you can keep walking from Cala Mitjana to Cala Trebaluger.
- Cala Pilar: The north beaches are very different from the south beaches, and Cala Pilar is one of the most picturesque. It's about a 40-minute walk from the parking lot. Get there early before the lot fills up!
This is a recommendation only.
Eat at the iconic restaurant Es Bruc, which is famous on the island for its fresh seafood and incredible views. They don't accept reservations and there's usually a line, so try and arrive around lunchtime before peak lunch hour.
Recommended by Scenset.
Torre Vella
3x Torre Villa Pool Suites
- Included: Breakfast
Spend your day at leisure in Menorca. You can explore the town of Mahón, visit one of the other small villages, visit a cheese farm, or head directly to the beach!
This high-brow art gallery from reknowned Hauser & Wirth is located on the tiny Isla del Rey inside the Mahón port. It's a beautiful setting with incredible art pieces, plus an on-site restaurant that's a true gem. Also on the island is an 18th-century hospital you can tour from Menorca's days as a British colony.
It's free to visit the gallery, but you need to purchase roundtrip ferry tickets. Ferries depart every 30 minutes.
Recommended by Scenset—nothing has been booked.
We recommend a sunset cocktail at the vermouth bar Vida Una. It's just a 10-minute walk along the water from your boat drop-off.
Walking directions here.
This is a recommendation. If you would like to spend time in Mahón after the boat ride, let us know to re-arrange your transfer back.
Torre Vella
3x Torre Villa Pool Suites
- Included: Breakfast
It's the last day of your trip to paradise. Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast and one last dip in the sea before checkout. In Spain we don't say adiós, but rather hasta luego, or until next time.
Your private transfer will pick you up from the hotel for your ride to the airport in time for your flight out.
Pick-Up Time: Early morning
Contact: will be provided
Your contact is the concierge desk at the hotel.
Booked by Scenset
- Click here for your boarding passes.
- Booking reference: MJTF5A
Your fare includes:
- 1 x underseat cabin bag per person (Max. 40x20x30cm)
- 1 x 10kg luggage in the overhead locker per person (Max. 55x40x20cm)
- 1 x 25kg checked in luggage per person
- Priority boarding
Booked by Scenset.