Monica is a state agent from Rome, Italy, who chose Menorca for her Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP). With a strong B2 level of Spanish, she is focused on improving her skills for business, as she frequently works with Spanish-speaking clients. Passionate about learning and communication, Monica combines her professional goals with her love for travel and cultural experiences.

Outside of work, she enjoys photography, spending time with friends and family, and caring for her dog. Her enthusiasm and dedication make her a wonderful example of how SHIP helps students grow both personally and professionally. Monica’s journey shows how much you can gain from visiting Menorca, whether for language immersion, cultural discovery, or simply enjoying the island’s relaxed atmosphere.

For Monica, language learning meant more than sitting in a classroom. She wanted to live Spanish—and that’s exactly what she experienced during her two-week SHIP journey in Menorca. With daily lessons, cultural excursions, and constant real-life practice, she transformed her already strong Spanish into more fluent, precise, and natural communication, all while exploring one of Spain’s most beautiful islands.

Monica’s experience also offers valuable Menorca travel tips for anyone planning to visit the island.

Introduction to Menorca

Menorca, one of the most enchanting Balearic Islands in Spain, is a haven for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, Menorca sits surrounded by turquoise waters and boasts some of the most stunning beaches and secluded coves in the region. The island’s crystal clear waters invite you to swim, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun on soft, sandy shores.

Beyond the beach, Menorca’s charm unfolds in its picturesque towns like the lively island’s capital, Mahon, and the historic Es Castell, where whitewashed houses and vibrant markets reflect the island’s rich heritage. Whether you’re eager to explore ancient ruins, discover hidden corners, or simply unwind in a laid-back setting, Menorca is the perfect place to experience the authentic spirit of the Balearic Islands. From the bustling harbors to the island’s tranquil countryside, every corner of Menorca offers a new adventure waiting to be discovered.

Pre-Trip Planning

When planning your trip to Menorca, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a memorable holiday. If you’ve visited Mallorca before, you’ll notice that Menorca offers a more laid-back, intimate vibe, with a focus on natural beauty and a relaxed atmosphere. To truly explore the whole island and reach its most beautiful bays and hidden spots, renting a car is highly recommended. This gives you the freedom to wander through the narrow streets of charming towns like Es Mercadal or to spend a few hours relaxing on the golden sands of Son Bou.

Keep in mind that the cost of accommodation, car rental, and activities in Menorca can vary significantly depending on the season, so it’s wise to consider your budget when planning your trip.

For the best experience, suggest booking your accommodation and car rental well in advance, especially during the high season when demand is high. Food lovers should make a point to visit Nonna Bazaar, a must-visit restaurant known for its delicious Menorcan food and unique farm-to-table concept. Whether you’re looking to discover local flavors, unwind in peaceful surroundings, or embark on new adventures, Menorca is the ideal destination for those seeking a slower pace of life and a genuine connection with nature.

Why Monica Chose Menorca for Her Spanish Immersion

Many learners choose Madrid or Barcelona for Spanish courses, but Monica wanted something more authentic. Menorca offered her:

• Cultural depth – from prehistoric monuments to noble palaces and modern markets.
• A slower pace of life – ideal for meaningful conversations in Spanish with locals.
• Spectacular landscapes – sandy coves, Mediterranean views, and charming towns.
• Delicious food – Menorca’s delicious food includes fresh seafood, traditional Menorcan cheese, and other local specialties that highlight the quality and appeal of its cuisine.

Menorca became not just her classroom, but her home for two unforgettable weeks.

Best Place to Stay: Monica’s Accommodation Experience

When visiting Menorca, where you choose to stay can truly shape your holiday experience. This small island in the Balearic Islands is packed with options, whether you’re dreaming of waking up to the sound of waves on a stunning beach, wandering the narrow streets of a historic town, or relaxing in a secluded cove surrounded by turquoise waters.

For those eager to explore Menorca from end to end, the island’s capital city, Mahon, and the former capital, Ciutadella, are both excellent bases. These vibrant towns offer a wide range of hotels, cozy guesthouses, and stylish apartments, all within easy reach of the island’s best restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. Mahon’s lively harbor and Ciutadella’s charming old town are perfect for travelers who want to soak up local life and have plenty of options for delicious food and fresh fish right on their doorstep.

If you’re after a more laid-back, authentic vibe, consider staying in one of Menorca’s smaller towns or villages. Es Castell, with its whitewashed houses and beautiful bays, is a must-visit for those who love a relaxed atmosphere and picturesque sea views. Es Mercadal, nestled in the heart of the island, is the perfect place for adventurers looking to hike the Cami de Cavalls or explore the island’s interior. For beach lovers, Son Bou offers one of the longest stretches of golden sand on the island, while Cala en Porter and Cala Mitjana are famous for their crystal clear waters and stunning beaches ideal for a few hours of sunbathing or a refreshing swim.

For a truly unique stay, why not try something out of the ordinary? Nonna Bazaar in Ciutadella is not just a favourite restaurant for Menorcan food, but also offers beautiful rooms with views over the old town. Or, for a magical sunset experience, book a night at Cova d’en Xoroi, a legendary cave bar set into the cliff face above the sea, perfect for those who want to enjoy Menorcan magic at sea level.

No matter where you stay, it’s wise to plan ahead. During the high season, especially in the summer months, accommodation can fill up quickly, so we suggest booking well in advance to secure your ideal spot. If you’re traveling in the off-season, you’ll find plenty of great deals and a more peaceful, laid-back atmosphere perfect for discovering the island’s hidden gems without the crowds.

Whether you’re visiting Menorca for a week or a longer holiday, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your style and budget. From lively towns to secluded coves, luxury hotels to charming villas, Menorca sits ready to welcome you year-round. So start planning your trip, explore Menorca’s beautiful coastline, and discover why this small island is the perfect place for your next adventure.

Week 1 – Building Confidence in Ciutadella

Monica began her journey in Ciutadella, Menorca’s former capital, known for its narrow streets, elegant plazas, and historic atmosphere.

Exploring Ciutadella’s Old Town

Ciutadella’s Gothic cathedral, bustling squares, and hidden courtyards gave Monica countless opportunities to practice Spanish. Every café order and shop visit became a language lesson.

Palau Torre-Saura: Noble History

Her first cultural highlight was the Palau Torre-Saura, an aristocratic palace from the 19th century. Its neoclassical façade and grand balconies reflect Menorca’s noble past. Here, Monica discussed architecture and history in Spanish, learning advanced vocabulary while admiring the elegance of Menorca’s aristocratic heritage.

Lithica: The Stone Quarries of S’Hostal

Next, Monica explored Lithica, Ciutadella’s ancient sandstone quarries. Once used for construction, these quarries have been transformed into labyrinths, botanical gardens, and cultural venues. Surrounded by towering stone walls, Monica found endless inspiration for her photography while learning new Spanish words related to geology, art, and design.

Souvenirs & Gastronomy Begin

From handmade jewelry to avarcas (traditional Menorcan sandals), Ciutadella’s artisan shops gave Monica a chance to practice conversational Spanish while shopping. Gastronomy also played a major role: she sampled sobrasada (spiced sausage), ensaimadas (sweet pastries), and enjoyed traditional tapas at a local bar, savoring a variety of small dishes in a relaxed setting. Each meal was both a culinary and linguistic adventure.

By the end of Week 1, Monica was already speaking with more confidence and spontaneity.

Week 2 – Expanding Horizons Across Menorca

In her second week, Monica’s Spanish grew more fluent and precise. Her trips around the island were both educational and adventurous, turning every excursion into a new learning opportunity.

She followed the famous Cami de Cavalls course, which allowed her to experience Menorca’s diverse landscapes and scenic coastline.

Sa Naveta des Tudons: Prehistoric Heritage

One of the most iconic sites was Sa Naveta des Tudons, a Talayotic monument dating back more than 3,000 years. Shaped like an upside-down boat, it served as a collective tomb. Here, Monica learned Spanish vocabulary related to archaeology, prehistory, and cultural heritage, connecting with Menorca’s ancient past while strengthening her language skills.

Cala Santandria: A Coastal Escape

At Cala Santandria, a picturesque cove near Ciutadella, Monica enjoyed crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings. Visitors will find plenty of charming seaside bars and cafés along the coast, perfect for soaking in the views and local atmosphere. Relaxing at a seaside café, she practiced casual Spanish with locals. This experience showed her that immersion doesn’t stop in class—it happens naturally everywhere, even by the beach.

Mahon (Maó): The Capital of Menorca

Monica also explored Mahon (Maó), the capital city of Menorca and home to one of the largest natural harbors in the world. The city offered a lively, modern contrast to Ciutadella.

Her highlights included:

• The Old Quarter, with Georgian-style buildings and charming narrow streets.
• Mercat del Claustre del Carme, where she sampled cheeses and chatted with local vendors in Spanish.
• The Harbor, lined with cafés and shops, where she learned new vocabulary related to sailing and commerce. The harbor is also a popular starting point for a boat trip, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic views and explore the coastline. Along the harbor, there are a variety of restaurants offering local cuisine and picturesque settings.

Mahon’s vibrant atmosphere gave Monica yet another chance to blend culture and language in a natural way.

Souvenir Shopping & Gastronomy Everywhere

No matter where she went, Ciutadella, Mahon, or coastal villages, shopping and gastronomy were part of her immersion.

• Food highlights: tasting caldereta de langosta (lobster stew), savoring Menorcan cheeses, enjoying fresh seafood, indulging in traditional pastries, and sampling fresh fish at local eateries.
• Shopping highlights: buying ceramics, leather goods, and local crafts while conversing with artisans about their work.

Monica loved to eat at different local spots, discovering the unique flavors of Menorca.

Each interaction helped her reinforce vocabulary and gain confidence speaking in real-life contexts.

Monica also shared her favourite restaurant experience, where the ambiance and local dishes made a lasting impression.

Living Spanish at the B2 Level

What made Monica’s SHIP experience so effective was her B2 Spanish level. She wasn’t just learning basics—she was engaging deeply:

• Discussing history and architecture at Palau Torre-Saura.
• Talking about geology and design at Lithica.
• Learning archaeological terms at Sa Naveta des Tudons.
• Practicing casual conversations at Cala Santandria cafés.
• Expanding her business Spanish through role plays and lessons.

This ability to go beyond survival Spanish allowed Monica to connect with people, culture, and history in meaningful ways.

Results of Monica’s Two-Week SHIP Experience

After two weeks in Menorca, Monica achieved:

• Greater fluency and spontaneity in Spanish.
• Refined business Spanish skills for her real estate career.
• A strong grasp of cultural and historical vocabulary.
• The confidence to move from B2 toward C1 level.
• Unforgettable cultural experiences, from prehistoric monuments to Mediterranean beaches.

Monica had a great time during her holidays in Menorca.

Why SHIP in Menorca Works

Monica’s journey shows how SHIP is different from traditional courses:

• Living with a host family means constant real-life practice.
• Daily lessons are tailored to professional and personal goals.
• Cultural excursions provide natural learning opportunities. Cultural excursions can include visits to iconic sites such as Cova d’en Xoroi, a famous cliff-side bar known for its sunset views and vibrant atmosphere; El Toro, the Sanctuary on Monte Toro with cultural and spiritual significance; and Fort Marlborough, a historic British fortification that highlights Menorca’s strategic past.
• Authentic immersion makes Spanish second nature.

Menorca, with its mix of heritage, gastronomy, landscapes, and warmth, was the perfect place for Monica to improve her Spanish while enjoying an enriching cultural adventure.

During her stay, Monica experienced the true Menorcan magic, discovering the island’s unique charm and traditions that made her learning journey unforgettable.

Her story proves that with SHIP, students don’t just learn Spanish—they live Spanish.