Menorca isn't just one island: a handful of islets float around it that most tourists only see from afar, like a backdrop. Two of them are real gems and share a feature that makes them magical: they have no road, and the only way to truly get close is by sailing. We're talking about Illa d'en Colom, on the north coast, and Isla del Aire, with its lighthouse, in the south. This is the guide to discovering them.
Illa d'en Colom: the island with no cars in the north
Off Es Grau beach, within the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, Illa d'en Colom is the largest islet off the Menorcan coast. It has not a single road access, so its two sandy beaches —Es Tamarells and s'Arenal d'en Moro— only ever meet visitors who arrive by sea.
What makes it special for us is its anchorage: shallow water, a clear sandy bottom that turns the sea a luminous turquoise and a natural shelter that keeps the boat as still as a swimming pool. It's our favourite stop on the north route and, by far, the best island in Menorca for going by boat with children: they can swim to shore, paddleboard and snorkel without the boat moving an inch.
Beyond its beaches, Illa d'en Colom holds history: an old defence tower and the remains of a small settlement recall its past, all in a protected setting where nature rules. It's the perfect combination of swimming, scenery and a quiet corner to explore for anyone who goes ashore.
Isla del Aire: the lighthouse and the black lizards of the south
At Menorca's south-eastern tip, off Punta Prima, rises Isla del Aire (Illa de l'Aire) crowned by an 1860 lighthouse, one of the tallest in the Balearic Islands. Like Illa d'en Colom, it has no regular transport from land: either you arrive by sea, or you watch it from the beach.
Its black-and-white banded lighthouse, one of the tallest in the Balearics, is among the most photographed in Menorca: it has guided sailors since 1860 and today runs automatically. Outlined against the sky and seen from the sea, it's one of those sights that justify a south-coast trip on their own.
Its greatest curiosity, though, is biological: the islet is home to the sargantanes, an endemic lizard of a distinctive black colour —the Podarcis lilfordi— found nowhere else on the planet. That's why it is a protected area: you can't land freely, and the lovely thing is to sail around it, anchor nearby when the weather allows and snorkel over its rocky, life-filled seabed.
The last hour of the afternoon is its finest version: the golden light over the lighthouse turns the scene into one of the high points of our south route and into an unforgettable sunset sailing trip.
Can you land? How to visit them respectfully
Both islands are protected natural areas, so the way to enjoy them isn't to plant a parasol, but to experience them from the water. The usual —and loveliest— thing is to anchor nearby, swim, snorkel over their seabeds and paddle in, always respecting each zone's rules and leaving no trace. On Illa d'en Colom you can go ashore on its beaches; on Isla del Aire, the appeal is sailing around it and swimming in its waters.
In both cases, the experience is so much better from a private boat: you choose the moment, avoid the peak hours and enjoy the islet unhurried. It's exactly the kind of spot we talk about in our guide to the coves of Menorca you can only reach by boat.
North or south? The wind chooses your island
A logical question: can you see both islands on the same day? They're on opposite coasts, so each trip usually focuses on one of them, and the wind makes the decision. With the Tramontana (north wind), the south coast stays sheltered and it's the perfect day for Isla del Aire; with a south wind, the north calms down and it's Illa d'en Colom's turn.
That's why we choose the route the day before based on the forecast. If you're fine-tuning dates, our guide to the best time to sail in Menorca will help.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Isla del Aire?
You can only reach it by sea: there is no regular transport from land. The usual way to see it is aboard a boat that sails around the islet and anchors nearby, when the weather allows, as we do on our south-coast trips off Punta Prima.
Can you land on Illa d'en Colom?
Illa d'en Colom lies within the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park and has no road access. It can only be reached by sea, and the usual way is to anchor off its beaches (Es Tamarells and s'Arenal d'en Moro) and go in by swimming or paddleboard, always respecting the park's rules.
What are the black lizards of Isla del Aire?
They are the sargantanes, a subspecies of lizard endemic to Isla del Aire with a distinctive black colour, found nowhere else in the world. It is one of the islet's great natural attractions, along with its 1860 lighthouse.
Which is the best island in Menorca to visit by boat with children?
Illa d'en Colom is perfect for going with children: its waters are shallow, transparent and very sheltered, ideal for the little ones to swim and paddleboard safely while the boat is practically still.
Set course for Menorca's secret islands
A private sailboat for your group (up to 12 people), skipper included and departure from the Port of Mahón. We take you to Illa d'en Colom or Isla del Aire depending on the day's wind.
About the author: Sergi is the owner and host of Elan Menorca. He has sailed the Menorcan coast since 2020 aboard his Elan Impression 384, based in the Port of Mahón.
