In Menorca, choosing a home isn’t just about square meters—it’s about how you want to live. The same property that feels perfect during a viewing can become inconvenient in July, during a damp winter, or when the island slows down and your routine changes.

If you’re torn between a house with a garden, a penthouse, or a ground-floor home, this post will help you decide with clear criteria (and with your feet on the ground), based on your lifestyle, your real maintenance budget, and what you want from Menorca beyond holidays.

Before you decide: 3 questions that change everything

1. Will you live here year-round or seasonally?

2. Do you want total privacy, or are shared spaces fine?

3. Is your priority everyday comfort or the “wow” factor?

With that in mind, let’s look at each option.

1) A House with a Garden: for those who truly want outdoor living

A garden house in Menorca is for people who picture breakfasts outside, dogs running around, long dinners, and a real sense of independence. It’s the most “island home” option.

Clear advantages

• Private outdoor space: ideal if you love living outside, cooking, hosting, or have kids/pets.

• More privacy (usually more than in an apartment block).

• Flexibility: lounge area, veggie garden, outdoor shower, pergola… you can shape it to your style.

What almost nobody tells you

• Ongoing maintenance: watering, pruning, leaves, pests, lawn care, cleaning. It’s more noticeable in summer.

• Humidity and salt air: more exposure, especially near the coast or windy areas.

• Security: if it’s a second home, consider shutters, alarms, and whether neighbors live there year-round.

Who it suits

• You want to live year-round or spend long stretches here.

• You enjoy the outdoors and don’t mind taking care of the property.

• You value independence over apartment-style convenience.

Viewing checklist (garden)

• Garden orientation (morning sun vs. afternoon sun).

• Irrigation system and water use.

• Drainage: does it flood or stay soggy after rain?

• Real shade: porches, pergolas, trees.

• Privacy: neighbor sightlines, walls, hedges.

2) Penthouse: light, views, and a “premium” feel

Penthouses are the ones people fall in love with: more light, more privacy up high, and if there’s a terrace, it can be spectacular. But on an island, certain details really matter.

Clear advantages

• Light and airflow: usually brighter and better ventilated.

• Terrace with views (if it has one): huge emotional value and strong resale appeal.

• Less noise from upstairs neighbors.

What you must watch

• Heat in summer: a penthouse can be beautiful… and turn into an oven if it’s poorly insulated.

• Wind exposure: Menorca gets strong windy days; a terrace may be less usable if it’s too exposed.

• Access: if there’s no elevator (or it’s tiny), daily life and groceries feel very different.

• Leaks: waterproofing is critical—and a common issue on top floors.

Who it suits

• You want a home with a wow factor (light, terrace, views).

• You want outdoor space but less maintenance than a garden.

• You value privacy and “living above” (and you have an elevator).

Viewing checklist (penthouse)

• Roof and window insulation (double glazing).

• Air conditioning and actual capacity.

• Terrace condition: slope, drains, waterproofing.

• Wind exposure (test it: open doors/windows).

• Building/community: elevator, inspections, upcoming assessments.

3) Ground-Floor Home: everyday comfort and practicality (with a few caveats)

Ground-floor homes are underrated. For year-round living they can be incredibly convenient: easy access in and out, practical daily routines, and if there’s a patio/terrace, you get a “mini garden” without the full workload.

Clear advantages

• Maximum convenience: groceries, bikes, strollers, mobility—everything is easier.

• Cooler feel: often cooler in summer than a penthouse.

• Direct access: great if you work from home and like stepping out often.

What you must check

• Privacy: depends a lot on whether it faces the street or an inner courtyard.

• Humidity: in Menorca this can be a key issue if ventilation is poor.

• Security: ground-level doors and windows need solid solutions.

• Noise: if it’s a high-traffic area, you’ll notice it more.

Who it suits

• You prioritize comfort and practicality.

• You live here year-round and want an “easy” home.

• You have kids, pets, or need accessibility.

Viewing checklist (ground floor)

• Smells/humidity in corners and wardrobes.

• Natural light (do you need lights on during the day?).

• Cross ventilation.

• Street noise (morning/afternoon).

• Bars, shutters, and overall security feel.

Which one should you choose based on your lifestyle?

If your plan is social + outdoor living

• Garden house if you want full independence.

• Penthouse with a terrace if you want outdoor space without garden maintenance.

If your plan is year-round living without complications

• Ground floor (especially with a patio) is often the most practical.

If your plan is a second home with low maintenance

• Penthouse or ground floor in a well-managed community (fewer tasks, more control).

If you work remotely and need stability and comfort

• A quiet, cool ground floor or a well-insulated penthouse.

• Choose a garden only if the maintenance and logistics truly fit your lifestyle.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Choosing a penthouse for the terrace without checking heat/insulation.

• Choosing a garden out of excitement and underestimating maintenance and salt air.

• Choosing a ground floor without checking humidity, light, and privacy.

• Ignoring the community/building: special assessments, rules, and short-term rentals around you.