La Isla Del Rey
Art, History & Mediterranean Light
Reached by a short boat ride from Mahón, Isla del Rey appears almost suspended in the middle of the harbour — a small, quiet island shaped by centuries of history, sea and stone. Once home to an 18th-century naval hospital, the island has since been carefully brought back to life, with its historic buildings now sitting alongside contemporary art, Mediterranean gardens and sweeping views across the water.
There is something particularly striking about arriving here by sea. The noise of Mahón slowly fades behind you, the island draws closer, and what first appears to be a forgotten piece of Menorcan history reveals itself as something much more alive. Today, Isla del Rey is home to Hauser & Wirth Menorca, whose galleries, sculpture garden and restaurant have created a thoughtful dialogue between art, architecture and the landscape.
At the heart of Isla del Rey, Cantina offers a relaxed take on Menorcan dining, set beneath a canopy of olive trees within the island’s historic surroundings. The atmosphere is effortlessly Mediterranean — simple, warm and made for lingering over lunch.
The menu focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, with fresh fish, seafood, vegetables, rice dishes and grilled plates designed to share. Nothing feels overly elaborate; the emphasis is on generous food, good produce and the pleasure of eating outdoors.
After exploring the island and its gardens, Cantina feels like a natural pause in the day. With the old stone buildings around you and the harbour stretching beyond the trees, lunch becomes less of a stop along the way and more of an essential part of the Isla del Rey experience.
At the heart of the island, the gallery adds another layer to the experience, bringing contemporary art into the historic setting of Isla del Rey. When we visited, the exhibition was dedicated to Martin Creed, whose playful, often unexpected work felt particularly striking against the island’s old stone architecture. The programme changes regularly, with exhibitions by different international artists, making each visit feel slightly different.
Getting there: Isla del Rey is easily reached by shuttle boat from Moll de Llevant 61 in Mahón harbour. The crossing takes around 15 minutes, with boats running regularly throughout the day. A return ticket costs €10 per person, with an open return, while entry to the Hauser & Wirth gallery and gardens is free.
For lunch at Cantina, expect to spend around €35–50 per person, depending on what you order and whether you share a few plates or opt for one of the larger dishes. Reservations are recommended, particularly in summer.