Petrol stations in Menorca: where to refuel during your road trip

Discover where to find petrol stations in Menorca, the best areas to refuel and how to return your rental car without rushing.

If you’re planning to drive around Menorca, it’s worth knowing where the island’s main petrol stations are located. Although the distances aren’t especially long, many coves, lighthouses and natural areas are far from the main towns.

Knowing the best areas to refuel in advance will help you plan your routes, avoid unexpected situations and return the rental car with the agreed fuel level.

In this guide you’ll find the most practical areas to refuel in Menorca, tips for managing your fuel and recommendations for filling up before returning the vehicle at the airport.

The most important things to know

• Menorca’s main petrol stations are concentrated around Mahón, Ciutadella and the towns near the Me-1 road.
• There are fewer service stations in areas with coves, lighthouses and natural spaces.
• Mahón is the most practical area to refuel before returning a car at the airport.
• Es Mercadal and Alaior are good stops if you’re crossing the island.
• Before visiting the north of Menorca, it’s a good idea to check your fuel level.
• You shouldn’t wait until the last moment to refuel before a flight.
• Always check your booking’s fuel policy.

Are there many petrol stations in Menorca?

Menorca has enough petrol stations to get around the island without problems. However, they aren’t evenly distributed.

Most are found in the main towns, industrial estates and along the Me-1 road, which connects Mahón with Ciutadella. By contrast, in coastal areas, unspoiled beaches, lighthouses and some natural spaces, it’s common not to find any nearby service station.

For this reason, it’s not advisable to set off on a long route with the tank almost empty, even if the car shows that it still has some range left.

Petrol stations in Menorca by area

Mahón and Menorca airport

Mahón is one of the areas with the most options for refuelling. It’s especially practical if you arrive via the airport, are staying in the east of the island or need to fill up before returning the car.

It’s also a good area to refuel before heading towards:

• Es Castell.
• La Mola.
• Sa Mesquida.
• Binibeca.
• Sant Lluís.
• Punta Prima.

If you need to return the vehicle at the airport, try to refuel in Mahón or at the nearby access roads with enough time to spare. This will help you avoid looking for a petrol station with your luggage in the car shortly before your flight.

Sant Lluís and southeastern Menorca

Sant Lluís is a good option if you’re staying in Binibeca, Punta Prima, Alcaufar or S’Algar.

The area is convenient for filling up before touring the southeast or before heading back towards Mahón and the airport.

If you’re spending several days at a coastal resort, it’s worth taking advantage of any trip to Sant Lluís to check your fuel.

Alaior

Alaior is strategically located between Mahón and the centre of the island. It’s a convenient stop if you’re travelling along the Me-1 or plan to visit:

• Son Bou.
• Cala en Porter.
• Torre d’en Galmés.
• Es Mercadal.
• The centre of Menorca.

Refuelling in this area can save you from having to make a detour later on during your route.

Es Mercadal

Es Mercadal is located practically in the centre of Menorca and is one of the most useful spots to refuel while touring the island.

It’s a good stop if you’re heading towards:

• Fornells.
• Monte Toro.
• Cavalleria.
• Cala Pregonda.
• Arenal d’en Castell.
• The north coast.

If you’re planning a route through the north, check your fuel level here. There are fewer services around Cavalleria, Pregonda and other natural areas.

Fornells and northern Menorca

The Fornells area can be useful if you’re staying in the north or plan to explore the bay, the beaches of Fornells, Cala Tirant or Cavalleria.

Even so, you shouldn’t rely solely on finding a petrol station once you reach the north. It’s best to set off from Mahón, Alaior or Es Mercadal with enough fuel.

The combination of rural roads, air conditioning and travelling between beaches can make fuel consumption somewhat higher than expected.

Ferreries

Ferreries is a practical stop if you’re touring the central and western part of the island.

Its location is convenient for routes towards:

• Cala Galdana.
• Cala Mitjana.
• Santo Tomás.
• Ciutadella.
• Es Migjorn Gran.

It can also be a good halfway stop when driving from Mahón to Ciutadella.

Ciutadella

Ciutadella has several options for refuelling and is the most convenient area if you’re staying in the west of Menorca.

It’s advisable to refuel here before visiting places such as:

• Cala Morell.
• Punta Nati.
• Cala en Blanes.
• Cala Blanca.
• Cala en Bosch.
• Son Xoriguer.
• Son Saura.

If you’re heading to unspoiled beaches in the south or areas further from the town centre, check your fuel level before setting off.

Where to refuel before returning the car at the airport?

The most practical option is usually to refuel in Mahón or at a station on the roads leading to the airport.

It’s not advisable to wait until you’re inside the airport grounds to start looking for a petrol station. Some stations may be closed, have a queue or require a small detour.

Allow enough time for:

• Refuelling.
• Keeping the receipt if needed.
• Reaching the car park.
• Unloading your luggage.
• Returning the vehicle.
• Getting to the terminal without rushing.

Tips for refuelling a rental car

Check the fuel policy

Before starting your trip, check what fuel level you receive the car with and what level you need to return it with.

One of the most common policies is to return the car with the same amount of fuel it was given with. However, conditions can vary, so you should always check your booking.

Look at the actual fuel gauge

The range in kilometres shown on the car’s dashboard is an estimate. It can change depending on:

• Use of air conditioning.
• Speed.
• Type of road.
• Traffic.
• Driving style.
• Urban journeys.

When returning the car, you should look at the actual fuel level, not just the range calculated by the vehicle.

Don’t let the tank run too low

Distances in Menorca are short, but you can spend quite a lot of time moving between beaches, towns and restaurants.

Also, if you arrive at a cove and the car park is full, you may need to change your route. Having enough fuel will let you improvise without worrying.

Refuel before visiting natural areas

Before heading to Cavalleria, Favàritx, Punta Nati, Cala Pregonda or remote beaches, check that you have enough fuel for the round trip.

Keep the receipt

It’s advisable to keep the receipt from your last refuelling until the car has been returned.

It can help prove when and where you filled up if any doubt arises.

Check the type of fuel

Before refuelling, confirm whether the car uses petrol, diesel or another system.

This information usually appears in the vehicle’s documentation, on the fuel cap or in the instructions provided by the rental company. If in doubt, ask before filling the tank.

Common mistakes when refuelling in Menorca

Waiting until the day of departure

Leaving refuelling until the last moment can create unnecessary stress, especially if your flight leaves early or you’re travelling in high season.

Relying only on the range indicator

The estimated range can drop quickly if you drive with the air conditioning on, make many short trips or drive on secondary roads.

Heading north with little fuel

There are fewer towns and services in the north of Menorca. Before starting a route, it’s more practical to refuel in Es Mercadal, Alaior, Mahón or Ciutadella.

Using the wrong fuel

Using the wrong fuel can cause serious damage. If you’re not completely sure, don’t refuel until you’ve confirmed it.

Not checking opening hours

Some stations may not be open 24 hours a day or may operate via automatic payment outside their usual hours.

Check the current opening hours if you need to refuel very early, at dawn or on a public holiday.

Frequently asked questions about petrol stations in Menorca

Are there enough petrol stations in Menorca?

Yes. You’ll find service stations in the main towns and near the Me-1 road. There are fewer options in natural and coastal areas.

Where can I refuel near Menorca airport?

The most practical option is to look for a service station in Mahón or on the roads near the airport. Refuel with enough time before returning the car.

Are there petrol stations in Ciutadella?

Yes. Ciutadella has several service stations and is the best place to refuel if you’re staying or touring in the west of Menorca.

Are there petrol stations in the north of Menorca?

There are options in the north, but fewer than in Mahón, Ciutadella or the centre of the island. Before visiting coves or lighthouses, it’s worth checking your fuel level.

Are Menorca’s petrol stations open 24 hours?

It depends on each station. Some have automatic systems outside normal hours, but you shouldn’t assume they’ll all be open. Check the opening hours before setting off.

Do I have to return the car with a full tank?

It depends on the fuel policy included in your booking. You must return it with the level specified in the rental conditions.

What happens if I return the car with less fuel?

The company may charge for the outstanding fuel and apply the fees set out in its conditions. Check your contract before returning the vehicle.

Is fuel more expensive in Menorca?

Prices can vary between stations and times of year. If you want to compare, check updated prices during your trip, but avoid making long detours just to save a small difference.

Conclusion

Locating Menorca’s main petrol stations will help you get around the island with more peace of mind and avoid problems when returning the car.

Mahón, Ciutadella, Alaior, Es Mercadal, Ferreries and Sant Lluís are some of the most practical spots to refuel. Before heading to coves, lighthouses or natural areas, always check your fuel level.

If you’re returning the car at the airport, refuel in the Mahón area with enough time to spare and check the fuel conditions of your booking.

Check car availability at Menorcars360 and book in advance to start exploring Menorca from the moment you arrive.