Menorca is perhaps the most attractive of the Balearic Islands being less developed than its neighbours, Mallorca and Ibiza. Large areas are completely unspoilt and one can easily escape the 21st century in many parts of the island. The natural beauty and peace of both the countryside and the beaches is a rare treat, especially when combined with a wealth of historic and prehistoric sites. Few islands in the Mediterranean can compete with this exceptional mix.
The capital Mahon (or Maó) is well worth a visit. Its natural harbour is one of the best and safest in the Mediterranean and one can see why it was so favoured by Admiral Nelson. The old part of the city is pleasant to walk around, browsing in shops, looking around churches or shopping for local cheeses, sausages etc in the market - the fish market is particularly good.
Drive to the west end of the island and Cuitadella is, perhaps, even more enchanting. It was the island’s capital before Mahon. The main road of the island links the two cities and there are innumerable places to stop off at, or detour to, on the way. Perhaps a visit to a shoe factory, a vineyard, a trip to a beach (there are over 120 to choose from), a coastal walk or a day’s shopping. Monte Toro, the highest point on the island, is well worth a visit and is not far off the main road.
Thankfully, Menorca is not a popular destination for ‘lager louts’ which means that it can be enjoyed all the more by everyone else.
Everywhere you will find any number of dry stone walls and the characteristic Menorquin wooden gates made from bent olive wood.
A boat trip offers a different view of the island and its coastline. Beaches and coves which are inaccessible by land make idyllic places to laze away a day on a boat. Charters are possible from Mahon harbour. There are also glass-bottomed boats if you are interested in underwater life and sub-aqua diving is also possible.
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Min
4c
5c
7c
8c
12c
16c
19c
19c
17c
12c
8c
6c
Max
13c
14c
16c
17c
20c
16c
27c
28c
26c
21c
17c
14c
Fiestas
Fiestas play a major part in the life of the island during the summer months from the end of June through to September. Each town has its own fiesta which usually lasts three days. The fiesta starts with horses parading through the streets followed by a Mass at the church to mark the start of the fiesta. There is plenty of music, traditional folk-dancing, costumes, carnival figures and drinking of the local gin and lemon mix, ‘pomada’.
Binifadet - Winery
Ses Barraques, St Lluis Tel: 971 15 07 15
Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm and 4.00pm to 8.00pm
Fort Marlborough - Military Fort & Museum
Cala Sant Esteve, Es Castell. Tel: 902 92 90 15
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 8.30pm. Sundays and Mondays from 9.30am to 3.00pm
Church of Socors - Organ Recitals on 18th century organ
C/Seminari, 9, Cuitadella. Tel: 971 48 12 97
From June to September: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11.30am
Menorca Cricket Club (MCC)
Near S’uestra, signposted Biniparrell. Tel 971 36 99 27 www.menorcacricketclub.com
Matches throughout the season on a beautiful ground. Excellent bar.
Aventura Nautica - Boat Excursions
Passeig Maritim, 68 y 41, Fornells. Tel: 689 02 28 86
Discover the Menorcan coast from the sea. Excursions can include snorkelling, scuba diving etc
Triton Diving Centre - Scuba Diving
Urb. Playa Binibeca, Cala Torret. Tel: 971 18 85 28
S’Algar Diving - Scuba Diving
Paseo Maritimo, S’Algar. Tel: 971 15 06 01
Both the above offer scuba diving in the crystal clear turquoise waters around the island. Reefs, caverns, caves and coral. Visibility up to 50 metres. PADI courses.
Ferreries Craft Fair
Placa Espanya, Ferreries
Local fruit, vegetables, ceramics, crafts, plants etc
Open every Saturday all year round from 9.00am to 1.00pm.
La Mola de Menorca - Fortress with exhibition
Carretera de la mola, s/n Mahon. Tel: 971 36 40 40
Open every day: June to September from 10.00am to 8.00pm; May and October from 10.00am to 6.00pm;
November to April 10.00am to 2.00pm
Son Parc - Golf and Tennis
Urbanizacion Son Parc, s/n es Mercadal. Tel: 971 35 90 59
Equipment available to hire
Torre de Fornells - Defensive Tower and Museum display
Fornells. Tel: 902 92 90 15
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am to 8.30pm. Sundays and Mondays from 9.30am to 3.00pm
Binisues - Restaurant and Natural History Museum
Cuitadella Road km 31.6, Mahon (Ets Alocs turning). Tel: 971 38 00 56
Antiques, rural curiosities, butterflies, insects, birds, fishes, reptiles, minerals, fossils and fungi
Menorca Zoo - Zoological Park
Urb. L’Argentina, Alaior. Tel: 971 37 24 03. Open every day from 10.00am to 8.00pm.
A wide range of species native to the island and exotic animals from all over the world in a park setting. Café.
Torre d’en Galmes - Prehistoric settlement
Ctra Alaior, Son Bou km 6. Tel 902 92 90 15.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9.00am to 9.00pm. Sundays and Mondays from 9.00am to 3.00pm
PLEASE CHECK OPENING TIMES BEFORE VISITING - THEY ARE LIABLE TO CHANGE!
