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.
Some of our favourite things to do and places to visit are:
Maó
The capital, 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 a pleasure 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.
Cuitadella
Drive to the west end of the island and Cuitadella is, perhaps, even more enchanting. It was the island’s capital before Maó. 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.
Beaches
You can swim in the cove just in front of the villas, but if you fancy a day on the beach there are plenty to choose from. Binibequer beach is easily reached on foot but a drive to Cala Turqueta is a treat for one day of your stay.
Boat trips
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 Maó harbour. There are also glass-bottomed boats if you are interested in underwater life and sub-aqua diving is also possible.
Walking
A short stroll or a long hike: both are hugely enjoyable. Click to see separate walking page on this site.
Shopping
Shopping in Menorca has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Traditional Menorcan products you can enjoy are leather and foot ware, jewellery, cheese, Mahonaisse, pastries, salami and gin; but you can now buy pretty well anything in the shops of Mahon or Cuitadella.
Eating and Drinking
There are simply too many restaurants to single them out. You can enjoy a meal overlooking the harbour in Maó or Es Castell (the quality of these restaurants varies considerably so inspect the menus before going in). Or there are some excellent restaurants in the countryside. You’ll be spoilt for choice!
Buildings and Architecture
There are plenty of beautiful buildings from Menorca’s rich history to look at and visit, especially in Mahon and Cuitadella but also elsewhere. There are the churches and military installations; museums and town houses. Of special note are the Museum of Menorca, Fort Marlborough, La Mola Fortress and the Franciscan Convent. Guide books have all the details, some free from the Tourist Information Centre, others to be bought.
Prehistoric Monuments
Menorca has over a thousand listed megalithic monuments dating back to 3,000BC. There are many Tuala, a huge upright stone with another placed across its top. Maybe they were sacrificial altars, maybe they were related to sun worship. No one knows, but they are mighty impressive.
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’.
Music and Theatre
The theatre in Maó is a beautiful setting for a wide variety of performances. Check their web site to see what is on during your stay. www.teatremao.com Some churches, such as the cathedral in Maó have organ recitals and other concerts.
Wine and Cheese
The Binifadet Winery is Menorca’s main vineyard and is very close to our villas at Ses Barraques, St Lluis www.binifadet.com. It is generally open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm and 4.00pm to 8.00pm. Likewise there is a cheese maker to visit on the road between the villas and Sant Lluis.
Horse Riding
Guided horseback excursions are available all year round from Menorca a Cavall at Santa Rita, near Es Mercadal.
Cricket - yes really!
The Menorca Cricket Club (MCC), near S’uestra five minutes drive from our villas, has matches throughout the season on a beautiful ground. There’s also an excellent bar for a relaxing day. Follow signs for Biniparrell. www.menorcacricketclub.com
Scuba Diving
Our guests have found diving in the crystal clear turquoise waters around the island to be something special. Reefs, caverns, caves and coral. Visibility up to 50 metres. PADI courses are available from Triton Diving Centre at Cala Torret www.tritondivingcenter.com and S’Algar Diving www.salgardiving.com
Trotting Races
Trotting races have been popular in the Balearics for over 200 years. Races are held on Saturday evenings at the Hipodromo de Maó between Maó and Sant Lluis. The jockey must prevent the horse from breaking into a gallop, hence the name "trotting". Great to watch but even better if you place the winning bet!
Zoo
Menorca Zoo near Alaior is 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. www.llocdemenorca.com
