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The western Mediterranean cluster of the Balearic Islands may be a well-visited area of Spain, but the things to do in Menorca – the northernmost island amongst them – is lesser-known. In the shadow of its bustling and popular neighbours Ibiza and Majorca (Mallorca), it has always been sought after, yet protected – from invaders over the centuries to mass tourism today.
Menorca prefers it this way, knowing it has appeal yet being able to harmonise tourism with preservation. This island prides itself on its tranquillity, while proudly displaying its nature and heritage including scenic historical cities and calm harbours, nature reserves and protected trails, ancient megalithic sites and pristine coastline.
Watch: Visit Menorca – The Untouched Balearic Island in Spain
Things to Do in Menorca to See it Differently
Here, in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, sightseeing in Menorca means wandering adventurously but travelling slowly. You can immerse yourself within historical sites, without disrupting the island’s longstanding conservation.
Menorca is a Protected Environment Nature Park
Over 70 unspoilt beaches, 130 secluded bays and coves, 19 ANEI (Natural Areas of Special Interest), and five nature reserves make up Menorca’s Biosphere Reserve. It’s a small space where you can cross multiple eco-systems – on one island you can venture to wetlands and sand dunes, ravines to wide-open sea, ascend cliffs or wander caves, gorges and untouched islets.
It’s hard to believe that an island has been preserved so thoroughly, but aside from rules being in place for ship docking, restrictions of access for cars and the maintained Camí de Cavalls trail, Menorca is protected naturally.
One of the most interesting things I noticed when hiking was the ‘Posidonia Oceania’ plant that blanketed many of the beaches. These are known as the seagrass meadows (that grow underwater) and are washed up to the sea, and in doing so, prevent the sand being swept out by the waves. This is what helps keeps the sea waters so pristine and clear, as well as preserving the coastline that is home to animals and plants unique to Menorca.
Menorca has an Island Hiking Loop
My favourite days in Menorca were spent hiking and mountain biking sections of the Camí de Cavalls – the ‘Way of Horses’ former defence path that loops around the entire circumference of the island.
It would take approximately one week to circumnavigate the entire island on this trail, and once you sample just a small patch of it, it becomes a very attractive option – one that is certainly making me want to return.
Menorca is a Nautical Playground
On the surface, Menorca’s candy blue seas attract avid kayakers, windsurfers, stand-up paddle borders and boating enthusiasts. Sailing expeditions around the island can be seen departing from the Port of Fornells, which borders the Marine Reserve of the north coast; the port of Maó/Mahon, which is the island’s largest and for access to the east coast; and Ciutadella, for those sailing along the bays of the south.
Menorca is renowned for the transparency of the sea, making the crystal clear waters are a scuba haven, which unspoilt seabeds rich in marine life, and animals unique to the island and its long-standing preservation efforts.
Menorca has Quality Cuisine and a Legacy of Gin
While not only known know for its fresh seafood, cured meats and cheese with a certified designation of origin, Menorca has a rather famous Gin blend.
Made using a typical British distillation process, but with Dutch flavours, Xoriguer gin and the distillery is a legacy of the days of British and Dutch occupation and remains a local pride and a visitor favourite.
One of the most common ways to drink it is not with tonic, but with a zesty lemon juice, known as a Pomada. The small distillery can be found in Mahon, with a one-litre bottle of this unique blend setting you back only 15 Euros (although I can confirm it doesn’t last long).
Menorca is an Island of Prehistoric Monuments
This island of 700 square metres is filled with over 1,500 Megalithic monuments – which equates to an ancestral marker every two square kilometres. An open-air museum displaying the stone towers and ruins of Taulas, Navetas and Talayots, you can freely wander the prehistoric history of Menorca, 32 of which have been submitted as part of a UNESCO World Heritage application.
I visited the Trepuco monument, admiring the stone towers which are said to have been used for rituals since goats bones, broken wine vessels and white ash from slow fires (used for feasting) have been found here. These Talayotic monuments are said to be some the largest archaeological remains in the Mediterranean, which you can get right up close to and freely wander amongst.
Menorca has a Long History of Defence and Fortification
With an attractive and strategic position in the Mediterranean seas, Menorca was a target for various civilisations attacking, occupying and making their mark. In more recent history, as an island surrounded by pirate waters, the most notable fortifications and military architecture, which still stand today, are from the days of the British Crown in the 18th Century.
The most coveted port in the Mediterranean, Mahon, is a distinctive part of the island filled with forts, towers, the ruins of San Felipe and the fortress walls of Isabel II.
A little known island, yet layered with a myriad of sights and activity, how will you choose to see Menorca?
Things to Know About Visiting Menorca
- Of all the things to do in Menorca, the Camí de Cavalls is the one that requires the most planning. It is the registered long-distance walking route, GR 223. The hiking route can be broken down into 13 stages, all of which can be experienced individually or in combinations and which are suitable for any hiker ability level.
- For further information about planning your time in Menorca visit the dedicated page on the Spain Tourism website, who I worked with on their #MustSeeMenorca campaign.
Where to Stay in Menorca
Many choose to stay outside of the cities in Menorca hotels along the coastline. The Hotel Artiem Audax – An adult-only hotel, sits on the nature reserve coastline of Cala Galdana Bay, not far from Ciutadella.
Abi says
I love how many parts of Spain lie beyond the “trashy beach resort” image. Would love to go back, too – thanks for allowing me to travel vicariously through you!
Shivya Nath says
Looks like a gorgeous part of Spain! Stunning photos.
Mary says
Great introduction to Menorca. It’s wonderful that the island’s natural beauty has been preserved – hopefully, more people will continue to enjoy nature there..
Ani Zonet says
A perfect mix of sea, mountains, history and cuisine. Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing!
Flo FFlach says
where is the beach in photo 4 with the walled tree?
Becki says
Cala Galdana Bay
Flo FFlach says
thank you -it looked like it could be from the shape of the headland. I’ve not been onto the beach for years…lots of years. when I first went there in 1971 it was a bit different. We tend to walk to the west from there rather than go onto the main beach.
Otavio says
Hi, where was the first photo, with the white bridge, taken? Thanks!
Becki says
Cala Galdana Bay