The 18 things to do in Menorca

Are you dreaming of a stay in the Balearic Islands? Here are the 18 essential things to do in Minorca absolutely!

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, a few pebbles Majorca and Ibiza , the small island of Menorca is renowned for its calm and its beaches with lost view, lined with pine trees. Declared “World Biosphere Reserve” by Unesco in 1993, Minorca remains the smallest island in the Balearic Islands. In recent years, however, more tourists have been discovering this island swept by tramontane, shaped by red lands and translucent waters of the Mediterranean.

This charming island is full of hidden treasures, small romantic coves and breathtaking landscapes. Between your days of sunlight on hot sand, your walks in a rich and diverse nature and the discovery of its cultural heritage, you should not be bored in Minorca.

Want to spend a few days in the sun to escape the gray of winter? Here are the 18 things to do to visit Minorca.

Boat trip from the capital of Menorca

Mahon, the capital of Menorca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the Balearic Islands. You will take the time to stroll in the small shaded streets to discover the palaces of the city and the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria. Many streets are completely pedestrian, which makes the discovery of this city very pleasant. But one of the essential things to do to visit Minorca is to rent a boat to explore the island.

Indeed, boat rental in Menorca is the promise of an unforgettable afternoon, between the turquoise water lagoon and discovering wild landscapes! With or without a permit, alone or with friends, you can discover the entire coastline that makes Menorca a popular destination.

Let yourself be guided by a skipper or take the command of your own boat to go to the collision of sublime remote corners and unknown to tourists, which you will never forget.

Hiking on Cavalls Cami

If you like hiking, Minorca is made for you. The famous camí de cavalls , or horse path, and its 185 kilometers await you for a complete tour of the island. The trail consists of twenty-three stages, most accessible to beginners and families. Along this beautiful marked path, you will admire an incredible view of the sea and the small unseenable coves. A must-see activity to visit Minorca!

Take a kayak ride to Fornells

In the north of the island of Menorca, water sports enthusiasts find themselves in the small fishing village of Fornells. Located in a sumptuous bay, the small village and its houses with an incredible whiteness also deserve a small visit. If you are passionate about fun, we strongly advise you to take a kayak ride around the village.

During your trip, don’t miss the Fornells Tower, the exceptional marine fauna and flora of the region and let you carry to the port to taste the local bouillabaisse, caldereta de langosta .

Walking through the medieval streets of Ciutadella de Menorca

If you would like to visit Minorca, the ancient capital of the island is worth a visit. You will enjoy its small shaded streets, its many charming squares and its red, yellow and ochre colors. You will discover its beautiful marina, its cathedral and its atmosphere.

Contemplate a sunset at the top of Monte Toro

El Monte Toro is one of the most touristic places on the island. Once at the top of this small mountain of 358 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a 360° view of the entire island. With a little luck, if time allows, you can even see the island of Majorca.

Do not miss the visit of the church and its immense statue of the redeeming Christ. Every year, in April, the inhabitants come to pay tribute to the Virgin Monte Toro, the protector of Minorca. A must-see visit to Minorca!

Preach on the most beautiful beaches of the island

To spend a day on a beach is one of the most important things to do to visit Minorca. Enjoy the beautiful coves and white sand beaches of Turqueta, Macarella and Mitjana. In the North you can spend an incredible day on the copper-colored sand beaches, in Cavalleria, Pregonda or Cala Pilar.

If you want a more proactive experience of the beaches of Menorca, go up on a to discover the beauty of the island while spending you!

Visit the prehistoric site of Torralba d’En Salord

It is impossible to visit Minorca without admiring the Taula, a unique monument in the world. Located only four kilometers from Alaior, a surprising prehistoric village, this building of 4.30 meters high and 21 tons remains an enigma for scientists and historians from all over the world. Know that there are thirty other Taulas on the island of Minorca. However, Torralba remains the most impressive.

Explore the village of Es Castell

Since you are now on the other side of the port of Mahon, enjoy it to discover one of the must-sees of Minorca. This picturesque little village is ideal for a walk at the end of the day before you can enjoy one of its excellent restaurants or enjoy the festive bars of the village. We recommend you go to the restaurant “S’Arravalo es Castell” where you will have the opportunity to taste typical dishes of the island like the Caldereta de Langosta .

Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Ciutadella

In the historic centre of Ciutadella, the Cathedral of Santa Maria was built in place of a mosque. You can also observe a minaret always in place. This building is above all the symbol of the conquest of the island by the Catalans in 1287. The interior is charming and a small museum allows to admire beautiful liturgical objects. Take the time to go to the convent Sant Agusti, just three hundred meters from the cathedral. You will learn more about the history of Menorca.

Lost in the maze of Lithica

Continue your discovery of Minorca through the visit of this ancient career, whose stones served to build the magnificent palaces of the Ciutadella. Admire the cliffs more than thirty meters high where gardens, including a botanical garden, have been built. Children will love the labyrinth specially designed for them. For the greatest, many concerts are organized in the magnificent amphitheatre of the site.

Admire the Cavalleria lighthouse

At the northern tip of Menorca, on a cliff of more than eighty-four meters high, is erected the sumptuous Cavalleria lighthouse. Built in 1857, he was to protect the sailors from the very many shipwrecks on this dangerous coast. The view of getting done is breathtaking. If you want to swim, the beautiful beach of Cavalleria is only a few kilometers away.

Discover the Museum of Menorca

Here is one of the most important things to do to visit Minorca! Completely renovated in 2018, the Musée de Minorque is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful museums on the island. Built in a former convent of the 17th century, this museum has a beautiful collection of objects to better understand the archaeology, art and culture of the island. An entire floor is dedicated to the prehistoric period of Minorca. As for the other floors, they retrace the Muslim, British and French periods when they arrive to the contemporary period. Not to be missed!

Buy souvenirs at night markets

From June to mid-September, in Es Mercadal, Alaior and Mahon, artisanal night markets. Some street vendors offer you all kinds of local objects in a lively and warm atmosphere. Take advantage of bringing home crafts and local products with you to remember your incredible stay in the city.

Make a star hunt

The North of Menorca, which is not inhabited, is conducive to the observation of the stars. The absence of a luminous population allows you to enjoy a pure sky, perfect to observe the heavenly vault. Since 2018, Minorque has been ranked as a Starlight destination by Unesco. Your children will be delighted to participate in this essential activity to visit Minorca.

Tasting local specialties

Don’t miss the gastronomy of the island of Minorca. She's absolutely exquisite. Pastissets , formatjades , bottles or ensaimada , AOC Mahon cheese, you will be spoiled for choice! To desalter you, always with moderation, let yourself be tempted by the Pomada , a gin mixed with lemon and consumed during the big horse festivals of Menorca. Finally, you’ll have a small-quine lobster soup, the favorite dish of Juan Carlos of Spain.

How to go to Minorca?

By plane

Menorca Airport is located in Mahon. It is served by many airlines from several French airports. You can easily find air tickets for Menorca at attractive prices. To compare prices, we recommend that you visit one Flight Compare .

By ferry

Two companies serve the island every day since Barcelona , Valencia and others Balearic Islands . This solution is interesting if you want to take your vehicle with you.

How to move to Minorca?

To get around during your visit to Minorca, the best means of transport is the car to get around in Minorca. In fact, in addition to the flexibility of time, you will be perfectly autonomous and will be able to beat your day yourself. To rent a car in Menorca, we recommend you to go to Rentalcars where you will find your happiness.

The bus is another way of transport that you can take to visit Minorca. However, it is often necessary to take several lines to get to a place and the connection between two buses is usually very long. Finally, the furthest parts of Menorca are almost not served in low season.

Where to stay in Minorca?

Finding the right accommodation is the insurance to fully enjoy its stay. In Menorca, two main options are available to you: Mahon or Ciutadella. In these two cities you will find hotels, guest rooms but also private apartments and houses rented, on Airbnb For example, during the summer season. Do not hesitate to compare prices on a Compare hotels before making your choice.