Things to do in Menorca

Things to do in  Menorca

Kick off your espadrilles

Mellower than its bigger Balearic neighbors of Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca packs plenty into its 30-mile-long (48-kilometer-long) frame. White-sand coves, waterparks, and low-key resorts such as Arenal d’en Castell and Cala Bosch lure fun-seeking families. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts hit the aquamarine seas on catamaran, snorkel, kayak, and scuba excursions; and sightseers roam the 18th-century streets, plazas, and harborside restaurants of the honey-stone capital Maó and its smaller sister, Ciutadella. Other popular things to do in Menorca include exploring prehistoric stone monuments and following peaceful country trails on foot, horseback, or bike.

Top 12 attractions in Menorca

Ciutadella

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A port city on the west coast of Menorca, Ciutadella de Menorca (most commonly referred to as Ciutadella) is best known for its historic quarter and medieval streets. Travel back to the 17th century by strolling around the neighborhoods in the city’s old town, admiring the whitewashed stone homes and mansions along the way.More

Maó (Mahón)

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Port de Maó (also called Mahón or Port Mahon), the capital of Menorca, has plenty to offer, including one of the largest natural harbors in the world. There are tiny streets to stroll, shops to explore, cakes and meals to be had, drinks to be sipped, and a market housed in what used to be an old convent.More

Monte Toro (El Toro)

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The tallest point in Menorca is Monte Toro, also called El Toro, where you can see the entire island on clear days. Built atop the summit is the Mare de Déu del Toro sanctuary, a significant pilgrimage place with a shrine to Menorca’s patron saint. There, a whitewashed exterior leads to a small chapel with a carved image of the Virgin Mary.More

Es Mercadal

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In northern central Menorca beneath Mt. Toro, Es Mercadal is one of the island’s oldest and most picturesque towns. Visitors come here to experience a slice of old-time island life and soak up its whitewashed houses, terracotta-flagged streets, traditional shops, and laid-back atmosphere.More
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Splash Waterpark (Splash Sur Menorca)

Splash Waterpark (Splash Sur Menorca)

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Travelers looking for a way to cool off on Menorca without heading to the beach will enjoy Splash Waterpark (Splash Sur Menorca), an attraction-packed destination. This family-friendly park has slides for the kids and lounge areas and Jacuzzis for the adults, plus food, drinks, and sunbeds to guarantee a comfortable visit.More
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Menorca Zoo (Centre Zoologic Lloc De Menorca)

Menorca Zoo (Centre Zoologic Lloc De Menorca)

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See a diverse collection of wildlife at the Menorca Zoo (Lloc De Menorca), a park that is home to a variety of rescue animals, from goats to macaque monkeys. Highlights include the kid-friendly displays and an area where you can interact with lemurs, plus the on-site Bronze Age monument.More

Taulas of Menorca

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Just outside Maó in Menorca stand rock pilings that leave people awe-struck. Talatí de Dalt is home to a series of T-shaped stone monuments—known as taulas—dating from 1000 to 300 BC, which were part of the Talaiotic culture. While not much is known about this prehistoric site, it is considered to be one of the most fascinating on the island.More
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Fortaleza de la Mola (La Mola Fortress)

Fortaleza de la Mola (La Mola Fortress)

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Guarding the picturesque mouth of Mahón Harbor is 19th-century Fortaleza de la Mola, whose beautifully preserved walls offer big views across the water. Also called the Fortaleza de Isabel II, the impressive fortress has galleries and tunnels that invite exploring, as well as hornworks where artillery once kept invaders at bay.More
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Aqua Center Water Park

Aqua Center Water Park

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Aqua Center Water Park is a prime destination for visitors in Menorca who want a place to cool off and careen down towering water slides. With pools, jacuzzis, and a bar area—plus a kid-friendly water castle and bouncy play zone—the Aqua Center offers lots of family-friendly fun.More
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Naveta des Tudons

Naveta des Tudons

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This chamber tomb in Menorca, dating back to the pre-Talaiotic period around 1200 BC, was discovered in the 1960s, when archaeologists found more than 100 bodies there, buried with jewelry and other artifacts. It’s Menorca’s most important megalithic monument, resembling an upside-down boat assembled from large stone blocks.More
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Cala Morell

Cala Morell

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Located on the northern coast of Menorca, Cala Morell offers a unique combination of a relaxing surf and fascinating history. Though known for its clear, cobalt blue waters and rocky beach, Cala Morell is also home to one of the most important archeological sites on the entire island: a Bronze Age-era necropolis built into the rockface.More
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Fort Marlborough

Fort Marlborough

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Burrowed into the rocky edge of Maó Harbor, Fort Marlborough is an 18th-century relic of Menorca’s military heritage. Dramatic views from the gun placements afford excellent views across the pretty Cala de Sant Esteve cove, while interior tours of the fort offer a chance to learn about a tumultuous side of the island’s history.More

All about Menorca

When to visit

Menorca is busiest during Europeans’ school holidays, but this peak season is bookended by quieter periods. July and August see packed beaches and average highs of 84°F (29°C). Savvy visitors come in May or June, when the weather is gentler, and in September or October, when the crowds thin out and the sea is at its warmest. The shoulder seasons also bring Ciutadella’s Sant Joan Festival, in late June, and Mahon’s Mare de Déu de Gràcia, in September. Both feature street processions, equestrian displays, and fireworks.

Getting around

Menorca’s affordable buses are relatively convenient and run more frequently during the summer. If you’re traveling the island’s length, you’ll probably have to change buses at Ciutadella or Mahón, which are the two hubs for local routes. Inside the resort areas, you can find cabs to ferry you around town; expect to pay a premium if you’re crossing into another region. The quickest and most flexible way to get around and discover Menorca’s hidden corners, however, is to rent a car or moped.

Traveler tips

If you want to enjoy time on the beach on Menorca, take a page from the locals, who know how the island’s strong winds can buffet the sands and whip up the waves enough to spoil the day. The local rule of thumb is simple: if the wind is from the south, head for the northern coast; if it’s blowing from the north, choose the southern beaches.

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People Also Ask

What should you not miss in Menorca?

Menorca has a 134-mile (216-kilometer) coastline full of sugar-sand bays, so the beaches here are not to be missed; Playa de Son Bou and Cala Macarelleta are popular favorites. Other “unmissable” activities include an amble through Ciutadella and, if you have time, a hike along the Camí de Cavalls.

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Is Menorca worth visiting?

If you want to experience the beauty of the Balearic Islands with less of the hedonism you’d find in Mallorca and Ibiza, then, yes, Menorca is definitely worth visiting. The island also sees fewer tourists, so it’s perfect for those in search of tranquil coves and rural landscapes.

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What is the most beautiful part of Menorca?

Menorca has many beautiful areas. The city of Ciutadella is full of honey-hued monuments, while the village of Binibeca Vell offers views of whitewashed cottages against the blue sea. Picking the loveliest beaches is a hard call, but the virgin coves of the island’s northern coast offer lots of wild beauty.

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What is Menorca famous for?

The island is famous for its beaches and its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, which protects its diverse coastal landscapes. Natural beauty aside, Menorca is also known for its megalithic sites, its distinctive Mahón cheese, and—wait for it—its mayonnaise. Per Menorcan legend, this island is the birthplace of mayonnaise.

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Is Menorca good for nightlife?

Menorca does not have the nightlife that some of its sister islands are famous for. But if you do want to dance until the early hours, there are some good spots. For the most options, head to the island’s capital, Mahón. The area around Ciutadella’s port also boasts a number of bars.

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How many days are enough for Menorca?

Beach lovers will enjoy spending a full week on the island, basking in the sun and exploring different coves. If you have more time, two weeks will let you check out Ciutadella, Mahón, and Menorca’s inland delights, too, without feeling at all rushed.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top things to do in Menorca?
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