100 reasons to visit Menorca

With its fantastic tourist hotspots and contrasting quiet coves, historic towns and wonderful climate, Menorca is an incredible holiday destination to visit. So, if you’re wondering, is Menorca a good holiday destination, we’ve made our own list of 100 reasons why visitors return to this island gem!

 

The island

 

 

1. The island is beautiful. Menorca has a stunning coastline, charming villages, and an extraordinary landscape.
2. You can explore the whole island on foot, horseback or bicycle if you follow the Cami de Cavalls bridleway that circles Menorca.
3. It became designated as a UNESCO ‘biosphere reserve’ in 1993.
4. Menorca only has two cities, so it’s a fantastic island for getting away from the stresses of day-to-day life.
5. The island has relatively little mass tourist development, due to General Franco denying it funds during the civil war.
6. The island is sunny from May until November.
7. History lovers will enjoy the many 3,000 year old ancient structures situated all over the island.
8. It’s easy to reach from the UK, with flight times taking approximately two and a half hours.
9. The island has many isolated beaches and coves, so there are plenty of unique spots for adventurers to discover.
10. Catch stunning views from El Torro, a 1,000-foot hill in the middle of the island.

 

Awesome beaches

 

 

11. Cala Turqueta in the south west has an enviable sandy beach, and is surrounded by luscious woodland.
12. Enjoy a lengthy stretch of sand that’s part of a nature reserve at Platja de Bellavista.
13. Platja de Cavalleria in the north of the island still retains its wild atmosphere.
14. Platja d’en Tortuga has lots of space and tranquility, and as a bonus this beach is surrounded by the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park.
15. With red sand and spectacular cliffs, Cala Pregonda also has the attraction of small islets within easy reach of its cove.
16. Snorkelling and a children’s water slide are just two of the reasons why many return to Cala Blanca on the west of Menorca.
17. The blue flag beach of Binibeca in the south is always popular with families. There’s wheelchair access here too.
18. With its long beach, shallow sea water and its proximity to bars and restaurants, Es Grau is a firm family favourite.
19. If you’re looking for a deserted beach, then Cala de sa Toretta is the place for you.
20. Developed by the Romans and still in use today, Cala Coves in the south has an intriguing rocky landscape scattered with ancient caves.

 

Fabulous festivals

 

 

21. If throwing hazelnut shells at others rocks your boat, or you love massive fireworks displays, then the Ciutadella festival of St Joan – the Spanish for ‘John’ – between the 23rd and 24th June is the place for you.
22. From 16th to 17th July you’ll spot horses dancing to folk music and dazzling processions during the Sant Marti festival in Es Mercadal.
23. With live music, entertainment for the whole family as well as fireworks, and of course, dancing horses, the festival of St Jaume in Es Castell from 23th to 26th July always attracts large crowds.
24. The last weekend in July sees the celebration of the feast of Saint Christopher in Es Migjorn Gran. Look out for floats, fireworks, processions as well as more prancing horses.
25. During the second week of August the whole island erupts and celebrates the feast of its patron saint, Sant Llorence. Alaior holds one of the most spectacular of
26. Ciutadella music festival is one of the highlights of Menorca’s cultural calendar during the month of August.
27. Ferreries celebrates its 16th century roots with the festival of Sant Bartomeu on23rd and 24^th
28. The festival of Sant Luis is another wonderful horse festival held in the last weekend in August.
29. Fancy some free alcohol? Then brush up on your catching skills and be prepared to catch a bottle of wine during the festival of Gracia in Mahon from 6th to 9th You’ll have to stand close to the Placa de Conquesta if you want to stand a good chance of getting your hands on a bottle.
30. Festes de St Nicolau is celebrated on 10th and 11th September in Es Mercadal. Horses and a lively procession feature during this occasion.

 

Amazing food and drink

 

 

31. The Xoriguer distillery is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, who doesn’t love gin?
32. Sample delicious cheeses at the cheese factory in Ferreries.
33. Menorca is home of pomada, an exotic concoction made from gin and bitter lemon, so be sure to sample it.
34. Learn how to dip your doughnuts in chocolate and create a Menorcan speciality – churros con chocolate.
35. Enjoy fantastic local takeaway meals, plats prepat, so you can feast while exploring the island.
36. Explore the huge choice of local wines – Menorca is famous for its vinyard visits and free tastings.
37. Taste the wonderful local sobrassada – sausages made from paprika and pork.
38. Look out for the local lobster stew, caldereta de llagosta which is the dish to ask for in restaurants.
39. Try some of the very tasty local liqueurs made from both citrus fruits and peaches. Be careful, these can pack a powerful punch.
40. Lovers of pastries and other sweet deliciousness will love Menorca’s range of pastellerias – cake shops.

 

Exciting watersports

 

 

41. Look out for underwater shipwrecks when scuba diving off Binibeca.
42. Menorca is rapidly developing as a centre for kayaking. You can easily hire gear on many beaches.
43. With strong prevailing winds, windsurfing is another exciting option. Fornells is the best resort to enjoy this activity.
44. Try your luck on a RIB boat, described as a ‘seat of your pants water roadster’. Try this for a novel way to explore the coast.
45. You can always observe what’s going on under the sea when you go snorkelling. The island has many facilities where you can hire kit or learn to snorkel, including Cituadella.
46. It’s easy to hire a yacht and a skipper to explore the waters around Menorca.
47. Pump up your energy levels and enjoy the thrill of jet skiing when spending time in Fornells.
48. The island is a perfect venue if you want to learn how to sail. Hire a dingy and get some lessons from an expert.
49. Stand Up Paddle, SUP, is always fun. There are many facilities all around Menorca.
50. Cala Galdana on the west of the island offers motor boat hire as well as a whole range of other watersports.

 

Fascinating monuments to explore

 

 

51. There’s a Stonhenge-like structure at Talati del Dalt, open throughout the summer until 9.00pm.
52. The Torre Trencada, 15 minutes away from Ciutuadella, form an almost perfect stone circle.
53. A visit to a Roman basilica can be added to your itinerary. Son Bou is the place to head for.
54. Caves and ruined buildings form part of a site at Torralba den Salort. One of the monuments is five metres in height.
55. There’s a prehistoric town at Son Catlar, just south of Cituadella.
56. The awesome Fort Marlborough in Es Castell is testament to the English occupation.
57. Explore the cliffside caves above Cala, these were originally used for burying the prehistoric dead.
58. Examine the extraordinary ruins at Torre d’en Galm in Son Bou in the south of the island. You can still see traces of underground houses, talayots and storage areas.
59. Visit the intriguing man made necropolis caves with handsome decorations and carvings at Cala Morell.
60. East of Cuitadella is the Naveta des Tudons, a funeral monument in the shape of an overturned ship.

 

Plenty of family fun

 

 

61. The Los Delfines Aquapark has plenty of activities for adults and children. And, you can spend all day there thanks to the onsite restaurants.
62. Explore the beautiful countryside and hire a mountain bike. There are many cycle paths across the island. Exploring this fantastic countryside by bike is easy. Simply ask about bike hire at your hotel reception and then you’ll be good to go and discover the many cycle paths that criss-cross the island.

63. Have a fun-filled day at Lloc de Menorca zoo in Alaior.
64. Cala’n Bosch has the AcquaRock Waterpark where children can enjoy trampolines and whirlpools. There is also a wave machine alongside a whole range of arcade machines.
65. Menorca is a fantastic place to go horse riding. Bridleways and tracks crisscross the whole island. There’s a great horse riding centre in Mahon..
66. Club Saint Jaine has lots of fun attractions for the whole family. The resort is based in Son Bou and you’ll enjoy swimming, exploring a maze and there’s even some nightime activities.
67. Explore the fisherman’s village at Binibeca Vell. This extraordinary village was designed in 1972 and is meant to resemble a traditional Menorcan village. With its cobbled streets, shops and fantastic restaurant, this venue is a treat.
68. Close to Cuitadella, the Castillo Menorca will give the whole family a fantastic day out. Packed full of shops, trampolines and water slides, this resort is great fun.
69. Take a hike from Ferreries and discover a 13^th-century Arab castle, Santa Agueda. You can wander around the ruins and then admire the view from the castle.
70. With hippodromes at both Mahon and Ciutadella you’ll be able to experience the excitement of a trotting race. The jockeys are dressed in smart silks and they’re driving Roman style chariots.

 

Exciting nightlife

 

 

71. Sports bars are always a good place to spend an evening and Tom’s Bar in Cala’n Bosch is no exception.
72. Chill out and dance in Menorca’s very own Space nightclub. Based in Ciutadella, Space is famous for entertaining party lovers with a wide range of music.
73. Jazzbah in Ciutadella is the place to head to for live music.
74. Set within a cliff and overlooking the sea, Cova d’en Xoroi, just above Cala ‘n Porter, stays open until 6.00am, with live music and DJs.
75. You can always enjoy a fantastic cocktail at White’s Bar in Es Mercadal.
76. Sit back and revel in the relaxing vibe at La Margarete in Ciutadella.
77. Dance and unwind to the live music at the Akelarre Jazz club in Menorca’s capital, Mahon.
78. Friday and Saturday fun can be found at H2O, the club caters for the over 25’s crowd and can be found in Mahon harbour.
79. Practice your salsa moves at Tse Tse club in Mahon.
80. With its fantastic outside terrace and excellent dance music, Ayashe Lounge in Cala ‘n Porter is one of the coolest spots on the island.

 

Discover the delights of Ciutadella and Mahon

 

 

81. Treat yourself to a fantastic meal at Smoix in Ciutadella, this city is foodie heaven.
82. The extraordinary Ciutadella maze, Lithica, will keep you occupied for a while. It’s on the site of an ancient quarry.
83. Ciutadella’s Old Town, with its mix of wonderful architecture, fantastic shops and cool relaxing wine bars is always popular.
84. Track down designer goods in Ses Voltes, also an amazing spot for people watching.
85. The gothic Ciutadella cathedral of Santa Maria is stunning, built in 1362 on the site of an old mosque, a visit here serves as a welcome relief from the sun and gives you a chance to see some stunning architecture.
86. Menorca’s capital, Mahon, is also a foodie paradise – check out Can Vermut in the city’s port and enjoy tapas, local cheese and all kinds of other goodies.
87. A fantastic way to explore any the coast around Mahon is to take a boat trip. There are many companies in the port offering excursions.
88. Looking for some fantastic shoes? Mahon is the place to go. These handmade items will fit like a glove and they’re reasonably priced too.
89. Menorca has a fascinating history and Mahon’s museum, situated in a 17th century monastery, will satisfy your lust for knowledge.
90. A walk to Mahon’s lighthouse, Favo de Favaritx, is a wonderful way to get some exercise. You’ll be rewarded with some amazing views once you get there.

 

A magnet for wildlife lovers

 

 

91. S’Albufera des Grau is a superb wildlife reserve on the east of the island. Made up of wetlands and close to Mahon, this impressive reserve is accessible all year.
92. There are 19 areas of special interest and five parks and reserves across the island.
93. The barrancs are deep ravines that can be found running from the centre to the south of Menorca. They’re home to many wild flowers, peregrine falcons and Egyptian vulture’s nests.
94. Turtles love Menorca, they’re a protected species and were first introduced by the Moors many centuries ago.
95. The secretive pine marten has made its home on Menorca.
96. Sea creatures are safe in Menorca’s marine reserve, which lies between Cap Gros and Punta des Morter off the north of the island, and was founded in 1999.
97. The extraordinary red-eyed frog can be spotted on the island, as well as terrapins and numerous species of butterfly and birds.
98. It’s easy to travel around the 271 sq metre island on foot or bicycle, so be sure to look out for these intriguing species on your travels.
99. The Salinas de Mongofra, salt flats, close to S’Albufera des Gran are fascinating and a wonderful way to spot many species in this idyllic habitat.
100. The island has made a commitment to restrict building and preserve its wildlife, making Menorca a wonderful destination for nature lovers.

 

If you’re still wondering is Menorca worth visiting, check out our Menorca holiday All Inclusive deals and luxury Menorca holidays to seal the deal!