Things to see and do in Menorca
There are plenty of things to see & do in Menorca - we've chosen our top 10 Menorca tips:1. Old town of Ciutadella 2. Port of Maó 3. Bay of Fornells 4. Megalithic monuments 5. Favàritx lighthouse |
6. Fortresses of Marlborough and La Mola 7. Views from Monte Toro 8. Festivals 9. Quarries (Líthica, Santa Ponça...) 10. Northern and Southern beaches |
1. Ciutadella
The old town of Ciutadella, wrapped around a wide square beside the pretty small port is a labyrinth of passages, archways and sudden unexpected views. On the western end of the island, with the hills of neighbouring Mallorca clearly visible on the horizon the city was founded by the Carthaginians more than two thousand years ago, and in the 9th century under Arab rule was called Medina Minurqa. It was the island’s capital until the 18th century, when the first British governor Richard Kane, transferred the island’s seat of power to Maó at the other end of the island.

Close by in the small port lined with fishing boats the ferry leaves each day for Mallorca, and just beyond, a long sandy strip lies between with walled gardens.
Here, on the Dia de Sant Joan– the 23rd June – the most important fiesta of the island takes place each year, with the beautiful black Menorcan horses rearing high amongst the packed crowds beneath the ancient city walls in what is regarded as one of Spain’s most vivid festivals.
2 Port of Maó

Today, as the island’s capital, Maó has many traces of the British rule on the island during the 18th century, from the Georgian town houses with sash windows and lace curtains to the neo-classical Town.
The old dock area is now a wide corniche by the sea, with restaurants and cafes plying a busy trade when visiting cruise ships dock beneath the high walls of the city. With many charming back streets and squares, Maó retains the relaxed easy going atmosphere of a large friendly country town where everybody seems to know each other.
3. Bay of Fornells

Once frequently raided by Barbary pirates, an 18th century British built watchtower looks down across the narrow entrance, where any ships entering would have been within an easy cannon shot. Today as a safe anchorage from the northerly tramuntana winds, the bay is popular with visiting yachtsmen cruising around the island.
The old fishing village tucked below the headland is tranquil place with excellent restaurants – be sure to try the “caldereta de llagosta”, a delicious succulent lobster stew and one of Menorca’s most famous dishes. With Menorca’s largest marine reserve just off shore the Bay of Fornells is also a Mecca for scuba enthusiasts who come to dive in the clear waters which teem with fish.
4. Megalithic monuments

There are more than two thousand megalithic monuments on Menorca, with some of the earliest, in the form of burial caves and niches, thought to date back to 2,500 BC.
Find out more about the Megalithic monuments
5. Favàritx lighthouse

The beaches and small coves here are ideal places to swim and snorkel, and in winter the fierce storms whip up huge swells which break high over the rocks. As one of the eastern most parts of the island, this area is popular with bird watchers, especially during the migration seasons of spring and autumn.
6. Fortresses of Marlborough and La Mola

On the northern side of the harbour mouth the massive La Mola – Isabel II fortress was built over 25 years under the Spanish rule of Queen Isabella and was completed in 1875, by which time technological advances in weapon design rendered the defences of the fortress obsolete.
Today it is an extraordinary and unique massive structure, with bastions, underground passages and storage areas beautifully made out of local yellow sandstone by the skilled masons of the island. From its ramparts there are wonderful views of the harbour and Maó itself. In more recent times the fortress saw fighting during the Civil War, when Republican soldiers rebelled against their pro-Franco officers.
7. Views from Monte Toro

It is also the finish for the 210 kilometre gruelling round island cycle race, which takes place every year in spring. On clear days, the hills of Mallorca can be clearly seen on the distant western horizon.
8. Festivals

Other festivals take place throughout the summer, plus gastronomic festivals in the inland towns ensure that there is always a wide variety of choice for the most ardent of fiesta fans.
Find out more about Menorca culture
9. Quarries

The larger quarries are used in summer as unique performance places, with orchestras and pop groups playing beneath the stars.
10. The northern and southern beaches

On the northern coast, with higher rocky cliffs interspersed with hidden rocky coves the beaches tend to be smaller and to have red sand. Even in the height of the summer season, beach lovers here will be able to find empty and deserted stretches of sand to swim and snorkel.
Responsible Travel would like to thank the Menorca tourist board for their sponsorship of this guide
Menorca walking vacation, Spain
Idyllic golden beaches, hidden coves and deep blue bays
From
£1145
8 Days
inc UK flights