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Menorca is the northernmost of the Balearic Islands, which contributes to its more temperate climate in the summer months. The island capital, Mahon, and the other principal town, Ciutadella, both offer colourful architecture and streets dating from the period of British rule in the 18th Century. The old ports are a maze of little streets and squares, and around every corner there’s a tempting seafood restaurant. The south coast of the island is more developed, but offers a variety of long sandy beaches and small coves and inlets. For visitors who prefer a quieter environment the north offers a long undeveloped coastline with the attractive village of Fornells at its heart.
Top Things to Do in Menorca
The island has been encouraging sustainable tourism for some years, and is attractive to walkers and cyclists, as well as visitors keener on swimming and watersports. The coastal path encircles the island, and there are riding schools that offer rides for the day taking in some of the stunning landscapes and sea views. And for a fun visit, the Xoriguer Gin Distillery offers a tour which includes copper stills that are more than 100 years old. Menorca has one of the largest collections of megalithic monuments spread across the island – more than two thousand – and well worth a visit are those at Torralba d’en Salord and Naveta des Tudons. The forts that stand at the mouth of the port of Mahon, Marlborough and La Mola, are engineering wonders, and offer the visitor exciting recreations of the battles that took place over the history of the island.
Top 3 Must See: Menorca
Monte Toro
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Fortresses of Marlborough and La Mola
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Bay of Fornells
There are spectacular views from the summit of Menorca’s only “mountain”, Monte Toro, which stands at 358 metres above sea level, and is a popular place of pilgrimage. Menorca also offers the watersports enthusiast a range of activities, from scuba diving to snorkelling, windsurfing to just lazing about in the water of a deserted cove.
Driving Around Menorca
To explore the more remote beaches and bays its essential to have a car, even though you might find that you have to walk some way to an isolated beach from the nearest parking spot. For car rental, Menorca makes it easy, either offering pre-booking or instant pick-up from the airport. There is just one main road on the island, running from Mahon to Ciutadella, with numerous tracks and small roads leading off it – the recommendation is to get a good map to avoid driving down cul-de-sacs. Both Alaior and the village of Fornells make great stopping-off points for lunch and exploration.