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Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Telegraph
The perfect weekend in Menorca – charming towns, pristine beaches and nature reserves
The second largest of the Balearic islands, and a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Menorca certainly packs a punch. With a tumultuous history that witnessed countless assaults from the Romans, Vandals, Muslims, French and British, it's hardly surprising that today the island's rich heritage is a result of an impressive melding of cultures. From the elegance of the historic capital, Mahón, with its British influences, and vast natural harbour, to the colourful Gothic and Baroque architecture, churches and palaces of Ciutadella, Menorca has it all. In the two principal towns there are vibrant shops, cafés and restaurants, while scattered across the island you'll find magnificent megalithic monuments, bearing testimony to the island's ancient Talayotic history. Wedged between Ciutadella in the west and Mahón in the east, pretty market towns are surrounded by lush countryside, while the coastline is abundant with hidden coves and pristine beaches with clean waters and the whitest of sand. For further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, things to do, nightlife and beaches. In this guide How to spend your weekend Day one: morning Get ready for an action-packed day by car. Starting in the capital, Mahón, enjoy an early wake-up breakfast at the American Bar before delving into the island's absorbing Talayotic history at the majestic Museum of Menorca. Afterwards, head to the atmospheric harbour for the exhilarating fast ferry ride across the picturesque bay to the tiny island of Isla del Rey. Step back in time at the fascinating 18th-century former military hospital with its medicinal garden and apothecary, and visit the elegant Hauser & Wirth Gallery. Here you can inspect the new and temporary art collections and visit its café in a forested garden. Back in Mahón, take the 15-minute drive along the Me-3 to the imposing Fortress of Isabel II at La Mola. Admire its impressive military architecture and explore the labyrinth-like underground bunkers before revelling in the beguiling views out to sea. Back in Mahón, treat yourself to a well-deserved seafood platter on the shady terrace of El Rais in the port.
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Telegraph
The 14 best things to do in Menorca
Whether visiting Menorca for a weekend or a longer stay, there is so much to do on this bijou island. In the capital of Mahón, and the town of Ciutadella, visitors can enjoy museums, churches, shops and markets. Meanwhile, island-wide, farms, wineries, Talayotic sites, factories and fortresses pop up when least expected. For the nautical set, the Marine Reserve holds many aquatic wonders, with the opportunity to snorkel, windsurf or sail in stylish yachts or traditional fishing boats. The island's famed coastal path is perfect for hiking or cycling and the plentiful nature reserves are a bird and nature lover's dream. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best restaurants in Menorca. Find out more below or for further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants nightlife and how to spend a weekend in Menorca. Find things to do by type: History Isla Hospital Menorca Visit a former military hospital off the coast of Mahón Take a 15-minute boat ride from the port of Mahón to Isla del Rey, the tiny island that is home to a historic naval hospital established 300 years ago during the British occupation of Menorca. Abandoned for 40 years, the building was renovated and includes an apothecary and library. The grounds include a medicinal garden and remains of a 6th-century Christian Basilica. Insider's tip: Take a stroll around the stylish Hauser & Wirth Gallery nearby with its new and permanent exhibitions, and artisan gift shop. Its feted Cantina restaurant has a blissful forested garden where you might spot the protected Lilford's wall lizard scampering by. Museum of Menorca in Mahón Delve into Menorca's rich history A visit to Menorca would be incomplete without setting foot in the Museum of Menorca in Mahón. The museum, housed in a handsome building which harks back to the 17th and 18th centuries, traces the island's history from prehistoric times through to the present day and holds a vast collection of artefacts. Presentations are lively with videos and interactive elements. Insider's tip: The building includes the 'Little Museum', an interactive learning space for children, which allows them to learn about history and culture through play and family activities. On the first floor, there is also a self-guided play area with pirate games. Cathedral of Santa Maria Marvel at the island's magnificent Gothic cathedral The imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria stands on the site of an ancient mosque and its construction began in 1300 under the aegis of King Alfonso III. Destroyed by Turkish marauders in the 16th century and subsequent invaders, it's remarkable that the edifice is still standing today. The best-preserved Gothic building in Menorca, it is notable for its grinning gargoyles and high altar. Insider's tip: The entry ticket includes the nearby Renaissance-style Convent of Sant Agustí and its peaceful cloisters. Meanwhile, next door to the Cathedral is historic palace Casa Olivar, which offers a fascinating snapshot of 18th and 19th century aristocratic life in Ciutadella. La Mola Wonder at the military architecture of a 19th-century fortress One of the best examples of 19th-century military architecture can be found at La Mola, otherwise known as the Fortress of Isabel II, built between 1848 and 1875 to defend the entrance to the port of Mahón. This fascinating and in-depth historical visit leads the visitor through the majestic entrance and perfectly conserved arches into a labyrinth of underground bunkers. Insider's tip: Various thrilling theatrical performances, including sunset guided tours, are held at the fortress by night, particularly during the summer months. For would-be astronomers, starlight events are offered at which visitors can learn about the stars and their significance. Pedreres de S'Hostal Get lost in the labyrinth of Lithica quarry Lithica, also known as Pedreres de S'Hostal, is an extensive former limestone quarry converted into a cultural and recreational space. Maze-like, it includes historic quarries, some of which date back 200 years, and whose use was finally discontinued in 1994. Now, the cavernous quarries have been filled with trees and plants and the site includes a botanical garden. Insider's tip: Do wear comfy shoes and bring sunscreen when navigating this enormous site, especially during the summer heat. It's well worth finding out about Lithica's vibrant cultural programme held in the quarries which include art installations, and late-night concerts and films. Talayotic cultural remains Explore Menorca's Talayotic remains Menorca was awarded Unesco World Heritage status for its Talayotic cultural remains, abundant island-wide. Take a road tour of the Talayotic monuments or focus on two of the best known: Naveta d'Es Tudons, the well-preserved funerary monument near Ciutadella where over 100 skeletons were discovered, and the settlement of Torre d'en Galmés, one of the largest on the island. Insider's tip: The island has nearly 1,600 prehistoric sites covering 270 square miles, and most Talayotic sites are without charge. Many of the stone remains date back to the Bronze Age and include navetas, and also taulas, purportedly used for religious ceremonies. Artisanal Centre in Es Mercadal Master the art of the craft at this pioneering museum The Artisanal Centre in Es Mercadal, the first craft centre to open in the Balearics, is the perfect place to learn about local ancient craft traditions. The handsome museum, housed in the atmospheric guard's room of the historic military barracks, has a shop selling artisan crafts and both permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing clay pots, smithery, embroidery, jewellery and woodwork. Insider's tip: The centre holds many workshops and demonstrations throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. These include flower arranging, painting, ceramics and natural cosmetics, flower and herb distillation, and woodcraft. Food and drink Xoriguer distillery Find out how to make a perfect pomada at a gin distillery Xoriguer is the island's emblematic gin brand and forms the base of the island's famed pomada – gin with lemonade. In the 19th century the last of Menorca's gin distilleries was burned down. Enterprising employee Miguel Pons Justo allegedly saved the original recipe and set up Xoriguer. Customers can visit the 250-year-old stills, try different gins and buy the tipple. Insider's tip: Did you know that the distinctive green glass bottle with a handle was originally brown and inspired by island flagons called canecos? The windmill logo was a nod to the founder's family estate, Xoriguer, where there was a flour mill. Wine tastings Sample local wines at a traditional bodega It's believed that winemaking in Menorca harks back to Phoenician times. With a slightly cooler climate than the other Balearic islands, its wines are crisper, more aromatic and delicate. Nowadays, one of the island's main wineries is Binifadet in Sant Lluís, just outside Mahón. An enjoyable gastronomic guided tour can be booked online which includes wine tastings and gourmet local snacks. Insider's tip: Binifadet is set in rolling countryside, unsurprisingly surrounded by lush vineyards. A high-quality restaurant using fresh local produce and ingredients is run in the grounds, offering first-class lunches and wine-pairing menus which can be booked in advance. Binibeca cheese farm Learn all about cheesemaking on a local farm A visit to the rural Binibeca cheese farm is a gourmet's delight. This family-run, 200-hectare estate has 120 cows, 250 goats and 100 sheep – so it's hardly surprising that it is celebrated for its variety of cheeses. In fact, it was the first brand on the island to produce artisanal goat cheese and also makes a variety of delicious charcuterie. Insider's tip: A stroll around the grounds followed by a shop visit is highly recommended. Here, friendly staff offer information about the different types of cheeses and offer visitors samples of the various products. There's a selection of charcuterie on sale too. Nature Albufera des Grau Take a hike at the heart of the island's Biosphere Reserve Albufera des Grau, the vast national park and lagoon at the heart of the Biosphere Reserve in Menorca, consists of more than 12,000 acres of woodland, marshes, dunes and ponds. It is home to Talayotic remains and countless birds and includes a diversity of fauna and flora. An inlet of seawater provides shelter for protected Posidonia prairies and sea tortoises. Insider's tip: Do visit Favàritx Lighthouse which lies within the park. This distinctive white tower with black spiral design was built in 1922 and is set in a dramatic landscape of black slate. It's a five-mile hike along the east side of the park. Camí de Cavalls Discover the island's ancient coastal route on horseback The Camí de Cavalls, an ancient horse path that circles the island, has become popular with hikers and cyclists but experiencing a section of this 115-mile rough coastal track by horse is a treat. Local equestrian companies provide rides along the path on Menorcan horses for all levels, taking in hidden coves and beaches with azure waters. Insider's tip: For those travelling with children, Menorca a Cavall offers 30-minute pony rides around its farm and local countryside. It also organises longer family rides with selected ponies and smaller horses for children that are controlled with ropes by an experienced guide ( Sail Menorca's coastline Experience a sail in a traditional Menorcan fishing boat As a Marine Reserve, Menorca's coastline is perfect for exploration either by snorkelling, diving, paddleboarding or yacht. However, an innovative way to experience the pristine, glass-like water is by llaut, a traditional fishing boat. This offers a far more authentic and personalised experience on the water, swimming and relaxing in lesser-known coves with drinks and Menorcan snacks often included. Insider's tip: Always remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat even if the sun doesn't appear strong. It's refreshing to jump off the boat for a swim or sunbathing during the trip, so do pack swimwear and a towel. Lloc de Menorca Get up close with animals at a Menorcan zoological park Lloc de Menorca is a family-run zoological sanctuary for animals that have been illegally trafficked, used in laboratories or abandoned. The result is a beautifully maintained conservation and educational centre where domestic and exotic species such as Menorcan horses, kangaroos, macaques and reptiles happily thrive in well-maintained enclosures, thanks to visitor donations. There is a café, picnic and gift shop. Insider's tip: Don't miss the animal petting zone and play area for young children, and the Talayotic Naveta de Biniac Oriental that happens to be in the grounds. The funerary site is in good condition and harks back to 1400-1000 BC. How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Anna Nicholas is Telegraph Travel's Majorca expert. A resident of Majorca for 23 years, she is a frequent visitor to Menorca. The Hauser & Wirth gallery on Isla del Rey is a favourite haunt where she loves to browse the latest exhibits.
