Things to do in Menorca

Menorca is the perfect Island for walking as you can choose between an hours stroll around a flat lake to a full days hike up to a high view point. There are several books relating to these possibilities available. In recent years the local council has invested in clearing the old defence bridle-paths (Cami de Cavalls), that follow the coast right around the Island, probably used at one time to keep an eye open for invading forces from the sea. Although not complete, many sections are now open and make lovely walks. The Cami de Cavalls is marked by wooden posts with a white plaque of a horse shoe, indicating the way.

Horses have played an important part in Menorcan history, not only were they essential for field work and transport but necessary in the Islands defence. Nowadays, however, you are more likely to see them taking part in the traditional “jaleo” during the “fiestas” (Only pure breed Menorcan stallions can take part and will thrill you with their strength and good nature. They rise up on their hind legs and walk or jump with crowds of youths helping them whilst a band plays in the background!) or at the trotting races on the Sant Lluis road.
There are various clubs and stables that organise shows and spectacles, rides through the countryside or along a beach, classes for all levels and even pony rides for the younger ones.

Menorca is the perfect place for taking a ride through the countryside on a bicycle. This sport, and Mountain biking in particular, has become ever more popular in recent years. There are several clubs and centres that rent bicycles and arrange monitored excursions, all year round.
The local council has opened up a network of cycling routes on unpaved roads enclosed by the traditional dry-stone walls, that cross the Island from East to West. This is the perfect activity for a cloudy day!

As we are surrounded by water, these activities have become very popular over the years for tourists and locals alike. There is an assortment of possible activities including Sailing, Diving, Kayaking, Boat or Yacht hire, Surfing, Fishing, Water-skiing….
Most of these activities can be found in Fornells, Mahón harbour and Ciutadella. There are clubs and courses, for beginners and the more experienced, all age groups and all year around.
Try Dives and snorkelling are very popular as the sea around Menorca are very clear and the summer water temperatures are lovely and warm.
KAYAKING is very easy to learn. You can hire a Kayak and pick your own route or go on a guided tour. There is an annual “round the Island” event with conferences and workshops in October.
SAILING has always been popular here, as there is often a breeze even at the height of the summer. Again there are courses for all levels.
You can hire speed boats, yachts, the traditional Menorcan fishing boat called a “Llaut”, with or without a Skipper, sometimes with champagne included!

Menorca boasts a beautifully restored opera house that dates back to 1829 and a longstanding tradition of opera. Opera weeks are held every year in May and December with three performances per week.

Beginning on Good Friday and running for 6 weeks, the Menorca International Jazz Festival invites jazz musicians from all around the world to take part in a series of concerts held at different venues in Mahón and Ciutadella. Also, every Tuesday night there is a jazz session in the “Casino” restaurant in Sant Climent, where a resident band performs.

Menorca has over a thousand listed Megalithic monuments. Some of the most interesting sites are: Torre d’en Galmes between Alaior and Son Bou and Torralba d’en Salord between Alaior and Calan Porter from the Talaiotic period. Also there are Talayots, Taulas and Navetas to be visited. The Naveta d’es Tudons is on the entrance to Ciutadella and there is a good example of a Talayot at Trepucó on the back roads between Sant Lluis and Es Castell.

The Island takes great pride in it´s traditions and traditional dishes. Typical Menorcan cuisine is based on local ingredients – products from the sea and from the land. The Mediterranean diet is based on Olive oil, onions, garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines along with fish and shellfish, eggs, chicken and meat. Many Menorcan families still keep a few chickens and a pig. The local sausage called “sobrasada” is very red and can be seen hanging up in the market along side black “butifarra” or “camot”. Some of the most popular dishes are: “Caldereta de langosta”. This is a Lobster stew and quite delicious. “Oliagua” a soup exclusive to Menorca or suckling pig, cooked slowly until the skin is crispy and the meat slides off the bone. Menorca has a sweet tooth! There are any number of recipes for cakes, puddings and sweets; local “ensaimadas” will be packed in cardboard boxes and tied with string to help you travel back with one. Menorca also has an ever growing selection of locally grown and bottled wines! Perhaps the most famous alcoholic beverages are the local Gin (mixed with fizzy lemon and called “pomada” it is the fiesta drink) or the “hierbas” a liqueur made to a secret recipe including aromatic herbs and aniseed. Menorcan cheeses are now becoming well known and were awarded international recognition in 1985 with the mark “denominación de origen”