When it comes to the Balearic Islands, Menorca stands out as a destination that offers the most authentic and relaxing experience in Spain. And yet, it’s often a destination that gets overlooked.
Located in the Mediterranean, off the eastern coast of Spain and near the northwest tip of its larger neighbour Mallorca, most visitors are lured to Menorca for its coastline, Neolithic sites, and historic twin cities. But the easternmost Balearic Island conceals hidden depths. Discover indigenous horses, artisanal traditions, arts festivals, and gorgeous marine landscapes alongside a deeply rooted culture of creativity.
You’d be forgiven for wanting to spend your whole time on the beach when you visit the island, but there are so many brilliant things to do in Menorca that we’d recommend adding more to your itinerary. Whether you’re visiting on a romantic trip, travelling with a group of friends or have brought your family on a summer holiday, you’ll find more than enough to keep you busy.
So what is there to do in Menorca? Here are twelve of our top recommendations.
1. Take a Jeep Safari
Some of the best places to visit in Menorca are sites that are a little off the beaten track. Delve into undiscovered corners of the island with a thrilling jeep safari, and let an exciting off-road vehicle lead you to some of Menorca’s most rugged and unspoiled destinations.
One of the best tours on offer is Menorca Discovery, which has exclusive access to areas closed to the general public. You can unearth archaeological remains, get up close to revered Menorquín horses, swim in turquoise calas (coves) and learn about local cheese-making traditions. Pick from three different two-hour tours, depending on your interests.
2. Paraglide Above Epic Sites
Paragliding is one of the most exciting and unusual things to do in Menorca. Take to the skies beneath a parachute and enjoy spectacular aerial views of the island, as you gently glide back down to the ground from atop a mountain or cliffside.
Try tandem paragliding with Planoram Paragliding to soar above Son Bou Rock and S’Enclusal, or launch from El Toro, the island’s highest peak at 1,122ft, with Parapente Biplaza Menorca. Paragliding offers a truly unique perspective of the island and is an adrenaline-filled activity, perfect for travellers who like to try something new on holiday.
3. Horse Ride the Camí de Cavalls
Camí de Cavalls, or “Way of the Horses”, is an ancient bridleway that circles the entire coastline. The 185 km-long path is dotted with old watchtowers and fortresses used to defend the island in bygone eras.
While you can walk or cycle the trail, horse riding is our favourite way to traverse the cliff-lined perimeter, and one of the best activities in Menorca if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the island. Horses are sure-footed in navigating steep paths and the rockiest of Menorca beaches, meaning you can easily access some of the island’s more remote areas without too much fuss.
You can complete the whole “Way of the Horses” route in a week, or Rutas Ecuestres offers a two-day package. It specialises in black Menorquín horses – the island’s indigenous breed – allowing you to connect with the local culture as you travel.
4. Take a Picturesque Boat Trip
One of the most scenic things to do in Menorca is a boat trip from Port de Mahón. Board a yacht or a motor boat from the island’s capital city and glide along the five km-long inlet to the point where it meets the Mediterranean Sea, passing ice cream-coloured buildings and forested hills.
Boat trips are the best way to appreciate the scenery and coastline in a way you can’t on land. They’re also one of the best things for couples to do in Menorca; book a trip in the early evening and catch the sunset as you sail along the coast.
If you also want to enjoy the marine scenery below, Yellow Catamarans offer hour-long historical tours in a glass-bottomed boat, frequently departing from the Moll de Ponent.
5. Get Your Culture Fix at Pedra Viva Festival
Visit Menorca in July to make the most of the Pedra Viva festival, a month-long arts and culture event in an abandoned limestone quarry: the spectacular Ses Pedreres de s’Hostal. Originally intended as a one-off event, it was a smash hit and is now an annual affair, filling the stone spaces with all kinds of art.
Expect everything from music concerts and poetry readings to dance performances and theatre productions. It’s one of the best things to do in Menorca if you’re visiting over the summer, offering a special insight into the different cultural offerings on the island.
6. Snorkel Among Crystal-Clear Waters
With crystalline waters and brightly coloured fish, Menorca is a snorkelling hotspot. One of the best places for underwater exploration in the Mediterranean, you’ll have the best visibility between July and October (and benefit from warm water temperatures).
Blue Islands Diving offers a three-hour boat trip and underwater snorkelling safari tour from Cala Galdana, covering the shallows of the island’s finest beaches. This is one of the best things for families to do in Menorca, especially as the tour company specialises in opportunities for children who might not have dived before.
Alternatively, take a shorter snorkelling tour (1.5 hours) in the pristine marine reserve to the north of the island, where you may see starfish or moray eels. If you’d rather go solo, grab your mask and head to Cala Pregonda near Es Mercadal, one of the best beaches in Menorca. You’ll have to hike half an hour to reach this remote beach, but it’s worth it – it’s one of our favourite things to do in Menorca.
7. Splash About at Menorca’s Biggest Waterpark
One of the best things to do in Menorca with kids is to visit Splash Sur, the biggest waterpark in Menorca. With plenty of thrilling waterslides, pools of all depths and sizes, and lots of sun loungers with parasols, it’s easy to spend an entire day at Splash Sur, no matter your age.
A fairly new addition to the island, the park sits on the southeast coast of Menorca, near Punta Prima. It’s designed for adults and younger visitors, with tipping buckets, water jets, a splash pool for younger kids, and hair-raising slides like the Black Hole and the Kamikaze for teens.
8. Hike to the Top of Monte Toro
Ask any local what one of the best things to do in Menorca is, and they’ll say climb El Toro, the highest point on the island (at 354 metres above sea level). It’s also one of the only significant peaks in Menorca, which means your hike will result in uninterrupted views and the sense of being above the island.
Taking up to two hours, this hike may pull on your hamstrings, but the panoramic vistas at the summit are jaw-dropping. You can seek shade in the 13th-Century church or refuel at the café before tackling the (easier) downhill route.
9. Go Birdwatching in S’Albufera des Grau
S’Albufera des Grau is a wild, untamed pocket of northeast Menorca, where dense forest gives way to marshland and windswept dunes. Beautiful cliffs wrap around the nature reserve, plunging to the sea below, making this one of the most beautiful places to go in Menorca and one of the most rugged.
A handful of tiny islands complete the picture at S’Albufera des Grau Nature Park, creating a stunning area with diverse scenery. The 50-plus square kilometres provide a habitat for wildlife, including around 90 bird species. You can sign up for a guided tour with an experienced Menorca travel guide at the visitors’ centre and enjoy the chance to learn all about the different creatures that live here.
10. Step Back in Time at the Torralba d’en Salord
To see one of the best-preserved Talayotic villages in the Balearic Islands, head to Torralba d’en Salord. While the Talayotic era remains a mystery, it is thought to have spanned from 1500 to 123 BC, with its prehistoric monuments hinting at a sophisticated culture.
A large taula – a T-shaped stone structure – is encircled by an enclosure believed to have been an open-air religious space. You can also check out excavated caves, pillared buildings, and huge boulder walls. It’s one of the top Menorca attractions for history fans and is a great place to bring curious kids who like to learn about the past.
11. Ramp it Up with Water Sports
Menorca is emerging as a top-rated water sports destination thanks to strong winds and clear waters. Head to Fornells, a northeastern village with some of the best beaches on the island, to try a range of fun things to do in Menorca, like windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing.
Alternatively, head southeast to Binibeca for the chance to dive among underwater shipwrecks. The nearby Marine Reserve of Isla Del Aire offers some incredible underwater environments to explore, or admire from a boat if you’d rather not spend time beneath the surface.
12. Enjoy a Sundowner at a Clifftop Bar
The most staggering spot to catch a sunset in Menorca is Cova d’en Xoroi, a cliff-side bar carved into the rocks in the seaside resort of Cala en Porter. An evening trip here is one of the best things to do in Menorca for couples, where you can toast the success of your holiday whilst admiring the changing colours of the sky.
Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace for views of the sun sinking below the Mediterranean. Be warned, though, the bar’s reputation precedes it, so it gets busy – try to book ahead.
There are plenty of brilliant things to do in Menorca, no matter where you stay on the island or how you like to spend your holidays. With so much glorious coastline to explore – from the beaches or out on the water – and the island’s interesting history and culture, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to planning a trip.
Ready to buy that plane ticket to Menorca and try out this list of things to do? We don’t blame you. We’ve got a great selection of villas in Menorca, handpicked by our experts. Contact our friendly concierge team for advice and extra services for your holiday, from private chef dinners to day excursions!
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