According to Country Learning, Menorca is the second largest island of the Balearic archipelago, located east of mainland Spain. Menorca is also written as Minorca. Literally, the name means “smaller island”, which is related to the larger neighboring island of Mallorca. Menorca is quieter than Menorca and Ibiza. It is mainly families with children and peace seekers who go on holiday to Menorca. The gently sloping sandy beaches are experienced as very pleasant by parents with young children. For those who want to see more of Menorca, we have listed our top ten sights on the island here.
Top 10 things to do in Menorca
#1. Monte Toro
On the highest mountain of Menorca, Monte Toro or El Toro, you have an amazing view over the entire island. With clear weather there is even a view to the Tramontana mountains of Mallorca. On Monte Toro is a 17th century church with a statue of the Virgin Mary with a bull at her feet.
#2. Fornells
The beautiful town of Fornells is located in the north of Menorca between Cap de Cavalleria and Port d’Addaia. It is a quiet place, where people have a lot of respect for nature. The very beautiful bay of Fornells is very suitable for many types of water sports. Other nearby activities include mountain biking, horse riding, golf, climbing, sailing and walking. The restaurants in Fornells offer the most delicious seafood in a fantastic atmosphere.
#3. Mahón
The largest city on the island of Menorca is Mahón or Maó. The large and busy square Placa de s’Esplanada comes alive especially in the evenings and weekends. The old town has quite a few historic buildings such as the Santa Maria church and the town hall from 1789. The medieval gate on the Pont de Sant Roc is a surviving part from 1359. In the harbor of Mahón you can find the remains of the Sant Felip castle and Fort La Mola.
#4. Ciutadella
Together with Mahón, Ciutadella forms the main cities of the island of Menorca. In the center is a cathedral from 1287. The town hall used to serve as a royal palace. Ciutadella has a large pedestrian area where you can discover beautiful courtyards and fountains while walking. The cozy harbor from where many boat trips depart to, for example, the most beautiful beaches on the island. The harbor also offers a nice selection of shops, bars and restaurants.
#5. Parque Natural de s’Albufera d’Es Grau
The very large natural park ‘Parque Natural de s’Albufera d’Es Grau’ is located in the northeastern part of Menorca. This park is the habitat of many, many species of (water) birds and other small animal species. The park has a nice walking area and a beautiful lake. Es Grau itself is a small village with a beach which is ideal for small children because the water slopes very slowly.
#6. Cala Galdana
The largest bay of the island is located in the south of Menorca. This beautiful seaside resort is located at more than 35 kilometers from the capital Mahón, where there is plenty to do. All kinds of water sports are represented. You don’t have to look far for shopping. Various cozy shops and boutiques adorn the streets of Cala Galdana. Not far from this bay is the most beautiful beach in Menorca, Cala Macarella. This extraordinarily beautiful bay is shaped like a semicircle and has very green hills in the background. The water is super clear and has the beautiful azure blue color.
#7. Los Delfines Aquapark
The wonderful Los Delfines water park has everything you need for a wonderful day out. All kinds of slides, the adventure river and water tunnels offer a lot of entertainment. You can relax in the wonderful jacuzzi or rest with a good book on a lounger.
#8. Cala’n Blanes
The popular resort of Cala’n Blanes is the most new tourist area of the island of Menorca. Most of the accommodation consists of villas and apartments. Together with the neighboring towns of Cala’n Forcat and Los Delfines, this part forms a fairly large, extensive tourist area, where you can find various forms of entertainment. For example, the Aquapark of Los Delfines.
#9. Torre d’en Galmés
The prehistoric village of Torre d’en Galmés is home to a number of well-known T-shaped stone monuments and archaeological excavations. The village already exists from the Talayot era which was about 1400 years before Christ. In Roman times, things have changed in the village. Many of the houses were adapted and a system was developed to collect water.
#10. Cales Coves
The special bay of Cales Coves is near the town of San Clemente. The caves on this small bay have many cavities and tombs in which people lie from the Bronze and Iron Ages. The story of these caves go way back in time. Archaeologists have explored several caves in search of more answers. The sea water in this bay is very clear and gives snorkelers a regular view of colorful fish, crabs and octopuses.
