Menorca or Minorca is one of the four main Balearic Islands found in the Mediterranean Sea, off the east coast of Spain. Its name derives from its size ('Minor-ca') as opposed to its neighbour Majorca ('Major-ca'). Other popular islands in the archipelago include Ibiza and Formentera.
The island has a typical Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. Menorca is the most northern of the Balearics, making it slightly cooler and wetter, but it is considered the most tranquil and least overrun. It is nicknamed the 'windy island' as it is in the path of eight prevailing winds.
Menorca is known for its fiestas, archaeological sites and beautiful scenery. The towns which make up the island are a great place to start when it comes to exploring Ciutadella, the former capital is steeped in history, as are towns such as Mahón and Es Castell.
It's also a great place to go walking, cycling or horse riding as there are many paths and routes to follow. Dia Complert has the largest selection of tours and activities including mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling and boat tours.
Walking
If you're into walking, Menorca is a great place to go, with plenty of paths to explore.
The main route is the Cami de Cavalls (Path of Horses), which runs around the entire coastline. In bygone times it was how soldiers rode between the watch towers along the coast to defend the island. Now it provides a link for hikers between sandy beaches and hidden coves.
Walk Menorca offers a range of paths of varying length along this an ancient bridle path. Walk through Menorca's stunning scenery of pine forests next to turquoise seas. They suggest you bring a rucksack, sturdy boots, light clothes, sunglasses, sun cream, hat, waking stick and a camera of course.
Cycling and mountain biking
Menorca is ideal for cycling as the land isn't too steep and there are lots of specific paths.
There is a range of guided tour operators but MTB Menorca is one of the best. Located in the north east of the island, in the fishing village of Es Grau, their knowledgeable guides will take you on an exciting cycling or mountain biking tour through the stunning Menorcan countryside. Or if you'd rather rent and go off on your own, you'll find bike rentals in most of the major towns.
Horse riding
This is a great way to combine the island's scenic surroundings with the thrill of horse riding.
There are riding schools dotted all over the island so you're certain to find one near you. With Menorca a Cavall you can go pony trekking through woodland or take a horse and cart trip. If you'd rather trot along the coast, Cavalls son Angel specialise in horse riding trails along the Cami de Cavalls and offer routes from a couple of hours for beginners to a few days for advanced riders.
Or there's TripAdvisor recommended Son Bou Rutas a Caballo with routes for all the family, while at Sa Ferradura Horse Riding near Mahón you can have a lesson, go on a scenic ride through S'Albufera Natural Park and children are welcome for a pony ride.
Horses are an important part of Menorcan life, and they are the focus of many of their fiestas. Why not watch one of the trotting races unique to the Balearic islands? In this exciting race the jockeys sits in a small cart behind the horse and has to prevent it from breaking into a gallop. They take place in Mahon Hippodrome every Saturday evening in summer and Sunday mornings in winter.
Or you could watch one of the famous horse shows at Son Martarellet in Cala Galdana which blend equestrian arts with fantasy to create a spectacular display. From May to October they hold shows every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 8.30pm.
Boat tours
Menorca offers a range of boat excursions to suite all tastes.
For history lovers, try Yellow Catamarans who run hour-long glass bottom boat trips around Mahón harbour and provide a historical commentary about the second deepest natural port in the world and the wonderful underwater views.
Those who want to explore should travel with Aventura Nautica. Leaving from Fornells harbour you'll embark on a journey around Menorca's unspoilt coastline, including coves and beaches unreachable by land, and there's plenty of opportunity for snorkelling. Or you could go with Menorca Blava and visit isolated beaches on the south coast such as Es Talaier, Cala Turqueta, and Macarella.
For a truly relaxing experience, go on a four hour trip with Classic Cruises Menorca to explore Menorca's beautiful north coast, with its small bays, inlets and bizarre rock formations. Departing three times as day from Port Addaia, you'll stop in a secluded bay where you can chill in the sun, walk along the coast, snorkel, swim or kayak. The tour includes a maritime history talk as well as a BBQ and tapas.
Historical sites
Menorca is steeped in history with many monuments and buildings in and around the towns.
If you don't want to go off by yourself, Talaia Cultura offer cultural and historical sightseeing tours of the island, from archaeological routes to a cultural jeep tour of the island.
However if you do want to go on an exploration, the former capital Ciutadella is a great place to go. Look out for Calle Ses Voltes lined with arches, and following this you'll reach the Plaza de la Catedral, home to Ciutadella Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic church built in the 14th century. Then head to the Plaza Es Born to see the emblematic stately houses next to the Town Hall, theatre and post office building.
In Mahón, be sure to visit La Mola de Menorca aka Fortress Isabel II, a huge fort situated at the mouth of Port Mahón. Over in Ferreries there's Castell de Santa Agueda, a ruin of a Roman castle perched on the third highest point in Menorca with excellent views over the coast. Also worth a visit is Torre de Fornells, a coastal defence tower built by the British at the beginning of the 19th century.
Archaeological sites
There is an abundance of ancient tombs and ruins around the island, making up its Talayotic Culture.
On the northern coast of Ciutadella is Cala Morell Necropolis, a small inlet home to fourteen man-made caves dating back to the Pretalayótic period. They were once used as a burial ground and are a marvel of craftsmanship with pillars, decorated doorways and drainage systems.
One of the most famous prehistoric monuments in Menorca is Naveta Des Tudons, a funeral monument built around 3000 years ago, said to be the oldest building in Europe.
Or there's Torre d'en Galmes, one of the largest Talayotic settlements on the island, found on a small hill near Son Bou. It would have housed about 900 people and was occupied from 1300 BC to the Roman period.
Festivals
There are many Spanish fiestas in Menorca to celebrate the patron saints.
Their origins can be traced back to the 14th century and are characterised by horses with elaborately dressed riders, 'Pomada', the local drink which is a combination of gin and lemon, as well as 'Coco amb Xocolati' a traditional cake accompanied by a sweet chocolate drink.
A typical fiesta begins on the afternoon before the Saint's day with horses and their riders parading through the streets before congregating at the church for Mass. The evening is filled with live music and folk dancing, and then a magnificent firework display ends the celebrations around midnight.
The most spectacular is the Fiesta de Sant Joan in Ciutadella around June 24 with the famous 'Jaleo' where up to 100 horses march through the streets. There's also Fiesta de la Virgen de Carmen on July 16 where a procession of fishing boats decorated with lights and garlands sails through the island's ports in Mahón, Ciutadella and Fornells.
Museums
There is a variety of museums in Menorca from typical galleries and exhibitions to wineries and sandstone quarries.
A must-visit for gin lovers is the Xoriguer Gin Factory by the harbour in Mahón. Have a walk around and taste a number of regular and flavoured gins and maybe buy your favourite to take home.
Staying with the alcohol theme there's Bodegas Binifadet who offer free wine tours in Sant Lluis. You'll visit the vineyards and winery while learning about the winemaking process, before tasting their wines, goats cheese marinated in red wine as well as their wine-based jams.
For something a bit different, head to Lithica near Ciutadella. Stroll through this sandstone quarry and you'll find a rose garden at the bottom of a 60 ft hole and a stage beneath towering 80 ft high walls. Why not take the tour and learn how the stone is quarried?
History buffs will enjoy the Municipal Museum of Ciutadella, while art enthusiasts will enjoy the collections at Galleria Artara in Mahón.
Natural attractions
Menorca has plenty of natural attractions it's no wonder it was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
No holiday is complete without a trip up Mount Toro, the highest peak on the island. Not only will you have stunning views over Menorca, but you can also visit the 16th century convent which an important place of pilgrimage.
You'll enjoy breathtaking views and scenery at the Ecomuseu Cap de Cavalleria in Fornells. It consists of a traditional rural Menorcan house where you can find out about the island's cultural heritage, and the rest is an open-air museum of unique countryside where you can follow guided routes.
As well as these natural sites, visit Menorca's coastline and you'll come across a number of magnificent beaches and unspoilt coves.
Shopping
From large shopping centres to local markets, there are plenty of places to grab a souvenir.
If you're after bargains on leather goods or Menorcan specialities such as cheese, cold meats and sweets, head to one of the town markets. Most finish around noon so make sure you get there early. In Ciutadella there's a market everyday at Plaza del Mercat and every Friday and Saturday at Plaza de Es Born. In Mahón there's a market on Tuesdays and Saturdays while in Ferreries the market is every Tuesday and Friday.
You'll find fashion, food and film at Mahón Point Shopping Centre, while Castillo Menorca in Ciutadella is a castle-shaped shopping centre which also boasts pools, slides, a playground and the biggest go-kart track on the island.
Family entertainment
If you need somewhere to take the kids, there're a couple of fun attractions around.
A must-visit is Son Bou Maze, a giant wooden labyrinth in Son Bou. During the day you have to collect coloured fish and stamp a card with the letters M, A, Z and E whilst being 'rained on' by sprinklers. In the evening it gets a bit more sinister with the threat of being chased by either a swamp monster or ghost.
Or there's Lloc de Menorca, aka Menorca Zoo, where you'll find a good variety of animals including horses, deer, tortoises, emus, snakes and parrots. There is also a play area, picnic tables and shop.
Golf
If you want to go golfing there's only one course, 18-hole Golf Son Parc located on the north coast. Designed by Dave Thomas, the course also has a driving range, putting green and golf school.
Water parks
If you need a cool down, there are a couple of water parks on the island.
Aqua Centre in Cala'n Blanes is fun for the whole family with water rides such as 'Black Hole' and 'Rio Aventura' as well as children's slides and a Jacuzzi.
Over in Cala'n Bosch there's Aqua Rock with four big slides, a large pool, wave pool and a small pool with slides for the little ones. Admission is a bit expensive at 16 for adults and 10 for children, but after 3pm the price drops.
Water sports
Menorca is great for water sports, particularly those that are wind-based, after all it is 'The windy island'.
In terms of wind-based water sports there's Wind Fornells offering courses for all abilities in windsurfing and dinghy sailing as well as rentals of boats and SUPs. Or there's Surf and Sail Menorca at Son Xoriguer beach providing windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, SUP and motorboats. Rent the equipment, learn from their instructors or go on an excursion. Go on a morning kayak trip to enjoy breakfast in the middle of the sea, or take the sunset excursion along the coast in a kayak or on a SUP.
For a kayak-focused school there's Menorca en Kayak in Es Grau. They offer kayak courses, rentals and a range of excursions which allow you to explore Menorca's natural beauty. They also have sailing and SUP tours or you could combine kayaking with hiking. Over in Fornells is Katayak who have a range of excursions including sailing, kayaking, catamaran, and SUP rides.
Scuba Diving
If you explore the warm waters of the Mediterranean, diving courses are readily available.
On the west coast there's Diving Center Ciutadella who have a range of PADI courses on offer from 'try dive' to open water diving. Or there's Bluewater Scuba in Cala'n Bosch offer loads of fun dives through caverns, tunnels and canyons as well as wreck dives and archaeological dives. They also give kids 5 to 13 the chance to learn how to dive in a pool and older kids can dive in shallow sea water.
On the south coast there's Blue Islands Diving at Cala Galdana offering PADI courses from Scuba diver to Divemaster, as well as guided snorkelling trips, so everyone to enjoy the crystal clear waters. Son Bou Scuba can take you to dive sites all over the island including the 'Pont d'en Gil Cavern' as well as several wrecks like the 'Ocean Diver' and the 'Malakoff'. On the south east coast there's S'Algar Diving with whom you can discover the range of flora, fauna and marine life when you visit the reefs, and explore tunnels and caverns on the cave dives.