Holiday Places of Interest in Menorca

Calan Bosch Marina In the heart of Calan Bosch you’ll find the picturesque marina, connected to the sea via a narrow channel. Home to an array of restaurants and bars offering a wide range of fresh seafood and international favourites, this is a great spot for a relaxing lunch or dinner. The marina is full of small fishing boats and speed boats, and you can organise day trips to explore the stunning coastline. Families can also visit the Aquarock waterpark and go karting track, located just off the marina and open in the high season.

Caves of Xoroi The Caves of Xoroi in Calan Porter are not to be missed and boast a fantastic panoramic view out to sea! By day, the caves are a popular tourist attraction with a cafe and gift shop. By night the caves transform into a lively disco with a bar and occassionally live music, where you can enjoy an evening cocktail as you watch the sun set over the sea.

Ciutadella and Harbour Located on the west coast of the island, the old capital city of Ciutadella is home to beautiful architecture and an abundance of history. When the capital was moved to Mahon in 1722 the Church stayed behind, leaving a city with a maze of narrow streets fanning out from the islands' only Cathedral. The main square, Plaza D'es Born, is dominated by the Town Hall and home to a colourful market twice a week. You’ll also find plenty of small boutiques hidden along the cobbled lanes. The spectacular harbour is lined by attractive waterfront cafes and restaurants, plus small colourful stalls selling souvenirs, scarves and jewellery. This is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening cocktail while admiring the boats and yachts.

Cova des Coloms Cova des Coloms (often referred to as Cave of the Pigeons or the Cathedral Cave) is around 40 minutes' walk from Santo Tomas. The cave is 100m deep and around 24m high. The entrances to the smaller surrounding caves can be steep and it might be a good idea to take a torch if you're going to go inside. A great activity for keen walkers, especially at the beginning and end of the holiday season when the temperatures are cooler.

Es Grau and S'Albufera Lake Es Grau, on the north-east coast, is a tiny, unspoilt fishing village. There are cafes and restaurants on the quayside or one can enjoy a variety of "tapas" and fresh fish in the local bar on the village street. Just behind Es Grau, separated from the village by dunes and pine woods, lies S'Albufera, a freshwater lake. This is a peaceful place to stroll but its main appeal is to bird-watchers as the lake is rich in bird life. In winter there are migrant colonies of osprey and booted eagles and in spring and autumn the lake attracts numerous waders and wildfowl. Species regularly seen here include cormorants, herons, spoonbills and terns.

Es Migjorn Gran Es Migjorn Gran is positioned slightly inland form the southern coast of the island. The town is typically Menorcan with a few tapas bars, a couple of cafes and some charming restaurants. Surrounded by beautiful and expansive countryside, there are many paths and single track roads to explore amongst the woodland and valleys. Directly south from the town is perhaps one of the most attractive virgin beaches on the island at Binigaus.

Fortaleza de la Mola, Mahon Set at the entrance of Mahon Harbour, the 19th century Fortaleza de La Mola offers stunning views from the defensive walls. Also known as the Fortress of Isabel II, the fort was built between 1848 and 1875 with various underground tunnels and galleries to walk through. Reached either by car or water taxi, the fort takes at least a few hours to explore, but you can also hire buggies to drive round if you prefer.

Fornells The bay of Fornells is a natural inlet of 5kms - similar to that of Mahon but shallower - creating the perfect refuge for the sailing and windsurfing schools at its waters edge. Sails of all proportions can be seen bobbing about the largely unspoilt bay and the waters are a paradise for diving enthusiasts. The village, with its palm-lined promenade and dazzling white houses is well-known for its spiny lobsters, the essential ingredient for lobster stew! The fishing industry is still important in Fornells, so be sure to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants.

Lithica Located just a short drive from Ciutadella, Lithica is a sandstone quarry with beautiful gardens and a huge, ancient stone labyrinth. The gardens are on different levels, plus sculptures can also be found dotted around the maze. Lithica is a popular tourist attraction but also becomes a live music venue in the summer months. The labyrinth can get very hot during the height of the summer but stays open into the evening, which is the perfect time to enjoy the sunset views and cooler temperatures.

Mahon and Harbour Home to the second deepest natural harbour in the world, the island’s capital of Mahon is a fantastic place for a day trip. Take a glass-bottomed boat trip to explore the spectacular harbour, or admire the yachts from one of the many restaurants and bars. You’ll find a good choice of chic boutiques lining the narrow streets, as well as lively markets selling fresh produce. The Mercat de Pescados (Fish Market) is still partly used to sell the catch of the day, but is also home to some of the best tapas restaurants!

Monte Toro Reaching 360 metres above sea level, Monte Toro is the highest point in Menorca. Located in the centre of the island, it towers above the small, traditional town of Es Mercadal. Take the time to drive up the steep 3.2km climb to the summit and see the whole of the island spread out beneath you. Enjoy panoramic sea views which, on a clear day, stretches to the north coast of Mallorca. The mountain is crowned by a convent which has become an important centre of pilgrimage. Visit the tiny chapel or have lunch in the rustic café and browse the gift shop.

Naveta Des Tudons Naveta stone monuments resemble an up-turned boat, and usually have a long, narrow entrance. Inside is a large lintel with a chimney area. It is said that they were used as mass burial chambers. Set on the main road to Ciutadella, the Naveta Des Tudons is Menorca’s most important burial monument, built roughly 3000 years ago.

San Clemente Situated south west of Mahón is the quiet, whitewashed village of Sant Clemente. An intriguing combination of old world tradition and modern, well stocked shops including a chemist and banks. The small selection of bars and restaurants are a great favourite both with the locals and the island's many visitors. Ideally situated and within easy reach of several of the south coast beaches and just a short drive from the capital, Mahon.

Sant Luis The traditional village of Sant Luis sits amid the Spanish countryside, around 3½ miles from the island’s capital of Mahon. The pace of life here is slow and relaxed, and is well-suited to anyone wanting an authentic atmosphere. The village is dominated by the church and the folklore museum built inside the newly restored windmill, while the streets are lined with restaurants, cafes, bakeries and ice cream shops.

Torre D'en Galmes Be sure to visit the abandoned village of Torre D'en Galmes, the largest talayotic settlement on the island. Talayots, meaning ‘watch-tower’, are cone-shaped structures built without mortar or cement and stand between 8 and 15 feet high. You’ll also find a good example of taulas, meaning ‘table’. These are unique to Menorca and are formed by a rectangular slab of stone standing vertically, with a second stone slab placed horizontally on the top. Their purpose is not clear but they are thought to be for a religious ritual.