Explore a different kind of Menorca

Beyond its sun-drenched coastline and balmy, translucent waters, Menorca, the second largest of the Balearic islands, offers a treasure trove of culture, history, and rural delights, just waiting to be explored. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the island lures with a vast national park, Talayotic prehistoric sites, artisanal farms and vineyards. Delve into local history at museums in the capital, Maó, and the colourful town of Ciutadella, and savour Menorca’s traditional gastronomy and delicious gin. Discover too the island’s heritage and enduring allure on the ancient Camí de Cavalls coastal path that passes through hidden coves, verdant valleys and virgin beaches.

For history buffs, a rich seam of museums awaits. In Maó, visit Can Oliver a magnificent neoclassical house-museum with sumptuous artefacts, and the Museum of Menorca, showcasing the island’s prehistory, and colonial past. A short boat ride away is Isla del Rey, home to the 18th-century former naval hospital, and contemporary Hauser & Wirth gallery. Close to the Capital is La Mola, the fortress of Isabell II, a fine example of 19th-century architecture. Meanwhile, in Ciutadella, wonder at the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, and investigate Can Saura, the atmospheric archaeological and ethnological museum. In the historical heart of Alaior, LÔAC – a new contemporary art centre – showcases a collection of world-class masters such as Joan Miró, Miquel Barceló, Antonio Saura and Antoni Tàpies. For art lovers, NUMA is also a must. This Foundation, an immersive cultural space in atmospheric Ciutadella, includes a contemporary art gallery, shop and café.

Since ancient times, locals have celebrated the indigenous Menorcan black horse, or Cavall Menorquí, known for its agility, and noble character. It is central to Menorca’s identity and is a living symbol of the island’s heritage. For that reason, every June, Ciutadella holds the thrilling Festes de Sant Joan in its honour, with riders known as caixers performing impressive feats of horsemanship including rearing the horses. In fact, every town and city has this kind of Festes during the summer. Luckily, visitors can enjoy the island’s unique equestrian heritage by hiking or cycling along El Camí de Cavalls, the mesmerising coastal horse trail encircling the entire island. During the 14th-century, Menorcan knights on horseback patrolled the path to avert pirate attacks. Today, it’s pirate-free, and hikers can sample one of the 20 stages of the 185km (115 miles) route which encompasses forests, wetlands, coves and rugged cliffs. Local equestrian companies offer rides on Menorcan horses, for all levels, providing a unique and memorable experience.

Despite its rich culinary heritage, few visitors know that many of Menorca’s culinary influences date back to the 18th century, when the island was largely under British rule. Some Anglo-Menorcan words used during this time have consequently become part of the dining language, such as grevi (gravy). Menorcans are particularly proud of their queso de Mahón, cow’s milk cheese, and it is de rigueur to pay a visit to a cheese farm. Here, learn about local cheeses and sobrassada, the flavoursome paprika pork sausage, and buy produce to take home. Scrumptious island dishes include caldereta de langosta, a moreish lobster stew with brandy, peppers and tomatoes, a oliaigua, a rustic vegetable soup served with dried bread and figs. Scrumptious sweet treats include snail-shaped ensaïmada pastries and Flaó, a type of cheesecake. Sampling local wines at the peaceful vineyards of Bodegas Binifadet is a must, although there are plenty of options for cellar door visits, with the likes of the Binitord and Torralbenc wineries offering serene escapes.

Menorca is renowned for its abundance of well-preserved Talayotic cultural remains, so much so that it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2023. Remarkably, it has nearly 1,600 prehistoric sites island wide, covering 700 sq km, most free to visit. In fact, it is the island with the highest density of such settlements worldwide. These monumental tower-like structures, used for communal and ceremonial purposes, demonstrate complex social organisation in pre-Roman Menorca. Many of the huge stone structures consist of taulas, sanctuary monuments unique to Menorca, and navetas, collective burial sites, dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Gigantic T-shaped taulas are situated at the sites of Torralba d’en Salort, Trepucó near Maó, and Torre d’en Galmés, while Naveta d’Es Tudons, a substantial funerary monument, is located near Ciutadella. It was found to contain more than 100 skeletons. The architectural forms, such as taulas, have no known parallels elsewhere.

Bird watchers should flock to S’Albufera des Grau, the national park that forms the nucleus of the Biosphere Reserve. Offering self-guided routes of varying distances, it is home to more than 100 bird species. These include red kites, booted eagles, peregrine falcons, ospreys and flamingos. S’Albufera des Grau consists of more than 12,000 acres of coastal dunes, woodland and wetlands, and includes Talayotic sites and a diversity of flora and fauna. Spot local endemic varieties such as rosemary, lavender, wild olive trees, orchids, and Hypericum balearicum (Balearic St. John’s Wort). At the labyrinthal limestone quarry of Lithica, known as Pedreres de s’Hostal, a botanical circuit covers 17 acres of repurposed quarries filled with trees, shrubs and endemic species. Self-tours include information panels about local fauna and geology, and guided visits are available. The gorge route, Barranc d’Algendar, near Ferreries, is also unmissable, showcasing lush vegetation due to its distinct microclimate.