Culture & history in Minorca
Enjoy a day out in nature served up alongside an unmissable taste of traditional Menorca. Spot wildlife in the woods on a walk through the spectacular Albufera des Grau Natural Park, then head for a well-earned cheese-and-wine tasting session at St Patrici farm to try the island's famous Mahon cheese.You'll spend the first part of your afternoon exploring Albufera des Grau Natural Park – part of Menorca's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With a guide by your side, you'll wander through the wetlands of this protected natural area and keep your eyes peeled for rare plants, birds and wildlife like the Balearic lizard and the fisher eagle.Then at St Patrici farm, you'll discover why their fine wines and local cheese are highly prized all over Spain. Sample a perfect pairing of the two with a tour and tasting session and round off with a stroll in the ornate gardens around the winery's stately home.
en
en
A night at the races with a Mediterranean twist. Menorca's love for all things equestrian stretches much further than the buzzing festivities held across the island. And at Hippodrome Torre del Ram, you'll get to see another Balearic tradition – trotting racing. Held at an ancient Roman hippodrome, you'll enjoy an evening mingling the locals as you watch and cheer for the winners.
en
en
Ciutadella Walking Tour with Shopping & Casa Olivar
If you want to get a feel for Menorca's past, this trip to the island's former capital is ideal. Ciutadella's cobbled lanes, churches and palaces make it a joy to explore by foot. Helen, one of our guides, says, ‘I've lived in Ciutadella for over 30 years and know every single corner, every secret.' You'll conclude the tour with some free time to discover more under your own steam or shop for souvenirs.We kick off with a guided tour. There's palm-shaded Plaça d'es Born, considered one of Spain's most beautiful squares. Plus, there are the lavish palaces tucked down the surrounding alleys. You'll visit one of these aristocratic mansions, the 17th-century Casa Olivar, which is stacked with antiques and tapestries, and boasts lavish ceiling frescoes. ‘The old town is a maze of narrow, winding streets fringed by honey-coloured buildings bathed in sunlight, while the tiny fishing port is pretty as a picture,' says Helen.You'll then have a couple of hours to wander around at your own pace. Have a poke around a huge variety of shops in the centre, including places to grab souvenirs, trinkets, clothes and more. It's also market day, offering even more local produce, textiles and leather goods – a discount card is offered for purchases here. Don't miss out on picking out some abarcas for yourself – you'll see most of the locals donning these typical Menorquin sandals. Or, use your time to visit a museum or two, head to one of the atmospheric harbour cafés or check out the baroque cathedral.
en
en
Mahon Harbour, Xoroi Cave and Torralba d’en Salord Tour
You'll discover Menorca by land and sea, and inside out, on this full day tour. Activities include a Mahon harbour boat trip and visits to the unique Xoroi Cave and the Torralba d'en Salord megalithic site. Nicola, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Legend has it that the Xoroi cave was once the refuge of a man named Xoroi, who was shipwrecked during a storm and found shelter in the cave. The lore continues with tales of him falling in love with a local girl, leading to a romantic yet tragic story that adds an air of mystique to this stunning location'.The fun kicks off with a boat trip around Mahon harbour. At 5km long, it's one of the world's largest natural harbours. It's fringed by historic buildings, fortifications and dotted with islands. Back on dry land, there's a tour of Mahon town followed by some free time. Nicola adds, ‘Reminders of the century-long British rule are still visible to this day – you can see sash and bow windows, door latches and handles just as you would in the UK.'Just a little further east along the coast, you'll find the Cova d'en Xoroi, a bar uniquely set within a cave on a cliff face. Here, you can sip on a refreshing drink while soaking in the breathtaking sea views from what is undoubtedly Menorca's coolest bar. To round off the day, step back in time with a visit to the 3,000-year-old Torralba d'en Salord megalithic archaeological site – with your visit, you'll be directly contributing to its preservation.
de, en
de, en
Torralba d'en Salort is one of Menorca's biggest and best preserved megalithic monuments. Step back in time at this 3,000-year-old archaeological site, which is famed for huge Stonehenge-like rocks known as taulas. Marvel at this incredible piece of ancient architecture and learn all about the fascinating Talaiotic civilization that built it.
Menorca Tour with Fornells, El Toro and Tasting
Fishing villages, country estates, local products and world-class views. The rural heart of Menorca is a joy to explore. This tour ticks all the boxes, with visits to Fornells, Binissues, El Toro and more. Along the way, you'll get to sample some of the island's renowned cheeses. Nicola, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Binissues is one of my favourite spots. You step back in time here, see cheesemaking, admire the old manor house with original furniture and enjoy the best views of the Menorcan countryside.'Your rural Menorca adventure kicks off in the postcard-worthy north coast village of Fornells. Wander through the maze of whitewashed alleys that meander down to the harbour. Lined with palm trees and traditional llaüt fishing boats, it's a picture of perfection. Next up is a pit stop to see the Platges de Fornells, famed for their landscaped cactus gardens. Then, you'll head to the highest point of the island – El Toro. Enjoy views of the coast and countryside, and pop into the lovely chapel on the summit for a refreshment.We then go into full countryside mode at the stately manor of Binissues. See how the island's trademark mahonés cheese is made – and taste it along with other local delicacies – and wander the manicured gardens or say hello to the host of farm animals. Inside, there's a large collection of insects, which the kids will love. Finally, you'll have the best seats in the house at Son Martorellet, a renowned horse stables. Watch as horses from the island's endemic Menorquin breed are trained by local trainers and riders.
en
en
Menorca may be famous for its beautiful beaches but tear yourself away from its shores, and you'll find a century-old culture of horsemanship of the highest calibre. For the first time in Menorca, the equestrian arts mix with magic and emotion in an innovative extravaganza displaying incredible horsemanship skills to live music – at the one and only Somni dancing horses show.Blending visual effects with music and dance, this ‘dancing horses' show is the No.1 night out in Menorca. Somni means 'dream' in Catalan and this spectacular show is bursting with dreamlike equestrian feats. It tells the story of a young girl who longs to have a horse to become her friend. She wants it to be her faithful and loyal companion, someone with whom she can share her adventures.You'll live a night of fantasy and colour, and get to immerse yourself in some of the legends and traditions of Menorca in a show that's not just for horse lovers – it's an experience that touches the hearts and souls of all audiences.
en
en
See how Spanish aristocracy once lived with a visit to Casa Olivar. Built by one of Menorca's richest families, this 17th-century palace in Ciutadella is undoubtedly one of the grandest buildings on the island. Stacked with antiques, tapestries, frescoes, and more, it's like peeking into the past.
de, es, en
de, es, en