AT A GLANCE

Menorca is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and is a holiday destination that appeals to people of all ages. The island is the ideal location for a peaceful break, with more beaches than the rest of the Balearic Islands put together. Holidays here are all about relaxation with pretty coastal paths, beautiful, gentle landscapes and a temperate climate. WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit Menorca is between May and October, as the weather is warm and you’ll be able to spend your days relaxing on one of the many beaches on the island. The busiest time of year is between June and September, although it’s still quieter than neighbouring islands such as Majorca and Ibiza.

Weather

Spring: A comfortable time to visit with mild temperatures allowing visitors to explore the island in all its glory

Summer: Temperatures usually reach a maximum of around 28˚C, although cool winds make it comfortable

Autumn: Although temperatures are still warm, this is the wettest part of the year, so expect some rain

Winter: The coolest time to visit with average temperatures around 11˚C

Image: Menorca Beach View - Flickr via Fields of View

THINGS TO DO

Menorca has over 80 beaches, so there’ll always be somewhere nearby to relax in the sun for a day in beautiful surroundings. Anyone looking to leave the comfort of their resort behind though will be able to choose from a range of attractions, while there are also plenty of places to head to in an evening for both food and drink.

Attractions

Museum of Menorca: Many artefacts from the island can be found here, arranged over several floors.

Ciutadella Cathedral: The main church on the island, built in a Catalan Gothic style with a large collection of gargoyles decorating its exterior.

Xoriguer Gin Distillery: Home to aromatic Menorcan gin, which visitors are able to taste and purchase.

Es Freginal Park: Beautiful green landscapes and pretty flower displays are located here, while live jazz can be enjoyed during the summer months.

Cap de Favaritx: The barren landscape here is home to a lighthouse that looks out over the sea.

Maó Harbour: A two-mile strip with bars, restaurants, shops, as well as a beautiful harbour, which can be explored on foot or by boat.

El Toro: The tallest hill on the island, rising to a height of 358 metres, and offering fantastic views.

La Mola Fortress: A wonderful example of military architecture located at the mouth of the Port of Mahon, and built between 1850 and 1875.

Nightlife

Although not as lively as the islands of Majorca and Ibiza, there is still plenty to keep visitors busy in Menorca when the sun goes down. Regular live music and entertainment can be found at many of the resorts on the island, while bars and clubs stay open long into the early hours of the morning. From nightclubs to jazz bars, there’s something to suit everyone here.

Mahon: The best place to go to experience the night scene in Menorca with most of it taking place around the harbour. Choose from trendy cocktail bars such as La Mar, as well as live music venues and modern clubs including H2O and Latitud 40.

Ciutadella: A popular night spot for both tourists and locals with many historical buildings that have been turned into bars and restaurants. This area is now home to Space Menorca - a huge club with a capacity of around 600 people, frequented by local and international DJs.

Cala en Porter: A more laidback atmosphere can be found in the Cala en Porter area; however there are still plenty of bars to get stuck into. The most unusual bar on the island can also be found here, located at the Caves of Xoroi and set in the middle of a cliff with tasty cocktails and stunning views. Activities in Menorca:

Aside from the main cultural attractions, Menorca also offers a wide range of outdoor and underwater activities that will satisfy more active travellers.

Horse Riding: One way to explore the island is on the back of a beautiful Menorcan steed. Cami de Cavalls is the main bridle path that extends around the coast. There are a number of riding schools that offer both group trekking and in-house tuition.

Kayaking: In the coastal villages and towns you can find activity centres that cater for those wanting to try their hand at

kayaking. The Bay of Fornells, in the north of the island, is a particularly good spot for those just starting out.

Scuba Diving: Scuba diving is well established on the island, largely thanks to the clear blue waters that allow up to 30 metres visibility on dives. The marine reserve, off the Bay of Fornells, is one of the island’s scuba diving hot spots.

Cycling: Cycle routes across the island are clearly signposted and allow you venture into some of Menorca’s most unexplored territory.

Images: Ciutadella Cathedral - Flickr via Daquella manera / Cap de Favaritx - Flickr via Daquella manera / Bars in Menorca by jf1234 via Flickr / Kayaking Menorca - Flickr via Simon Scullion

SHOPPING

Menorca is famous for its production and sale of leather goods and costume jewellery, as well as a variety of locally produced food and drink. Food and crafts markets can be found all over the island. Though there are some big European brand name shops in Mahon, little boutiques and independent shops are more common throughout the island.

It is worth remembering that many of the smaller shops will close for a few hours in the afternoon at siesta time, however shops in popular tourist areas will normally be open from 09.00 to 21.00 during high season.

Shopping Areas:

Ses Voltes, Ciutadella: This area is popular for both shopping and eating, and in the summer months the arched walkway provides welcome shade.

Castillo De Menorca, between Mahon and Ciutadella: This is a big site for ceramics, leather goods and jewellery.

Costa de Sa Placa, Mahon: This upmarket shopping street in the capital is lined with a mixture of chic boutiques, delightful delicatessens and chocolate shops.

Markets:

Mercat del Claustre del Carme, Mahón: Situated in the old cloisters of the Carmen Church, various stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables and general produce can be found here, as well as shops selling locally made goods such as shoes and ceramics. (Mon - Sat, 09.00- 14.00 then 17.00 - 20.30)

Calas Fonts Harbour Market: This evening market sells handmade jewellery and gifts and is an excellent place to go for an after dinner stroll, or to pick up souvenirs. (June - September, Mon - Fri, 20.00 - 02.00)

Rural Market, Ciutadella: Located in the market square, this market sells local produce all year round. (Fri & Sat, 08.00 - 14. 00)

Artisan Market, Es Mercadal: In the Placa Pare Camps, this artisan craft market is held from the end of June until early September. (Thursday, 19.00 - 22.00)FOOD & DRINK

Food in Menorca is some of the most delicious in the Mediterranean. As Menorca is an island, it should be no surprise that fresh seafood is a key part of the day-to-day diet. Speciality dishes include lobster stew, baked cuttlefish and a sweet pastry called an ‘ensaimada’. Gin and wine are both produced on the island and are popular choices for washing down dinner with!

Popular Menorca Hotspots:

The Cobblers: This Alaior courtyard bistro in the town centre offers a selection of European seafood and vegetarian dishes.

Restaurante Way: On Mahón Harbour, this oriental fusion restaurant provides high quality food at reasonable prices.

Moli des Raco: In Mercadel, Moli des Raco is a converted windmill restaurant that serves up tasty, traditional Menorcan cuisine.

Ses Voltes: This three-storey Ciutadella restaurant in the centre of the old town is open throughout the day, serving everything from breakfast pastries to artisan pizzas and other Mediterranean specialities in the evening.

Images: Menorca shop front - Flickr via tim rob / Lobster Stew - Flickr via Daquella manera

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE

The Menorcan pace of life is, like the rest of the Balearics, very laidback. The locals tend to be friendly and welcoming but you should still avoid any behaviour that may be seen as disrespectful, such as overt drunkenness in public. Though English will be understood in the majority of the popular tourist areas, it’s still considered polite to learn a few Spanish phrases.

Useful Phrases

¿Habla ingles? - Do you speak English (No) entiendo! - I (don’t) understand! ¿Donde esta...? - Where is….? Muchas gracias! - Thank you very much!

Dos and Don’ts

DO try the popular local gin and lemon drink ‘pomada’ DON’T be careless with your belongings; wear bags across your body to avoid being

pickpocketed DO get involved in any of the fiestas that take place between June and September DON’T dress inappropriately when visiting any of the Catholic churches on the island DO take advantage of the menu del dia options in restaurants for cheap set meals DON’T smoke in public as it is illegal in many areas

Tipping A small service charge is added on to restaurant bills by law in Menorca but rounding the price up or adding a few extra Euros will always be appreciated. Taxi drivers will generally expect to receive a tip of between 5 and 10%. You may also consider giving hotel staff such as porters, a modest tip.

Image: Pomada - Flickr via Isbardel

TRANSPORT

There are a number of ways to get around Menorca with excellent transport links including buses and taxis. Ferries can also take you both between the Balearic Islands and across to mainland Spain.

Getting Around

Taxi: Taxis in Menorca can be identified by the letter ‘T’ on a blue square. Available taxis have an illuminated green light and can be flagged down from the road side.

Bus : There is an efficient and reasonably priced bus service that provides links to all the main towns and resorts. Timetables can be found at bus stops, as well as printed in the local newspapers. The TMSA direct service from Mahon to Ciutadella takes 45 minutes.

Bike : You can hire mountain bikes, Vespas and scooters for active day trips or jaunts around the town.

Miniature land trains: The mini land trains are an easy way to get between popular beach resorts such as Cala Blanca and Arenal d’En Castell.

Ferries : If you want to explore some more of the Balearic Islands, boats to Majorca leave from the Northern side of the Port of Ciutadella. There are also routes between Ciutadella and Barcelona.

Airport : Mahon Airport is the only airport in Menorca.

Fare Information Bus: There are a number of differently priced travel zones, but if you buy a multiple-use travel

card to cover the whole island, it will cost you around €23.00 for a 10-trip card. Taxi: A five mile journey costs approximately €6.00. Ferries: A return trip to Alcudia in Majorca costs about €50 per adult.

Image: Menorca buses - Flickr via Shelley & Dave

HEALTH & SAFETY

Emergency Police, Fire or Ambulance: 112 British Embassy - UK in Spain