There’s so much more to Menorca than just idyllic beaches, fishing villages and charming paths by the sea. The island offers amazing food and a busy cultural programme throughout the year.
If you want to enjoy Menorca in the low season, you’re sure to discover spots that are often overlooked in favour of the unspoilt coves and spectacular sunsets. You can explore the towns and cities, and discover fascinating architectural gems, enjoy the cultural scene alongside the locals, savour tasty food at haute cuisine restaurants and at popular bars and pubs, and basically enjoy that unmistakable aura that the island has, and you’ll be able to have it almost all to yourself! Because all seasoned travellers know that Menorca is not just for summer. Book a flight to Menorca, hire a car to drive round the island at your own leisure and discover it for yourself. And don’t forget to jot down all these plans in your diary!
A visit to Menorca Museum
Situated in the Convent of Sant Francesc, in Maó, Menorca Museum does a great job of promoting heritage and the island’s cultural scene. It shows the island’s history all the way back from prehistory with an extensive collection of all kinds of items and documents. We advise you to book a guided tour so you don’t miss a thing.
A tour of prehistoric Menorca
La Naveta des Tudons, Torre d'en Galmés and Torralba d'en Salord are three well-preserved examples of the Talaiotic legacy in Menorca, dating back to the end of the second millennium BC. You can spend a day discovering its prehistoric gems and, if you fancy a bit more, you can visit the Talatí de Dalt, Cala Morell necropolis and the Talaiotic town of Trepucó.
A walk around Binibeca
As well as the unmissable Maó and Ciutadella, the main towns, the island has a few charming villages where you can explore the narrow and captivating streets at your leisure. Binibeca, with its beautiful whitewashed houses flanked by the sea, is a town that still has a fishing village feel and is the perfect place to explore thoroughly and stop to get your strength back before you carry on with your trip. Es Mercadal, Fornells and Ferreries are also good options for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Caldereta at Ciutadella port
Lobster caldereta is a traditional dish from Menorca which can be tasted at many restaurants – and travellers simply love it! You can taste it at one of the iconic restaurants in the beautiful port of Ciutadella, in an idyllic setting that overlooks the sea. And the best way to enjoy this dish, if possible, is washed down with a good IGP Isla de Menorca wine.
Getting to know the gastronomy
Maó cheese, sobrasada, perol menorquín, ensaimada, the famous lobster stew (caldereta) and the delicious local rice are just some of the typical dishes you can find on the island. Menorca is celebrating next year as it has been awarded the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 title. There will be many activities and events to promote the cuisine of this island that captivates visitors any time of year. It’s worth checking out the list of food-related events as there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Love lighthouses?
Not many people can resist taking photos of the universal and mysterious charm of lonely lighthouses standing with the waves crashing at their feet. Their solitude reminds us of times gone by, of old adventures, and if we explore these landmarks we will understand more about the past of the lands where they stand. Menorca is full of beautiful and photogenic lighthouses in stunning environments. Favaritx, Cavalleria, Punta Nati and Artrutx are some of the lighthouses you can find in Menorca, as well as those of Ciutadella and Maó.
Menorca, art and culture
We advise you to set aside at least one day to visit some of the island’s iconic venues, the hubs of its artistic and cultural life. Teatre Principal de Maó, with its impressive 19th century building and eclectic and varied programme, is one of such venues. Cercle Artístic de Ciutadella is also a benchmark for culture, with regular activities, as well as Fundació Rubió Tudurí and Ateneu de Maó, to name but a few. Terrassa d'Es Claustre, in Maó, is also a great place to have a drink and enjoy one of the events, which include music, theatre, digital art and documentaries.
A religious route
Menorca Cathedral, in Ciutadella, in the Catalan Gothic style, is one of the must-see buildings on the island, as well as the beautiful Baroque Church of Roser, which has now been converted into an exhibition hall. The Diocesan Museum, also in Ciutadella, is another good example of religious art. If you are in Maó you shouldn’t miss the churches of Santa Maria and of La Concepció. And if you still want more, you can jump in the car and drive to the rural chapels of Sant Joan de Misa and Sant Llorenç de Binixems.
Craftwork for all ages
The Centre Artesanal de Menorca has a permanent collection that highlights the island’s artisan tradition, and also organises activities and temporary exhibitions. DOP Maó cheese is artisan cheese and you can learn more about how it is made at the Ethnological Cheese Museum of Menorca, and you can also purchase some samples. And visit Binissués to find out about how people used to live in the country.
Discovering the castles
The castles of Sant Felip and Santa Àgueda are two very different and interesting examples of the island’s architectural heritage. They are perfect to visit on one of those sunny mornings when you feel like looking up and gazing at the horizon.
We’re very lucky because we just have to hop on a plane and in a short while we’ll be able to enjoy all this art, culture and delicious dishes. Let’s go!
