Things to do in Menorca

Lloc de Menorca visit with free time at Son Bou Beach

One of the best family days out in Menorca. First up, you'll visit Lloc de Menorca animal park, a sanctuary for species from all over the world. And then you'll enjoy downtime at the blue-flag Son Bou beach. Nicola, one of our guides on this tour, says, ‘Small children will love the animal splash park and indoor play areas. And you can get your holiday snaps with a variety of animals, including a snake.'Set in beautiful, flower-filled gardens, Lloc de Menorca is home to all sorts of farm animals and exotic creatures. The welfare of the animals is the utmost priority. Nicola says, ‘Rescued animals enjoy a new life, in what would be their own normal environments – there are no cages.' And Debbie, another of our guides, adds, ‘The Lloc is so much more than a zoo – it's a sanctuary to many abused animals from circuses, illegal trafficking and even overbreeding.'As you follow the paths around the ponds, you'll come face-to-face with frisky monkeys, meet friendly dwarf goats and get up close to everything from kangaroos and giant tortoises to porcupines and peacocks. There's also a reptile house where you can have your picture taken with one of the squirming snakes. Spot lots of birds in the aviary, including cheeky parrots hiding in the leaves. To round off the day, we make the 15-minute journey to sun-kissed Son Bou – others take you to beaches further away. Boasting almost 3km of blond sand, it's the longest stretch of beach on Menorca. Here, stretch out for a sunbathe, go for a swim or have a poke around the souvenir shops. And if you opt in for lunch, you'll sit down to a tasty meal in Restaurant Arena.

Ciutadella walking tour with shopping, El Toro visit and 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. 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. Before the end of your tour, you'll head to Monte Toro, the highest point on the island, for a chance to take in the sea views and take some pics.

Camí de Cavalls Menorca Coastal Tour by Horse

Your inner cowboy or cowgirl will love Menorca's Camí de Cavalls. This network of trails dating back hundreds of years encircles the island along the coast. Even if you're not an old hand with the horses, this in an experience that'll get your pulses racing.

South-west Menorca cruise with paella lunch

If you want to get a fresh perspective on Menorca's magnetic coastline, then this leisurely cruise is just the ticket. You'll set sail from Ciutadella harbour and from your vantage point on deck, you'll catch sight of sparkling white beaches, secluded coves and rocky promontories of the southwest coast. Nicola, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Menorca may be five-times smaller than Majorca but many claim it has more kilometres of beach than any of the other islands in the Balearics. You get to see quite a few sandy stretches on this boat trip.'During your cruise, there'll be time for a couple of stops along the way, to soak up the sun at one of those hidden coves or to make the most of the beautifully clear sea. You won't be able to resist cannonballing into the water or a snorkel in the aquamarine waters this corner of the Mediterranean is famous for. Once you've refuelled on a tasty lunch of paella washed down with sangria, the anchor will be lifted, and the fun begins again.You'll continue along the rugged, pine-clad coastline. Nicola says, ‘Many areas of this coast are still wild and undeveloped. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting birds – there are 200 species found on Menorca. Perhaps you'll also catch sight of one of the caves used by smugglers to stash tobacco and coffee in times past.' This is a fantastic day out at sea enjoying Menorca's coastal scenery and chilling out on secluded beaches.

Menorca discovery tour

Menorca goes far beyond its sunbeds, and on this tour you'll find out why. Avoid the tourist trails and go where only the locals know, stopping by archaeological sites, lighthouses, and much more. With a local expert in tow, you'll learn all there is to know about this unique island, including its history, culture, and tradition. Travelling by Land Rover Defender, you'll also swing by a local cheese factory, where you'll nibble on some local speciality snacks. Just so you know, you can book this as a private tour, or you can go as part of a shared tour. There's also a premium experience option.

Lloc de Menorca Animal Park Ticket

A journey around the globe but not quite as you know it. Lloc de Menorca animal park takes you across the continents to see endemic animals from Menorca and further afield. It's a fun-filled day out for all the family, where you'll come face-to-face with everything from monkeys and ostriches to lemurs.Set in sweet flower-filled gardens, Lloc de Menorca animal park features farm animals and all kinds of exotic creatures. Follow the paths around ponds and wind your way from exhibit to exhibit, without knowing what you'll come across next. Get up close to kangaroos, watch cheeky monkeys playing in the treetops and sit back as giant tortoises, porcupines and peacocks pass you by.It's worth pausing to watch the lemurs and there's also a reptile house where you'll see slippery snakes. Spot birds in the aviary and round everything off at the children's adventure splash park. There are also native farm animals such as the red cow and Menorcan horse.

Mahon Harbour Yellow Catamarans Cruise with Underwater Views

Menorca boasts the biggest, natural harbour in the Mediterranean. And it's only from the water that you can really admire all its islets, fortifications, villas and corners of great beauty. So this hour-long catamaran cruise is just the ticket for taking in the views along Mahon's 5km-long harbour.

Mahon Harbour Glass-bottom Boat Tour

Straddling the main Mediterranean trade routes, Mahon has enjoyed great strategic importance throughout history. The Romans, Arabs, Catalans, Spanish, French and British all coveted its deep-water harbour as their own. This one-hour catamaran trip takes you on a voyage of exploration all of your own.

Half-day boat cruise in Menorca with beach stop

As boat trips go, this one's pretty special. You'll sail around the southwest coast of Menorca, stopping by the beach for time to swim, sunbathe and chill out Menorca-style. You'll cast off from Ciutadella harbour and begin making waves towards along the southwest coast. Meanwhile, sit back and settle in to watch Menorca's cove-marked coastline pass you by. You'll spend about an hour at sea, soaking in those Mediterranean sun rays. Then, once you hit the beach, you'll have free time to swim and wallow in its shallow, translucent water, or lie back on the fine white sand. What's more, the boat trip is escorted, so if you need anything, expert assistance is at hand.

Aquarock Waterpark Ticket

A day out at Aquarock Waterpark is more than just a chance to cool down - it's a roller-coaster ride of emotions that will give your holidays a rush of adrenalin. It promises an action-packed day where all the family can join in the fun.

Amigos Boat Galdana Shuttle from Cala'n Bosch-Cala Galdana Route Ticket

Boat trips on the Med don't get more fun than this. Cruise along Menorca's south coast, and you can hit the top deck to catch some rays or head to the glass-bottom viewing panels to spot some marine life. Drop anchor and you can slide in gently for a dip in the sea or plunge in from the double waterslides – a guaranteed hit with all the family.

NORTHERN COASTLINE CRUISE TICKET

Wrap up your day with a splash of Menorcan sunshine on this afternoon boat trip. You'll hop on at Mahon, snapping up pics of the rugged cliffs as you cruise along the northern coastline – it's the perfect backdrop for your camera rolls. The boat anchors at Sa Mesquida beach, famous for its turquoise sea – it literally screams dive in – and you'll get to do just that. Dive, swim, or snorkel. If Mother Nature throws a curveball, we'll head to the charming south coast toward Binibeca instead.