Menorca discovery tour

Mahon Harbour Boat Tour with Mahon Market and Gin Distillery

What better way to spend a few hours than discovering and savouring the delights of Mahon, Menorca's history-steeped capital? On this morning tour, you'll enjoy a harbour boat trip, have free time to explore the old town on market day and visit a historic distillery. Nicola, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘If you scratch beneath the surface, you'll find the British influence in many older buildings such as sash windows, panelled doors, lunettes and more. A uniquely Menorquin touch is the ruby-red paint on these houses.'First up is a glass-bottom boat trip in Mahon harbour – the second largest in the world. Glide between fortified islets and admire the opulent villas lining the waterfront on either side. Some date from the 18th century, when Menorca was a British colony. Next, it's on to the old Xoriguer gin distillery. Menorca's favourite tipple has been made here, using the same recipe, since 1736 – yet another symbol of the island's British heritage.There's also free time to wander around Mahon under your own steam, admiring its Georgian town houses, baroque churches, palm-lined squares and narrow, cobbled streets. Head to the centrally located Plaza del Carme, where there's a market of vendors hawking everything from cured meats to fresh fruit under the cloisters of a 17th-century convent. The local square-shaped cheese is highly regarded throughout Spain.

Mahon Harbour, Binibeca and Xoroi Cave 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 whitewashed Binibeca and Xoroi Cave. 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 five kilometres 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." Then, discover the sugar-cube village of Binibeca and its whitewashed homes.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.

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.

Menorca tour with Fornells, Binissues and Son Martorellet's horses

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 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 with a trip to 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. From here, you'll head to the postcard-worthy north coast village of Fornells, stopping by Playas Fornells along the way. Wander through Fornells' 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. At some point during the tour, you'll visit a sandal factory to see how Menorcan avarca sandals are made from scratch, too. 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.

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.

Trip to Menorca's summer night markets

Mercadal market on a summer evening is the essence of Menorca. Laidback and rustic, you'll find all sorts of local crafts on sale and the aroma of local delicatessen wafting through the air. We'll pick you up and take you right to the heart of the island for this immersive outing.

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.

Pachira Boat Tours from Fornells

Sun, sea and a sampling of local produces – these boat trips from Fornells tick all the boxes. Choose either the morning or sunset cruise. Traditional gin tipple in hand, cruise by all the coves, caves and beaches of Menorca's north coast.On the morning cruise, you'll enjoy plenty of time to swim, snorkel, paddle board, top up your tan and try typical treats such as Mahon cheese and sobrassada sausage. Take in views of cliffs, crags and caves, including the famed English Cave, as you sip on a pomada – a refreshing lemon cocktail made with locally produced Xoriguer gin.And aboard the afternoon cruise, alongside swim stops, you'll be able to sip on your pomada as you watch the sky turn a kaleidoscope of colours while the sound of music drifts through the breeze. A great way to round off the day.