Sehenswürdigkeiten und Aktivitäten - Ohne (klein) Kinder
Menorca ist ideal für romantische und aktive Paare, die den perfekten Strandurlaub und dazu noch vieles mehr wollen. Menorca ist die ideale Insel für Ruhe suchende Badeurlauber, aktive Wassersportler, naturliebende Wanderer und begeisterte Mountainbiker.
Menorca ist zwar ein wahres Strandparadies, doch wer verbringt seinen Urlaub schon ausschließlich am Strand?
Auf Menorca findet man auch etwas für die etwas abenteuerlicheren Touristen. Für diejenigen, die mehr machen wollen als nur an einem der wundervollen Strände zu liegen, gibt es zahlreiche andere Aktivitäten und Orte auf der Insel welche Sie entdecken können.
Fancy staying somewhere special to celebrate that birthday or just a romantic treat?
Consider a rural Hotel full of charm, individuality and a truely special memories place!
On Land
On and under the Water
On Land
A full list of places of interest ( museums, sights ) to visit and see can be found
Days Out
Majorca
You can get a plane hop (Iberia, Air Berlin) from Mahon to Majorca, Palma to go and get back in the same day. So you can take in Palma town shopping and culture for a more "up tempo" scene. Alternatively there is a fast catamaran ferry ( 1hour ) to North East Majorca( Alcudia ) from Ciutadella port for foot and car passengers. NOTE for ferry You will need to book a cheap hotel for the overnight stay though.
Horseriding
The horse holds a special place in the hearts of the islanders. The Island native race is a magnificent, beautiful animal. You can enjoy the island scenery from on top of and behind (in a carriage) a horse. Ride through enchanting woods, gallop along the beach. Riders of all levels are catered for.
Cycling
Having finally woken up to the attractions of the island for two wheel fans the island now boasts a good network of signed routes, on and off road routes. Mostly requiring off road capable bicyles. In the larger resorts and cities where space allows there are now dedicated 'green lane' cycle ways.
Scenic Villages to visit
Torret
A village straight out of the picture books. Torret oozes traditional menorcan architecture, with lots of bougainvillea draped over the old white washed houses. Best to leave the car at the entrance roads and just wander respectfully or as part of a cycle tour. Home to highly regarded restaurants for food lovers (Sa Pedrera des Pujol, Sa Parereta d'en Doro, Pan y Vino ). From behind the unmissable watchtower you can wander down to the coast at Torret de Baix.
Llucmacanes
If you are mobile, this little village ( 2km from west Mahon ) is a stop off point along attractive, stone walled country lanes to and from the coast. A residential village, many of the former farmhouses have been turned into homes and holiday homes. A little supermarket, plus two tiny atmospheric (open evenings only) restaurants. Es Nit in 300 year old farmhouse (international) and Sa Vinya (Menorcan) . A third larger restaurant, Halliseys has recently opened up here relocating fom the Son Parc Golf Club. All offer a very different experience to any beach resort restaurants for something more special. There are walks into the nearby attractive countryside.
Wandering About
Cami de Cavalls
Cami de Cavalls, ( 'Pfad des Pferdes ") ist eine mittelalterliche Küstenwanderweg, die ursprünglich folgte ein großer Teil der gesamten Küste Menorca. Die Rechtsvorschriften wurden jetzt verabschiedet, um den Pfad für die Öffentlichkeit wieder eingesetzt werden zu ermöglichen.
Teile der Cami de Cavalls sind nun für Pferdereiten frei gegeben worden.(siehe Schild unten). Andere Abschnitte sind für Wanderer und Mountain-Bikes offen. Ursprünglich durch die Besetzung Nationen zum Zweck der Beobachtung der Küste erstellt.
Cami de Cavalls ist eine großartige Möglichkeit, um die Küste zu erleben.
Menorca Urlaubtipps
Die verschiedenen Schilde unten helfen Sie dabei .
Cala Galdana : Cami de Cavalls to Virgin Beaches
Two long routes east and westward starting st Cala Galdana ( so you can stock up on last minute water,food for trip) along the recently opened and signposted original Cami de Cavalls. These original paths will take you along stunning coastlines where you can visit several of the islands most attractive Virgin Beaches. Bus no. 51 Mahon-Cala Galdana , Bus no. 52 Ciutadella-Cala Galdana and No. 53 From Ferreries.
Westward to Cala Turqueta 4.3 Km one way ( approx 3 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain easy ) also passing Cala Macarella virgin beach. Startpoint in Galdana is signposted at steps next to Hotel Audax,ewestern end of resort.
Eastward to Santo Tomas 4.4 Km one way ( approx 4.5 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain medium ) more up/down and also passing Cala Mitjana, Tebaluger, Escoxada . I.e te crem del creme of south coast virgin beaches. Startpoint in Galdana is along Avinguida de la Punta ( 3rd Left turn ).
Menorca Holiday Tip You could also have a friend drop off/pick up at either end as Turqueta/Santo Tomas is accessible by car.
Monte Torro
Is worth a visit if you have a hire car for views ( particularly in spring when you can see over the length of the island) There is a pleasant Bar Restaurant Sa Posado del Toro at the top with inside seating and an open terrace with views to the south.
Sport
Bowling
There are several artificial greens at S'Algar where both novices and the experienced players are welcome. Woods can be hired.
Son Bou Bowling and Entertainment
Is a recently built indoor entertainment centre with modern bowling alleys as its main attraction and located in the resort centre. Features childrens soft indoor playground, Bar and Cafe with electronic games and several pool and air hockey tables. Stage events from time to time - see details locally.
Open from 4 or 7 pm , depending on time of year, 'till early morning.
www.menorcabowling.com
Beach Life
With so many beaches, that are not just a few square feet of imported sand you'll easily find a spot away from the 'beach rats'. Take in our Virgin beach guide- It's really is a sin to visit the island and not spend at last some time on one of these magical beaches. At Es Grau you can even get the fisherman to ferry you across to a small Island beach.
Menorca Holiday Tips
Visit the beaches after five, thats when the locals will be arriving, enjoy a picnic and watch the sun set.
Hire a Sea Kayak in Fornells and explore some of the remote beaches on the far side of the bay.
At Es Grau a local will ferry you out to the local uninhabited island of Illa Den Colom to while away the day on the two idylic sandy beaches there. Don't forget a water bottle and some food. There are regular pickups though out the day until sunset, but make an arranged time! A real robinson crusoe adventure. In addition options for fishing and group charter www.solmaspaz.com
Fiestas
Are not held for the benefits of tourists, so are genuine and much loved by the islanders. Each town has its own but will be ceremenonial and visual - with Riders showing off their horsemanship skills.
Menorca Holiday Tips
During Fiesta season there is a special "jaleo bus" to take revelers to and from the Fiestas at night. Look out for timetables at bus stops and published in local guides.
Museums & Places of Interest
The island is known as the largest open air pre-historic museum and not without good reason. Even if you are not a history buff you'll be suprised just what is on the island. 4m high Stone structures ( Taulas ) that defy gravity and 2000 years of weather.
Menorca Holiday Tips
If you are feeling the day time heat a museum trip can be just the thing to cool down with Air conditioning and relaxing surroundings.
Nights Out
You can choose between authentic hideaways sipping drinks at one the island's country house hotel bars, a waterside restaurant and bar or dance into the sunrise at one of the islands' clubs.
The tiny villages of Torret and S'Ullastrar between them have at least half a dozen gastronomic restaurants along a single stretch of country road, no more than a mile long.
Menorca is always described in comparison to it's neighbours Majorca and Ibizia as 'quiet'. That's true but it doesn't mean there's not plenty of good (and lively) places for the young and not so young to go out in the evenings. The biggest concentraton of the best nightlife is located in the harbour areas of the island's two cities - Ciutadella and Mahon aswell as the side streets and Cales Fons/Moll den Pons harbour areas of Es Castell. The better places are not just for the tourists but open all year round for islanders. As such things start late, often after midnight. Don't be suprised if you turn up at 21:00 and the places seem quieter and emptier than you expected. But then again, maybe that's what you prefer. .
Casino Maritim
Small scale Casino, with bar & dining set in a great location where the serious yachts are anchored.
Offering Roulette,Poker and Blackjack tables. Smart dress only, ID required (proof of over 18 ). Just follow harbour around to where the big motor Yachts are moored and you are in the right place.
Menorca Holiday Tips
Next door is Pizza restaurant Romani-which does good affordable pizzas in very pleasant surroundings. Also Cafe Oh La la- great place for early morning breakfasts ( opens 6am ) as the sun is rising over the harbours
Moll de Levant 287 Tel. 971 36 49 62
Star Gazing
Yes that's right. Take a trip out to S'Albufera park , or a remote spot on the north coast on a clear night and you will be treated to a display to take your breath away. With no street lighting and the night sky shielded from any streetlights and city lights overspill you'll see just how many stars there are out there. The distant stars normally invisible due to 'light pollution' are visible-its simply stunning! You'll need a hire car as taxi drivers wont drop off/pick up.
Cafe Bars amongst the locals
Around the city centres and harbour areas of Ciutadela, Mahon,Fornells and Es Castell there are a wide varierty of places to suit varying tastes and styles, from simple to sophisticated. Best to wander along and pick out a place on sight and impulse. A few ideas below:-
Hotel del Almirante
Bar terrace at the Hotel del Almirante. A very british and nostalgic hotel located in a an old english gentlemans house - Lord Collingwood. A good stopping off place before moving off into Mahon. Ctra. Mahon-Es Castell, 07720 Es Castell ( opposite Son Villar).
Cafe Baixamar
A favourite meeting place on the Mahon harbour front. Lovingly fitted out with nostaligic and Jugendstil accessories, this place has a great atmosphere where you can spend many hours whiling away the night. Moll de Ponent, 17 07701 Mahon:
Ars Cafe
( Plaza del Principe 12) is a very inviting Cafe Bar & Restaurant. Often missed by the visitor it is on the beautiful Plaza del Principe.
Streetlevel is an attractive chic city cafe area serving breakfast, lunch and dinner ( Menu del Dia available ) while down stairs is an atmospheric arched stone ceilings vault with bar and stage for live music ( Fridays and Saturdays )
Cafe Bars - Es Castell
Along the harbour sides of Es Castell ( Moll de Cales Fonts and Moll d'en Pons) often set in former fishermans caves are a great choice of bars with varying ,but always relaxed styles. Particulalry below Club nautic at the Cales fonts harbour entrance and down under Hotel Hamilton ( Moll d'en Pons ).
Dance Clubs and Disco
Yes there are funky dance and chill out clubs on this little island and some in suprising locations too! In Ciutadella there are several at the head of the harbour area, so you can easily move between them as you please. Many have outside terraces to enjoy balmy summer evenings.
Menorca Holiday Tips
go LATE!
Cova d´en Xoroi - Cova d´en Xoroi
Web site : www.covadenxoroi.comLocated in huge spectacular natural caves some 25m above the sea at the entrance to Cala en Porter bay. Take a look at our video below for a feel of this magical place.
Cova d´en Xoroi
A double bonus. Undoubtedly the most dramatic nightspot on the island. Set high, literally in the rocks, above the sea it's an atmospheric Cafe-bar areas with fantastic sea views by day. From 19:00 the music is soothing ambient sounds to watch the sunsets by and after 23:00-dawn a disco with one of the most original locations and atmospheres with famous guest DJs. There is a entrance charge during the day which includes a voucher for a drink-It's well worth it.
Opening times: 11:30 'til dawn. Daily May to October and weekends outside of these months.
Menorca Tips
Just 200 meters from Xoroi is a great Spanish Restaurant La Palette ( Leg of lamb recommended)
Places with Live Music
Menorca is not a marketiing machine so you will need keep an eye open as you pass inviting bars for live music events as they come up. There are formal annual sponsored summer music events in Mahon and Ciutadella (see weekly what's on sheet from Tourist Offices )
Es Claustere - Mahon
During summer outside in the old Cloister courtyard-see local notices for that month at entrance to Mao Market or website for what's on (website in Spanish but easy to see what is on offer ) . 7pm - 3 am often with BBQ.
terrassa.mercatdesclaustre.com
Club Akelarre
Located on the harbour front the of Mao (Mahon), Akelarre has been offering live jazz concerts for more than ten years and is one of the most popular live music venues in the city. Great Jazz and Blues with Live Music and DJs. Also a very nice place to have drinks, tapas, particularly in the courtyard at the back. Muelle de Poniente 41-43 07701 Mao (Mahon).
Jazzbah
A popular place in Ciutadella where you drink slushy Pomadas ( gin and lemonade). Jazzbah is a live music venue and club, playing funky jazz beats, house and rare grooves. As well as the main room (with a stage), there is a chill-out room and an outside terrace where you can cool off. Plaça de Sant Joan 3,07760 Ciutadella.
Ars Cafè - see above.
Shopping
The best shopping is outside of the beach resorts in the island's towns and cities. Note the Siesta always happens(outside of beach resorts) so shops will be closing from 1/1.30 pm until 5/5.30pm.
Ciutadella is particulalrly delightful for window shopping, clothes and fashionable items as there are lots in the old pedestrian town,but DO wander the sidestreets where often the best are to be found. Mahon(mao)'s shops are little more dispersed. Again the side streets of the old centre hold many a suprise.
Clothes Shopping Photo Guide
You will not find any anonymous shopping centres as such - Island is too small,no need for them.
Travelling Markets - times
Handicraft markets have dress accessories, hand made craft and jewelry and nearly always are in the evenings.
| No. Stalls | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |
| Ciutadella (Pl Es Born) | 38 | 09:00-14:00 | 09:00-14:00 | |||||
| Mahon( Mao ) Pl. Esplanada | 87 | 09:00-14:00 | 09:00-14:00 | |||||
| Es Castell(Placa Espanya) | 20 | 09:00-14:00 | 09:00-14:00 | |||||
| Sant Lluis(Placa de sa Creu) | 6 | 09:00-14:00 | 09:00-14:00 | |||||
| Punta Prima | 18 | 18:00-23:00 | 18:00-23:00 | 18:00-23:00 | 10:00-23:00 | |||
| Ferreries(Placa Espanya) | 16 | 09:00-14:00 | Farmers Markets am | |||||
| Cala en Porter | 15 | 19:00-23:00 | 19:00-23:00 | |||||
| Alaior(Calle Comerç and Avda. Pare Huguet) | 22 | 09:00-14:00 | ||||||
| Es Migjorn Gran (Plaza de la Iglesia) | 6 | 09:00-14:00 | ||||||
| Fornells | 21 | 09:00-14:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | ||||
| Handicraft Markets | ||||||||
| Ciutadella ( Baixada Cappalonch) | 16 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 |
| Mahon(Mao) Placa Baixamar | 12 | 19:00-21:00 | 19:00-21:00 | 19:00-21:00 | 19:00-21:00 | 19:00-21:00 | 19:00-21:00 | 19:00-21:00 |
| Es Castell (Mirador Cales Fonts) | 15 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 | 19:00-24:00 |
Wet Weather Activities
Ten pin Bowling
Son Bou,Oci Max in Mahon
Above and under Water
If your own motor yacht is in dry dock or you're not rich enough to charter a Fairline or Sunseeker then an increasingly popular way to see the island is to charter or join a group on a 'rib'. These are safe rigid hulled sporty boats, lots of fun and can take you close into the coast line.
Boat Excursion, Hire and Charter
Sea Kayaks
An increasingly popular activity and a great way to see the beautiful coastline up close is from a sea kayak. Sea Kayaks can be hired for your own trip or you can be part of a small guided tour starting at various points along the coast. Three seater kayaks are available so families can stay together. Unlike boats kayaks can get really close up to the coast line, get to unusual and interesting places including exploring sea caves and remote beaches.
Fornells bays is ideal. It's part of a Marine reserve with shallow waters so there is abundnat sea life that can be seen through crystal clear waters. You can explore the bays and visit the bay's S'Aranalet beach only accessible from the water.
From Es Grau. A great place from the beach, where in shallow waters you can explore the headland and it's little hidden sandy beaches.
From Punta Prima to explore the souther eastern coastline.
From Cala en Porter to explore the beautiful bay and caves outside the bay.
Kayak Service Companies
Boat Excursions
Along the coast, taking in virgin beaches and swimming in picturesque bays. Either aboard boats or under sail in more indulgent ways.
Boat Excursion, Hire and Charter
Diving and Snorkelling
The waters of Menorca are a real holiday memory. They are amazingly clear so even with just a simple snorkel you will see lots, not murky haze. And because the water is in such good condition you'll see lots of fish too. Often the beaches will have shallow sandy bottoms fringed with rocks.
The island is a haven for divers not only due to these conditions but especially due to the many underwater caves cut out of the soft rock particularly on the south coast.
Cales Coves Snorkelling Tip
Cales Coves, well known for its caves cut into the limestome rocks is also a great place for snorkel fans. With three very attractive bays to explore, sandy bottoms interchange with rocks. It was the original harbour used by the Romans. Access to Cales Coves is via a 1.5km long unsurfaced track from Son Vitamina (ME-12) which is passable with care by car or best on Mountain bike. ( access keeps it quiet and seculded! ) .
Water Sports
Windsurfing
If you love windsurfing or want to try windsurfing then head for Fornells bay. Sat on the north coast where the wind is favourable the bay is like a large salt water lake making it ideal for all things with sails. Plus the water is lovely and warm if you fall off!
