Menorca is an ideal holiday destination. There’s plenty of sun as well as a huge variety of things to see and do to keep everyone entertained. So if you feel like leaving the beach and taking a trip to one of the attractions, here are a few ideas to get you inspired.
1. Xoriguer Distillery
Xoriguer Distillery is one of the highlights of Menorca that you should definitely take the time to visit. It is located at the Moll de Ponet, and dates back to the 18th century. It is here that the famous Menorca gin is brewed, and a trip inside the workings of the distillery is an eye opening experience.
Take a tour, see the huge copper stills that make the spirit, try a sample of the finished product (if you’re old enough!) and buy a few treats to take home with you at the shop. The distillery makes a range of liqueurs other than gin, so there’s plenty to try.
2. Es Freginal Park
Located right in the heart of Mahon, Es Freginal Park is one of the best places to relax in the city. Full of large, open spaces and beautiful flower displays, you’ll easily be able to pass a few hours strolling around and enjoying the peace and quiet of the surroundings.
The park is also the location for numerous cultural events that take place throughout the year, mostly in the summer. The stage hosts lots of music performances, especially during the summer jazz festival, which will be an absolute treat if you happen so see one.
3. Placa Alfons III
This is a very pleasant square that is located on the outskirts of the old town of Ciutadella. It is worth heading here simply to walk around and admire the old buildings in this attractive area of the town. Of course, there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants dotted around the edges of the square that you can sit in and watch the world go by. There is also a very attractive old windmill in the square that is certainly worth seeing.
4. Cales Coves
If you are feeling a bit adventurous then you might want to head out to Cales Coves, which are about seven miles from Mahon. Here you will find a small, rugged beach, but it isn’t the beach that is the main attraction. Rather, up the sides of the limestone gorge you will find over a hundred small caves. These are ancient caves that were once used as burial chambers. There are no tours, but if you take a torch then you can go exploring yourself. There are lots of hidden caves to find in the sheltered bay, but just be careful you don’t get lost!
5. Monte Toro
Monte Toro is the highest point in Menorca at 352 metres, and is also a very important religious site. The legend has it that a bull found a statue of the Virgin Mary in a rock at the top of the mount, and because of this you will now find a convent of Franciscan nuns at the top.
The nuns open their doors to the public during the summer months, so you should definitely take the chance to find out more about how they live their lives. It is also an important pilgrimage site so you may find lots of pilgrims accompanying you to the top, from which you will get some great views over the surrounding area.
6. Port de Maó
Port de Maó is a fantastic natural harbour that reaches five kilometres inland. This is the place that the super rich keep their expensive yachts, and it’s a great place to stroll along and admire all the riches on display.
Head here in the afternoon or the evening and you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to relax in and people watch. You’ll also find a large number of impressive Balearic fishing boats, and if you like fish there are some great fish restaurants to try out.
7. Club Escola Menorquina
For a real spectacle, head to Club Escola Menorquina where you will witness one of the best horse shows in Menorca. The riders here display their skills with their specially trained Andalucian horses, and it is a performance that will take your breath away. A trip here makes for a great evening out, so head here from June to September where you will be able to see shows twice a week.
Author Resource:
Robert writes for DDG World who are an established rentals agent offering a selection of luxury villa rentals in Menorca. If you are considering a holiday in Menorca, please view the current DDG World portfolio at http://www.ddgworld.com