10 Things to Do and See in Minorca

Always overshadowed by the more renowned Majorca and Ibiza, in recent years Minorca has been claiming its share of popularity. It is the only island in the Balearics that resists the changes brought by mass tourism, carefully preserving its appearance and identity.

Everywhere, scattered across the island, are 500 megaliths, testifying to a past shaped by conquests and invasions from many peoples, which have forged its character and cuisine.

Romans, Greeks, Carthaginians, English, and even Arabs have inhabited the island over the centuries, each influencing its culture and leaving marks of their civilizations.

**Minorca offers the beauty and ambiance of an untouched nature: **you can enjoy the sun lying on the large white beaches or hidden in secluded coves, visit natural parks and archaeological sites that make Minorca a true open-air museum.

To discover the past of Minorca and to enjoy all its natural beauties, we propose 10 things that you absolutely must see and do during a visit to Minorca. The only drawback is the relentless north wind that blows constantly across the island.

Before discussing Minorca's beaches, it's important to note two things: the first is that you will find a large amount of seaweed piled along the shores.

As Minorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, even the death of seaweed is part of the natural cycle and, as such, must be respected.

The second note concerns the coastline's configuration: the northern coastline is rugged and wild, with dark sandy beaches and sparse vegetation; while the southern shores are gentler and more sheltered, featuring white sandy coves interspersed with pines.

In the northern area, Cala Morell is one of the first that you encounter, notable because it is situated near picturesque caves and its two extremes belong to different geological eras. To the south, Son Saura is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Minorca, with fine, soft sand and turquoise waters; but the most famous is Son Bou, which offers greater facilities for tourists compared to the others.

Mahon (or Maò) is the capital of the island of Minorca. It is said to have been founded by General Magon, Hannibal's brother.

Beyond the spectacular size of its natural harbor, Mahon is a relatively small city developed entirely around the historic center, where the main monuments of the city are concentrated: the Gothic Church of Santa Maria and the Church of Carmen, to name a few.

You will need to venture a bit from the center and the tourist areas to truly understand the life of the locals: the Piazzas Bastió, Reial, Colón, Sant Francesc, Conquesta, and Miranda, surrounded by beautiful noble palaces, are the most frequented by the island's inhabitants.

If you are curious about the history of an island that has lived under various dominations which have influenced its culture and traditions, visit the Mahon Museum, where the artifacts offer a fascinating journey through the history of Minorca.

Ciutadella is the ancient capital of the island of Minorca, before the English moved it to the city of Mahon. The unique intersection of Arab and medieval architecture in the urban structure makes walking through the little streets of the city truly enchanting.

Es Born is the main promenade that ends in the square of the same name where the Town Hall is the most important of the buildings you will find here.

The Square is also the center of events and festivals that animate life in Minorca throughout the year**. Ciutadella is considered the religious center of the island**: in addition to being home to the Cathedral, built in the 14th century by King Alfonso III, you can admire important religious buildings, such as the Cloister of the Church of the Rescue and the Convent of Santa Clara.

At the foot of the ancient walls lies the port of Ciutadella, where cafes, bars, and restaurants contribute to a lively atmosphere, both day and night.

Fornells is a small and quiet fishing village, with its low white houses, famous for caldereta de langosta (lobster stew). The whole economy of the village is based on lobster fishing:

fishermen's boats leave the port to catch lobsters that you can enjoy in all the restaurants in Fornells. Calm and tranquility are the hallmarks of this small center, even during the summer when it is populated by tourists. The main street is Calle Major, which runs through the historic center along the sea. Following Calle Major, you will reach the square of the Iglesia where the parish of San Antonio is located. Every July 16, the residents of Fornells celebrate Our Lady of Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen: the bay transforms into a procession of boats following the one that carries the image of the Madonna.

Monte Toro is the highest peak of the island of Minorca, a perfect observation point for the entire island and its boundaries: from its 357 meters, you can dominate the island in all its extent with a single glance.

Monte Toro is located in the center of Minorca, halfway between Ciutadella and Mahon; on the summit is a sanctuary dating from the 17th century, today inhabited by a Franciscan community. It is precisely the presence of the sanctuary that has led Minorcans to consider Monte as the spiritual center of the island. After embracing all of Minorca in a panoramic view, you can visit Es Mercadal at the foot of the mountain. This small and picturesque village is famous for its restaurants where you will enjoy excellent cuisine, offering a variety of land and sea dishes that cater to all tastes.

The lush vegetation, the many species of birds, the islets, the caves, and the cliffs are all reasons why Minorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The natural parks that characterize the fantastic landscape make it an enticing destination for all nature lovers. Among the places you absolutely must visit, we recommend the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, where you can admire many species of plants and trees, islets, and numerous prehistoric remains. Continuing the naturalistic tour of the island, from Monte Toro, you can admire one of the most fabulous panoramas of the island; while Es Pinaret allows you to take a break from the sea, offering long walks in the woods. Don't forget the fabulous beaches of Ciutadella, one of the most fascinating and magical places on the island.

The artisanal activities in Minorca excel in the production of footwear, ceramics, and jewelry.

Artisans and large companies continue to manufacture shoes, of which the abarcas are the exemplary expression. Once used by fishermen, these shoes are now the symbol of the island.

The gerriers, on the other hand, work with baked clay to create all kinds of products, which are then skillfully hand-decorated.

Still alive since the 18th century, the production of silverware and jewelry in Minorca means that today the island is one of the major world centers. Lovers of local gastronomic products cannot leave without taking home the famous Gin Xoriguer or Mahon cheese (cheese made from 90% cow's milk and 10% sheep's milk), which can be purchased in supermarkets or directly from typical shops.

The cuisine of Minorca is famous mainly for dishes based on fish and seafood, but there are also cheeses and agricultural products.

On the island, especially in Fornells, you can enjoy an excellent caldereta de langosta, a stew made with lobsters caught in the waters of Minorca and Majorca, which you can select directly from the tanks of many restaurants.

The meat, on the other hand, comes from the interior areas of the island and Mahon is the capital of both artisan cheese and mayonnaise, which was originated here. The cheese is made from cow's milk and is very tasty when eaten with bread and oil.

Among the desserts, ensaimadas stand out, a spiral pastry filled with sweet filling, and amargos, made with ground almonds and sugar. Minorca is also famous for Gin Xoriguer, a liquor made from juniper berries, following the traditional recipe.

The entertainment options in Minorca are primarily daytime activities. The beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unspoiled nature offer various opportunities for enjoyment, especially during the day, including excursions, bike rides, or horseback riding through rural roads and water sports.

Music, theater, and cinema are not lacking among the recreational options the island offers: festivals are organized in all towns; notably, the classical music festival held in Ciutadella, or the International Music Festival in Mahon. Also in Mahon, significant events include the Opera Week and the Author Film Festival.

For those who cannot give up nightlife, the ports of Ciutadella and Mahon are the best areas for lively evenings.

However, Minorca is ideal for a quiet and relaxed vacation, so if you desire nightclubs around every corner to party until dawn, Ibiza and Majorca are more advisable for those seeking a more hectic holiday.

Minorca is the only island in the Balearics that continues to resist the processes of rampant urbanization.

The need to safeguard the unspoiled nature of the island is the reason why Minorca does not have too many accommodations. Of course, tourist complexes are available, but nothing invasive and completely respectful of the environment: Minorca has not allowed itself to be contaminated by the changes of mass tourism. By booking well in advance, you can choose your preferred accommodation, ensuring the best services. Hotels, apartments, campsites, hostels, and residences are the alternatives from which you can choose the lodging solution that best suits your preferences and budget. All you need to do is book to experience the charm of an authentic Mediterranean, of an unspoiled paradise.