Things to do in Minorca

Menorca cheese-making workshop

"People think Menorca is all beaches," says Jordi, a local guide who runs this family farm in the quiet hills of Binillubet. "But the countryside? That's where the island's soul is." And he's not wrong. This cheese-making workshop brings you right into the heart of rural Menorca, where a local family opens their farm and shares the craft of traditional cheese-making. It's intimate, interactive and perfect for families who want something a little different.Your visit begins in a cosy space where games and interactive displays introduce you to farm life – how animals are cared for, how milk becomes cheese etc. Then, it's outside to meet the cows, pigs and chickens. Kids love getting close to the animals while you soak up the surrounding scenery and snap a few photos. It's a gentle reminder of how important agriculture still is to the island and its people.Next comes the hands-on bit. Everyone gets to make their own cheese. At the estate's old cheese-making table, you'll craft your own small cheese using traditional techniques. Your guide will take you through it step by step, so even younger children can take part and feel like proper cheesemakers. It's short, it's fun and you'll be done in a few hours – meaning you're back in time for lunch or an afternoon swim. A sweet, authentic taste of Menorcan life, without having to use up a whole day of your holiday.

South-west Menorca cruise with paella lunch Ticket only

If you want to get a fresh perspective on Menorca's magnetic coastline, then this leisurely day out with plenty of time to enjoy the water 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, passing landmarks like Faro de Artrutx. 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 dazzling turquoise coves on this boat trip.'During your cruise, there's two swim stops along the way, including time at Son Saura Beach, where you can soak up the sun or 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 shallows 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 as you cruise towards your second stop at another sparkling cove.The relaxed vibe on board makes this cruise ideal for a chilled summer escape, with your friendly, professional crew ready to help. With lots of time to swim in turquoise coves and enjoy the sea at your own pace, it's a great way to make the most of your time in Menorca. You'll then head back to base along the rugged, pine-clad coastline.

Lloc de Menorca animal park 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.' 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 playful 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 a snake. 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. You'll have around an hour here to 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.

South-west Menorca cruise with paella lunch and Transfer

If you want to get a fresh perspective on Menorca's magnetic coastline, then this leisurely day out with plenty of time to enjoy the water 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, passing landmarks like Faro de Artrutx. 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 dazzling turquoise coves on this boat trip.'During your cruise, there's two swim stops along the way, including time at Son Saura Beach, where you can soak up the sun or 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 shallows 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 as you cruise towards your second stop at another sparkling cove.The relaxed vibe on board makes this cruise ideal for a chilled summer escape, with your friendly, professional crew ready to help. With lots of time to swim in turquoise coves and enjoy the sea at your own pace, it's a great way to make the most of your time in Menorca. You'll then head back to base along the rugged, pine-clad coastline.

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.

Menorca tour of Binissues and Fornells with beach and stables visit

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, Cala Galdana and Binissues. Along the way, you'll also 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 Binissues. You'll see how the island's trademark mahonés cheese is made – and taste it for yourself – then wander the manicured gardens. Inside, there's a large collection of insects, which the kids will love. Afterwards, there's a visit to the RIA factory to see how Menorcan avarca sandals are made from scratch too, with time to browse the shop.Next, you'll head to the postcard‑worthy north‑coast fishing village of Fornells for a guided visit through the charming streets of whitewashed houses. Then while away an hour and a half at the horseshoe-shaped bay of Cala Galdana. You'll have free time to go for a paddle, relax on the beach and grab some lunch if you like. Finally, you'll have the best seats in the house at Son Martorellet, a renowned horse stable, where you'll be shown around on a tour and then watch as horses from the island's endemic Menorquin breed are trained by local trainers and riders.

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.

Menorca’s Camí de Cavalls coastal horse-riding tour

Your inner cowboy or cowgirl will love riding on Menorca's scenic coastal trails. The route also includes a section of the Camí de Cavalls, a network of tracks dating back hundreds of years which encircles the island along the coast. Even if you're not an old hand with the horses, this experience is suitable for all levels, from beginner to expert. Many of the tracks are the only way of accessing some of Menorca's most beautiful spots. Lynn, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘A map of Menorca dating back to 1780 is the earliest to show the Camí de Cavalls, but it is likely to be even older. It was originally installed to help defend the island from invaders.'After being matched with a horse, you'll be guided on an easy 2.5 hour ride with a picnic stop. We'll follow a seaside trail leading to a secluded beach. Lynn says ‘From the saddle, you'll have dazzling views of the sparkling waves and hidden coves that make up this island. But it's more than just landscapes; it's a taste of authentic Menorcan traditions and responsible equestrian practices.'During the ride, you'll pause by the sea to enjoy a local-style picnic, and you can snack on traditional Menorcan pastries. There's also time to enjoy a paddle and a swim. As well as being a wonderful way of discovering Menorca's hidden countryside, riding the northern coast is a journey through the island's history. No horse-riding experience is needed and children are welcome, too, if you fancy a family outing.

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.

Traditional mayonnaise workshop in Menorca

Ever wondered where mayonnaise really comes from? Here's your answer, it's Menorca, and you're about to learn how to make it just like the locals do. With a pestle and mortar in hand and island olive oil at the ready, you'll master the authentic mahonesa technique that's centuries old. Once you've nailed the classic, you'll explore modern twists like flavoured versions, unexpected pairings, and yes, a sweet mayonnaise dessert. It's a deep dive into the island's culinary heritage that you'll get to taste as well.

Beekeeping experience and honey-tasting in Menorca

The evening unfolds at an apiary with stories about Menorca's beekeeping tradition, a peek at the native black bee species and info into why the island's honey is so admired. Then, you'll slip into beekeeper gear and head to the hives for an up-close look at the colony in action. You'll wrap up with a tasting of aromatic honey varieties shaped by the island's wildflowers. It's an early-evening experience ideal for anyone who enjoys watching the little wonders of nature at work.