Things to do in Menorca

Whilst holidaying on the beautiful and tranquil island of Menorca there are so many sights to see and things to do for those whose idea of fun is not just simply relaxing on a sandy beach.

So why not drag yourself off that sun bed and take a look at the coastline on a sightseeing boat tour from Mahon harbour. You will be so glad you did! The trips run at regular intervals and some have glass bottoms enabling you to have a peek at the local marine life which thrives in this area due to the Biosphere Reserve and fabulously clear blue waters. For those of you who prefer a life under the ocean waves, the waters around Menorca are just perfect for snorkelling with many a ship wreck and coral cave to explore. Don't forget to take your underwater camera with you to show everyone the fantastic sights you saw whist down there. If you want to be a little more adventurous, then there are several excellent dive schools in Menorca where you can receive expert tuition and take your first dive.

If, however, you would much rather have your feet on dry land, then take off and see some the most spectacular scenery of the coastal pathways. One particular path you really should not miss is the one from Punta Prima to the watch tower at Alcaufar. If you are there early in the morning, you will be one of the first people in Spain to see the sunrise!

The more energetic sightseer can hire a bike for a day, just make sure you don't get caught up in (and shown up by) those taking part in the VII Volta International Three Day Challenge of Menorca when top class cyclists arrive from all over the world, usually around mid October. The Cami d'en Kane track is well sign posted and a perfect route for biking. Another gentle way of viewing the stunning views is by taking a donkey or horse riding trip and there are many riding schools throughout Menorca for you to choose from.

There is a good selection of ball sports on the island so why not try your hand at tennis, cricket, bowling or golf. The golf at Golf Son Parc is an 18 hole course and is set in absolutely superb surroundings - and as you would expect there is a bar and a restaurant for after game refreshments. Of course, basketball is the number one team sport of the island and Menorca's team feature in the national league.

For those into monuments and historic buildings you are going to love sightseeing whilst on the island as Menorca has the largest concentration of pre-historic sites the world over, boasting more than a 1000 in total. You barely turn a corner without seeing an interesting relic of history.

The island has a lot to offer the visitor by way of culture and this is mainly due to years and years of invasions by many different nationalities all leaving their mark behind them. The Museu de Menorca is the largest museum on the island and contains detailed information about its past as well as holding the island's collection of fine arts. The museum is located in a former monastery in the capital city of Mahon. Another famous museum is the Museu Hernandez Sanz Hernandez Mora where you will find maps and engravings going back as far as the 17th century.
The Scientific, Literary and Artistic Arthenaeum is a natural history museum which holds a research library with books by local authors and exhibits a collection of drawings and paintings by Vives Llull, a well known Spanish artist.

For families holidaying on the island you really should not miss a trip to AquaRock. This place is just the best of fun for the kids (especially the grown up ones!) The attractions include the famous kamikaze slide, but as well as being a water theme park there are go-karts, trampolines, and a mini golf course to pass away the hours.

Of course, there is absolutely no way you could visit Menorca and not make the journey to the top of Monte Toro which is the highest point of the island. This is where, on a clear day, you can see the whole of your holiday island in one go, as you stand and turn a full 360 degrees. It's absolutely breathtaking and a sight you will never ever forget.