Don’t miss these things to do in Menorca on your next island escape

To really get a feel for the island’s way of life, head to Mahón (or Maó in Catalan), Menorca’s understated capital perched atop one of the largest natural harbours in Europe. Its Georgian-style architecture, a legacy of British occupation, rubs shoulders with pastel facades and buzzing pavement cafés. Enjoy a slow morning watching the boats gently bob on the water at the marina as you savour a coffee before heading uphill to explore the Mercat des Peix. 

This lively fish market is flanked by tapas bars where locals linger over vermouth and oysters and is the perfect place to enjoy a mid-morning bite to eat. Don’t miss the Museum of Menorca. Tucked away above the harbour in a baroque convent building, you’ll find a free museum open to all. It’s a great museum spread over several floors with exhibits that tell the stories of Menorca’s colourful past, including ancient maps, sculptures and artefacts, as well as an interesting collection of art from the 18th to 20th centuries. It’s a great option if you’re stuck for things to do in Menorca on a rainy day.

Who fancies a G&T with ice and a slice? The British occupation of the island led to the swift foundation of gin distilleries. It didn’t take long for the locals to get a taste for it, too. It still remains one of the most popular spirits on the island. Of all the local brands, Xoriguer is the most popular and the tours of its distillery on the Mahón waterfront are delightful. One of the best things to do in Menorca is to come and sniff the botanicals here, but don’t ask for the recipe, as it’s a fiercely guarded family secret.

Perched dramatically at the mouth of Mahón’s vast natural harbour, La Mola Fortress, also known as Fortalesa Isabel II, is one of Menorca’s most striking and underrated landmarks. History lovers will enjoy discovering the sprawling complex built in the mid-19th century to defend the island from naval attack. The fortress is a maze of tunnels, bastions and lookout points and as you wander through arched corridors and climb stone staircases to sweeping sea views, you really do feel transported into Menorca’s past. The sheer scale of the place is impressive, but it’s the sense of history that truly captures the imagination. If you are on the hunt for Menorca activities that give you an insight into the island’s past, add this to your list.

Get ready to take a trip back in time. Ciutadella is one of the best things to see in Menorca and this ‘Old Town’ was formerly the capital of the island. Anyone with a passion for history will fall in love with its stunning architecture and its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets. Wander around and you’ll discover pretty sun-splashed plazas surrounded by elegant 

The must-see highlights? The impressive Santa Maria Cathedral, for one. Built in the 13th century on the site of an old mosque, it conserves part of the minaret, making for an intriguing blend of cultures and designs. The main town square, Placa d’es Born, is not only the island’s most beautiful square but it’s also considered to be one of the loveliest in the whole of Spain. 

Often mistaken for a centuries-old fishing village, Binibeca Vell was actually built in the 1970s as an architectural homage to traditional Menorcan design. It is a must-visit when looking for things to do in Menorca. A whitewashed labyrinth of narrow alleys, arched doorways and sun-bleached courtyards, this pocket-sized village near the south coast feels like a film set. Wander quietly through its pristine streets in the early morning, then linger over a seafood lunch at the nearby harbour. This is local life at its best. Plus, you can get some good Instagram shots against the sea of white buildings.

Less than a mile from the Old Town you’ll encounter the sandstone quarry of Ses Pedreres de s’Hostal, an Instagram moment if ever there was one. Believed to be more than 200 years old, this was the excavation site for the sandstone used to create the island’s traditional houses and buildings up until the 1990s. What was left behind at Ses Pedreres de s’Hostal was an intriguing mix of geometric shapes carved out of the earth.

True to the island’s form, the site has been protected and repurposed. Spotting its inherent beauty, Laetitia Sauleau, an Italian sculptor, set up Líthica, a non-profit cultural association which has not only preserved the site but also created a stone labyrinth and added botanical gardens and orchards. This amazing effort has turned the quarry into one of the top 10 places to visit in Menorca, as it is now a unique cultural venue that hosts concerts and exhibitions.

Are you fascinated by prehistoric sites and Menorca’s history and culture? One of the cool things to do in Menorca is to beat a path back to the Bronze Age. The island is dotted with Talayotic sites, mysterious megalithic structures dating back over 3,000 years. Wander among the taulas (T-shaped stone monuments) at Torralba d’en Salord or explore the ancient settlement of Naveta d’Es Tudons, a beehive-shaped burial chamber near Ciutadella. These silent sentinels lend the landscape an almost otherworldly atmosphere and are one of Menorca’s top attractions.

Beach walks are even better when you can discover secret little coves and lighthouses. The Cap de Favàritx Lighthouse, located on the northeast tip of the island, is still fully operational. Built back in 1922, its majestic tower stands 47 metres tall. It won’t take you long to walk out to the lighthouse, but you’ll be rewarded not just by fabulous views over the ocean but also by the discovery of one of the island’s prettiest beaches, Cala Presili. Pack a blanket, a picnic and a bottle of wine, this is one of the best places to visit in Menorca, Spain to watch the sun slowly set over the Mediterranean Sea.

One of Menorca’s greatest natural treasures is the Camí de Cavalls, a historic 185km trail that encircles the island. Originally used by soldiers on horseback to patrol the coast, it’s now a walking and cycling route offering ever-changing views from limestone cliffs to rolling farmland and secluded bays. You can tackle a short, manageable stretch (try Binimel·là to Cala Pregonda for burnt-red sand and dramatic rock formations) or make it a more ambitious multi-day adventure. If you are looking to enjoy a spot of ecotourism or are just looking for the best places in Menorca to get out into nature, this is a top spot. 

Menorca has some iconic landmarks, yet a fun way to see them is from Monte Toro. At 358 metres above sea level, Monte Toro is the island’s highest point and one of the most beautiful places in Menorca to see spectacular views. On a clear day, you can see the entire island laid out like a map, with glimpses of Mallorca across the sea. A peaceful sanctuary and a statue of the Virgin Mary crown the top, lending the place a gentle, contemplative air. Whether you drive or cycle up the winding road, the reward is panoramic and profoundly tranquil, making it one of the nicest places in Menorca to visit on your holiday.

Swap Monte Toro for a coastal plan and explore Cova d’en Xoroi. Tucked into the cliffs near Cala en Porter, Cova d’en Xoroi is more than a bar; it’s an experience. Set inside a dramatic network of sea caves, this iconic spot is one of the most popular things to do in Menorca. Enjoy an expertly mixed cocktail or freshly brewed coffee perched high above the Mediterranean, where the waves crash below and the sunset feels impossibly cinematic. By day, it’s a relaxed place to sip a cocktail with a view; by night, it transforms into a lively open-air club, one of the top Menorca attractions for fans of nightlife. Whether you're there for golden hour or moonlit beats, it's one of the island’s most memorable settings.