The Very Best Ways to See Menorca

When visiting the beautiful Mediterranean island of Menorca, you'll have access to some of the best beaches and coves in the entire region. Here, visitors find stunning natural landscapes, great weather, clear water, and an interesting mix of cultures and cuisines.

There are many ways to experience life on the island: you can stay in a large resort, socialising with others on holiday; you can stay in a Ciutadella hotel, overlooking the boats in the port; or you can experience the secluded luxury of one of the island's private villas. In Menorca, there are plenty of landscapes and various quaint cityscapes to enjoy as you explore the coastlines. Depending on what you imagine your holiday to be, there is a range of activities and styles of accommodation to make it a perfect and relaxing holiday - from private villas in Menorca's hills and patio sunbathing, to playing beach sports with new friends met during your stay at a lively resort.

Aside from accommodation, however, there are various ways to see the fabulous sights of the island - from horseback to boat cruise.

Mahon from the water

To experience the island beyond the resorts and private villas, in Menorca one of the best ways to see the port towns is by boat. In the seaside town of Mahon, one of the most popular ways to see the city's sights is by taking a tour of the coastline from one of the glass bottom catamarans. Many of them will give you a different perspective on the city's historic and iconic monuments, such as La Mola Fortress, the Lazaretto Quarantine Island, Fort Malborough, and the Isla del Rey British Military Hospital to name just a few.

Menorcan Panorama from Monte Toro

Though it's certainly not on many mountaineers' lists, Monte Toro is the island's highest point, with an elevation of 358 metres. The views from the top of this point are truly spectacular, and those who make it to the modest summit are rewarded with beautiful views of the island's towns and natural treasures. You can reach the summit by passing through the charming town of Es Mercadal, where you'll weave through winding steps on which you'll find a 17th century sanctuary - it is still being used to this day by Franciscan nuns. You can enter the small chapel to see the famous statue of the Black Madonna, known as Verge del Toro, and the “Jesus of the Sacred Heart” - a statue dedicated to the people from the island who died in the Spanish-Moroccan wars. After seeing the peak, you can descend and take refreshment at the Sa Posada del Toro, which has a terrace area with excellent mountain views.

The island by Horseback

Weaving between hills and traditional private villas, in Menorca travelling by horseback is a time-honoured tradition. There are several riding clubs that will take you on guided tours of the island, giving you access to beautiful forests and valleys. These excursions are very popular in the spring and autumn, so advanced booking is recommended.

Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of great private villas in Menorca for your holidays. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.