Take the scenic route
Menorca’s rugged coastline allows for plenty of off-the-grid exploring, so switch off and ramble across the island’s breathtaking landscape. Well-trodden hikes include the Camí de Cavalls (which encircles the entirety of the island, and usually takes between 10-15 days to complete, but can be broken into easier chunks) – or cover more ground by joining a horseback tour. If you’re in search of elevation, hiking up El Toro, Menorca’s highest hill, will provide sweeping views of the island from the summit.
Immerse yourself in the history of the island
Menorca’s cultural legacy is a patchwork of identities thanks to past British and French settlements. Remnants of these influences can be spied across the island, which has plenty of cultural sites to explore. In Mahon, the magnificent 18th-century townhouse Ca’n Oliver, once the home of the local bourgeoisie, houses an art collection spanning centuries and offering a crash course in the island’s history. Meanwhile, beautiful churches such as the Church of Carmen in Mahon, and the Cathedral of Menorca in Ciutadella are worth visiting for a lesson in island architecture. The fascinating Palacio Olivar in Cuitadella is a portal into aristocratic life in 17th-century Menorca, the grand interiors preserved exactly as they used to be, and stuck in a somewhat eerie time warp. Lastly, El Socors, the convent and cloisters of Saint Augustin features a striking, baroque church, and collection of prehistoric and Roman archaeology.
Spend day (and night) at multi-sensory destination restaurant Nonna Bazaar
Sprawling across a beautifully restored finca (and its grounds), a short drive from Ciutadella, Nonna Bazaar is less a restaurant and more a multi-sensory experience that unfolds slowly over the course of an evening. Arrive just before sunset to witness the estate’s 400 hectares bathed in warm, golden light while wandering the expansive grounds, cocktail in hand. Dinner centres around a farm-to-fork ethos, with locally sourced produce taking pride of place on the menu and generous Mediterranean platters designed for sharing (expect to rub shoulders with fellow travellers and stylish locals over supper). As the night draws on, the mood shifts seamlessly into DJ-led evenings, with live music and an open-air dance floor. There’s plenty to explore beyond the table too, from a thoughtfully curated boutique spotlighting local makers to a farm shop stocked with regional produce – if you’re bringing the kids along, there’s even ponies and pigs in the estate’s petting stables. It’s well worth booking ahead, particularly in peak season.
