There's life beyond beaches and sea in Menorca. In fact, the island counts with 700 square km of land where you can practice a wide variety of activities in order to have fun out of the water.
You won't need to pack swimsuits nor flip-flops if you prefer not to. You can change them for some boots to go hiking or a fancy suit to visit the most packed art galleries.
Discover some of the best plans Menorca has to offer away from the sea and check how the island is also a paradise for those who prefer to keep their feet off the sand.
Put your boots on and let´s walk the Camí de Valls!
Hiking is one of the island's main attractions and also one of the best ways of discovering some of its beautiful spots. Camí de Cavalls goes along the coast around the island, with a total of 185 km of spectacular cliffs, beaches, caves and panoramic views.
It is also a historic trail that was used to defend the island since the king Jaume II forced the colonials to always have a knight watching the coast from this path.
Due to its length, it can be walked in different stages or simply have a taste of any part of it. If you're looking to walk the whole path, it´s officially composed of 20 stages that start and end in Mahon. If you´re not a fan of walking, you can always cover the trail by bike or horse (as it was actually done).
The coast's hidden side: the lighthouses route
Lighthouses have that je ne sais quoi which is impossible to define but still attracts and hypnotizes. With the sea crashing into the rocks just below them and their spinning light on the top that serves as a guide for sailors, these structures might just be the perfect postcard.
There are 7 lighthouses in Menorca worth a visit, 4 in the northern area of the island and 3 in the south:
- Punta Nati lighthouse at Ciutadella.
- Cavalleria lighthouse at Es Mercadal.
- Favàritx lighthouse at Maó.
- Punta San Carlos lighthouse at Es Castell.
- Illa de l’Aire lighthouse at Sant Lluis.
- Cap d’Artrutx lighthouse at Ciudadela.
- Sa Farola lighthouse at Ciudadela.
If you're forced to choose by your schedule, go for Favaritx and Cavalleria. They are completely isolated and surrounded by stunning and unique landscapes. By these lighthouses you'll also find amazing sunsets.
Minorcan brushes: a walk through the local art galleries
The island's landscapes have awaken many artists´ creativity and have served them as an inspiration to create several pieces of art. Menorca´s lights, sea and colours are portrayed in the paintings exhibited at the different art galleries.
Mahón and Ciutadella gather the majority of Menorca's art galleries. Two small places where enjoying local artists´ paintings who, if you get lucky, you might even get to meet personally.
Digging the island's past: Talayotic culture
Inland, far from the sea, the remains of the first civilizations that inhabited the island can be found. Today, 4.000 years later, numerous stone structures from that era can still be found, even entire villages. They have received the name of Talayotic culture.
Many excavations have been conducted at Menorca, and the estimation talks about an average of 2 archaeological sites per square kilometre. Some of the remains, like those known by the name of taulas (ceremonial monuments) and navetas (collective tombs), are unique in the world.
Due to its beauty and historic value, 32 sites (out of the 1.574 in the island) are candidates to be World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. The more interesting ones are Naveta des Tudons Torre d’en Galmés, Torralba d’en Salord, Son Catlar and Talatí de Dalt.
Menorca has a lot to offer beyond its beaches and crystal clear waters. Dare to move inland and explore everything the island hides and fall in love with its mountains, villages and people.
