Leisure & activities Menorca
Menorca is a giant playground offering virtually every conceivable sport activity and an endless repertoire of leisure pursuits. Whether your preference is sailing or spa therapy, leisure and activities in Menorca can be pursued through top-notch facilities and personnel to provide you with an unforgettable holiday experience.
The crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean coupled with its wonderfully mild temperatures offer a fabulous environment for oceanic activities, and aquatic sports are among the most popular pastimes on the island. While some visitors prefer to restrict their relationship with the sea to quick dips between stints spent sunbathing, many travellers to the Balearics spend hours in or on the water engaged in diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing or fishing.
Menorca is regarded as the ‘jewel of the Mediterranean’ in terms of diving and its abundant supply of marine life, underwater caves and ship wrecks, combined with high visibility and beautiful light make the island a popular place to dive. There are several dive centres scattered around the island catering for all levels of skill and providing all the necessary gear. Good dive sites on the island include Pont d’en Gil, Coral Galleries and Malakoff wreck.
Sailing allows access to the most secluded coves, beaches and inlets on the island and is also a favourite pastime here. Apart from the major ports at Mahon and Ciutadella, most coastal towns encompass smaller harbours and marinas to cater for the steady flow of marine traffic. The town of Fornells is particularly popular with both sailors and windsurfers because the bay is virtually land locked yet still partially exposed to the infamous tramuntana wind. Offering an exhilarating yet entirely safe sailing or surfing experience, the conditions make Fornells an ideal learning ground for beginners and a full range of tuition services are offered here.
Additional sea related leisure and activities in Menorca include pursuits such as kayaking, parasailing, big game fishing and pedalos. But if oceanic activities aren’t your cup of salt water, there is plenty more on Menorca to keep you entertained. The island boasts a spectacular natural environment and a number of preserves where hiking and bird watching can be enjoyed. The Cap de Favaritx, Cap de Cavalleria and S’Albufera areas encompass particularly lovely trails featuring unspoilt landscapes and a wide array of flora and fauna, while Monte Toro is Menorca’s highest peak and offers panoramic vistas that are well worth the climb.
Equestrian pursuits are an integral part of Spanish culture and horse races and shows are featured fairly regularly on the island, while horseback riding lessons and guided excursions are offered at several resorts and riding schools. Pony trekking is a pleasant alternative to viewing the spectacular Balearic landscape through a car window, as is cycling. However, if you opt for a bike seat rather than a horse’s back, bear in mind that mountain bikes are far more suitable for Menorca’s varied terrain than standard racing bicycles.
Keen golfers should head to Son Parc on the island’s northern coast. The golf course is open all year round and it hires out clubs and other necessaries for use on its driving range and putting green. Other facilities include a club house and restaurant, walking trails and tennis courts.
Alternative leisure and activities in Menorca include go karting, badminton, squash, cricket, boat tours, volley ball and shopping.
