Menorca’s ‘Off-the-beach’ Attractions On A Family Holiday

Menorca may be famous for its UNESCO-protected beaches and crystal clear waters, but there is much more to this island than sun, sand and sea for families. So, if you’re searching for adventurous Menorca family holidays, rest assured there are plenty of excellent day trip destinations for you to choose from. 

Here are some of the island’s best off-the-beach attractions.

Torralba d’en Salort

Menorca is known for its taula: stone monuments dating back to as far as 500BC. The most spectacular taula can be found in the ancient village of Torralba d’en Salort. This well-conserved site has a fascinating history. During the talaiotic period, sacrifices were made here as a part of religious rites to keep the fields, livestock, and locals fertile. 

Kids will love exploring this excavated village. Surrounded by the remains of dwellings, huge blocks of towering stone, and sacrificial altars, they will feel like they really have travelled back into the past.

The Peaks of El Toro

During your Menorca family holidays, make sure you make the trip up to the peak of the island’s highest mountain. Centrally located and standing at 354 metres above sea level, the summit promises panoramic views and the site is perfect for a picnic. On a clear day, you may even be able to spot the neighbouring island of Mallorca. 

At the top, you’ll find all the facilities you need to have a comfortable day: a cafe, toilets, and, of course, a gift shop. You will also discover a gigantic statue of Christ towering over the peak, and a religious sanctuary founded in 1287 which is still inhabited by nuns today. 

If you want to feel like you’re on top of the world, a visit to El Toro is a must.

Fornells Defence Tower and Marina

Up on the northern coast, the Fornells fishing village awaits. The bay here spans five kilometres, making it one of the island’s largest natural harbours. The marina is always filled with sailing boats, and has a wide variety of restaurants ensuring a good range of options for lunch—including the fresh local specialty, lobster casserole. 

Back when Fornells was under British rule, a defensive tower was constructed here to guard the harbour and nearby Sant Antoni Castle. Nowadays, the Defence Tower is open to the public. Children especially love scouting out the structure, diving into the wartime history of the tower, and patrolling the defences.

If your Menorca family holiday coincides with the end of July, that’s when Fornells will be celebrating the Sant Antoni patronal fiestas. As a part of these traditional celebrations, horses and their riders put on a wonderful display, where they jump in time with musical rhythms. Animal lovers won’t want to miss out!

Torre d’en Galmés

Those with older children will enjoy the talaiotic settlement Torre d’en Galmés. Set on a hilltop by the south coast, the remains of this Early Bronze Age village cover six hectares, making it one of the largest in the Balearic Islands. 

As well as a museum and visitor centre, the ancient site includes a range of buildings, from circular houses to a water collection system and a hypostyle hall. Walking around the vast settlement, parents and children can get a great taste of what life was like here in 1,600BC.

Where to Stay

More and more people are choosing to book a villa for the duration of their stay—and for good reason. There’s really no competition when you consider that villas often come with a private pool, as well as lots of space and a kitchen to give you the flexibility of self-catering, so your budget won’t be eaten up by dining out on your Menorca family holidays time.

The island promises families much more than just sunbathing and sand. If you’re up for lots of adventures and history, you won’t be short of attractions to explore during your stay.

Author Plate

Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine - no secret of the island remains hidden to her. Personally selecting the finest properties for her clients, Brenda is the go-to person for anyone planning relaxing Menorca family 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.