Minorca Tours

If you want to get a feel for Menorca's past, this trip to the island's former capital is ideal. Ciutadella's cobbled lanes, churches and palaces make it a joy to explore by foot. Helen, one of our guides, says, ‘I've lived in Ciutadella for over 30 years and know every single corner, every secret.' You'll conclude the tour with some free time to discover more under your own steam or shop for souvenirs.We kick off with a guided tour. There's palm-shaded Plaça d'es Born, considered one of Spain's most beautiful squares. Plus, there are the lavish palaces tucked down the surrounding alleys. You'll visit one of these aristocratic mansions, the 17th-century Casa Olivar, which is stacked with antiques and tapestries, and boasts lavish ceiling frescoes. ‘The old town is a maze of narrow, winding streets fringed by honey-coloured buildings bathed in sunlight, while the tiny fishing port is pretty as a picture,' says Helen.You'll then have a couple of hours to wander around at your own pace. Have a poke around a huge variety of shops in the centre, including places to grab souvenirs, trinkets, clothes and more. It's also market day, offering even more local produce, textiles and leather goods – a discount card is offered for purchases here. Don't miss out on picking out some abarcas for yourself – you'll see most of the locals donning these typical Menorquin sandals. Or, use your time to visit a museum or two, head to one of the atmospheric harbour cafés or check out the baroque cathedral.

A journey around the globe but not quite as you know it. Lloc de Menorca animal park takes you across the continents to see endemic animals from Menorca and further afield. It's a fun-filled day out for all the family, where you'll come face-to-face with everything from monkeys and ostriches to lemurs.Set in sweet flower-filled gardens, Lloc de Menorca animal park features farm animals and all kinds of exotic creatures. Follow the paths around ponds and wind your way from exhibit to exhibit, without knowing what you'll come across next. Get up close to kangaroos, watch cheeky monkeys playing in the treetops and sit back as giant tortoises, porcupines and peacocks pass you by.It's worth pausing to watch the lemurs and there's also a reptile house where you'll see slippery snakes. Spot birds in the aviary and round everything off at the children's adventure splash park. There are also native farm animals such as the red cow and Menorcan horse.

Straddling the main Mediterranean trade routes, Mahon has enjoyed great strategic importance throughout history. The Romans, Arabs, Catalans, Spanish, French and British all coveted its deep-water harbour as their own. This one-hour catamaran trip takes you on a voyage of exploration all of your own.

La Mola Fortress is the most impressive military installation in Mahon. Built in the 19th century over the ruins of earlier British efforts, it's a joy to explore, offering a mix of historical sights and coastal views. After a quick video introduction, you'll be free to check out the ramparts, underground galleries, powder magazines and lookout points.

See how Spanish aristocracy once lived with a visit to Casa Olivar. Built by one of Menorca's richest families, this 17th-century palace in Ciutadella is undoubtedly one of the grandest buildings on the island. Stacked with antiques, tapestries, frescoes, and more, it's like peeking into the past.