The lonely isolated locations of the majority of lighthouses, along with their singular silhouettes, have always meant that these unmistakeable symbols of coastal areas are much appreciated by many people. Their main raison d’être is to avoid accidents and tragedies and guarantee safe sailing.

The British presence in Menorca lasted for almost the entire 18th century in three consecutive periods, from 1708 to 1802, the year the island was returned to the Spanish crown. From this era, a magnificent architectural legacy remains in the form of defensive military structures that dot the island’s coastline.

Exploring the island by kayak is the best way to gradually discover Menorca’s coastline. The island’s shallow coastal waters are ideal for kayaking, offering a diverse and subtly changing landscape of shallow coves and bays, cliffs, and sea caves, all bathed by crystal-clear, inviting waters.

Equipping yourself with a mask and snorkel and diving into the sea, or simply swimming while gazing at the bottom, is an activity accessible to everyone that allows us to discover a world often hidden from human eyes. The seabed off the Menorcan coast will surprise us with its great marine diversity.

In all, 25 butterfly species are known from Menorca. Most are common and easy to see over much of the island in spring, summer and the warmest days of autumn. Others, with more precise habitat requirements, only appear for a short period of time in certain habitats. Finally, there are also a number of other migrant species that turn up unexpectedly in the most surprising of places.

The traditional cuisine of Menorca is characterised by its rural roots and is based on the Mediterranean diet. Even so, it has successfully integrated the heritage of the different cultures that have left their mark throughout history.

In our section Menorca with Kids you’ll find a number of ideas for a family holiday combining beach, natural history and culture that explore different parts of the island and offer a vision of the best of the island with the minimum of effort.