A lagoon, dunes and the core of the Biosphere Reserve.
South · Early morningTurquoise water under pine. Arrive early or by bus.
North · Calm daysDark rock, caves and quiet coves, easiest from the water.
Inland · All yearStone towers and taulas from the island's prehistory.
West · EveningsThe cathedral square, the palaces and the narrow port.
North · SunsetA lighthouse on dark slate, inside the natural park.
Island-wide · All yearVisit a farm that makes the island's protected-origin cheese.
East · All yearForts, islands and the long natural harbour from the water.
West · All yearA boat-shaped stone tomb near Ciutadella, one of the oldest roofed buildings in Europe.
Centre · Clear daysThe island's highest point, about 358 metres, with a sanctuary and views of both coasts.
South · Early morningA pine-ringed south-coast cove of white sand and clear water.
East · All yearThe nineteenth-century Isabel II fortress guarding the harbour mouth.
The coves, the path and the wetlands are protected because they are fragile. A few habits keep them that way.
Off Menorca, pick boat trips and rentals that drop anchor on pale sand or tie up to a buoy: an anchor dragged across the seagrass tears out meadows that take decades to grow back.
Keep your distance from nesting seabirds on the cliffs and islets.
Stay on the Camí de Cavalls and other marked paths. Close gates behind you; much of the path crosses working farmland.
Fire risk is high in summer. Smoking and barbecues in forest areas are restricted.
Leave dead posidonia leaves where they lie. The banks protect the sand from winter storms.
Don't take sand, shells or stones home, and carry out what you carry in.
Some popular coves limit car access in high season, with shuttle buses from nearby towns. Arriving early or by bus avoids the worst of the traffic.
Many coves are reached on foot from a car park, so bring water and proper shoes.
It runs right round the island, usually given as about 185 km, divided into twenty stages.
Wherever there is posidonia and rock: the south coast coves and the sheltered north coast bays are good starting points.
In July and August, yes. Ask operators how and where they anchor.
Yes. Several are open to visitors; opening times and fees vary, so check before you go.
Midday in July and August is hot. Walk early, carry water, or come in spring or autumn.
The park is the core zone of the Biosphere Reserve, with a lagoon, dunes and the Favàritx cape. It is a place for quiet walking and birdwatching rather than a beach stop. Access and opening can change by season, so check with the natural park office before setting out.
Monte Toro is the highest point on Menorca at about 358 m, above Es Mercadal, with a sanctuary at the top. The road access makes it a short stop rather than a long walk. Views take in much of the island. Check opening times for the sanctuary, which can change by season.
The festival runs around 23 and 24 June and is known for horses and riders moving through the streets. It is a local celebration rather than a staged event, so expect crowds and plan travel and accommodation early. Dates and programme details change; check with the Consell Insular de Menorca.
The north coast, the Tramuntana, has darker, older rock, reddish sand and more wind. The south coast, the Migjorn, has limestone, white sand coves under pine. The choice depends on the weather and the kind of beach you want. Access paths and parking can change, so check local signs and the Consell Insular de Menorca.
Menorca's coast in three scenes, ending with sunset at Fornells.
Captions are built in; the transcript is on the Menorca page.
Video: Raymond Petrik, Angelo Esposito, Agusti Perez on Pexels
