10 Things to Do in Menorca in February

February in Menorca is marked by the arrival of Carnival. The island celebrates parades, costume contests and other activities that herald the arrival of spring. But there are also other interesting activities to do, such as tours of the archaeological sites of the Talayotic culture, the route of the seven lighthouses and guided visits to the Museum of Menorca.

What's more, the splendour of nature never ceases to amaze, even in winter, and you'll soon discover this if you take a walk along the Camí de Cavalls or the s'Albufera d'Es Grau Natural Park. Find out about all the activities Menorca has to offer in February!

In Menorca, during the month of February, historical, sporting and nature-contemplating tours, especially on horseback, are the main focus of tourists visiting the island, and one route in particular, the Camí de Cavalls, combines all of these.

The Camí de Cavalls is a 185 km long path that runs along the entire coastline of the island. This wide trail is divided into 20 stages, some of which have unique charms, such as access to archaeological sites or natural landscapes of extraordinary beauty. Booking a horseback ride in Menorca along the Camí de Cavalls is definitely an activity not to be missed.

What's more, you'll be accompanied at all times by a professional guide who will tell you all about this rural trail to Cala Mitjana, an unspoilt cove on the south coast of the island.

The climate, still wintery in February but less temperate in this part of the Mediterranean than on the mainland, makes visiting the archaeological sites of the Talayotic culture a great option. So if you are passionate about history, don't miss the opportunity to take this tour, as it will be another of the best activities to do in Menorca.

If you book a ticket for Naveta des Tudons, you will learn all about the history of the Talayotic culture that settled in Menorca between 2000 and 1500 BC. The typical constructions of this ancient civilisation were the navetas, huge collective burial chambers, similar to an inverted boat, and the talayots, conical watchtowers. These structures are made of large stones with straight cuts.

I suggest you visit (at least) two of the most emblematic structures of this culture:

• The Naveta de Tudons, which is surprising for its size and excellent state of preservation.
• The Talayot de San Agustín, which has a large internal chamber that you can enter, allowing you to see a corner of the ancient world up close.

One of the main activities that sets the Carnival in Mahón, the capital of Menorca, apart from those celebrated in the rest of the island is its magnificent parade of floats and marching bands, which is sure to fascinate you.

Book a guided tour of Mahón and enjoy the parade, where you can see the different floats filling the central streets of Mahón with life. At the same time, you will also enjoy the music of the marching bands and the visual spectacle of the picturesque giants, enormous dancing figures that seem to have come straight out of a fairy tale.

The parade route passes through several central streets of the city before ending at Plaza de s'Planada. There, various prizes are awarded to the most creative floats and large and small dance troupes. Make a note of this unique parade as one of the best things to do with children in Menorca.

Another tradition that makes Carnival in Mahón special is its costume contest, which awards different prizes to its participants. If dressing up is your way of expressing your creativity, don't miss the opportunity to take part in this contest! But if you're more of a spectator who enjoys seeing the originality of the costumes mixed in with the crowd, you'll be pleased to know that Mahón is considered the most cosmopolitan city on the island. You can get to know the Menorcan capital better by booking a tour of Mahón.

You can also attend the Camestortes wake, one of the most unique customs of Menorca's Carnival. The Camestortes is a popular character who symbolises the Old Year and the winter cold, which is why, when spring is near, the Menorcans "bury" him so that life can resurface.

Of all the places in Menorca where this wake is held, I recommend you see the one in Mahón, as there the Camestortes is represented by a person, and not a rag doll, as in other places.

If you are someone who enjoys contemplating the wonders of nature in complete tranquillity, the route of the 7 lighthouses of Menorca in February is an ideal experience for you. At this time of year, there are considerably fewer tourists, which means you can spend more time at the top of the lighthouses, taking photos or appreciating the beauty of the landscape in peace.

Fewer tourists also means more freedom to explore the interior of the lighthouses. However, if you don't have enough time to visit them all, I recommend visiting (at least) two in particular:

• The Cavalleria Lighthouse is not only interesting from a photographic point of view, but also from a historical one, as before it was built, there were more than 700 shipwrecks in the bay it now protects.
• The Favàritx Lighthouse is striking for its visual appeal, partly due to its colours, and its dark rock surroundings, reminiscent of a lunar landscape.

A good way to explore the Menorcan coast and reach its lighthouses is to book one of the boat trips around Menorca. The calm sea and sunsets at this time of year will give you a unique perspective of Menorca and its incredible landscapes.

Escape the mild February temperatures and enjoy a superior gastronomic tourism experience by booking a Mahón cheese-making class.

In this original experience, lasting approximately two and a half hours, you will visit a farm and learn about the process of making this cheese that has captivated food lovers. It also includes a tasting of homemade cheeses.

The winter climate highlights the beauty of the s'Albufera d'Es Grau Natural Park, making it a great idea to visit in February. In the more than 5,000 hectares of this green reserve , you can visit various ecosystems (wetlands, rainforests, dunes, beaches and cliffs), which come together to create a perfect balance.

During this month, you can go hiking, cycling (in certain areas), birdwatching and even eel fishing in the park. But if you prefer to simply contemplate nature, there is a viewpoint in the centre of the reserve that offers a spectacular view of its albufera (saltwater lagoon), which will not leave you indifferent.

To take proper care of the park, it is best to first go to the Rodríguez Femenias Reception Centre. There you will be given all the information you need about the routes you can take in the reserve, its biodiversity, and the rules you must follow while inside. Here you can find more information about this park.

One activity you shouldn't miss in February is climbing to the top of Monte Toro (the highest point in Menorca, at 348 m) to see the horizon. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular sight of the fog, clouds and sea seeming to merge in the distance.

This dreamlike landscape can only be seen at this time of year, so you'll definitely want to take the opportunity to photograph it and take this magical memory with you forever.

Visiting the Museum of Menorca in February is an option that holds unexpected surprises. During the low season, this institution offers various educational and entertainment activities, such as talks, exhibitions and concerts, to stimulate tourists' interest in the island's culture and history.

I mentioned earlier that this month is ideal for visiting Menorca's archaeological sites. However, your historical tour will only be complete once you have visited this museum, as it contains all the information you need to truly understand the world of the Talayotic civilisation.

If you like history, you'll be thrilled to know that the museum also offers guided tours for both families and mixed groups. You can even arrange a guided tour of the Talayotic settlement of Cornia Nou with the museum staff. What better way to learn about the past than with the help of an expert?

Located in Mahón, the Gin Xoriguer factory is the place to go if you want to warm up. There, in addition to being able to buy a bottle as a souvenir, you will also learn what makes Menorca's gin different from others.

In Menorca, the taste for gin arrived with the English, who ruled the island in the 18th century. But the locals soon created their own recipes, using ancient techniques such as distilling the drink over a wood fire, which gives it its unique flavour and aroma.

In February, as it is the low season, public transport is usually scarce in various parts of Menorca, which can be a problem when it comes to getting around.

If you are thinking of going to Menorca this month, my advice is to hire a car. This can be done at Mahón Airport itself, which is the only airport on the island, so you won't have to worry about any delays to your itinerary.

In Menorca, as in other parts of Europe, winter lasts until February and even a little longer. However, due to its geographical position in the Mediterranean, the island has a more temperate and pleasant climate than other places. Ideal for enjoying guided tours of Menorca.

During February, the low temperature is 8°C and the high is 14°C, ideal weather for enjoying all the things there are to see and do in Menorca. This means that if you plan to visit the island at this time of year, it is advisable to bring some warm clothing, along with some lighter garments.