10 Things to Do in Menorca in April

April marks the beginning of spring for the easternmost island of this Mediterranean archipelago. During this time, the terraces of restaurants and cafés begin to be reborn in all their splendour thanks to the rising temperatures and a climate that is much milder than the low temperatures of winter or the stifling heat of the summer season.

This pleasant climate and the advantage of having fewer tourists during this time of the year than in the summer season makes this month of the year uniquely attractive. In addition to all the usual things to see and do in Minorca, there are some activities that are particularly recommendable during this month. Would you like to discover them?

Although this activity can be done all year round, my recommendation is that if you travel to Minorca in April you should take the opportunity to book a tour of the Camí de Cavalls on horseback because it is the best time to get to know it.

It is an ancient 185-kilometre trail that circles the entire island of Minorca and is now a route with 20 stretches of between 5 and 13 kilometres long, with varying degrees of difficulty and which can be covered on horseback, mountain bike or simply on foot.

What makes it special in April? Mainly its pleasant climate. During this month you can find great temperatures that will allow you to do the whole route in five or seven days. In addition, in April you can also see the flowering of forests and meadows along the route.

What to see on the Camí de Cavalls?

• Its more than 50 coves.
• The forests of the Albufera des Compte.
• Ancient fortresses such as the Alcalfar tower.
• Lighthouses such as Punta Nati.
• The entrance to the charming towns of Maó and Ciutadella.

Its origin is not entirely clear, but it is said to have been built during the 14th century as a defence system in which soldiers on horseback could protect the entire perimeter of the island.

With temperatures perhaps not warm enough to take a dip, but tolerable enough to book a kayak tour, kayaking at this time of year also has the advantage that there won't be so many people in the sea.

Kayaking in Menorca is, without a doubt, an unforgettable experience, which is why there are so many kayaking and snorkelling activities on the island.

Its crystal clear, shallowwaters and the diverse landscape that the coastline offers with caves, small bays, cliffs and places that have hardly been touched by man, make kayaking an ideal activity for admiring nature while respecting the environment.

The most recommended kayak excursions in Menorca

• The caves of the Porter cove in Alaior.
• The cove of Sa Torreta in the Natural Park of S'albufera des Grau.
• The bay of Fornells.
• The sandy beach of Mongofre.

Although at this time of the year the water temperature is not the most pleasant for swimming, if you happen to be on a sunny spring day or you are one of those brave cold water swimmers, this will be the ideal time to dive into one of the more than 100 beaches of the island or to book a boat tour of the coves of Menorca.

These beautiful beaches, most of which are considered among the best preserved in the Mediterranean, offer a great diversity of landscapes. In the north are the red sandy beaches, which are more difficult to access and therefore better preserved. In the south, the white sands and crystal-clear waters, a favourite with tourists during the summer months.

You can also stroll along one of these beaches without having to take a dip to contemplate the best coves in Minorca, or stay until sunset in a quiet atmosphere free from mass tourism.

Every spring, different forums in Ciutadella, Maó and other towns on the island host a variety of local and international jazz artists. It is a tradition that has been going on for over two decades and is enjoyed by tourists and islanders alike in Menorca in April.

Concerts, dances, master classes, talks, workshops and film and documentary screenings are just some of the varied activities on offer at this festival.

Practical information

• Where: in various theatres and venues all over the island, both indoors and outdoors.
• Price: depends on the performance, but they are usually very cheap.

Just a visit to this beautiful theatre, an architectural jewel from the 19th century, is in itself a spectacle.

Maó' s Teatro Principal is known for being the oldest opera house in Spain. Of classical Italian design and with its characteristic horseshoe shape, it hosts the spring theatre season between March and May.

In addition to being one of the main venues for the jazz festival, the theatre's spring season each year presents a varied offer of opera, dance, drama, music and, for the youngest, the traditional children's theatre festival.

Practical information

• Where: Costa Deià, 40.
• Price: depends on the performance.
• Are there guided tours? Yes, and they are offered by the theatre itself so that you can learn about its history and architecture.
• For more information... Visit the theatre's official website.

If you booked a trip during this time of year, it is likely that you will be able to witness how Easter Week is experienced in Minorca (although some years it is celebrated in March).

On these dates, you will be able to see processions in the streets of the main towns on the island, accompanied by a host of local traditions that bring this important commemoration of the Christian world to life.

Furthermore, coming to see this festival is the perfect excuse to visit all the attractions of Ciutadella, a town that is well worth a visit.

Most important Easter traditions in Menorca

• The procession of the Holy Burial in Mahón: it takes place every Friday and you can see the different religious groups and walk around the most emblematic points of the city accompanied by music and religious songs.
• Matances des Bujots: this is a pagan tradition that is celebrated in Ciutadella. It consists of hanging dolls of public figures, generally from the political class, in the streets so that they can be the target of symbolic gunshots as punishment for their bad practices.

This time of year, when the island is quieter due to fewer visitors, is the ideal time to experience the peaceful pace of life or slow life that you can breathe in the different villages of Menorca.

In just one day you can drive around this small island and see most of its picturesque towns, as the distance between the most extreme points is no more than 60 kilometres.

Immerse yourself in the charms that each town has to offer, interact with the local people, visit the historic centres, museums, shops, cafés and the typical street markets that are usually set up every week in the centres of each town, where you can buy handicrafts and gastronomic products that are characteristic of the island.

With its orography, good climate and great atmosphere, sport has become an attraction in Menorca. Local and foreign athletes and enthusiasts take part in some of the races that are held in April.

If you like to run 5 or 10 kilometres, half marathon or combine running with cycling, you can find three interesting races during the month of April. You can also simply come and experience the special atmosphere that surrounds them.

• The Corre Mô race: a popular five and ten kilometre race organised by Maó town council.
• The Fornells Half Marathon: for more advanced runners. There is also a ten-kilometre race for less demanding athletes.
• The Alaior city duathlon: also for more experienced athletes. This competition has different categories depending on the distances.

At the end of every April, Maó Arrels, the fair of local produce and Menorcan cuisine, is held in Maó. It brings together the most renowned local and international chefs, as well as exponents of artisan production, to show the world the richness of Menorcan cuisine.

You can find:

• Farmers who cultivate ancestral varieties of fruit and vegetables.
• Products such as olive oil, the island's best cheeses, local wines with a Mediterranean character and other gastronomic treasures of the island.
• Live cooking sessions.
• Tastings.
• Cooking workshops for children.

Practical information

• Where: Maó-Menorca fairgrounds.
• When: Last weekend in April.
• Opening times: Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.
• Duration: two days.
• To continue enjoying... Discover the best restaurants in Menorca.

In Menorca in April, the restaurants closest to the coast begin to prepare for the summer season by opening their terraces overlooking the sea.

The island's gastronomy is varied, of rural origin and with strong influences from various cultures. It combines pastoral, agricultural and fishing cuisine resulting in a variety of fish, sausages, meat and seafood dishes. Not to be missed:

• The caldereta de langosta (lobster stew).
• Oliagua, a soup with vegetables, oil and aromatic herbs.
• Partridge stew with cabbage.
• The famous Mahón cheese, recognised worldwide for its designation of origin.
• The typical Easter sweets and the traditional Formatjada, a typical local pie filled with different ingredients.

Generally speaking, the weather in April is quite pleasant, with temperatures hovering around 18 degrees Celsius during the day.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the weather is quite unstable during this time, so be prepared for some cold days or the occasional rain. So don't forget to pack a coat or a mackintosh in your suitcase.

April is still considered low season, mainly due to the fact that the influx of tourists is considerably less than in the summer.

This has the advantage of being able to get much cheaper prices on accommodation, airline tickets, car hire and perhaps an excursion offered by local tour operators. Yet another reason to consider visiting this enchanting island at this time of year.