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.

Furthermore, the splendour of nature never ceases to amaze, even in winter, and you will soon discover this if you take a walk along the Camí de Cavalls or the S'Albufera d'Es Grau Nature Reserve. Check out all the activities Menorca has to offer in February!

In Menorca, during the month of February, historical, sporting, nature contemplation and especially horse riding routes are the main focus of attention for 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 extensive route is divided into 20 stages and some of them have unique charms, such as access to archaeological sites or natural spots of extraordinary beauty. Booking a horseback ride in Minorca along the Camí de Cavalls is definitely an activity not to be missed.

Moreover, you will be accompanied at all times by a professional guide who will give you all the details of this rural route to Cala Mitjana, an unspoilt cove on the south coast of the island.

The climate, still wintry 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, you can't miss the opportunity to take this tour, as it will be another of the best things to do in Menorca.

If you book a ticket for Naveta des Tudons you will be told the whole story of the Talayotic culture that settled in Menorca between 2,000 and 1,500 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. Such structures are made of large, straight-cut stones.

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

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

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

Book a guided tour of Mahón and enjoy the parade in which you can see the different floats fill the central streets of Mahón with life. At the same time, you will also enjoy the music of the passacalles (musical bands) and the visual spectacle of the picturesque giants, huge dancing figures that look like something out of a fairy tale.

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

Another of the traditions that make 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 competition! But if you're more of a person 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 capital of Menorca better if you book a tour of Mahón.

You can also go to the wake of the Camestortes, one of the most unique customs of Menorca's Carnival. The Camestortes is a popular character that 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 that 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 one of those who enjoy contemplating the wonders of nature in complete peace and quiet, taking 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 that you can spend more time at the top of the lighthouses, taking photos or appreciating the beauty of the landscape in peace and quiet.

The fact that there are fewer tourists also means that you have more freedom to observe the interior of the lighthouses. However, in case you don't have enough time to see them all, I advise you to visit (at least) two in particular:

• The Cavalleria Lighthouse, which is not only of photographic interest, but also of historical interest, since before it was ready, more than 700 shipwrecks occurred in the bay it now protects.
• The Favàritx lighthouse is surprising for its visual appeal - partly due to its colours - and its dark rocky surroundings, reminiscent of a lunar landscape.

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

Sheltering yourself from the mild February temperatures and having a superior gastronomic tourism experience are two things you can do if you book a Mahón cheese-making class.

In this original experience, which lasts 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 weather enhances the beauty of S'Albufera d'Es Grau Natural Park, so it is a great idea to visit it in February. In the more than 5,000 hectares of this green reserve you can visit different ecosystems (wetlands, rainforests, dunes, beaches and cliffs), which come together to create a perfect balance.

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

To take proper care of the park, it is best to go first to the Rodríguez Femenias Reception Centre. There they will give you all the information you need about the routes you can take in the reserve, its biodiversity, and the rules you must follow when you are 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 appreciate the visual spectacle that is formed when the mist, clouds and sea seem to merge in the distance.

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

A visit to the Museum of Men orca in February is an option that holds unexpected surprises. During the low season, this institution offers different learning 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 discovering Menorca's archaeological sites. However, your historical tour will only be complete once you have visited this museum, as you will find all the information you need to truly understand the world of the Talayotic civilisation.

If you're a history buff, you'll be excited to know that the museum also offers guided tours for both families and mixed groups. And 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 from an expert?

Located in Mahón, the Xoriguer Gin factory is the place to go if you want to warm up. There, as well as being able to buy a souvenir bottle, you'll also find out what sets Menorcan gin apart from the others.

In Menorca, the taste for gin arrived along 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; hence its unique flavour and aromas.

In February, being the low season, public transport is usually scarce in many parts of Menorca, which can be a problem when getting around.

If you are thinking of going to Menorca in this month, my advice is to hire a car. This can be done within Mahon Airport itself - which is the only airport on the island, too - so you won't have to suffer any delays in your itinerary.

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

During the month of February, the low temperature is 8°C while the high is 14°C, an ideal climate to enjoy all there is to see and do in Menorca. This means that if you plan to make your trip to the island at this time of year, it is advisable to bring some warm clothes, along with some lighter clothing.