Menorca

Tour Code: ESP04

An 8-day holiday of daily excursions in search of the exciting wildlife of this beautiful Mediterranean island.

8 days from
£1,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£1,795
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

Menorca (Minorca) is the most easterly and greenest of the Balearic Islands. Its rugged northern coast has a specialised flora and splendid displays of wild flowers in spring, as well as several wetland areas which are important for birds. We will be based for the week in a beautifully restored 18th century Menorcan farmhouse set in 10 hectares of countryside. From here we will explore the island’s stretches of coast, woodland and wetlands by gentle daily walks in search of Menorca’s special birds, flowers and culture.

  • Vetches, Cistus, gladioli and Alyssum among the colourful dune flora
  • Balearic specialities and Menorcan endemics among a host of wild flowers
  • Europe’s only sedentary population of Egyptian Vulture (40 breeding pairs)
  • Eleonora’s & Red-footed Falcons
  • Purple, Night & Squacco Herons among a wealth of wetland birds
  • Moustached Warbler now breeding on the island
  • Prehistoric human sites & relics
  • The island produces some excellent gin!
  • Led by an expert naturalist guide

Grading

Day walks only, all straightforward (and optional). Grade A/B

Not just a smaller version of Mallorca, Menorca is the most easterly, and the greenest of the Balearic Islands. It may not have mountains on a Mallorcan scale, but it is a rugged, very rocky island, has comparatively little flat land, and consequently remains largely uncultivated. The southern coast is a series of low cliffs broken by sandy coves, usually backed with woodland and damp gorges. The northern coast is more rugged, with spectacular headlands and a specialised coastal flora that includes many of the local endemic plants. The island is also blessed with several wetland areas which are of particular importance for birds.

Menorca in spring offers a most intricate mosaic of wild flowers. White and mauve Cistus bushes, yellow Crown Daisies, purple gladioli, plus a great assortment of vetches, hawkweeds, bugloss and Alyssum among the dunes, ensure ubiquitous colour. Asphodels grow almost everywhere, and a wide variety of orchids occur, with Ophrys and Serapias species being most numerous. We should also find some of the Balearic specialities, such as the delightful Cyclamen balearicum, several sea-lavenders (Limonium spp.), and some of Menorca’s endemics, such as the rare Senecio rodriguezii which occurs amongst the interesting and specialised plant communities of the northern coast; the latter are usually lowgrowing, often forming dense, spiny mounds, or are clothed with white or silver hairs to withstand salt-laden winds.

Birds of prey are one of the avian highlights on any natural history tour to this little island. Europe’s only sedentary population of Egyptian Vultures occurs on Menorca (with about 50 breeding pairs), Booted Eagles and Red Kites — though the latter are declining — are seen with pleasing frequency, and a few pairs of Ospreys also breed on Menorca. Other raptors which we may see include Peregrine, Eleonora’s and Red-footed Falcons. One of the most spectacular migrants, which also nests in several colonies on Menorca, is the Bee-eater. At the time of our visit, some of the breeding birds should be arriving and large numbers passing through. Another special bird is Audouin’s Gull, one of the world’s rarest gulls, which wanders the coasts of north-west Africa in winter but returns in spring to breed on the island. There are usually a few around the spectacular port of Mahon (arguably the best natural harbour in the Mediterranean) but sightings can also be expected at several other points on the coast.

The marshes at Son Bou and Tirant, and the fine wetland area of Es Grau support a variety of wetland birds. Little and Cattle Egrets, and Purple Herons are common; Night and Squacco Herons are more elusive but are often present. These areas and the old saltpans at several other sites are also excellent for waders, whilst the island’s woodland and scrub abound with warblers, both resident species such as Cetti’s, Dartford, and Sardinian Warblers, plus the more numerous and active migrants and summer visitors. Stone Curlews, Wrynecks, Hoopoes, Woodchat Shrikes, and abundant singing Nightingales breed on the island and add to the variety.

One of the most exciting aspects of birding in Menorca is the constant possibility of seeing something unexpected. White Storks, the occasional Black Stork, and Gull-billed Terns have all been recorded quite frequently in recent years, whilst Moustached Warblers, which had not been recorded breeding on the island before 1982, may now be seen at more than two breeding sites. Indeed, almost anything can turn up here in spring, and the chance of finding a real rarity, perhaps even a bird previously unrecorded from the island, is very real!

Our accommodation for the week is a splendid, and lovingly restored, 18th century Menorcan farmhouse. Set in 10 hectares of unspoilt countryside, with a large outdoor pool, this is a most relaxed setting. From this delightful base it will be easy to explore many of the most exciting areas of the island, using our minibus to access the best sites which we will then explore on foot. We will enjoy gentle walks along the coasts, through woodland and around the edges of wetlands where we will have plentiful opportunities to see a variety of birds and at least some of the island’s flowers. Another fascinating aspect of this island is the large number of prehistoric human sites — standing stones, towers, stone dwellings, caves and other relics. We will see a number of these during our excursions, as well as gaining a feel for Menorca’s more recent, but nonetheless long and very interesting history. It was, for example, held by the British as a naval base during much of the 18th century, and as a consequence, even today, gin is still produced on the island!

At the time of our visit — before the busy summer period — Menorca has relatively few tourists, and we will be able to explore the island in comparative peace. It is in any case a far less developed holiday island than Mallorca and many other Mediterranean islands. Indeed, most of the coast can only be reached on foot (or by boat) and there are some beautiful, isolated coves and beaches. We should find no difficulty in enjoying the history and, more importantly, the natural history of this delightful island away from the crowds!

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Mahon and transfer to Matchani Gran
Day 2/7
Daily birdwatching and botanical excursions all over Menorca from our base near Mahon
Day 8
Fly London
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    A beautifully restored 18th century Menorcan farmhouse set in 10 hectares of tranquil countryside. All rooms with private facilities.

  • Food:

    All included in the price.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 23rd Apr – Wed 30th Apr SPACES £1,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 22nd Apr – Wed 29th Apr SPACES £1,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295 
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Botanical Tours – See Wild Flowers with our Expert Botanical Guides


There are few more pleasing sights in the natural world than a meadow filled with wildflowers. Seeing plants in their native habitat is always exciting and our flower tours offer you an incredible choice, from dazzling tropical blooms and the thrill of finding elusive orchids or delicate alpines, to seeing island endemics or British flora. Our tours range from week-long holidays focusing on the ‘Alpine flowers of the Swiss Alps’, the ‘Italian Dolomites’ and the ‘Alpine Flowers of Slovenia’s Julian Alps’, to orchid-hunting on Italy’s Gargano Peninsula and searching for the Autumn Plants of Greece’s Peloponnese. We also visit more remote areas of the world in search of plant-life, from the Tien Shan Mountains of Kazakhstan where we look for wild tulips, to the rainforests and spiny deserts of Madagascar where over 80% of the flora is endemic.  


Many of us want to know more about the plants we see around us. Whether inspired by an appreciation of the aesthetic appeal of flowers, or a more focused desire to identify individual species, everyone with an interest in botany will derive pleasure from joining one of Naturetrek’s flower tours.


Why choose Naturetrek’s botanical holidays?


    

  • All our botanical holidays are led by expert botanist guides
    • 

  • All levels of interest and expertise are catered for, from hobby gardeners and complete beginners to keen botanists who wish to explore a new area with the help of a knowledgeable leader
    • 

  • We keep the overall focus on flora, though expert guidance is also given on other wildlife
    • 



What can I expect on a typical Naturetrek botanical holiday?


    

  • Travel with a group of like-minded people
    • 

  • Stay at a comfortable hotel or lodge, close to an area of outstanding botanical interest
    • 

  • Enjoy a series of leisurely day excursions with ample time to appreciate the local flora
    • 



In addition to our dedicated flower tours, we also offer holidays with a wider theme to encompass birds, butterflies and other aspects of natural history as well as the flora. Our spring tours to 'Crete' and ‘The Island of Cyprus’ are both timed to allow us to enjoy the botanical highlights as well as the spring bird migration, whilst ‘Croatia and Slovenia – Spring in Istria’ also allows time to enjoy a little of the local culture. ‘Romania – the Wildlife of Transylvania’ combines an appreciation of the flora of the Carpathian Mountains with birding, butterflying and a trip to look for Brown Bears from a purpose built hide, and our holidays in both the ‘French Pyrenees’ and the ‘Spanish Pyrenees’ combine birds, butterflies and botany throughout the week.  




Our specialist recommends...






"I'd recommend 'Wengen – Alpine Flowers of the Swiss Alps', 'Crete' and 'The French Pyrenees', which all offer some fascinating European botany, along with plenty of wider natural history and some stunning scenery. If you’re keen to travel a little further afield, I’d suggest joining us in South Africa for our 'Wild Flowers of the Cape & Namaqualand' tour” 

David Tattersfield - Tour Leader




All Botany Tours

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Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

Enquire
Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!