Menorca Entertainment

Menorca is the quietest of the Balearic Islands and the place where families and those wanting to avoid the hoards of summer revellers head for. However, the island is by no means barren with regards to its entertainment scene and visitors will find plenty to keep them occupied in the evenings, whether it’s a show in their hotel; a few drinks at one of the many bars or a night of dancing in the capital. 

Nightlife

Menorca’s nightlife is perhaps a little quieter than in the neighbouring Balearic Island of Mallorca and certainly not as busy as in Ibiza. The hedonistic attitudes of Mallorca and Ibiza’s younger visitors is largely absent from Menorca, making it a considerably more family-friendly destination. Bars open early in the day to sell coffee and close late night or early morning, or when the customers leave. Bars across the island welcome tourists and you are more likely to capture some authentic Spanish atmosphere in the bars in the less busy areas. If you are a home from home kind of person, you’ll also find a variety of European bars with English and German bars featuring prominently.

Nightclubs in the popular areas such as Mahon and Ciutadella are the best places to head for if you are looking for a lively night out. Venues generally don’t open until 23:00 and are often still open well after the sun comes up.

Theatre and music

Don’t come to Menorca expecting to catch Shakespeare or Arthur Miller, because the island is pretty well bereft of the kind of venue likely to host such performances, primarily because there is no demand for it. Instead, if you want a little culture, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to experience live Spanish music, with some of the smaller bars regularly featuring local acts. While in the big hotels and apartment complexes, you’re more likely to find well-known names from the Spanish mainland. Additionally, various festivals throughout the year provide a good opportunity to catch some musical performances.

Festivals

There are a number of annual summer festivals that are unique to the city, with highlights including:

• Processo dels Tres Tocs is held in Ciutadella and sees a procession through the streets of the town in commemoration of Alfonso III’s victory over the Muslims in 1287 (January).
• Festes de Sant Joan is held in Ciutadella and is a fiesta that celebrates ancient traditions harking back to the 14th century. Expect to see mock jousting on the streets as well as a variety of festivities focused around the Plaza del Born in the centre of town (June).
• Dia de Virgen de Carmen is a fiesta held across the Balearic Islands in tribute to the patron saint of sailors. The fiesta includes a variety of festivities such as street parades and the blessing of fishing boats (July).
• Festa de Sant Lorenc is held in Alaior and sees the town’s residents take to the streets to observe horse riding displays and other festive attractions (August).
• Mare de Deu is held in Mahon and is a festival to officially mark the end of the island’s summer season. The horse parade is the highlight, while fireworks and other festive activities continue into the night (September).