Spare time, past times and sports in Menorca
We are surrounded by clean blue Mediterranean waters, waters with an exciting military-maritime past, waters providing a rich food source and waters which offer an entertaining haven for those hooked on sea sports. Actually the sea and her sports are a great employee to many island businesses.
Some of the more notable water sports around the island include:
| Sail sports: Which are practised in all the major ports of the island, which are Maó, Ciutadella, Fornells and Addaia. All these natural harbours promote great sailing and windsurfing competitions, such as the Kings Cup, High Sea Fishing Cup and the Classical Yachts Cup and Balearic windsurfing competition. There are plenty of quality and professional sailing and windsurfing schools operating on the island. |  |
| Diving: Menorca has some excellent underwater caves and protected waters that permit a superb opportunity for serious divers. We also have some excellent and professionally operated schools for either learning or for expanding on skills already acquired. |
Snorkelling: A fun pastime aided by the islands clean waters which permits a clear picture of our coastal rock and sea life.
| Kayak, Ski-wakeboard, windsurf, kite surf and ski are some of the other alternative water sports: Gear can be hired in the good nautical outlets or you can also travel over with your own gear. All the islands recommended sea sport schools can offer tuition with the equipment included. |  |
Motor Boat rentals: With a captain or without, if you have the relevant captain’s licence to match the characteristics of the vessel you want. This option is very popular and permits a liberty of movement. There are plenty of professional nautical outlets to whom you can discuss your requirements.
Planned sea excursions: During the summer it’s quite easy to participate in a group boat trip excursion, its easy and perhaps more economical.
Menorca Outdoors:
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With over 220 Km of coastline and a grand part of the island undeveloped and registered as natural space, covered with woods and rural fields, it’s easy to appreciate the locals love of nature. A new and interesting walk, mountain bike or horse riding run can be found on the old coastal bridal path which circles the island (El Camí de Cavalls). The islanders are natural horsemen and as a result, the island has some very good riding schools with great country bridal routes. To accommodate visitors with a sense of adventure, there are reputable adventure outlets offering guided bike runs, caving trips and specialized walking trips. |
Menorca Basket:
Incredible, that for the size of the island they had a team playing in the Spanish ABC league (2004/2005-2008/2009), second only to the NBA. Basketball is in the affable and conservative native’s heart, taught in the playgrounds and followed avidly throughout their life.
Visit one of the “Vivemenorca” matches playing against some of Spain’s teams and marvel at the noise and passion that the game generates within these mild mannered people. Not only does the island have a super team but some of its natural sportsmen are also playing basketball within the crème, an example to mention is Sergi Llull, a local man with a gift for the game and who plays for Real Madrid.
Menorca Rentals Group, also sponsors the local team of Alaior, who play in the lower league of the LEB, maybe you could visit a home match whilst you’re here.
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And we have more options like...
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Golf in Menorca: The Island has not gone down the “golfing” road like its bigger sister in Mallorca, there is only one Club on the Island situated in Son Parc, this immaculately kept Club has 18 holes, practice runs, chip and put areas, buggy hire and club rental. There are regular competitions and they have a Professional too for classes. |
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Menorca Tennis: Ciutadella, Maó, Alaior are perhaps the best tennis clubs in respect to quality of trainer, grounds and installations, although each town has courts open to the public. |
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Padel: Padel is a popular game, played in an enclosed area, similar to a squash court although the game is a cross between squash and tennis. Padel courts and raquet hire are to be found in most tennis clubs.
Sporting installations: We have private or public swimming pools with gymnasiums, aerobic halls, spinning rooms, running tracks and spa facilities. A popular club is to be found in Maó in the estate of Malbuger, one can participate and pay per activity.
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Horse trotting races: If you like to flutter on the horses, every Saturday in the race track of Maó (Sant Lluís Road) you can place your bets, its not strenuous for the watcher although it may cause one to perspire. |
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| Menorca Air Club: The Island has a superb private aerodrome, in fact it’s the longest and straightest private runway in Europe, a fact that has stirred the attention of the Formula One car manufacturers, and for the last two winters the Island has enjoyed the company of McClaren, Renault, Honda and BMW technicians and drivers, testing aerodynamics, wheels, and other technical points. Away from the F1 bonanza the aerodrome also acts as a fire watch base and provides flights around the island to the public. Menorca walking holidays: The Island is a haven for bird and fauna watchers, especially around the national park of Es Grau, although there are many superb natural walks on the island and away from the high season, walking clubs are very popular as are Photography and Art Clubs. |  |
Menorca Art Clubs: Including Art classes, photography and sculpture classes – (Sandstone sculpture courses are normally arranged in the quarry of Litica in Ciutadella).
Language schools: Whilst planning you’re on your holiday its interesting to note that Spanish language classes can be arranged.
Horse riding: Complimenting the islands outdoor routes and the abundance of riding stables with quality instructors – its not surprising to see that horse riding is a popular activity to all.
Cricket (Binisfuller-Sant Lluis): Throughout the summer matches are played against visiting teams in the beautifully maintained grounds of the Menorca Cricket Club. If you’re a member of a team, why not speak to the club and organise a tour or if you’re a player, feel welcome to join in whilst your here.
Rugby (Menorca Rugby Club): Always looking for teams to compete against, so if you’re a member of a club, maybe a friendly could be discussed.
Island Games: Menorca has just been accepted into the Island Games Group, and competes against other small islands, like the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey etc offering an excellent opportunity for the local athletes to compete against other fine sports people.
