11 Things to Do in Menorca in December
Many people think that Menorca is only a summer destination, but if you visit it in December you will find numerous activities that you will enjoy just as much, if not more, than on its beaches.
Christmas in Menorca | Vista de playa en Menorca ©Clarice de Bruin
All there is to see and do on Minorca makes it a beautiful island, and not only during the summer season. In December, the island offers interesting experiences for its visitors, many of them related to the upcoming Christmas holidays.
If you have decided to visit Minorca in December, you will find everything from Christmas markets to curious traditions such as swimming across the port of Mahón, without forgetting that you will enjoy the gastronomic specialities typical of these dates or, if you dare, you can even go surfing in the water.
1. Stroll around the famous Fira de Nadal market in Mahón
The city of Mahón, the most important on the island, hosts the most famous Christmas market on the whole of Menorca. The best thing about the Mahón Christmas market is that you can find everything from decorative items, clothes, shoes, various handicrafts and, of course, good home-made local Christmas food.
Although this is not the only market of its kind that takes place on the island during the month of December, other towns also have one of their own.
Practical information
- Where: Plaza de Colón, Ses Moreres street and Plaza de la Constitución square.
- Price: free
- When: Around 6th December in the old quarter.
2. Come and see how the Llumets light up the Christmas lights in Mahon.
As is the case in much of the world, the switching on of the Christmas lights is a milestone during the month of December. Among all its locations, I recommend that you go to Mahón to see it, usually on the first Sunday of the month, and take the opportunity to book a guided tour of Mahón in Menorca.
According to tradition, the people in charge of turning on the lights are elves called Llumets. Legend has it that these kind beings live on the islet of Culóm, in front of the city's port. Without a doubt, if you are looking for things to do in Minorca with children, this is an experience they will love.
Practical information
- Where: Plaza de la Constitución Square in Mahón
- Price: free
- When: first Sunday in December
3. Don't miss a Christmas concert
If you like Christmas carols, in Menorca you will find two great concerts dedicated to this type of music:
- This town's Christmas Concert is held in a hall specially fitted out for the occasion. A similar concert is held the following day. You can find out more on the website of the Teatro Principal de Mahón.
- The concert of the Professional College of Menorca: it is held in the middle of the month in the Mahón Municipal Theatre. And a few days later, the Mahón Music Band offers another concert in anticipation of the arrival of the new year. On this occasion, the repertoire is very varied.
4. Do a bit of hiking along the Camí de Cavalls
It may seem strange to you, but the best time to go hiking in Menorca is in winter: it's less hot, you'll find fewer people and, above all, the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. If you go to the island in December, I recommend that you go for part of the Camí de Cavalls and even book a horseback ride around Menorca.
Depending on the weather, you can choose between the sections along the coast or one of the more inland ones, where the wind will be less strong. I can assure you that you will enjoy the scenery, the deserted beaches and the lush forests.
Practical information
- Where: Camí de Cavalls
- Price: free
- When: December
5. Visit a winery and learn about its winemaking tradition
Another plan we suggest is to book a visit to a winery in Menorca. The island has a great winemaking tradition and is considered to be genuine by the winegrowers of the area. It is also important to highlight the island's commitment to sustainability with the Menorcan wine culture, but not only with this activity but in general, as Menorca is considered a World Biosphere Reserve.
On this visit you will learn about the history of wine production and the different vineyards on the island, as well as enjoying a tasting of local wines, reds such as merlot and cabernet, and whites such as chardonnay and malvasia. In fact, it is worth mentioning that some of the varieties are included in the Protected Geographical Indication "Vid de la Terra Illa de Menorca".
Practical information
- Where: Binitord Bodega, Cami Lloc de monges s/n, 07769 Ciudadela de Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.
- Price: 26€.
- When: December
6. Ice skate on the fabulous rink at El Pabellón Menorca
Although you're in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, it's not all about snorkelling in Menorca or scuba diving on the island. If you travel in December you will have the opportunity to go ice skating. Every year, from just before the middle of the month, a wonderful rink opens in the Menorca Pavilion, in the city of Mahón.
Another option for skating is in Alaior, specifically in its Municipal Sports Centre. There, also since mid-December, another ice rink has been installed for all those who want to try this sport.
Practical information
- Where: Menorca Pavilion
- Price: check
- When: mid-December
7. Taste the winter gastronomy of Menorca
It may be less famous than in other parts of Spain, but Menorca's gastronomy offers a lot of variety and, above all, quality. In December, in the best restaurants in Menorca you will find the usual dishes, such as Mahón cheese or lobster stew, but also other recipes that are usually only offered when the cold weather arrives.
These dishes include rolls stuffed with minced meat, as well ascuscussó, a dessert of clear Arab origin. Also worth trying are pastissets and pomada, a gin-based drink that is very typical of Menorcan festivals.
Practical information
- Where: Menorca
- Price: check restaurant prices
- When: December
8. Relax with a hot chocolate in one of Menorca's most typical cafés
In December, with a much quieter atmosphere on the island and a little colder, it's often nice to just sit somewhere and relax. My suggestion for those moments is to go into a café and have a nice hot chocolate. Although you may not associate this drink with Menorca, the truth is that there are many cafés all over the island that serve it. Some even have their own recipe.
And to accompany it, there is nothing better than a coca bamba, a typical local sweet.
Practical information
- Where: Menorca
- Price: check prices in cafés
- When: December
9. Dare to try the waves by windsurfing or surfing
Being on the calm Mediterranean Sea, Menorca is normally associated with boat trips. However, this can change on certain days in December, especially when the north wind, the tramontana, blows.
If you're a windsurfing or surfing enthusiast, you'll know that this is the time to head to places like Punta Prima to catch some waves. Another good place if you want to windsurf is Cala Tirant, where the waves can reach a height of up to five metres. Smaller ones, as low as 3 metres, can be found in Santo Tomás, Son Bou or Addaia.
10. Say goodbye to the year on the beaches of Menorca
Have you decided to spend New Year's Eve in Menorca? If the answer is yes, you can't fail to join the Menorcans in their traditions on this day. Normally, you can always see many Menorcans dressed in white on the beaches to watch the sunset.
On the night of the 31st of December, the number of people is much higher, but the tradition of wearing white is preserved. There are probably fewer places to eat the 12 grapes than on a Menorcan beach, nor to watch the fireworks afterwards.
11. Swimming crossing to the port of Maó
If you're not afraid of the cold, one of the most exciting activities in Menorca in December is the Maó harbour swim.
The event consists of swimming across the harbour, without being put off by the 15º C temperature. The participants range from experienced swimmers to amateurs, and proof of its success is that every year the number of participants increases.
At the end there is a reward for all those brave enough to take on the route: a nice glass of hot chocolate.
Weather in Menorca in December
December in Menorca is not particularly cold, especially when compared to other cities. The average maximum temperature reaches 15ºC, while the average minimum temperature does not drop below 9ºC.
It is not a particularly rainy month either, but this is something you should bear in mind when packing your suitcase.
In any case, my advice is to always check the weather forecast a few days before travelling.