10 Things to Do in Menorca in May

Events and festivals you must attend if you visit Menorca in May: concerts, fairs and competitions to get your summer off to a great start.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Menorca in May

Menorca | ©Daniel Lobo

All the historical and cultural beauty of Menorca is laid bare by the various events and festivals, many of which take place during the month of May. So, visiting Menorca in May can be an enriching and unforgettable experience for you. But this is not the only thing you can do on the Balearic Island. There is an immense amount of activities you can do if you visit Menorca during this season.

With the beginning of summer and its splendid weather, you can indulge in any outdoor activity you want to do; go kayaking in Menorca, hiking and even horse riding along the historic Camí de Cavalls path. Do you want to enjoy the beginning of summer in Menorca to the fullest? These are the best events and festivals that take place in May all over the island, and that will make you live the best summer experiences.

Don't miss the Swing Weekend in Ciudadela

People Dancing Swing| ©louiscrusoe
People Dancing Swing| ©louiscrusoe

The Swing Weekend is a Menorcan celebration that you can't afford to miss, as it brings together great musicians and artists such as Héctor Artal and his partner Sonia Ortega, who participate to make the weekend an event full of music, dance and fun for everyone who has the opportunity to attend.

The dance shows that take place during this festival spread excitement and energy to the audience. You will find the entertaining musical content very dynamic and lively; it's no wonder you end up dancing along to the rhythm of the music, you'll have a great time.

Menorca is characterised by its gastronomic richness, but in May the artistic and cultural side prevails, which distinguishes the atmosphere from the cold and tense climate in winter, and transforms it into an enthusiastic and warm atmosphere, both for its inhabitants and for foreign visitors.

Discover more walks in Menorca

Make the most of the experience at the Pastisset Fest

Pastisset Fest| ©Tobi
Pastisset Fest| ©Tobi

This is a festival where the folk music of Menorca and its gastronomic culture will be an excellent centre of attraction for you. Many local musical groups and singers will showcase their artistic talents, while the public can taste the most exquisite Menorcan products; offered at the island's little market, just outside the Pastisset Fest in Es Castell.

The music of Menorca transmits vitality and energy, which causes a furore in its venues and is transmitted to the travellers who accompany them during the celebration. You can't help but dance to the infectious tunes. Joining in the celebration is very easy, the atmosphere of euphoria and joy that you will feel when you are there will allow you to enjoy this festival to the full.

Join the procession up to Monte Toro

In Monte Toro| ©Eduardo Ortín
In Monte Toro| ©Eduardo Ortín

Joining the procession to Menorca's Monte Toro may be a different activity from the previous ones, but it will give you an insight into the customs and beliefs of Menorca's inhabitants. There is so much historical value in this tradition that you should not cross it off your list. The commemoration of the Virgen del Toro is a celebration that every year brings together hundreds of local people to venerate their patron saint. It will be a journey that will surprise you.

The month of May is extremely special for Menorcans for this reason. The climb up Monte Toro mountain lasts approximately one hour, and ends at the summit where the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Toro is located. This is a place from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the landscapes of Menorca. It will be worth every step of the way to get there.

Attend the Jazz Festival in Ciutadella

Person playing Jazz| ©Chevanon Photography
Person playing Jazz| ©Chevanon Photography

Music is the flagship that makes Menorca stand out during the month of May. The Jazz Festival, which takes place in Ciudadela, is another musical event you should be sure to attend. The harmony and tranquillity you feel when witnessing this musical spectacle will leave you with sensations you'll want to experience again. It has been held since 2017, and more and more artists are joining in.

This is another event held in Ciudadela during the month of May. It is also inclined towards music, but in a completely different genre. The Menorca Jazz Festival is much quieter than the Swing Weekend, but that doesn't mean you should miss it. A memorable event that will allow you to enjoy jazz in an extraordinary way.

Equestrian show: the Horse Fair

Horse Fair| ©Max
Horse Fair| ©Max

The Menorcan Equestrian Morphology Competition takes place every year in Mercadal. A show where you can see the best examples of the Menorcan breed. If you like horse riding, you will be able to enjoy the acrobatics performed by these purebred animals, characterised by their black colour.

The majesty of their gallop is done in a peculiar way, as in Menorca horse dressage is practised as a discipline with a different set of rules to the conventional one. One of the most striking modalities is that of the rider who holds the reins of the horse using only one of his hands.

There is the possibility of riding one of these emblematic horses. Some equestrian centres in Menorca include horse riding in their tourist offer. The best thing about this is that Menorcan horses are very calm and easily obey their riders. Horse riding around Menorca is an activity you should add to your list, although there will always be those who prefer Jeep tours around the island.

Taste the best Menorcan wines at the Wine Fair in Mahon

Wine Tasting| ©Timur Saglambilek
Wine Tasting| ©Timur Saglambilek

Mostra de Vins is the Wine Fair held in Menorca, one of the demonstrations of the Balearic island's potential for winemaking. It takes place specifically in Mahón, but it is attended by the best winemakers' cellars in Menorca. During the event, they offer samples to taste the most outstanding winemaking work of the year. If you are a wine lover, this is an event not to be missed.

At the exhibition, the wineries prepare their best bottles of wine and champagne. The perfect moment to taste the highest quality wines from Menorca, and if you're still hungry for more, you can buy them at the end of the tasting.

All the wines on offer during this wine fair are of Menorcan origin. A moment that the winemakers take advantage of to present the new products of their wineries, to promote their exclusive reserves and to attract the attention of visitors to the island.

Enjoy live concerts in Claustro del Carmen

Cloister of El Carmen| ©Rafacasette
Cloister of El Carmen| ©Rafacasette

When you are looking to attend musical performances, Menorca is the place to be. Live concerts are held at Claustro del Carmen on a regular basis. However, one of the best months to attend these events is May. When the bitter cold of winter has passed and the heat of summer has not yet set in.

Among the most acclaimed singers in Menorca is Gigi McFarlane. Her live performances cause a furore among those present. If you attend one of her performances, you can feel the sound of the guitar that accompanies her melodious voice thrill you. There are times when she plays the guitar herself while she performs her songs; an unmissable spectacle.

Admire Menorcan floral beauty at the Fiestas de las Flores (Flower Festival)

Flowers at the Fiestas de las Flores| ©Slow Life Menorca
Flowers at the Fiestas de las Flores| ©Slow Life Menorca

Spring in May brings with it the majesty of nature at its best. A great variety of flora that is favoured by the good temperature and that has already recovered from the winter season. You cannot leave Menorca without first admiring its natural beauty at the Flower Festival.

An event that brings together various growers of local floral species, whose splendour takes place during the month of May in Alayor. May is the month of flowers par excellence in Menorca. In some years this wonderful festival coincides with the Flower Competition in La Salle, this is no coincidence, it is the annual rebirth of the Menorcan flora.

Monte Toro Dance Festival: a culturally enriching event

Theatre des Born| ©Color sépia
Theatre des Born| ©Color sépia

The streets of Monte Toro make way for the Festival de Danza de Menorca, an event estimated to last three days, which takes place on different stages. The main performance takes place at the Teatre des Born, located in Ciudadela. The opening of the event will feature an artistic performance by the Pax de Deux.

This is another festival that will take place in Ciutadella during the month of May, which you are free to attend. The initiative for this festival came from Pascal Houzelot, who decided to complement the cultural activities developed in Menorca with a dance show of the highest level.

May: an ideal month for hiking in Menorca

By Camí de Cavalls| ©Damià Vinent Olives
By Camí de Cavalls| ©Damià Vinent Olives

May is certainly an ideal month for hiking in Minorca. Its landscapes are positively influenced by the beginning of summer and it is an activity that you cannot leave without doing. The routes are perfect for getting another perspective of Menorca's natural wealth.

The stretches you decide to walk along places such as the Camí de Cavalls become an exceptional sight. The abundance of its flora adorns all the paths along the way and will guide you to magical corners of the island, which few people manage to enjoy at other times of the year.

Watch a summer sunset from Punta Nati

Sunset in Menorca| ©Chris Combe
Sunset in Menorca| ©Chris Combe

Ciudadela never ceases to surprise those who visit it. If you have paid attention to the events shown above, you will have noticed that many of them take place in Ciudadela. It is precisely there where the famous Punta Nati lighthouse is located, which offers an excellent view of the sunsets in summer.

It is considered by visitors to be an obligatory stop during their stay in Menorca, especially if you want to appreciate the wonderful views of the sunsets. Its construction dates back to 1912, motivated by the recurrent shipwrecks that used to occur in that area.

You are probably thinking that this is a rather simple plan. But there is nothing like appreciating the wonders of nature. Sunsets can be spectacular, and during your summer in Minorca there is one place you must visit to see them. You won't regret going. This is just one; check out the top 5 sunsets in Menorca.

Advantages of visiting Menorca in May

Menorca Beach| ©Nicolas Vigier
Menorca Beach| ©Nicolas Vigier

Visiting Menorca during the month of May is one of the best decisions you can make, not only because the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, but also because there are many benefits when looking for accommodation and planning visits to tourist sites.

Another major advantage is that airfares are often cheaper in May than in other months. And it's much easier to find good hotel rooms and places to stay while on the island. An excellent option will always be a place with a sea view, which will make your nights a dream come true. Take advantage of the weather to visit some of the 5 best places to snorkel in Menorca.

May is a month in which the influx of tourists in Menorca is quite low compared to the following months. This is a plus that you can use to your advantage, considering that there will be more variety to choose from among the various accommodation options, and you will have access to options that are usually sold out in the high season. One of the most popular activities for tourists are boat trips.

Book boat trips in Menorca

What is the weather like in Menorca in May?

On a Jet Ski| ©Asad Photo
On a Jet Ski| ©Asad Photo

The weather in May is suitable for all your outdoor and tourist activities; boat trips in Menorca or fun experiences with jet skis. It is more favourable than other months of the year, with a maximum temperature of 24°. This translates into a cool and comfortable environment for your holiday. Rainfall is unlikely during this month, so you don't have to worry about rain spoiling your plans or scheduled outings.

At the beginning of the month a light cloudiness may be observed, but it decreases as the days go by. Summer is beginning, the sun's intensity increases, and its duration extends to almost an hour longer than usual. You can consider it an opportunity that Menorca gives you to enjoy your stay on the island even more.