10 Things to Do in Menorca in May

Events and festivals you must attend if you visit Menorca in May: concerts, fairs and contests to start the summer in style.

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 revealed with the realization of various events and festivals, many of which take place during the month of May. So, visiting Menorca in May can become an enriching and unforgettable experience for you. But this is not the only thing you can do on the Balearic Island. There is a huge amount of activities you can do if you visit Menorca during this season.

With the beginning of summer and its splendid weather, you will be able to indulge in any outdoor activity you want to do; go kayaking in Menorca, hiking and even horseback riding along the historical path of the Camí de Cavalls. Do you want to enjoy the beginning of summer in Menorca? These are the best events and festivals that take place in May throughout 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 not afford to miss, as it brings together great musicians and artists like Hector 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 public. Its entertaining musical content will be very dynamic and lively; it is not surprising that you will end up dancing while following the rhythm of the music, of how much fun you are going to have.

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

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Live the full 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 center of attraction for you. Many local musical groups and singers will show their artistic talents, while the public can taste the most exquisite Menorcan products; offered in the little market of the island, just outside the Pastisset Fest in Es Castell.

The music of Menorca transmits vitality and energy, which causes a furor in their locals and is transmitted to the travelers who accompany them during the celebration. You will not be able to avoid dancing to the contagious melody. Joining the celebration is very easy, the atmosphere of euphoria and joy that you feel being there, will allow you to enjoy this festival to the fullest.

Join the procession to Mount 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 a closer look at 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 locals 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 ascent to the mountain Monte Toro takes about an hour, and culminates at the top where the Sanctuary of the Virgen del Toro is located. A place from where you will be able to appreciate 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 Ciudadela

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 tranquility you feel when witnessing this musical spectacle will leave you with sensations you will want to experience again. It has been held since 2017, and more and more artists are joining its development.

This is another event held in Ciudadela during the month of May. Leaning also towards the musical field, 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 Menorquina Equestrian Morphology Contest takes place every year in Mercadal. A show where you can appreciate the best specimens of Menorcan breed. If you like horse riding, you can enjoy the acrobatics performed by these purebred animals, characterized by their black color.

The majesty of their gallop is done in a peculiar way, since in Menorca horse dressage is practiced as a discipline with a different set of rules than 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 centers in Menorca include horseback riding among their tourist offer. The best thing about this is that Menorcan horses are very calm and easily obey their riders. Horseback riding around Menorca is an activity that you should add to your list, although there will always be those who prefer to do the Jeep excursions 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 potential for winemaking that the Balearic island has. It takes place specifically in Mahón, but it is attended by the best wineries of Menorca. During its realization, they offer samples to taste the most outstanding wine works during the year. If you are a wine lover, this is an event you cannot miss.

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

All the wines offered during this wine fair are of Menorcan origin. A moment that the winemakers take advantage of to present the novelties of their wineries, promote the exclusive reserves and capture 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 shows, Menorca is the ideal place. In Claustro del Carmen live concerts are held on a very 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 done its thing.

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

Admire Menorcan floral beauty at the Flower Festivities

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 in its maximum splendor. A great variety of flora that is favored by the good temperature and that has already recovered from the winter season. You cannot leave Menorca without having admired its natural beauty during the Flower Festival.

An event where various growers of local floral species meet, whose splendor 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 Contest in La Salle, this is no coincidence, it is the annual rebirth of the Menorcan flora.

Monte Toro Dance Festival: a cultural enrichment 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 with an estimated duration of 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 presentation by the Pax de Deux.

This is another festival that will take place in Ciudadela during the month of May, which you are free to attend. The initiative of 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

Certainly, May is an ideal month to practice hiking in Menorca. Its landscapes are positively influenced by the beginning of summer and it becomes an activity that you cannot leave without doing. The routes are perfect to have another perspective of the natural wealth of Menorca.

The stretches that you decide to go through places like the Camí de Cavalls, become an exceptional view. 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 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 as an obligatory stop during their stay in Menorca, especially if you want to appreciate the wonderful views of its sunsets. Its construction dates back to 1912, motivated by the recurring shipwrecks that arose in that area.

You are probably thinking that it is a rather simple plan. But there is nothing like appreciating the wonders of nature. Sunsets can be spectacular, and during your summer in Menorca there is a place you must visit to see them. You won't regret going. This is just one; watch the 5 best 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 of the main advantages is that in May airline tickets are usually cheaper than in other months. And it is much easier to find good hotel rooms and places to stay during your stay on the island. An excellent option will always be a place with an ocean 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 high season. One of the most popular activities for tourists are boat excursions.

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 you to develop all the tourist and outdoor activities you want; boat trips in Menorca or fun experiences with jet skis. It is more favorable than other months of the year, its maximum temperature is 24°. This translates into a cool and comfortable environment to spend your vacation. During this month it is unlikely that there will be precipitation, so you don't have to worry about rain damaging your plans or scheduled tours.

At the beginning of the month a light cloudiness may be observed, but it decreases as the days go by. Summer is beginning, the solar 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 even more your stay in the island.