Did you think Menorca was all about lying on the beach and soaking up the sun? Although that is certainly one of the most popular holiday activities here, the island has so much more to offer visitors. It is an especially good destination for foodies, and there is plenty to discover here to give your taste buds a real treat. Here are some of the highlights for anyone booking private villas in Menorca.

Visit a Vineyard

The island produces some wonderful wines. In fact, wine production used to be very important for the economy until the 19th century. After a fall in production the wine trade is growing once again; this means you have a number of options when it comes to visiting vineyards.

Bodegas Binifadet is located near to Sant Lluis, within easy access of many private villas in Menorca. Others that you could visit include Bodega Vi de S’Illa, which is in Alaior, and Ferrer de Muntpalau, which is in Es Mercadal. You will find red and white wines made from a variety of grapes, with traditional techniques still remaining hugely popular. Arrange a guided tour of a vineyard and try some of the local wines while you’re there.

Taste Some Local Cheese

Cheese has long been popular here, and anyone booking private villas in Menorca will have the time and freedom to visit a cheese factory and sample some of the local variety for themselves.

Mahón cheese is one of the biggest local exports and, although it is called Mahón cheese, it is produced all over the island in a number of different varieties. It is very distinctive and perhaps the best place to try it is Alaior, the main cheese-making city. There are some large cheese companies here, which you can visit to take a guided tour.

Sample the Gin

You can also visit a gin factory on the island. Gin distilling is a traditional practice here, having been popular for centuries, and the best place to see where it is made is Gin Xoriguer, the distillery in Mahón. You will learn how gin makers use a range of traditional techniques to produce the drink and, of course, you will be able to sample it for yourself following your guided tour.

Visit a Food Market

As well as visiting the vineyards, cheese factories and the gin distillery, you can also explore a number of food markets held all over the island. Mercat del Claustre del Carme in Mahón is one of the best, and in Ciutadella you can visit the Rural Market on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year. Ferreries also has some good markets and you will usually be able to find a food market in most of the other towns on the island, although some of these are only held at certain times of the year.

Give Your Tastebuds a Treat

This tiny Balearic island is the perfect holiday destination for food lovers. As you can see, there is plenty to see and do and the private villas in Menorca are some of the best in the Mediterranean. Whether you want to sample the local cheese or take a tour of a vineyard, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your holiday – and that’s without even mentioning the wonderful restaurants you’ll find in the towns all over the island.