What is it like to live in Menorca?

As an estate agent in Menorca, the question I am asked most often is: what is it like to live in Menorca?

Many of my clients first arrive as visitors and dream of beginning a new life on the island. I cannot blame them. I would probably feel the same, especially if I lived in a concrete jungle.

My instinctive answer is always: life in Menorca is very good. Of course, that brief and enthusiastic reply is never quite enough. It is usually followed by many more questions: What do people do in winter? Where do they go? What is life like for children? How international is the island?

So here is my longer answer — a personal guide for anyone considering living in Menorca.

What is everyday life in Menorca really like?

In Menorca, as everywhere else, people spend their time doing what they enjoy. The difference is that the beauty surrounding us inevitably influences the way we live.

The island invites reflection and encourages us to appreciate the most important things in life which, paradoxically, are free: a sunrise, a sunset or a swim in a beautiful cove.

Living in Menorca during winter

In winter, you can walk along the Camí de Cavalls and meet hardly anyone. You can watch the waves break in one of the island’s many unspoilt coves, or enjoy a quiet conversation over coffee by the harbour as the small boats come and go.

Personal interests become especially important when you live here. I do not want to sound overly metaphysical, but Menorca has a particular energy that seems to bring out people’s natural talents.

Artistic interests soon come to the fore. I have written before about how Menorca attracts artists. As you get to know the island, it is striking how many people paint, sing, take photographs, sculpt, collect, write or study. In that sense, Menorca sometimes feels like a small Library of Alexandria.

Sport, culture and an international community

Sport is also an important part of life in Menorca. People enjoy horse riding, sailing, tennis, golf, fishing, running, gymnastics and many other activities.

Some may say that islanders develop so many interests because there is nothing else to do. I disagree. Surely devoting time to an activity you love is more rewarding than spending the afternoon in a crowded shopping centre?

Menorca’s cultural offering is remarkably varied for an island with a permanent population of around 90,000. The Teatre Principal in Mahón is Spain’s oldest opera house, while libraries, cultural centres and exhibition spaces have continued to grow. The arrival of the internationally renowned Hauser & Wirth Menorca gallery is another fine example.

People from many parts of the world have made Menorca their home. The British community has long had a strong presence, while the French community has grown steadily. Many French residents are professionally active in tourism, wine production, organic farming and other local enterprises.

What is Menorca like for children?

This is my favourite part of the answer. Children in Menorca can still enjoy some of the freedom that many of us remember from the 1970s. That does not mean they live without mobile phones, unfortunately, but they can play outside in a safe and privileged environment. Depending on where they live, many can even walk to school.

They grow up close to nature, in a place where consumerism is less dominant and traditional values remain strong. Sport also plays a central role. Many children go horse riding or learn to sail; as I explained in an earlier article about living in Menorca, these activities are often more accessible here than in large cities.

The practical side of living in Menorca

When I say that life here is good, I am also referring to practical matters. Menorca has good healthcare, reliable internet connections and useful everyday services. Barcelona is only a short flight away, the island has quality shops and online purchases normally arrive quickly.

In short, living in Menorca is a luxury — above all because of the many wonderful things you can enjoy without having to buy them.

If you are considering making the island your home, explore properties currently for sale in Menorca or contact Ses Moreres. We will be delighted to help.