Menorca, Spain

Experience a relaxing Menorca beach holiday or romantic getaway on one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, generally considered the least developed and most tranquil of the Balearic Islands.

Although barely 15km wide and 52km long, Menorca has more beaches than Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera combined, and offers all the ingredients you need for a relaxing honeymoon in the Mediterranean.

Along a pine-fringed coastline, discover a mix of long golden strands of sand indented with high cliffs in the south, and tiny pockets of white sand fringing rocky coves and calas (fjord-like inlets) in the north.

Choose from several purpose-built resorts including Cala Santa Galdana (also known as Cala Galdana), a low-key resort with a stunning location facing a cobalt bay on the south coast. Or try the luxury of Son Bou resort, which faces a gorgeous 2.5km-long white-sand beach stretching along the south coast.

Explore on foot, mountain bike or by hire car a landscape of green rolling hills and wooded canyons scattered with picturesque villages, fincas (country estates) and intriguing prehistoric stone-slab structures known as navetas. Ponder monuments (taulas) and rock mounds (talayots) at Naveta d'es Tudons, Talatí de Dalt (near Ciudadela) and Toralba d'en Salord (just east of Alaior).

For panoramic vistas across the whole island, hike up to the highest point on the island at Monte Toro (350m) or drive out to the promontory at Cap de Cavalleria on the northernmost tip of the island. Hike past 80m-high limestone cliffs in the spectacular 6km-long Algendar Gorge near Cala Santa Galdana.

Spot more than 100 species of migrating birds in the wetlands of Parc Natural S’Albufera d’es Grau, a small part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, created in 1993 to protect around 40 per cent of the island and the island’s unique archaeological sites.

In historic Ciudadela (or Cuitadela), wander the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, lined with 17th century palaces and featuring a fortress-like 13th century cathedral. See whitewashed houses in picture-perfect Es Mercadal and in the capital Mahón (or Maó), visit the archway of San Roque, the last remains of the castle and town wall that once surrounded this port city and overlooks a vast 5.5km long natural harbour.

Visit the 13th century Esglesia de Santa María la Major church, home to one of Europe's most celebrated organs; with four keyboards and more than 3000 pipes, the organ comes to life in the annual summer music festival held in July and August.

Accommodation
Menorca offers a good range of accommodation to suit all budgets, particularly in the capital and at popular coastal resorts. In Mahón, try the Hotel Port Mahón, a comfortable villa-style hotel overlooking the harbour.

In Ciudadela, unwind in the woodland gardens of the elegant Hotel Rural Sant Ignasi, formerly a private hacienda. In the resort of Santo Tomás, try the government rated 4-star luxury Hotel Santo Tomás and at Playa Cala Galanda, opt for Sol Gavilanes, a large hotel overlooking sugar-white sands.

Best time to visit Menorca?
The ideal months for a Menorca honeymoon are May, June, September and October, with daily temperatures averaging 24°C. It’s best to avoid the peak season crowds of July and August when temperatures soar beyond 30˚C. The clubbing season of Ibiza lasts from June to September.

Location – Menorca (also written as Minorca) is the second largest of the Balearic Islands and is located around 269km east of Barcelona.

Getting there – By air, Menorca receives daily domestic flights from Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Madrid, as well international flights from major European capitals including London. Menorca International Airport is located 3km from Mahón.

A frequent ferry service operates to and from Palma de Majorca, Ibiza and Barcelona to Mahón, Menorca’s busy port capital. How to get to Menorca . . .