Mallorca’s beautiful little sister

Often referred to as Mallorca’s little sister, Menorca sits east of its big sibling and is the northernmost island of Spain’s Balearic archipelago. Its geographical location results in a varied climate, providing ideal conditions for surfing in the north and beach holidaying in the south.

Small is beautiful!

The Menorcan capital of Mahón (Maó in Catalan) is renowned for its British-style Georgian houses and has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The island is only 30 by 10 miles (50 by 16 km) in size, which means all of the beaches and attractions are easy to reach from Mahón.

Ciutadella is situated on Menorca’s west coast and considered one of the nicest towns on the island. The port city is famous for its historic city centre that features medieval streets, a Gothic-style town hall, nineteenth century palaces and the Santa María Cathedral. The erstwhile quarries of Pedreres de s’Hostal are not far from Ciutadella; today, the area includes an impressive natural labyrinth and is also used to host concerts and other events. The archaeological site of Torre d'en Galmés is another landmark well worth visiting: the Talayotic settlement is one of the largest of the Balearic Islands and includes excavations from the Bronze Age.

White sand and spectacular views

Menorca boasts a whopping 135 miles (215 km) of beaches. Most of them are in the south and lure with dazzling white sand and crystal-clear water. Cala Galdana is home to one of Menorca’s most popular beaches. The coastal resort offers a slew of restaurants, cafés and leisure time activities. Adjacent to it is Cala Macarella, a natural beach with gentle waves and azure waters. From there, the small beach of Cala Macarelleta can be reached via a footpath affording truly spectacular views.

Tucked away in the southwest of the island, Cala en Turqueta was once an insider’s tip. But its beauty has not gone unnoticed. Today, this remote natural beach is a bustling oasis. Arenal d’en Castell, in the northeast of the island, is ideal for families: situated within a bay, there is very little current and the water is always slightly warmer than elsewhere.

Simply put, Menorca is the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a sun-drenched beach holiday with all the amenities and comforts, yet away from the bustle and crowds of its Balearic neighbours.