Discover Menorca, the wild Spanish isle that’s one of the best-kept secrets on the Mediterranean, where those in the know are casting off to embrace sun, sea, and art.
SOAK UP THE SUN AT CALA MACARELLETA
A tranquil cove beloved by locals and summering Spaniards alike, this tiny pocket of sugary white sand and gin-clear water may not be easily accessible, but is well worth the effort. Take a scenic trek along the pine tree-strewn cliff trail to enjoy paradise found.
TAKE TO THE WAVES
We spent a morning at sea on a traditional llaüt that pootled about 15 miles an hour around the craggy cliffs of Fornells on the northern side of the island.
SEAFRONT SCENES
Even if clubbing isn’t your thing, the unique setting of Cova d’en Xoroi — a lively nightspot located in a cliff-side cave — offers sunset views that are out of this world.
PALMS OF MENORCA
A plethora of swaying palm trees cast moving shadows onto the honey-toned buildings of the Ciutadella.
SEEK REFUGE IN CULTURE
In the heat of the day, find some welcome shade within the aged walls of the Convent of Sant Agusti, a 17th-century architectural marvel complete with baroque cloister, home to the Diocesan Museum.
GO TO MARKET
As with many heritage cities, the beating heart of Ciutadella comes to life on market day. A pretty pile of green-and-white tiles, the old-school Mercat Municipal is located on Plaza de la Libertad. We sipped on espresso at a nearby café and took in the scenes of leathery-skinned fishmongers and butchers slicing their wares for abuelas doing their weekly shop.
FINCA BY THE WATER
During our trip, my boyfriend and I once spent all afternoon at a gorgeous finca at the not-so-secret beach cove Cala Binidalí. There, we escaped the heat with a refreshing swim and a dive or two off the rocks. With its candy-blue tables, Binidalí Som Sis beach bar is a great place to rehydrate afterwards, positioned just at the top of the inlet’s pathway.
TAKING IT EASY
Colourful corners at every angle of the Ciutadella. Head to Ulisses for a red vermouth on some ice and a slab of crunchy pan con tomate.
SWEET TREATS
On Menorca, breakfast comes in the form of flaky, oh-so-powdery ensaïmada, a sweet spiralled pastry that goes down a treat with coffee.
CACTUS BLOOMS
The whole island is filled with curling cacti and prickly pears. We found this bunch on Illa del Rei, an island in Menorca’s harbour, home to the must-visit Hauser & Wirth art centre.
BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOUR
Replete with pristine beaches, hidden coves, and almost impossibly blue waters — minus the teeming crowds of big sister Mallorca — no trip to Menorca is complete without some serious R&R on the coast.
TAKE THE PLUNGE
Ciutadella dwellers with a daredevil streak often head to Cala en Brut, just outside the city, to get the heart racing with a cliff jump or two. It’s also a popular spot for rockpool bathing.
A QUICK-HIT GUIDE TO MENORCA
- STAY — Torralbenc, a cream-coloured farmhouse estate tucked between rolling farms and vineyards.
- EAT — Restaurante S’Amadaror, serving the freshest fish, or Cap Roig, for delicious lobster stew.
- BEACH — Cala Macarelleta, a tiny secluded cove situated near Cala Macarella.
- DRINK — Mahón’s Sa Bodega for glugs of red vermouth, or Bar Augustin for natural wine.
- SHOP — Concept store Casa M for vintage and homeware and Le Souvenir for interesting gifts.
- COFFEE — Café Central and Pigalle, both located in Mahón.
- DO — Art appreciating at Hauser & Wirth before lunch at on-site restaurant Cantina.
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