A sunny destination on France’s doorstep, offering magnificent scenery while remaining untouched by mass tourism.

Just a stone’s throw fromFrance, a Mediterranean island combines unspoilt nature with a peaceful pace. It ticks all the boxes of a sunny destination, without the crowds and clichés. Here’s why this discreet spot deserves a place on your map.

Minorca, the Mediterranean’s discreet neighbor

Menorca nestles in the Balearic archipelago to the east of Majorca. It’s a quieter island, despite its growing reputation. As a result, you can breathe unspoilt sea air along its 200 km coastline.

Classified as a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, the island protects dunes, cliffs and pine forests. The Albufera des Grau nature park forms a green heart around lagoons and seabirds. This sunny destination opts for sobriety rather than excess.

Turquoise coves and coastal paths

To the south, white sandy coves open up between golden cliffs. To the north, dark, wild coves offer a different palette. Yet the same sunny destination is revealed here, with clear, shallow waters.

“It’s easy to see that Menorca’s real wealth lies in the time it has regained.

The Camí de Cavalls winds 185 km of signposted paths around the island. You can walk for an hour between two calas, then take the bus home. The same route can also be explored on mountain bikes or horseback.

When to go, how to move

In spring and autumn, the light is soft and the roads are quiet. In summer, the sea heats up and services are in full swing. So you can enjoy this sunny destination all year round, according to your desires.

• Bring water, a hat and closed shoes.
• Check return buses before setting off on a trail.
• Respect Posidonia oceanica meadows when mooring.
• Reserve parking early for popular summer calas.
• Plan ahead for dinner in Ciutadella or Maó to secure a table.

Buses run between Maó (Mahón) and Ciutadella, then serve a number of villages. A car also gives the whole family a great deal of freedom. On the other hand, the offer gets tighter in summer, so book well in advance.

When it comes to accommodation, fincas and agroturismos are the perfect choice. What’s more, small town addresses make short stays easy. In July and August, the best options go fast.

The plate tells the story of the island, with Mahón-Menorca PDO cheese and caldereta de langosta. In addition, the markets offer simple, fresh produce. Finally, a local gin often accompanies a sunset.

Towns, heritage and Talayotic stones

In Ciutadella, sandstone palaces and shady alleyways invite you to stroll. The golden light sculpts the facades as the day progresses. The town offers an urban interlude in the heart of a sunny destination.

Maó’s natural harbor is vast and sheltered from the wind. On the other hand, the atmosphere is more maritime and commercial. So, terraces and markets punctuate travelers’ mornings.

Everywhere, Talayotic monuments preserve the memory of the island. In 2023, UNESCO declared this prehistoric site a World Heritage Site. Sites such as the Naveta des Tudons are easy to visit.

Soft activities and responsible travel

The bay is home to kayaking, paddling and snorkeling for all. What’s more, the water’s transparency is astonishing from the very first meters. Respect the Posidonia oceanica meadows, pillars of marine life.

Families will find gently sloping beaches to the south. Pine trees offer shade and respite in the middle of the day. This sunny destination is ideal for young swimmers.

For your budget, aim for the May-June or September-October duo. As a result, you benefit from lower prices and quieter coves. And temperatures remain pleasant for both walking and swimming.

Choose eco-friendly accommodation and reduce single-use plastic. Then take the marked trails to limit dune erosion. In this way, you can prolong the magic of a sunny destination for tomorrow.

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