Off the Beaten Track in Menorca: Crowd-Free Villages and Radiant Countryside

It’s your first full day in Menorca and what better way to spend it than discovering your beautiful new surroundings in the company of a friendly local guide? After a delicious breakfast this morning, head into the heart of the old town of Ciutadella to discover the endless scenic and cultural delights on offer. This is a great opportunity to not only soak in the sights of the city, but also to learn a little more about daily life in Menorca. You’ll visit an eclectic mix of interesting sites, including the 14th-century Santa Maria cathedral, the Olivar house-museum and a bustling local market, which is overflowing with seasonal vegetables, fish and seafood. Round off this morning’s walk with a delicious lunch whipped up by a local chef. This afternoon is yours to play with. You can continue discovering the city at your own leisure, taking the time to admire the many grand palaces built by noble families here in the 17th and 18th centuries. And there’s the Ses Voltes shopping street, which is well worth checking out. If you’re ready to rest your legs, you could also head to one of the many beautiful beaches nearby for a refreshing dip and a spot of sunbathing.

For your last day in this part of the island, we recommend making use of your hire car (with its built-in GPS) to discover the breathtaking natural landscapes that extend beyond Ciutadella. The luscious Menorcan countryside is right on your doorstep and is perfect for exploring on foot or by bike, as is the Naveta d'Es Tudons, an ancestral tomb in the shape of an overturned boat. And then there are the beaches, which vary from long sandy stretches backed by lush vegetation to tiny coves at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs. When you’re ready for a dose of culture of the gastronomic variety, head to one of the many traditional eateries in town to sample the much-adored local specialities of caldereta de langosta (lobster bouillabaisse) and charcuterie produced on the island.

Today you’ll be switching things up, swapping the bustle of the city for the calm of the countryside. After a hearty breakfast this morning, hop back into your hire car and drive half an hour to Alaior, in the interior of the island. Your next hotel and home for the remaining five nights is a traditional farmhouse surrounded by acres and acres of fragrant Mediterranean flora. The design of the place is bohemian and elegant, reflecting its rustic roots while providing contemporary comforts. The rest of today is yours to spend settling into your new environment. We recommend heading out for a stroll through the countryside before heading back to the hotel for a delicious evening meal based on local culinary traditions.

The next two days are all about slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Your hotel has a beautiful pool and spa, perfect for some serious relaxation. If you manage to peel yourself away from your countryside hideaway, then there is plenty to see in the surrounding area. The idyllic beach of Cala en Porter, with is turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, is just a few minutes’ drive away. There are also plenty of hiking trails winding though the wilderness that extends beyond the estate. When your inner culture buff is ready for some action, head to nearby Mahon for a spot of sightseeing. Here, you can visit one of the oldest Royal Naval Hospitals still standing, as well as the 19th-century fortress of Isabella II on the Mola peninsula. Our team could also arrange for you to discover the north coast of the island on a traditional boat.

Opt for a light breakfast today, as later you’ll be heading out to a traditional dairy farm to learn all about the production of local produce before sampling a selection of tasty cheeses. The farm you’re going to is particularly famous for its Queso Mahon, a soft-to-hard white cheese made from cows’ milk named after the port of the same name. After getting hands-on with the cheese-making process, round off your visit with a tasting of the different varieties produced on site.