Mallorca versus Menorca: which island is for you? Liz Rowlinson and Arabella Youens fight it out
Why Menorca?
Away from the razzmatazz, the Michelin chefs and the superyacht regattas found on other Mediterranean islands, this, the easternmost spot in the Balearic archipelago, has been somewhat offradar—until now. Completely unspoilt by the blights of package tourism, there are no ‘mega nightclubs’ and it’s not on the stag- or hen-night map.
In the past, a lack of regular flights to Menorca during the winter months has been a stumbling block, but this is on the turn. Last year was a record for Mahón airport traffic, with an 8.1% increase in visitors. The local authorities are introducing initiatives to encourage airlines to continue flights out of peak summer months: this year, EasyJet established a new service from London Gatwick.
What to do there
Menorca is about clean living. Having championed sustainable tourism long before the term was coined, it boasts countless idyllic beaches with glistening seawater and is perfect for walking, cycling or riding—particularly along the Camí de Cavalls, a medieval bridlepath that follows the coastal route for 115 miles. In 1993, UNESCO declared the island a biosphere reserve.
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