Menorca

Standing at an average altitude of 66,600 metres, to the uninitiated Spain may be seen as a country of clichés but it is actually far more than the land of sol y playa; more than paella and sangria. The Spain of today has evolved from the captivity of the Franco years and has also survived the threat of terrorism from Basque separatists.

Spain attracts more than 50 million visitors a year and it’s easy to understand why. You only have to imagine sitting on the steps of a white washed villa watching the sun slowly descend over the vineyards and into an idyllic curve of enchanting beach.Some of the jewels in the Spanish crown however, are a little less known. Nestling in the shelter of Spain’s Southern coastline are the Balearics. Forget the slightly jaded attractions of Majorca and Ibiza, although even these retain a certain charm and elegance despite their reputations as the clubbing capitals of Europe - the true prize is the tiny island of Menorca.

Stretching at just 270sqm and with a population of 70,206, this little gem brings joy and memories to all who visit.The capital of Mahon (Mao) is situated to the east of the island and has only been the capital since 1721 when the British moved in and took this status away from Ciutadella. Mahon is the home of one of the largest natural harbours in the world at 5km long, 1km wide and 15-30m deep. An array of bars and restaurants parallel to the waters edge add to the buzz and atmosphere whether it is night or day.

Fifteen minutes from Mahon is the village of Binibeca. Sitting on the south east coast, Binibeca has not yet been discovered by major travel agents which guarantees peace, quiet and a perfect holiday for relaxation. The white villas and terracotta roofs, complimented by the clear, blue pools is a breath taking example of typical Menorca. The beach at Binibeca can only be described as beautiful. Golden sand which cascades through your toes as you walk, the water slipping in and out cheekily of the shore, the sun beaming down from the cloudless sky as local men serve ice-cream and drinks, and the smell of sun cream coming together for that ultimate holiday feeling.

Binibeca Vell is a traditional Menocian fishing village just a ten-minute walk from the beach. The houses of Binibeca Vell make the maze next to the sea. Endless cobbled paths intertwining in and out of each other, dimly lit by lamps and eventually passing the tiny little church hidden deep within.

Every year, locals and tourists come to together to celebrate Saint Louis IX, King of France at the traditional festival in San Luis. The most popular and spectacular part of the festival is the horses and the caixers (riders) riding through the streets decorated in ribbons and bright colours. The horses rearing up and being held by the brave, local men for as long as they dare to is such an adrenaline rush to watch.

Cheers go up from the crowd and the old, Menocian woman sit on their balconies looking over the narrow streets with smiles on their faces and talking to the lady living in the opposite apartment who is also watching the action from the safety of her window.

It is fair to say that Menorca is a small island bursting with character waiting to be discovered by new people every day.