Of the four main islands in the Spanish Balearic archipelago, Menorca is the most private, even though it is the second largest, stretching over some fifty kilometres. This is because of the dictator Franco (or thanks to him!) who, to punish Menorca for remaining Republican during the Spanish Civil War, deprived it of an airport worthy of the name until 1969. As a result, Menorca escaped the mass tourism and urbanisation of the coastline, which took place in certain parts of neighbouring Mallorca.

Although more travellers are discovering Menorca today, the island remains unspoilt. Here, there are very few large seaside resorts and XXL hotels like in Mallorca, but rather charming hotels and fincas (farmhouses) transformed into more or less chic holiday cottages, with agrotourism that respects the landscape and traditions; no nightclubs and crazy techno parties like in Ibiza, but inns and restaurants where you can sample the local specialities. But don't imagine that you'll get bored!

People come to Menorca to enjoy its authentic atmosphere, blending Arab, Spanish and even English influences, a reminder of the time when the British planted their flag on the island. Here you can enjoy "slow tourism" and discover natural Mediterranean landscapes. More than half of the island has been classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and the more adventurous can follow the coastal path (Cami de Cavalls), now a hiking trail, which circles the island (185 km), along the sea shore.

Tracing a line from east to west, the main road divides the island in two, with gentle hills (the highest point reaching 353 m) dotted with olive trees and fields enclosed by low drystone walls where cows and sheep graze. To the north, the wild coastline is reminiscent of Brittany, but with Mediterranean sunshine and the song of the cicadas! You will discover secluded coves for swimming and tiny harbours like Fornells with its smart venues. The southern slopes are more enchanting, criss-crossed by ravines which, approaching the sea, become coves shaded by maritime pines.

Beyond the landscapes, Menorca also features whitewashed villages, fortified farmhouses and strange megaliths dating from the Bronze Age (a bit like our dolmens). Not forgetting the two main towns.  In the south-east, Mahon (population 25,000) developed when the English arrived in the 18th century - seduced by its harbour - and made it their capital. They left behind Victorian houses that blend harmoniously with Spanish culture. To the west, Ciutadella features Arab influences. It has retained its medina layout but hides Baroque and Renaissance churches, a reminder that Menorca was once a hub of the western Mediterranean. Nourished by these many influences, proud of its values and welcoming, the island is bound to capture your heart...

• Church of San Maria (in Mahon) - the city's largest church, which hosts concerts of religious music
• La Mola fortress - a building made up of bastions and ramparts, which closes off the port of Mahon
• Tour d'En Galmes - inland, in the south of the island, the ruins of a village from the Talayotic period (Bronze Age), crowned by a talayot (a type of tower)
• Fornells - in the north of the island, a lobster fishing port with pretty white houses 
• Ciutadella - a lovely town to explore for its old cobbled streets and whitewashed houses
• Cathedral of Menorca (in Ciutadella) - 14th-century Gothic cathedral, built on the ruins of a mosque
• Ca'n Olivar (in Ciutadella) - a 17th-century private palace open to visitors
• Ciutadella market and its wrought-iron fish market dating from the 19th century
• Naveta des Tudos - on the road from Ciutadella to Mahon, a Bronze Age funerary monument shaped like an upturned boat

• 5 January - Cabalgada de los Reyes Magos (arrival of the Three Wise Men, who distribute toys and sweets)

• 17 January - Sant Antoni procession, to celebrate the reconquest of the island by King Alfonso III in 1287 

• February/March - Carnival, with floats and parades through the villages

• 1 March - Independent Community Day

• March/April - Holy Week, with processions of penitent brotherhoods

• 24 June - Midsummer's Day, with many bonfires, especially in Ciutadella 

• June to September - horse festivals throughout the island

• 16 July - sea processions to celebrate the Verge del Carme (patron saint of sailors), particularly in Mahon and Ciutadella

• 12 October - Spanish bank holidays

• In the town of Ferrerias, horse lovers (and others!) won't want to miss the Son Martorellet - Somni horse show, a testament to the role of the horse in Menorcan culture. www.sonmartorellet.com 

   

• Agrotourism is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Like at Torral Benc, a 17th-century farmhouse transformed into a chic hotel, surrounded by vineyards (excellent wine produced by the estate). torralbenc.com

   

• Lithica is a limestone quarry converted into a cultural site. The enchanting setting includes gardens, a stone labyrinth watched over by a giant totem pole, a gigantic natural amphitheatre... www.lithica.es

• Tapas - finger food (ham, meat, anchovies, cheese... to share with friends
• Sobrasada - a sausage made with minced pork and chilli peppers
• Asado de lechona - delicious roast suckling pig
• Escaldum - duck and potato stew
• Lomo con col - steak with cabbage, for cooler evenings!
• Empanadas - puff pastry filled with vegetables
• Menorcan style stuffed squid
• A wide variety of fish: scorpion fish, staple fish, swordfish, sea bream...

Desserts

• Queso de Mao - cheese rubbed with olive oil and crushed chilli pepper
• Ensaimada - flaky brioche sprinkled with sugar
• Robiol - sweet cake filled with cream
• Pastisset - star-shaped pastry
• Carquinyol - a dry cake made from almonds 
• Tortada de merengue - meringue pie

Drinks

• Balearic wine* is excellent, with two local appellations: Pia i Lievant and Binissalem
• Horchata de chufa - a sweet non-alcoholic drink made from tiger nut (papyrus family)
• Palo* - a type of vermouth to be enjoyed as an aperitif, made from cinchona peel and gentian
• Hierbas* - a digestive made from aromatic plants including aniseed and rosemary
• Gin* - inherited from the English, gin is very popular on Menorca, with a distillery in Mahon.

* l'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération

• Menorca tourist office
• Spain tourist office
• French ministry of tourist affairs
• French Embassy in Spain
• Menorca airport