2Menorca, Spain – Tranquility and Turquoise Perfection
While Ibiza and Mallorca steal the spotlight, Menorca remains their quieter, more affordable sister—and a true rival to Santorini’s coastal beauty. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca boasts an untouched landscape of pine forests, limestone cliffs, and hidden coves lapped by impossibly clear water.
The island’s coastline is dotted with calas (small bays), such as Cala Macarella, Cala Mitjana, and Cala Pregonda, where you can swim in crystal-blue waters framed by golden rocks. The contrast of white villages and turquoise sea easily recalls the Cyclades, but Menorca’s laid-back rhythm and minimal crowds make it even more appealing.
The capital, Mahon, charms visitors with its grand harbor and colonial architecture, while Ciutadella, the island’s former capital, enchants with its narrow lanes and candlelit squares. Menorca is also a foodie’s paradise, known for its farm-to-table cuisine, local cheese, and gin distilleries.
With direct budget flights from Europe and a wide range of affordable boutique stays, Menorca offers all the serenity and color of Santorini—at a fraction of the cost.
