The Quieter Balearics: An Insider’s Guide to Formentera & Menorca

Swim the turquoise waters of Formentera

Hands down, this tiny island has some of the best beaches in Europe. It’s the fine white sand and impossibly clear water that make a day on the beach in Formentera feel almost unreal. My favourites are Illetes in the morning, before the crowds arrive, and Migjorn in the afternoon, which makes for an easy transition into sunset chiringuitos dotted around the southern coast.

Boat days around Espalmador

You don’t need a boat to explore the beaches or rocky coves, but if you want to drift between sandbanks, drop anchor near Espalmador for total stillness. Tip: Go early in the morning before the yachts from Ibiza make an appearance.

Cycling across Formentera

Flat, quiet, and beautifully simple, Formentera is made for cycling. Sandy paths connect beaches and chiringuitos, a great way to exercise and combine a swim. It gets very hot in summer, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended.

Explore hidden coves in Menorca

In contrast to Formentera, Menorca’s coastline is all about discovering it with a boat as some calas are only accessible by boat.

Hauser & Wirth Menorca and cultural stops across the island

Menorca’s art scene has been quietly elevated with the arrival of one of the most influential contemporary galleries, Hauser & Wirth, set on Illa del Rei in Mahón. It offers a striking blend of contemporary art, heritage restoration, and sea views, and a wonderful restaurant not to be missed.

Jeep safari through Menorca’s rural interior

A guided jeep safari through Menorca’s interior reveals a completely different side of the island. Rolling countryside, dry-stone walls, farmland, and hidden viewpoints offer a deeper sense of its quiet, rural identity away from the coast. End the experience in a finca for a tasting of Menorca’s famous Mahón cheese.

Sunset aperitifs in Ciutadella

Ciutadella feels like Menorca’s most atmospheric town, especially in the golden hour. Sit in a harbour-side bar and watch the light soften over the stone architecture and quiet boats.

• Teranka, Formentera: A relaxed, design-led beach club that captures the essence of Formentera. Expect long lunches, barefoot dining, and a beautifully understated atmosphere.

• Juan y Andrea, Formentera: An iconic beachfront restaurant on Illetes Beach known for its seafood and barefoot luxury energy. The food is great but the scene is even better, expect sea food and fresh fish, my favourite are the fried chipirones.

• Es Molí de Sal, Formentera: Set above the water with panoramic views, this is one of the island’s most atmospheric sunset dining spots. Fresh fish and Mediterranean classics define the menu. Great also for sunset aperitivo. If you go for lunch, paella is a must, if you go for aperitivo, along with some great negronis order a basked of fried sea food and a platter of jamon.

• Can Carlos, Formentera: A hidden garden restaurant with a romantic, candlelit atmosphere and refined Mediterranean cooking. It feels intimate and slightly unexpected for the island, owned by Italians so expect excellent Italian dishes with a Spanish twist.

• Torralbenc Restaurant, Menorca: A beautifully restored finca offering elegant, farm-to-table dining with vineyard views. The setting alone makes it one of the most memorable meals on the island.

• Café Balear, Ciutadella, Menorca: A harbour-side institution known for exceptional seafood and a lively, local energy. It’s simple, consistent, and always full of life.