Spain’s most laid-back island has a club where you can party in caves
If you want to switch out the wildness of Ibiza for something more tranquil in the Balearic Islands, visit Menorca.
Menorca means “smaller island,” and the laid-back community prides itself on being just that.
However, where the island lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery and experiences. The 431-square-mile island has over 100 beaches, secluded coves, endless restaurants and so much more.
Menorca is one of Spain’s four principal coastal islands. The largest is Mallorca; Ibiza is the wild-child tourist attraction, and Formentera is the smallest. The island sees its biggest tourist boom through the summer season of June through August. Menorca provides a mix of modern and traditional amenities. You won’t be able to catch an Uber because rideshares are not offered on the island, and taxis can be slim to none. Renting a car or a bike would be your best option outside of walking.
Trade in retail therapy for nature by hiking through the island’s national parks. Avoid chain restaurants at all costs and instead visit one of the independently-owned restaurants serving the infamous lobster stew Menorca is famous for.
Menorca isn’t all about slow living. It has a party scene in the town of Ciutadella. You can find locals and visitors in discotheques, open-air gathering spots, brewpubs and local hotspots. Thrillest mentions a spot to put at the top of your list is Cova d’en Xoroi, a nightclub built into a cave on the water-adjacent cliffs near the village of Cala en Porter.
As for accommodations, visitors have their choice of private villas with Spanish tile roofs, historic flats with vivid shutters in the country’s urban cores, and seaside resorts with Mediterranean views. The outlet suggests the newly opened Villa Le Blanc, a Gran Melía hotel. Listed as the island’s “first grand luxury” and carbon-neutral hotel, Villa Le Blanc sits centrally on the island’s south coast in Santo Tomás. The property has 159 guestrooms, including 45 suites, many of which have private balconies with spiral staircases, daybeds, tubs, and/or pools overlooking the most turquoise waters.
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.
This story was originally published May 3, 2023 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Spain’s most laid-back island has a club where you can party in caves."