Not Mallorca or Ibiza—The Insider's Guide to Spain's Rough, Overlooked Balearic Island

      Welcome to Who What Wear Travels, a collection of carefully curated guides for destinations favored by the fashion elite. This serves as your comprehensive resource on everything from the trendiest accommodations to unforgettable dining experiences and essential travel attire, all approved by stylish locals and well-traveled fashion insiders. Traveling during the shoulder season to warmer locations that aren't in full swing is one of my favorite types of trips. There's a unique charm to this period that can't be replicated in peak summer: fewer crowds, more breathing space, lower hotel prices, and the feeling that a destination retains its authentic essence. Menorca in the spring encapsulates this perfectly.

      Of all the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the least commercialized in the most appealing way. Even Formentera, once considered the most tranquil of the islands, has become livelier in recent years, but Menorca has maintained a serene atmosphere that feels intentional. There's not an overwhelming list of activities here in the conventional sense. Days are straightforward and elemental: enjoying long seafood lunches by the shore, trekking to breathtaking wild beaches that require effort to access, and swimming in some of the clearest waters of the Mediterranean—thanks to the posidonia seagrass that flourishes on the seabed. When you're not at the beach, you're exploring the old town of Ciutadella, wandering through coastal fishing villages, shopping in Mahón, or visiting Hauser & Wirth on its own private island.

      I visited Menorca from late April into early May, when the island was just beginning to awaken for the season. I'm now fully convinced that it was the ideal time to go. Almost everything had just reopened, the weather was delightful, and I enjoyed mostly empty beaches. By summer, the island gets crowded; parking becomes difficult, the best beaches require early arrivals, reservations for restaurants are essential, and the experience shifts from tranquil to being more focused on logistics than spontaneity.

      (Images credit: Monica Mendal)

      Before heading to Menorca, here are a few important things to consider: You’ll need either a car or at least a scooter, which can be rented at the airport. There is one main road, the Me-1, that runs east to west through the center, with smaller roads branching out to towns and beaches. Since it doesn't closely follow the coastline and many beaches are accessed via secondary roads, distances on a map might take longer than expected in reality.

      Thus, where you choose to stay greatly influences your experience of the island. Menorca divides into three distinctive coastlines, each featuring a unique character. The southwest, near Ciutadella, is the most picturesque. This area showcases the quintessential Menorca: secluded coves with striking turquoise waters, soft sands, and towering limestone cliffs plunging into calm, luminous seas. Many exceptional beaches necessitate a 20-30 minute walk, but the reward is the cinematic and nearly tropical clarity that defines the island’s allure. The southeast, near Mahón (or Maó), is more accessible and developed, featuring easier beach access and a lively harbor atmosphere, yet still offers the same clear waters in a more relaxed, everyday environment. The north presents a different landscape entirely, characterized not by turquoise coves but by raw, rugged terrain: jagged coastlines, reddish cliffs, and a wilder, more elemental ambiance. Shaped by the Tramuntana wind, it feels harsher and more dramatic in geological terms.

      My recommendation: don’t attempt to explore the entire island from one base. On this trip, I spent two nights in the southwest near Ciutadella and the rest on the southeast coast near Mahón, which felt just right. If you can’t move around, decide between a more remote, isolated visit or a more accessible, connected experience, and choose accordingly. Below is a guide to Menorca…

      Where to Stay on Menorca

      (Images credit: Monica Mendal)

      I opted for my first two nights on the southwest coast, close to Ciutadella and the stunning beaches and coves characteristic of this part of the island. Vestige Son Vell is a beautifully renovated 18th-century manor nestled on a 450-acre estate, within walking distance to several smaller coves. As I drove along the narrow country road toward the estate, flanked by fertile fields, citrus groves, and olive trees, the aroma of warm earth and Mediterranean plants wafted through my car window before I even parked. The welcome was warm and laid-back, setting the tone for my entire stay. The property surrounds the original manor house, featuring a few rooms inside and quietly dispersed villas throughout the grounds. The bath products are from Rowse, a Spanish plant-based line that perfectly complements the setting—subtle, botanical, and gently luxurious, mirroring the ethereal atmosphere of the estate. There are two pools, a yoga pavilion, and an outdoor fitness area—the amenities are available if you wish, but nothing feels forced or overtly resort