DAY TWO WAVES & CAVES

MORNING

Greet the day from the top of Monte Toro, Menorca’s highest point (1,175ft). From up here, the island spreads out below like a glorious green cloak, with rugged fringes of land protruding into the sea. Call into Finca Binillubet on the way — one of many farms on the island where visitors can learn about and buy the delicious, semi-hard Mahón-Menorca cheese straight from source. From there, follow the road north to Fornells, a palm-fronted resort strung along an inlet. Set within the North Menorca Marine Reserve, this is one of the island’s best dive sites, offering tours from several dive centres along the waterfront. Otherwise, rent a kayak to explore the bay’s secluded beaches. Back on dry land, head to Es Port for caldereta de llagosta (lobster stew).

AFTERNOON

Edge west along Menorca’s north coast and you’ll reach Cala Morell. The highlight here is the preTalaiotic necropolis: a honeycomb of chambers and caves used up until the second century. Exploring the complex is free of charge, and it’s possible to climb in and around the caves, admiring ancient pillars, windows and apses. Afterwards, follow the road to Cala Morell’s scenic cove — backed by red sandstone cliffs — for a swim. Nearby is the Naveta d’Es Tudons, the island’s best example of a naveta (a type of boat-shaped ossuary unique to Menorca), built around 2000 BC. Excavations here in the 1950s unearthed numerous artefacts (some on display at the Museu de Menorca in Mahón), but the stone structure is an arresting sight in itself.

EVENING

Menorca’s second city, Ciutadella, is the stuff of postcards: a maze of quiet and narrow streets, pretty squares and showers of bougainvillea. This was the island’s principal port before the British moved it to Mahón in the early 18th century and it’s retained much of its picturesque, smalltown feel. Get your bearings amid the fountains and mansions of Plaça des Born, where, each June, the two-day Fiestas de Sant Joan kicks off with characteristically Spanish flair. Elsewhere, don’t miss the buzzy bars set beneath the arcades around the fish market, the peaceful courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace, and Carrer de Santa Clara’s chic boutiques. The waterfront is the place to be after dusk; grab a table at Café Balear for delicious seafood rice.

RIGHT: Street life in Ciutadella, overlooked by Menorca Cathedral