Balearic sophistication

Menorca might have a family-friendly reputation but there’s plenty to tempt for a much more grown-up getaway, as Cathy Winston discovers...

Last time I visited Menorca, aged seven, discovering the island’s charms beyond the beaches wasn’t high on my list. But with a winery that has supplied a Michelinstarred restaurant, shops stocked with everything from boho souvenirs, to designer shoes, sunset cocktails in a cliffside bar, and British history behind the winding golden streets of capital Mahon, it’s a perfect spot for an entirely grown-up escape.

The streets of Mahon

Less than 30 miles from Mahon in the east to former capital Ciutadella in the west, and around 12 miles from north to south, nowhere is more than a short drive away — including more than 100 beaches.

But why drive when you can cruise? Sadly I didn’t have my own yacht to join those lining the marina, some sleek and modern, others with billowing sails above their traditional hulls, but the views from our water taxi across the Bay of Mahon were just as good.

From the adults-only Barcelo Hamilton hotel in Es Castell, it’s less than 15 minutes to the dock in Mahon. Along the way, houses once belonging to Admirals Nelson and Collingwood still gaze at each other across the water, dating back to the days when the British ruled the island.

Tracing the route of the old medieval walls, only a few towers now remaining, we discovered it’s not the only influence they’ve had, along a British history-themed walking route through the quiet streets.

Climbing from the sea to the hilltop centre, Modernist buildings with decorative glass sit between whitewashed houses and curving ‘boinder’ windows jutting out from the walls: the name derives from ‘bow window’, according to our guide Clara Garriga. Elsewhere, we spot the 18th century clock brought by island governor Richard Kane from London.

Now on the facade of the island’s City Hall, it was the first non solarpowered clock on Menorca. Another