Kayaking, massages and wine: Menorca is perfect for an adults-only holiday

It's no secret that Menorca is one of the best places for a family holiday in Europe, but Mallorca's neighbour and the most easterly of Spain's Balearic Islands is also an excellent destination for a child-free getaway, packed with beach days, sea adventures and plenty of opportunities for relaxing in the sunshine with a glass of plonk.

The peaceful island is a low-key alternative to Mallorca and Ibiza, where you can explore unspoilt golden sand beaches, picturesque fishing villages and unique natural landscapes.

See also: Is this the best beach in Spain?

Es Castell is a terrific base in the southeast of the island. The charming seaside town is laid-back and peaceful, with a pretty fishing harbour Cala Fonts flanked by restaurants and boutiques, while a 15-minute drive takes you to Menorca's capital city, Mahon.

Pick a stylish base

Check in to Barceló Hamilton Menorca, a contemporary hotel exclusive to adults which has an impressive roof terrace, a rustic waterside restaurant and minimalist, light-filled rooms. Book a Superior Sea View room for gorgeous views of the Bay of Mahon, a lovely balcony and heavenly bed. Sa Cova is the hotel's splendid seaside restaurant, housed in an old fisherman cave and serving up delectable Mediterranean dishes with a wonderful selection of seafood. The lobster stew, a Menorcan speciality, is outstanding, as is the two-colour tempura squid and soupy seafood rice.

U-Wellness, the hotel's spa, offers a good selection of facials, massages and rituals. The Menorca Wine Experience (€89 for 85 mins.) is a relaxing grape treatment that uses local Binifadet wine oil. The ritual combines a body scrub with a calming massage for utter bliss. At night, the Blue Sky Bar is the place to be, offering incredible views of the Bay of Mahon. The stylish rooftop bar provides a cool setting to enjoy DJ sessions and innovative cocktails.

Spend a day in Mahon

Mahon is a must-visit, boasting elegant 18th century architecture, a lively fish market and a unique indoor market housed in a former monastery. Menorca's capital city, once ruled by the British, reflects its colonial past with its townhouses featuring sash windows and balconies. The narrow streets and squares are buzzing with life and a stroll around the old city centre will take you past historical buildings, churches and cafes that are perfect for people watching. Shoppers will love the designer boutiques, Spanish chain stores and independent shops. Historical must-sees in Mahon include the Town Hall, the Gothic Santa Maria Church and Teatre Principal, the oldest opera house in Spain.

Fall in love with the beaches

Menorca's glorious beaches are its biggest draw. Whether you like white sand, golden sand, nudist beaches, hidden coves or scenic strips, the beaches on the island won't disappoint. For lovers of nature, Es Grau is backed by pine trees and home to dozens of bird species. The delightful beach has shallow water ideal for snorkelling and its tiny village has a handful of bars and restaurants. In the north, Cavalleria is an isolated beach with beautiful golden sand, a lookout area with gorgeous views and impressive cliffs. The beach has a mud bath area and is also popular with nudists.

Raise a glass at a winery

Enjoy an evening of indulgence at the Binifadet Winery, with its picturesque vineyard and delightful restaurant just a ten-minute drive from Barcelo Hamilton Menorca. The winery produces 100,000 bottles of high quality wines per year. On a guided tour, the winemaking process and history of the winery is explained, while the shop stocks Binifadet wines, red and white scented candles and jams made with wine. The restaurant is an idyllic spot for dining as you gaze out over the vines and feast on tasty dishes, from Menorcan cheese and stuffed courgettes to shrimp, paired with Binifadet wines. The terrace provides the perfect setting for alfresco dining with views in the summer.

Take to the water in a kayak

One of the best ways to experience Menorca's crystal clear waters with on enjoyable adventure is by kayaking. A guided tour allows you to discover the unspoilt coastline, taking in the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings, while exploring beaches that can only be reached by sea. Menorca en Kayak offers kayak excursions from the beach in fishing village Es Grau, which is part of the protected S'Albufera des Grau nature reserve. The Sa Torreta beaches and Colom Island excursion (€35 per person) takes you to the untouched sands of Sa Torreta and to witness the wild beauty of Colom Island. There is time to relax on the beaches and swim in the sea on this marvellous two and a half-hour trip that is great for first-timers.

Soak up the sunset at a cave bar

For an unforgettable evening in Menorca, head for the glamorous yet relaxed cave bar, Cova d'en Xoroi. Its dreamy setting in a cliff is filled with little corners to appreciate the sunset views. As one of the trendiest drinking spots on the island, it can get crowded so arrive early to grab a place to watch the amazing spectacle. Cova d'En Xoroi has VIP tables, terraces perched over the sea and bars scattered throughout the space, transforming from chilled day club to chic nightclub. It attracts tourists and locals who come to soak up its unique ambiance, appreciate delicious cocktails and dance the night away at one of the world's coolest bars.

Get there:Monarch flies to Mahon from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton, Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports during the summer season, with fares starting from as little as £56.99 one way and £83.98 return. On-board meals start from £6.99.

Stay: Rates at Barceló Hamilton start from £72 per room per night, based on two sharing on a B&B basis.

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