Menorca has around 200 kilometres of coastline, much of it made up of beautiful sandy coves enclosed by rocky headlands. The island has more beaches than Majorca and Ibiza put together, so it is deservedly popular with those looking for a beach holiday. Much of the south of the island, as in Son Bou and Cala en Porter, is a holidaymaker's playground, with long stretches of beach that are popular and crowded in the season, but you can head for Menorca's more out-of-the-way beaches if you'd rather have more privacy.

Even in the south, there are little beaches such as Cala Binibeca, with a small restaurant, and Els Canutells, a small resort close to Cala en Porter. And a 10-minute drive from San Clemente, brings you to Calas Coves where impressive cliffs surround two very small beaches.

When you've tired of lazing on the beach, there are many interesting caves to discover. Over 100 Bronze Age caves, complete with paintings and carvings, are cut into the cliff overlooking the sheltered bay. At the eastern end of Son Bou can be found the ruins of an early Christian basilica. Finally, the charming capital Mahon, on the east of the island, has lovely Georgian architecture and second largest natural harbour in the world, second only to Pearl Harbour.

Northwards to escape the crowds

While the north of Menorca has some busy resorts, it also has a good share of the island's uncrowded little beaches, interesting country walks, and a range of water sports including sailing. At Cala Pregonda, a 15-minute drive from Son Parc and Fornells, then a 20-minute walk from the car park, is a remote sandy beach with crystal blue waters. The rocky outcrops offshore provide good snorkelling. Take a picnic, since there are no facilities. The long sandy beach at Cavalleria is also quite isolated, and, again, come with provisions, since there is nowhere to buy food or drinks.

Not far from the lively family beach of Arenal d'en Castell with its rows of sunbeds, bars, restaurants, and organised water sports is Na Macaret, with its small sandy beach. It's a local favourite and there are some good restaurants at the water's edge. Just further to the southeast, near the lighthouse at Cap de Favaritx, is the lovely white-sand beach of Cala Presili. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the car park and there are no facilities, so this beach is certainly one of Menorca's most secluded. Somewhat more developed, but perfect for small children is Es Grau, with its wide bay, sandy beach and shallow water. If you take a boat trip to the nearby Illa d'en Colom, an island in the Mah'n Bay, you'll find a string of beautiful isolated beaches.

When you are ready to book villas in Menorca, Solmar Villas offer a range of high-quality villas, all with their own private pools, which sleep from 1 to 12 people. The villas are located in Cala Galdana, Binibeca, Binibeca Nou, Binibeca Vell, Son Bou, Belin, Cala ?n Porter, and Satalya, so once you've hired a car, you'll be well within reach of Menorca's stunning beaches.