Majorca takes the heat when it comes to tourism – but its relative is about to shine in its own light thanks to a rapid uptick in searches for holidays
While it feels like there are few (if any) corners of Spain undiscovered by tourists, it is certainly true that some destinations are higher on most British travellers’ radars.
Destinations like Ibiza and the biggest of Spain’s Balearic islands, Majorca, are particularly attractive for tourists looking for buzzing nightlife and everything else that comes with high-end resorts. However, the long-running summer supremacy of these islands is being challenged by another Balearic island offering a peaceful alternative for sunseekers.
TravelSupermarket, the price comparison service, recently reported a 341% rise in searches for Menorca. Despite being the second largest island of the Balearic archipelago, Menorca was long overshadowed by the flashiness of Ibiza and Majorca. But desire to escape the high prices and party tourists that have become defining factors of summers in Ibiza and Majorca have prompted travellers to seek destination alternatives to the Spanish islands they’ve always loved.
Enter Menorca. Offering pleasant temperatures all year long and its own stunning beaches, Menorca is a premier choice for holiday travellers. There are two sides to Menorca’s beaches: the rugged northern side defined by slate and red clay rock formations and the picturesque southern side with soft white sands and warm natural pools. Most importantly both sides offer access to clean, clear waters and present exciting activities—including scuba diving, windsurfing and hiking—for active tourists.
Similar to Ibiza and Majorca, Menorca has its own gastronomic heritage and architectural magnificence that is certainly worth exploring. The confluence of Menorca’s culinary and cultural richness is best represented by a single ingredient: olive oil. Known as Menorca’s liquid gold, no trip to the island would be complete without learning about—and tasting—this potent oil.
In addition to showcasing the best of the Balearics, Menorca’s time out of the tourist spotlight has enabled it to maintain a distinct rural charm and establish a firm commitment to sustainability and protecting its natural integrity.
But Menorca is no great secret. The island is already beginning to see rising tourist numbers, and Mallorca’s crackdown on cruise ships is likely to lead to Menorca taking on an increasingly large share of the summer tourism market. Whether the island is ready for it or not.
But unlike Majorca, Menorca has always been adamant about its environmental protection measures. The island became the largest biosphere reserve in the Mediterranean Sea when it extended its UNESCO reserve offshore in 2019. The protection laws have also enabled the island to limit the number of vehicles, boats and facilities on the island.
Keep in mind though, Menorca imposes a sustainability tourist tax for visitors over 16 years old, typically around €4 a night. Nevertheless, the once afterthought island has distinguished itself as a strong alternative to Majorca and a fascinating destination in its own right.