Santo Tomas

Santo Tomas is a small, laid-back town on Menorca’s south coast. It’s a compact place with just one main street really, which is handy for getting around the modest selection of bars and restaurants. Size-wise, the beach is another matter – you’ve got a very long strip of sand here. As for exploring, you’re in a great position for days out to the capital, Mahon.

On the beach

There’s a 3-kilometre stretch of spotless sand here – one of the longest stretches on Menorca. It gently slopes into crystal-clear water, and there are lifeguards on hand plus a flag system to keep you up to speed on any currents. You can hire sunbeds and parasols, and there are watersports ready and waiting.

Easy evenings

What’s great about the evenings here is they’re nice and calm. The small selection of eating and drinking places on the main street behind the beach are just right for low-key nights out away from your hotel. And if you do want something livelier, a 25-minute taxi ride takes you to neighbouring Son Bou, which is the running for the longest beach in the Balearic Islands.

Daytrips to Mahon

In less than an hour, you can be at the island’s capital, Mahon. If you get to the Santa Maria Cathedral for 11am you’ll catch a fabulous recital – the organ has 2,300 pipes. There’s also the Plaça de S’Esplanada for cafés and people-watching, the 18th-century Xoriguer Gin Distillery to look round – plus harbour-side restaurants for a long, lazy lunch.