Cala Galdana

Cala Galdana, known affectionately as the Queen of the Calas, is one of the most picturesque resorts in Menorca. It's a small, family-friendly set-up on the south coast of the island, built around a perfectly symmetrical horseshoe-shaped cove. The middle of the village is sliced in half by the Algendar Gorge, which has a tiny port criss-crossed by wooden gangways.

Royal beach

Cala Galdana arguably lays claim to Menorca’s best-looking beach. With shallow turquoise water, cashmere-soft white sand and sheer limestone cliffs providing the backdrop, it’s got a real Caribbean feel to it. There are watersports and bars on the beach and it’s backed by a long prom. Walk along the cliffs, though, and you’ll get to secluded Cala Mitjana, where the snorkelling is first-class.

Modern town

Cala Galdana doesn’t have tonnes of rustic charm, but makes up for it with its family-friendly attractions. It has one of Menorca’s best horse shows at the Club Escola Menorquina. The hotels put on children's discos, while the restaurants offer up playgrounds, waterslides and mini-golf.

Close to Ferreries

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Cala Galdana is Ferreries, a sleepy Balearic Island town that’s famous for its shoes and furniture. A couple of times a week, it has a farmers’ market where you can pick up local cheese and honey. And on the outskirts of town is the Castle of Santa Agueda, a fort built by the Arabs in the 13th century.