Hotel Xuroy

More on Cala Alcaufar, Menorca

A little off the beaten tourist track, this picturebook whitewashed village is one of Menorca’s best-kept secrets. Huddled alongside a long, narrow inlet of light blue waters, its tangle of whitewashed dwellings is undeniably pleasing on the eye and the soul. Here, the little streets emit an authentic Spanish ambience and slight rough-and-ready charm that’s hard to find in more developed resorts. Rove around to get acquainted – it won’t take long – and you’ll come across a few traditional, unpretentious shops, and an unrushed pattern of life that’s highly contagious.

When you fancy the beach, you won’t have to go far. Cupped into the end of the narrow cove, an attractive, small arc of sand and pebbles awaits your attentions. Flop on a sunbed, float in the cool waters, laze on the smooth, pine-shaded rocks under the shady pine trees and let the whole day slip through your fingers completely untroubled.

Once the hours have clocked up your thirst and appetite, just wander to the friendly bar restaurant overlooking the cove, sitting over a chilled drink and tasty tapas under a cloudless blue sky. And as dusk creeps in, Alcaufar’s daytime tranquillity seeps comfortably into subdued evenings centred on its hotels, and in high season, a single bar and disco.

It’d be a crime not to discover more of Menorca’s beaches and attractions during your stay. For a bigger, classically beautiful beach scene, stroll to nearby Punta Prima to loll on its stunning sweep of white sands. Or take a bus or hire car to atmospheric Mahon, just up the coast, where you can shop till you drop in its open-air markets and gift stores.