Menorca

Menorca, the second largest of the tree islands, is the unsung sister. A bit quieter with less of a scene, it is also, for those in the know, Spain's best-kept secret. Low undulating hills, miles of coastlines, wonderful sailing.

There are two main towns on the island. Ciutadella in the west is the ancient capital, a beautiful medieval city with narrow streets, a beautiful cathedral and a seafront promenade lovely for strolling along. In the summer it does get very busy. Mahon in the south east is the modern capital and is also rich in history. Rising steeply out of the deepest harbour in the Med (and second only to Pearl Harbour in the world), it was occupied by the British in the 18th century and has a Georgian feel to much of its architecture. The British also left behind a gin-making heritage and Xoriguer gin is still made locally and extremely popular, generally drunk with lemonade.

Menorca has more beaches than Ibiza and Mallorca together. The most popular are on the south coast, Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana are perfect white powder and clear water, and although they get very busy in summer, they are still worth the trip. Son Bou is the longest beach on the south side of the island. There are lovely beaches in the Des Grau National Park, a couple of nice restaurants and windsurfing, kayaaking. For somewhere really special, try Cala Pregonda in the quiet north of the island, a gentle 30-minute walk from the carpark.

Menorca is heaven for boat lovers. Although yachts can be chartered from Ciutadella and Mahon, the watersports and dinghy centre of the island is Fornells in the north. The highly recommended Menorca Sailing can be found there.

Menorca was created a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993. The stunning and totally unspoilt S'Albufuerra des Grau National Park is worth a visit. There are lots of trails across its 5000 acres teaming with birdlife. You can hire kayaks in the village of Es Grau and paddle into the lagoons or round the rocky coastline. If you are lucky, you might see a turtle. 

Menorca does not have the high hills of Mallorca but is gently undulating, making it perfect horse riding territory. The ancient Path of the Horses, Cami des Cavalls, is almost 200 km of bridle path round the outside of the island, popular for leisurely trekking or mountain biking.

Don't miss the fish mrket in Mahon. A couple of times a week, they have live bands and everyone hangs out eating tapas. Lobster stew is a local speciality.

Menorca is famous for its shoe making. The popular ballet pumps, Pretty Ballerinas, were born in Menorca and you can pick a pair in Mahon. 


Mahon

From the airport

Airport bus: the airport bus to Mahon bus station runs every half hour outside Arrivals, 5.55am-6.55pm, then hourly until 10.30pm

Evening artisan markets brighten up the island's towns throughout the summer. Ideal for picking up pottery, jewellery and other gifts. Try the daily market at Cales Fonts or at Ciutadella port.

Don't wait until you are at the airport to buy cheese, spicy sausage or huge ensaimadas (soft pastries sprinkled with sugar). For better prices head to the indoor market at Claustre del Carme.

In August, it is fiesta time across the island. The horse parades, fairground atractions, market stalls, concerts and fireworks are not to be missed. A swig or two of potent pomada (Minorcan gin and lemonade) should keep your energy levels up. 

Alicante

From the airport

Bus: a direct service from Alicante airport to Benodorm departs at 9.15am, 1.15pm, 5.15pm and 9.15pm.

Shop

Galerias Aitana, on Calpe's Avendia de Gabriel Miro, is a treasure trove of everything from chic leather handbags and smart wristwatches to kitchenware and tools.

The shops are winding down from the January sales but there are still bargains to be had at Finestrat's La Marina shopping mall where top shops, such as Mango, Zara and Massimo Dutti, await.

In high summer, Spaniards try to avoid the effects of drinking heavier red wine by drinking vino de verano, a lighter mix of wine and lemonade.

Head for the churros and chocolate stand on a chilly February morning and dunk a Spanish-style donut in a brew of enticingly rich dark hot chocolate.

Alicante city buzzes in the hot summer months. Try the area around the cathedral to get that feel of traditional Spain.

Benidorm's famous mirador ( lookout point) in Plaza de San Jaume, is best approached by steps from the yatch club on Playa Levante. Don't forget your camera to record the breathtaking views of the bay.

Public toilets are rare on the Costas but you can use the servicesbof any bar or cafeteria. It is considered polite to ask permission and leave a small tip at the bar.

Day trip

Polop. A quaint town with an attractive old quarter perched on a steep hill with houses painted in lively pastels. Don't miss the square next to the market where artesian fountains cascade into ancient stone troughs. It is about 45 minutes from Alicante.

Elche. A fantastic place for all the family, Rio Safari Elche has many types of animals to see. Situated between Santa Pola and Elche, the animal park sits among 4000 palm trees in beatiful surroundings.

Murcia

Shop

Try Benijofar Market on Tuesday morning for a traditional shopping experience, great bargains and the place to pick up fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Peter Murray store at the Nueva Condomina shopping centre is a great place to pick up trendy items for men and women.

The Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) is the city's most historic bridge and it offers a classic view of the city centre from the River Segura.

Looking for a lively night out? For a foam party and heaps of summer fun try Pacha in Torrevieja.

The Gran Via Escultor Salzillo is the city centre's main arterial route. It is home to department stores and a selection of smaller shops, and there is also access to the atmospheric narrow streets that branch off into the heart of the Olt Town.

The area around Plaza de San Juan was once one of the largest and most prosperous Jewish quarters in Spain. The narrow streets around the square are testament to the town planning of the Middle Ages, although the synagogues have long gone and many of the streets have had name changes. The area is now better known for its bustling tapas bars and restaurants.

Sima de las Palamos, in Torre Pacheco, contains the fossilised remains of Neanderthals. Archaeologist Michael Wwalker has dated them as 40000 years old.

Day trip

Torrevieja. The busy seaside town of Torrevieja is less than an hour away by car. As well as sandy beaches, there is a bustling harbour area with a busy fishing fleet. The seafront restaurants have a wide array of fresh fish on offer and the service is usually second to none.
San Pedro del Pinatar. On the Mar Menor (Lesser Sea), this pretty town is one of the nearest costal developments to Murcia, at about 40 minutes away from the city. It has some great beaches and excellent fish restaurants. Its protected salt marshes are a bird watcher's paradise.