Menorca in three days

💡Lobster stew costs what it costs, and there are alternatives

It's the island's dish and it runs to sixty euros a head in Fornells. If that doesn't fit the budget, order a local rice dish or the fish of the day: same kitchen, a third of the price.

💡Without a car you miss half the island, and you book it in January

The southern coves sit at the end of dirt tracks and the bus only reaches the big beaches. In July and August cars sell out months ahead and prices triple: book as soon as you have the flight.

💡When the tramontana blows, switch coasts

The north wind can whip up waves and sand on the northern beaches and leave the south like a swimming pool. Check the wind direction in the morning and decide then; the island is small enough to cross in forty minutes.

💡Get to the good coves before nine or after five

In summer the car parks fill by mid-morning and then a barrier closes the access road. The other option is to leave the car wherever you can and walk in along the Camí de Cavalls.

💡May, June and September are the island; July and August are something else

Outside high season the water is already warm, the coves are empty and everything costs half. In winter half of Menorca shuts, so October is the last month that really works.