Rise and shine - Menorca sparkles as a tiny holiday destination

Unlike its Balearic siblings, Mallorca and Ibiza, Menorca isn't party central. But don't get the wrong idea - there's plenty to do at night-time on this tiny island, half the size of Hertfordshire and just 47km from end to end. Yet with 216km of coastline there are plenty of beaches. The most unspoiled, Cavalleria at the north of the island, is a bit of a schlepp but the clear blue sea, white sand and room to breathe is worth it. On the west coast, Es Grau, next to the National Park, S'Albufera des Grau, is a tiny seaside resort almost lost in time. Shallow waters make it a perfect spot for children and the national park means it cannot be developed so it will never become a high-rise hell.

Restaurants in the capital, Mahon, are plentiful, but they don't get busy for dinner until most of us are tucked up in bed. And the chic club Cova d'en Xoroi, set in caves hollowed out in the cliff side at Cala en Porter, is a lovely spot for sunset cocktails.We managed to snag a table on one of the terraces for mojitos and a seagull's-eye view of the sun sinking behind the cliffs to the sounds of Balearic beats. Posters saythis is the first sunrise in Spain thanks to its eastern position.

Dotted around are several Stonehenge-like stone structures created by settlers who came from mainland Spain in the Bronze Age. They are due to become a Unesco site.

During the day we kayaked along the coast and lazily paddled to an almost deserted island with clear, fish-filled water, white sand and a smattering of picnicking nudists.