| There are many cruise and sailing options that offer | | | | calmer easy-going feel to it. Gentle, relaxed and |
| you the wonderful sights and beautiful landscape of | | | | tranquil year round, Menorca is the right combination |
| the Western Mediterranean Sea. Popular stops include | | | | for all types of visitors. From the relaxed sunbathers |
| Malta, Italy, Sicily, Tunisia and Spain. Many cruises | | | | to the eager deep sea divers and watersport |
| actually make a stop on the island of Mallorca, the | | | | enthusiasts, attracted by the local cuisine and scenic |
| main island of the Balearics, which has a large expat | | | | coastline, it has the best of all worlds, but particularly |
| community, but often overlook the other two main | | | | the one where I want to detach from the faster |
| islands, including Ibiza and Menorca. | | | | paced life back in the city. |
| However, cruises weren't quite for me. I felt I wasn't | | | | There are many offers that package holiday villas |
| ready for the large cruise ships quite yet and the | | | | along with sailing holidays or private yacht charter |
| large crowds that come with it once you hit the | | | | services in Menorca, but from experience it works |
| shore. And as for which island, I wasn't quite keen on | | | | best to perhaps pick and choose from each category |
| Ibiza, which has more of a late night mentality, with | | | | individually. With single day excursions barely over a |
| casino's and clubs located throughout. Though it is a | | | | hundred euros per person, independently owned local |
| stunning island, and there are some private yacht | | | | companies such as Go Nautic can not only provide a |
| charter trips that go from Ibiza to nearby | | | | good price (even by today's exchange rate |
| Formentera within a day, which in fact is quite a | | | | standards), but also add the benefit of local |
| relaxing route. One can view Ibiza's coastline and cliffs | | | | experience. It always helps to have someone who |
| and get away from the crowd, finding a cove where | | | | knows the nooks and crannies of the coastline and |
| you can anchor your yacht for the afternoon. | | | | where the best kept secrets are. And of course, a |
| Still, for the best combination of both, Menorca is still | | | | touch of hospitality is always welcome, and having |
| my top choice out of the Balearic Islands. Even with | | | | the daily yacht charter excursions include a delicious |
| more flights available to Menorca from Gatwick this | | | | three course meal, with drinks included was a nice |
| year than previously, it still felt like Menorca had that | | | | touch. |