CALA D'ALGAIARENS BEACH

These twin beaches on Menorca's remote north-west coast are reached by crossing the fertile La Vall region until you reach a pair of gateposts surmounted by off-putting 'private' signs. In winter you are within your rights to drive on; in summer the landowner levies a toll, justified by the need to restrict traffic pollution in this environmentally sensitive area.

Once through the gates, follow signs to 'playa' and when the track runs out, walk through the woods -  a haven for migrant bee eaters in spring and summer to reach the sea. The main beach is a wide horseshoe of golden sand backed by dunes you can scramble over the low rocks to reach a second beach, Platja d'es Tancats. Both beaches shelve gently into the sea and offer safe bathing in sheltered waters. This is a lovely, peaceful spot which only really gets busy at summer weekends. There are no facilities.