CALA EN PORTER

One of Menorca's earliest beach resorts has grown into a major holiday centre. The setting is lovely a wide beach leading to a narrow cove where almost unbelievably turquoise water shimmers between tall limestone cliffs. A barranc, or ravine, enters the sea via the marshland at the back of the beach. The western side is totally undeveloped, with cliffs tumbling into the sea; the eastern side must once have been the same but the cliff sides are now covered with villas and terrace bars. The most unusual bar is Cova d'en Xoroi, a succession of stairways and rock platforms set in a natural cave high in the cliff face with dramatic views over the bay and out to sea.