S 'Albufera des Grau

There used to be many more areas of wetland around the Menorcan coast, but most were drained for agriculture by the British or reclaimed for tourist urbanizacions in the 1960s. Of those that survive, S'Albufera is the largest and most important A 70 m lagoon is separated from the sea by a barrier of sand, creating salt-water marshes beside a freshwater lake.

The shores of the lake are a peaceful spot to stroll, with bird watching hides and a board-walk trail. In winter there are migrant colonies of osprey and booted eagles; in spring and autumn the lake attracts waders and wildfowl. Species regularly seen here include cormorants, herons, spoonbills and terns. You may also spot turtles, toads and snakes.

The lake is separated from the beach at Es Grau by pine woods and dunes. Es Grau is an old-fashioned seaside village, with fishing boats in the harbor and white houses down to the water's edge. The large beach is perfect for children as the water is shallow all the way out to Ilia d'en Colom, seen across a channel 400m out to sea.

In summer you can take boat trips to the island, where there is a choice of sunny or shady beaches. This is the largest of Menorca's offshore islands; there is evidence of early habitation, with Roman ruins and a Byzantine church. The island, home to a protected species of lizard, is now part of the S'Albufera Park, the focus of Menorca's Biosphere Reserve.