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The Balearics’ biggest island is all about the beaches. And whether you pick superleague stretches like 13-kilometre-long Ca’n Picafort, or tucked away coves, such as those around billionaire’s playground, Cala d’Or, you can bank on golden sand and calm waters.

There are hundreds of them, running the full spectrum from long, golden and sandy to hidden, tiny and pebbly. At last count, 32 of them had been awarded a coveted Blue Flag award.

THE SECRET BEACH

To slip away from the crowds, catch a boat from the port of Alcudia to Cala Truent. It’s a half moon-shaped stretch of shingle on the northwest of the island, and is framed by steep cliffs fringed with pine forests. There aren’t any beach bars or restaurants here, so it’s worth bringing a picnic basket if you’re planning to stay awhile.

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Ibiza is the king of Europe’s club scene. The island’s main resort, San Antonio, is home to world-famous dance spots like Pacha. It’s a different story up on the north coast, though. Make your way to the countryside around Puerto San Miguel and you’ll find hidden caves and walking trails through thick pine forests.

It's haloed by some of the most scenic beaches in the Balearics. We’re talking tucked-away coves with bright white sands, and golden sweeps bracketed by forest-topped cliffs. Look out for what the locals call ‘chiringuito’ bars. Even the sleepier beaches tend to have at least one nearby, and they’re the best places to head for authentic tapas dishes, fresh seafood and jugs of sangria.

THE SECRET BEACH

If you’re after a beach that’s off the tourist trail, seek out Cala Xuclar. This small, crescent-shaped bay is tucked away in the north of the island, around a 5-minute drive from Portinatx. There’s nothing but green hills and a few fishing huts framing the sands, and refreshments come courtesy of a tiny bar that sells tapas and seafood dishes at lunchtimes.

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If you're after an island that moves at a slower pace, Menorca hits the spot. Families flock here for quiet beaches like Son Bou and Cala’n Forcat. Plus, there are prehistoric relics like the village of Torre d’en Gaumes, which is over 3,000 years old.

Menorca has more beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza put together, and most have been given Blue Flags thanks to their quality and cleanliness. Caribbean-like white sands are ten-a-penny in the south of the island, while the north has a slightly rockier coastline, with darker, caramel-hued sands bracketed by steep cliffs.

THE SECRET BEACH

Cala Presili’s crescent of white sand has no facilities to speak of, so you’ll need to bring a picnic if you’re heading down to spend the day here. The lack of amenities means there’s also a lack of crowds, though, so it’s perfect if you want to escape the busier resorts. To get here, you’ll need to make the 20-minute drive from Mahon and then walk about 15 minutes down to the sands.

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If you want to really drop off the radar, head over to Formentera. Its 20-kilometre coastline is dotted with secluded stretches of white sand. Some, like Playa Mitjorn, have been compared to the Caribbean.

The sand on the beaches is bright white and cotton soft. Rustic beach bars known as chiringuitos sell sangria and fresh fish dishes, and beachfront buildings are banned by island conservation law. Sunbathers in Formentera don’t keep office hours. Instead, they stick around on the sands until late evening to watch the sunsets.

THE SECRET BEACH

Cala es Ram is meditatively quiet. This pebbly beach on the island’s south side is framed by rugged cliffs and pine trees. You can even hear cicadas chirrup while you sunbathe. It goes without saying there aren’t any restaurants on this secluded beach, but you have got a sleek eco resort a few metres from the sand, which has a roof terrace where you can watch the sunset in comfort.