Menorca is a magical place. This gorgeous island, part of the Balearic archipelago, comes up trumps with its untamed natural beauty and pretty coastal resorts. And one of the greatest joys of a trip here is cruising around the island.

Roads wind through Menorca’s whitewashed villages and gently-rolling countryside. Hop in a Jet2Carhire and explore at your own pace. That way, you can gauge a deeper sense of its untamed natural beauty and hunt down hidden gems, plus a few of its top attractions.

Here’s our pick of Menorca’s lesser-known delights that are as equally charming as its biggest hitters.

Cova d'en Xoroi

Carved into a cliffside cave, this is a bar like no other. Cova d’en Xoroi’s spectacular vantage point across the sparkling Mediterranean makes it the perfect place to watch the sun go down in a riot of colour, while sipping an ice-cold drink. Peer out of the car window as you make your way past stone walls, vineyards and lush greenery into Cala en Porter. You’ll find this unbelievable drinking hole nestled next to the sea. Park up and enjoy its magic.

From Mahón: Follow Me-12 from the city and you’ll reach the bar in under 20 minutes.

From Son Bou: Although Cova d'en Xoroi is just down the coast from Son Bou, you’ll have to drive inland to reach it – but it’ll only take around 25 minutes.

From Cala Galdana: Use the Me-1 to get to Cova d'en Xoroi and you’ll clear the 35km journey in just over half an hour.

Torralbenc

This award-winning restaurant is squirrelled away among rural Menorca but is worth seeking out to experience its exquisite food and dreamy setting. At Torralbenc, inside a historic farmhouse, the menu’s focused on dishes whipped up from locally-sourced produce from nearby markets. Plus, tipples are provided from the onsite winery. Book a table out on the terrace, surrounded by pretty gardens, and flick through the menu. Steak tartare with toasted hazelnuts, shrimp ceviche with pickled veg or glazed ribs – the choice is yours.

From Cala’n Porter: This beach resort is less than 3km away from the restaurant.

From Cala Galdana: Jump in your car and you’ll reach Torralbenc Restaurant in half an hour

From Cala’n Bosch: It’s a 45-minute car journey from this beach resort via the Me-1.

Hort de Sant Patrici

Motor past fields into the heart of the island to discover Hort de Sant Patrici. Winery, cheesemaker and restaurant all rolled into one, this hidden treasure is an idyllic spot to sample signature bottles and Mahón – Menorca Cheese DOP. Afterwards, take a stroll around the blossoming gardens set within the grounds. To discover more about Hort Sant Patrici and production techniques, book onto one of the guided tours of the property which includes a wine and cheese tasting.

From Cala Galdana: Use the Me-22 to reach this spot and it’ll take just 10 minutes.

From Cala'n Porter: If you take the Me-1 you'll get to Hort Sant Patrici in under half an hour.

Cala Pregonda

Venture to the north side of the island to discover stunning Cala Pregonda. Wild and wide, this gently-curving beach on the northern coast is blanketed in golden sand and fringed by crystal-clear waters that shimmer under the sun. Park up at Binimel-La and wander for half an hour to this pretty patch. As well as a picnic, bring along your snorkelling gear so you can explore the island’s underwater world in all its glory.

From Cala Galdana: In just over half an hour you can reach Cala Pregonda if you take the Me-22 and Me-1.

From Cala’n Porter: It’s a 40-minute car journey from south to north using the Me-1.