Above: Torralbenc in Alaior, Menorca

Scattered across the Mediterranean off the eastern coast of Spain, the four Balearic Islands — Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca — possess very different personalities. Ibiza and Mallorca have been two of the most popular vacation spots in Europe for decades. In contrast, tiny, wild Formentera, the smallest island, attracts just a few knowledgeable travelers. Now Menorca is shyly stepping into the spotlight. The quietest and most authentically rural of the quartet, it has recently seen the opening of several noteworthy hotels, along with a number of excellent restaurants.

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