Best time to visit Menorca without the crowds

Best match

Festes de Sant Joan in Ciutadella late month — black-horse jaleo through medieval streets, the islands biggest fiesta.

#1 for without crowds

Best match

The best month — sea still 24C, Spanish school back, cala beaches breathe again.

#2 for without crowds

Best match

Off-season begins in earnest — most beach hotels close, only the two capitals stay open.

#3 for without crowds

Best match

The hidden window — perfect 22C hiking weather, sea warm enough to dip, no school holidays anywhere yet.

#4 for without crowds

Best match

Genuinely dead — most of the island shuts for winter, only Mahon and Ciutadella have lights on.

#5 for without crowds

Best match

Almost everything closed — beach hotels shut, only Mahon and Ciutadella have signs of life.

#6 for without crowds

Best match

Almond blossom across the centre — only walkers and Catalans on slow weekends find the island.

#7 for without crowds

Best match

Wildflowers everywhere — the green moment before the summer dries it all out.

#8 for without crowds

Best match

Wettest month of the year statistically — but in dry years the best-value shoulder you can find.

#9 for without crowds

Best match

The island wakes up — Easter brings the first proper visitors, beach restaurants opening gradually.

#10 for without crowds

Worth considering

Spanish high season — Cala Macarella reaches lifeguard-cap capacity by 11am, boat trip the only way.

#11 for without crowds

Worth considering

Peak Spanish — even quieter cala beaches fill, Mahon Festes de Sant Llorenc add to August chaos.

#12 for without crowds