Menorca – St. Barth in the Med

Menorca con playas vírgenes que ofrecen tranquilidad y paz

Jan Hardorp

Jan Hardorp, Owner of Menorca Yacht Broker and Boat Charter Menorca S.L.

A little personal update… Most of you know that since transitioning from General Partner to Venture Partner at reMind Capital last June, I’ve been spending more time in my second home: Menorca. The island has never been talked about as much as this year — and still, most people don’t quite know where to place it. So here’s why this island means so much to me — with the clear agenda of making as many of you visit me in 2026! You won’t regret it.

Why Menorca?

A truly unique island. Balearic island closest to Italy and 20% larger than Ibiza, yet with around 40% fewer residents, Menorca feels like the opposite of its sister island in every possible way. In 1993, UNESCO named it a Biosphere Reserve, and the island has kept one of Europe’s strictest preservation policies ever since.The result: a coastline that feels untouched — wild cliffs, turquoise water, hidden coves, sea caves that look unreal.

Nature & the Mediterranean at its best

Exploring Menorca by boat is pure magic. Every day reveals a new cala, a new light, a new shade of blue. It’s impossible to get tired of it.

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Canyon on north coast of Menorca
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Cala Macarelleta – the most famous of many

One of the highlights on land is the 185-kilometre Camí de Cavalls, a coastal trail tracing the entire shoreline along dramatic cliffs, pristine coves, pine forests and ancient watchtowers.

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Camí de Cavalls – Photo Copyright Markus Wahl
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185 km of coastal trails

Originally created in the 14th century for horseback patrols, it has been beautifully restored and today offers one of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking walking routes. Whether explored on foot, by bike or on horseback, the Camí de Cavalls reveals the wild, unspoiled elegance that makes Menorca so unique.

No crime – peace and safety

Looking at the world, this becomes more important every day. I like to give this simple but illustrative example: I leave the key in the ignition of my admittedly old but beautiful Mercedes all year round… and it stays there. Few places in the world allow that kind of freedom. There is literally no perceivable crime on the island.

People — authentic, balanced, uncommercial

Menorca’s character comes from its Minorcans: real islanders who are authentic, independent and protective of their home. They live with balance, tranquility and a clear sense of boundaries — which keeps the island refreshingly uncommercial. They don’t run after money.

The permanent and non-permanent guests are a great mix too: ~30–40% stylish Spanish & Catalan; ~20–30% elegant French; ~20% classic British… plus Italians, Nordics, Germans, and more and more US- and Latin American travellers who appreciate quality over noise. It creates a unique atmosphere — relaxed, elegant, international, but never pretentious.

Culture & Class: A rising Mediterranean art hotspot

Since Hauser & Wirth opened in 2021 on Isla del Rey, a small islet in middle of the port of Mahón, Menorca has been attracting artists, collectors, designers, and creatives. More galleries followed. A sophisticated cultural energy emerged — perfectly aligned with the island’s natural serenity. The island is in the middle of a quiet renaissance. 12 of my 17 favorite 5★ boutique hotels have launched in the last five years, with more on the way.

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Hauser & Wirth….
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…on Isla del Rey in the middle of the port of Mahón
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World class everything

And what am I doing here?

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I have the energy of a thousand men and women. Building www.boatchartermenorca.com has become a passion project turned leading business.

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Our motor yacht LAYA

We’re now the top-reviewed yacht charter company on the island, and what makes me proudest is our clients: 100% 5-star reviews; Guests calling our days “unforgettable,” “once-in-a-lifetime,” “the highlight of our holiday” and crews known for being warm, attentive and genuinely caring.

More exciting business news is coming in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

Menorca will be the St. Barth of the Mediterranean

In many ways, Menorca is quietly becoming the St. Barth of the Mediterranean—not through glamour or excess, but through a growing community of elegant yet effortlessly casual travellers who value art, culture and nature over spectacle. Its visitors now come from a beautifully diverse mix of countries, all drawn by the island’s authenticity, its protected coastline and its commitment to sustainable preservation. With no mass-tourism chaos, no overbuilt resorts and a cultural scene that grows richer every year, Menorca is evolving into a refined hideaway where quality of life, style and serenity define the experience. It’s precisely this balance that makes Menorca the Mediterranean’s next great understated luxury destination.

This article appeared on LinkedIN Nov 25th 2025

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