Stephen Penn, content editor at Abode2, takes a look at how Menorca is rising up the ranks and becoming a hot investment spot for a unique Balearic experience

When thinking about the Balearic Islands it’s easy to stereotype them as vibrant party islands, but one island has retained its quiet Mediterranean charm over the years, and is now becoming the place to invest.

In the 1970s, the majority of the Balearic Islands jumped headfirst into package holidays and nightclub tourism, giving them the stellar reputation of being premiere holiday hotspots. Menorca, however, resisted this transformation at the time, preferring to remain under the radar in terms of mass holiday appeal.

Today, this has proven to be a smart decision, as it stands as an unspoilt Mediterranean haven and it’s property market is now gaining traction for its rugged shoreline, punctuated by small bays with white sand beaches on an aquamarine sea, and a generally laid-back lifestyle.

Known as the ‘green’ island, it was named a Unesco Biosphere zone in 1993 to protect its cultural heritage, countryside and coastline. Menorca’s homes are held in high esteem for boasting immaculate drystone walls and rustic-chic gates made from wild olive wood – as anything bling is frowned upon by the local authorities.

“Menorca reminds people of what the Mediterranean used to be like 40 years ago,” says Francisco Arnau of Engel & Völkers. “It’s relaxed and peaceful.”

This air of exclusivity doesn’t come cheap however, as due to prices for the most attractive properties - on the beach or with sea views - are up 15 per cent year-on-year due to the limits on property numbers.

This is seeing a boost, however, as 18th-century palacios in its former capital Ciutadella are being swept up by eagle‑eyed investors to be turned into sophisticated boutique hotels and a number of developers are casting their sights on the island to create more seasonal summer homes.

This growing potential is bringing more and more people to the market, including the Balearics Sotheby’s International Realty team, which is now offering international and local clients a selection of high quality properties throughout the island.

“We monitored the Menorcan market for some time and observed the increase in value of properties and land, boosted by the rapid growth in demand,” says Alejandra Vanoli, managing director of Balearics Sotheby’s International Realty. “We realised this unique and beautiful island had huge potential as the island in the Balearics with the biggest growth opportunity.”

The vast majority of buyers on the island tend to be those in their later years, meaning that despite growing numbers, it has retained a more elegant and relaxing lifestyle.

There are limitations however, as most who come do so between Easter and October, as the island still remains seasonal. “One of the downsides to Menorca, but which has helped to maintain its charm, is the lack of flights in the winter – they mostly drop down to weekly services,” says Colin Guanaria, a quantity surveyor on the island.

Summer access is improving, though, with increased routes from Britain – as British Airways is now operating a route from Edinburgh and Jet2 has started a new route from London Stansted.

According to Spain’s national airline database, Menorca Airport now receives around 1.5 million visitors per year. This is still a fraction compared to the 10 million tourists Mallorca welcomes each year, but it is clear that Menorca is rising to become the hottest place to invest in property.

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