Playa Punta Prima

On a sunny afternoon the water in front of Punta Prima turns turquoise, and it stays shallow for a long way. The depth only passes 1.80 m, roughly the height of a tall adult, around 100 m from the shore, so this is a beach for wading, floating and lying on a towel with the low shape of Illa de l'Aire and its lighthouse offshore.

It also works for visitors who usually watch the sea from the sand. A boardwalk at the far end is built for wheelchairs, and the lifeguards bring out an amphibious beach wheelchair and beach crutches on request, so getting into the water is possible.

Right behind the beach a row of market stalls sells local wares, and across the road the restaurants begin.

• The sea stays shallow a long way out, which suits children and anyone who prefers to stand in the water.
• Sun loungers can be booked the day before; otherwise bring a towel and take a spot on the sand.
• There are no public toilets at the beach or nearby. A drinking fountain stands about 67 m away.
• On some days seaweed covers the water where you walk in.
• For the amphibious wheelchair or beach crutches, ask the lifeguards; the accessible boardwalk is at the far end of the beach.

Punta Prima is a resort on the south-east tip of Menorca, in the municipality of Sant Lluís, and the beach runs along its seafront. Buses come here from Mahón: the stop called C. des Xaloc - Platja is about 190 m away in a straight line, and C. de s'Illa about 300 m.

Drivers have two car parks, about 60 m and 90 m away. Supermarkets and restaurants sit across the road from the sand, so there is no need to carry a day's supplies in. Wheelchair users should head for the far end of the beach, where the boardwalk starts.

Best: a sunny afternoon from June onwards, when the water turns turquoise and has lost its chill.

Avoid: days of strong onshore wind, and mid-August if you want room on the sand.

Wind raises waves and pushes seaweed onto the shoreline, and a resort beach on a summer island is at its fullest in August.