Menorca's Beaches

According to many Spaniards, Menorca is the most authentic of the Balearic Islands. Together with Formentera, it is also the least visited.
Since 1993, Menorca has been a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It truly is a different world, full of calas (beach coves) and crystal clear turquoise waters. A total paradise.

More beaches than Majorca! 

Although Menorca is the smaller sister island of Mallorca, it has more beaches. There are nearly 700 square kilometres of beach on the island and 216 kilometres of coastline; lots of options to set up a new tanning spot everyday. 
If we want to tour the beaches, the best way to go about it would be by car (we can rent one for around 200 euros). There are also many hidden or protected beaches that are only accessible by foot or from the sea, which means walking a little after parking and also explains why so many boats and yachts can be found anchored nearby various coves.
When visiting many of the following beaches, we'll need to bring our own drinking water and picnic food. There are often not even any trash cans on these natural beaches, which means we'lll need to take our garbage away with us.

300 days of sunshine per year

Out of the Balearic islands, Menorca lies furthest to the east and it is the first point in Spain to catch sunlight. This makes for amazing sunrises.


On average there are about 300 days of sunshine per year and up to 12 hours of sunshine a day in the summertime. 

Menorca's most beautiful beaches

The southern part of the island has lush green vegetation on limestone grounds, with ravines that run across the white sand beaches to turquoise waters. In the northern part of the island, Menorca has a rugged, rocky coastline with little vegetation.

Cala Turqueta


Starting with the southern side of the island, there are some spectacular beaches. Between the rock formations and Mediterranean cliffs, there are countless bays with crystal clear water straight out of a travel mag.
Cala Turqueta is one of Menorca’s most famous beaches. Head towards Mahon to get there - it's about 6 miles south of Ciutadella. Because this beach is so small and quite popular, it’s best to go early in the morning to find a parking spot nearby. Once parked, it’s about a ten-minute walk away. 
Although this cove is practically untouched, there are bathrooms and lifeguards. There is also a chiringuito (beach bar) next to the parking lot. Here's a typical Menorcan chiringuito:

Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta

Cala Macarella is one of the island’s most famous bays, which also includes the more secluded Cala Macarelleta. This bay is located next to Cala Turqueta, above, and you can park a 15-minute walk away or pay for a closer spot with only a 5-minute walk. 
The beaches of Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are connected by a trail with amazing views. Flip-flops don’t make life so easy on this trail!

Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta

White sand, clear water, picturesque cliffs and forest in the background. Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta shouldn’t be missed. 
To get there, drive along the road to Cala Galdana (the main beach next to Cala Mitjana that is known for water sports), park and walk through the Mediterranean forest towards the sea. There is also a small paying parking closer by, but it can get very busy.
Both beaches are just meters from each other, so swimming back and forth between the two is possible. You can also use the dirt road that connects them and take in the view of the two pristine bays. There are no restaurants or shops on these beaches, so we'd need to bring your beach supplies with us.

Cala Trebaluger


Cala Trebaluger is within walking distance of Cala Mitjana, along a pleasant path through the forest. There are no facilities at this natural beach.
As with Cala Macarella, there are many who like to anchor their boats here for the day. This beach is commonly frequented by nudists. 

Cala Binidalí 



Cala Binidalí is a small cove near a village that goes by the same name, nine kilometres from Mahon. The beach is characterized by fine sand, clear blue water and a beautiful natural environment.


A little further away is the village of Sant Climent, perfect for discovering a couple restaurants after a day at the beach. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. 

Son Bau

The Son Bau beach has great amenities. At 12 miles from Mahon and 24 miles from Ciutadella, it is the longest beach on the island, stretching almost four kilometres. This beach is ideal for family with children, and it has many amenities, including water sports. 

Cala Pregonda, Cala Cavallería and Cala del Pilar 

Welcome to the north of the island. Among the beaches of this area, some of the most famous are Cala Pregonda, Cala Cavallería and Cala del Pilar, which all have a red glow to them.
To get to these beaches, you need to do quite a bit of walking after parking. The path to the sea runs through a unique natural landscape, and the beaches are quiet and shielded.
This photo is of Cala Cavallería. The way that the red-orange sand contrasts with the hills is simply unforgettable. 

Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili



The fine white sand of Cala Tortuga is an exception towards the north of the island. It lies in a cove located in Grau Albufera Natural Park, a marsh on the east coast and home to many bird species.


The park is located along the Mahon-Fornells road. Take the exit towards Cape Favaritx and, once you have reached the lighthouse, you can park the car along the road and follow the trails through the park to Cala Tortuga.

Enveloped in a silence broken only by the sound of the waves, the crystal waters, tranquility, and beauty of the landscapes are unlike anything else.

Above is Cala Presili, one of the most famous nudist beaches. 

Cala Sa Mesquida

The beach of Sa Mesquida is located about 10 kilometres north of Mahon, the capital, where the main port of the island is located. Cala Sa Mesquida is one of the favourite beaches among local residents, especially on the weekends.
Free parking is 100 meters from the beach, and there are lifeguards and a small kiosk where you can buy drinks and ice cream! 

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