There’s more to Menorca than its historic twin cities and mysterious Neolithic monuments: its 200km-long coastline boasts some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. Making it the ideal place to stay for sun seekers and beach bums. Silky sand and sapphire waters characterise the sheltered calas (coves) of the south coast, while the northern beaches are wild and windswept. Read on for our list of the 10 best beaches in Menorca.
Best for swimming: Cala Macarelleta
The water on this virgin beach is so turquoise it rivals that of the Caribbean. Forested slopes tumble down to flour-fine sand, where it’s warm enough to sunbathe year-round. Take a dip among brightly coloured fish, weaving among the sailboats bobbing in the bay. However, this stunning cove is the island’s worst-kept secret, attracting flocks of visitors in the summer. Arrive early to nab a spot.
Best for hiking: Cala Escorxada
This is another of the peaceful beaches on the south coast. A thin strip of sugar-white sand snakes between aquamarine waters and pine-cloaked cliffs. While new boat-taxis from Cala Galdana mean it’s not as remote as it once was, it still retains a secluded vibe. Hikers should opt for the picturesque hour-long walk from Santo Tomas along Camí de Cavalls – it’s one of our favourite things to do in Menorca.
Best for cliff-jumping: Cala Turqueta
Cala Turqueta is the tranquil alter-ego of sibling Cala Galdana. Despite being just a short hop from one another along the southern coast, Cala Turqueta feels more remote and untouched. That’s not to say it doesn’t get busy in peak season: it’s one of the most popular Menorca beaches. Get there promptly to make the most of the sheltered white-sand cove beach. To one side are low cliffs for adventurous types who can leap into the azure waters.
Best for wildlife: Cala Trebalúger
This wild, untamed cove sits pretty on the south coast. A river in the gorge behind is home to terrapins and kingfishers. While it’s one of Menorca’s better-kept secrets, the word is getting out. Visitors spill out of boats in the summer – arrive early or late to enjoy it at its most peaceful.
Best for water-sports: Fornells
Menorca is rapidly developing as a centre for water-sports – one of the coolest things to do in Menorca. With strong prevailing winds, Fornells is one of the top Menorca beaches for windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing. Dive centres around the bay offer PADI courses and trips exploring the reefs and underwater caves of the marine reserve; try Fornells Diving Center or Divebooker. Fornells was also awarded a place on our top 10 list of towns in Menorca.
Best for kids: Son Saura
Two powdery arcs curving around to a central rocky point make up Son Saura. Both Banyul and Bellavista are popular with Menorcan families, whose kids play in the sheltered shallows under the watchful eye of lifeguards. There’s plenty of space to lay your towel, plus family-friendly facilities, making this a winner with parents.
Best for history: Cala Coves
From the limestone cliffs honeycombed with prehistoric cave dwellings, through to the Roman-era harbour, Cala Coves is sure to pique the interest of every history buff. You can dip into some of the caves on foot, and there’s a small pebbly beach from which to simply soak up the scenery – and the history.
Best for families: Es Grau
There are shallows – and then there’s Es Grau. The water is barely knee-deep 50-metres out, so kids can splash around happily. Older children can go kayaking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding around the calm bay. The horseshoe-shaped beach backs onto S’Albufera des Grau nature reserve, perfect for walks and coastal cycles.
Best for snorkelling: Cala Pregonda
On the wilder north coast is the remote Cala Pregonda, a sweep of red-gold sand framed by coral-coloured rocks. It’s six miles from Es Mercadal and accessible only on foot. Park at Binimel-la beach and walk half an hour. A scattering of wind-sculpted islets shelters the bay, making the waters calm for snorkelling. The area is a marine reserve, brimming with fish and sea life.
Best for scenic beauty: Cala del Pilar
Another beautiful cove biting into the north coast is Cala del Pilar, where rose-tinted sand bursts through pockets of dense shrub. It’s a 30-minute walk from the nearest car park, but the colours are worth it, reminiscent of the fiery red Australian Outback. If you’re feeling sun-scorched, smear some of the red mud over yourself to nourish your skin.
Our handpicked collection of villas in Menorca can put you within walking distance to the beach, so you can roll out of bed and down for a sunbathe (or an early morning stroll.) If you’d like to make your holiday that little bit more extraordinary, then we’ve got a concierge team who can help you add little extras to your stay.
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