Written on : 03 January 2022 By : Adèle Buijtenhuijs
Dive into the warm waters of the Mediterranean to Menorca, an island of slow tourism and disconnection. Relatively quiet, it differs from its neighbours Mallorca and Ibiza, which are usually popular with a younger crowd looking for a night out.
Menorca conquers its visitors thanks to its grandiose landscapes and picturesque villages. Families, couples and friends regularly come to discover the many delights the region has to offer, but always taking their time, "a poc à poc" as the locals say. In the high season, Menorca is generally taken over by tourists for its breathtaking natural setting, which gives it an unrivalled cachet.
The island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Balearic Islands. And there is something for everyone... in the north, generally wild coves ("cala" in Spanish) with red, ochre and golden coloured sands contrasting with almost translucent turquoise water. The only drawback is the difficulty of access and the wind which can sometimes disrupt swimming. To the south, it's easy to think you're in the Caribbean: the lush vegetation and white sand border an opaline sea dotted with multicoloured fish... The ease of access and the facilities on site explain the abundance of tourists, which is the only negative point in this postcard panorama.
But don't worry, Menorca remains a heavenly destination at any time of the year and its dream beaches are always synonymous with charm and relaxation. So follow the guide and discover the most beautiful beaches of Menorca.
Of the 200 beaches in Menorca, Cala Turqueta is without doubt one of the most remarkable. Very family-friendly, it has the necessary assets for everyone's comfort, from the youngest to the oldest: supervised swimming, easy access, parking less than ten minutes away on foot, toilets... La Turqueta is also home to an abundance and diversity of aquatic fauna... enough to delight snorkelling enthusiasts. However, being very well known on the island, this dream beach attracts tourists especially in high season. It is therefore advisable to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Don't forget to bring a picnic: it is not possible to eat on site!
Cala Mitjana, the most famous
When you arrive at Cala Mitjana, you are treading the sands of one of the most beautiful beaches, not only in Menorca but in Spain. Bordered by cliffs, pine trees and rocks, this cove easily rivals the most beautiful beaches in the Maldives. Quite touristy, it is accessible by car and offers free parking less than fifteen minutes away on foot. The more sporty can walk to Cala Mitjana via the Cami de Cavalls, a fabulous fifteen minute walk that links many of the island's beaches. This way you avoid parking problems during the high season! Is Cala Mitjana not enough for you? A few minutes' walk away is Cala Mitjaneta, its little sister, which is also one of Menorca's most beautiful coves... A great way to spend a few unforgettable afternoons!
Halfway between Cala Galdana and Cala Mitjana, the beach of Cala Macarella has nothing to envy to its neighbours. Its landscape never ceases to amaze tourists: white rocks overhanging the crystal clear water, lush vegetation, fine sand... The water is calm, shallow and teeming with small fish: ideal for families in search of relaxation. The beach is accessible via two parking lots, one fifteen minutes away from the site and the other five minutes away. Numerous facilities are also available on site: deckchair hire, restaurants, first aid post... Just next door is Cala Macarelleta, a smaller cove, very popular with nudists, but also worth a visit!
Imagine, a breathtaking place where nature is king, where tourists can be counted on the fingers of one hand, where the only surrounding sounds are the tumult of the waves and the wind gently stirring the leaves of the trees... No doubt about it, you are in Cala Escorxada, one of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca, and surely the most isolated. Here, you are a Robinson Crusoe, completely cut off from the world... and that feels good! But beware, this dream beach has to be earned. There are several (rather difficult) ways to get there: a 4 km path with little shade, kayaking from Galdana beach or a 3h30 excursion on horseback. But this hazardous walk makes the first bath even more pleasant. In addition, it has recently become possible to reach Cala Escorxada by taxi-boat, the most practical and least tiring solution. But be sure to check the timetable!
Head to the north of the island to discover new beaches for swimming in Menorca. Cala Pregonda is one of the most famous, especially for the abundance of wind that attracts water sports enthusiasts. It is a wild beach, not much damaged by tourists as it is difficult to access. From the car park, it is a twenty minute walk along a steep path to reach this red sand beach. There is no possibility to eat there. A few kilometres away, you will find a fishing village where Caldereta (scampi soup) is the speciality.
As well as being the most beautiful beach in the north of the island, Cala Algaiarens is also one of, if not THE most family friendly. The car parks are five minutes away from the cove and are almost never full. The waters are shallow, calm and very clear: ideal for small children. Pine forests, holm oaks and ochre cliffs line the 450m long site. It is little frequented, but is nevertheless supervised. Tired of swimming? Take a trip along the Cami de Cavalls, which starts in the Val de Algaiarens. If you need a historical interlude, the town of Ciutadella is a jewel whose architecture bears witness to its Carthaginian, Moorish and Spanish past.
Cala Pilar, the most colourful
Gather your hiking boots, hat and sun cream and set off on a journey to the unrivalled splendour of Cala Pilar cove. Although it is difficult to reach due to a path several kilometres long and half-shaded, it is well worth a visit. Very wild, it is only rarely visited even in summer. This is probably due to the wind, which can sometimes make swimming difficult or even impossible, and the limited parking spaces. But Cala Pilar is also 240 m of fine sand that slowly sinks into the heavenly waters of the Mediterranean. There are no facilities on site, except for a source of drinking water, which is necessary in hot weather.
Cala Tortuga, the most unspoilt
To visit Cala Tortuga is to enter an extremely protected ecological area. The cove is located at the entrance to the S'Albufera d'Es Grau marine reserve. This site is home to a rich and diverse fauna: migratory birds come here regularly and turtles live in the Morella Lagoon, right next to the cove, which is why Cala Tortuga (turtle in Spanish) is named after it. This dreamy beach is, as you might expect, quite difficult to reach: it takes about forty minutes to walk along a path in the sun. On the spot, it is possible to practice nautical activities as long as they do not use motors and are silent (paddle, kayak, snorkeling).
La Mesquida beach, the most historic
To add a historical dimension to your stay while still enjoying Menorca's most beautiful beaches, spend an afternoon at La Mesquida. The latter is particularly well known for having been the landing place for the Franco-Spaniards trying to recover the island from the English on 19 August 1781. The military operation led by the Duke of Crillon was followed by a long battle lasting several months, which ended with the success of the Spaniards on 6 February 1781. La Mesquida is 300 meters long and offers a unique view of the Mediterranean, an old English defense tower and a hamlet. To get some great photos of the area, climb the Pa Gros hill right next to the beach at an altitude of 60 meters which offers a breathtaking view. La Mesquida is generally not very busy, but it is a popular spot for nudists, who are very present on the island.
Now you know all about the best beaches in Menorca. So, put on your flippers, mask and snorkel and go explore the seabed of these natural gems. Or perhaps you prefer a sunbathing session on the golden sand?
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