Menorca has over seventy beaches and coves, mostly undeveloped. They fall into two types: those on the south coast, white sand and turquoise water between pine woods and limestone cliffs, and those on the north coast, wilder, with golden or red sand and dark rocks.
The south coast
- Macarella and Macarelleta: the island's most famous coves, with crystal-clear water between high cliffs and pines; Macarelleta, reached on foot from Macarella, is often naturist.
- Cala en Turqueta: a small bay of white sand and turquoise water, among the most photographed.
- Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta, near Cala Galdana.
- Cala Galdana: a large shell-shaped bay with facilities, good for families.
- Son Saura and Cala des Talaier, in the south-west.
- Binigaus and Cala Escorxada, reached only on foot or by boat.
- Son Bou, the island's longest beach, with dunes and an early Christian basilica.
- Binibeca and Cala Alcaufar, in the south-east near Mahón.
The north coast
- Cala Pregonda: red sand, rocks and islets, one of the most spectacular landscapes.
- Cavalleria, Binimel·là and Cala Pilar: golden or red-sand beaches in unspoilt nature.
- Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili, near Favàritx lighthouse.
- Es Grau, shallow and perfect for children, at the entrance to the natural park.
- Cala Morell, small, with prehistoric caves.
Getting there
Many coves are reached by car and then a walk. In summer the car parks at Macarella, Cala en Turqueta and Cala Mitjana fill very early and in some cases car access is restricted: use the shuttle buses from Ciutadella and Ferreries, or walk along the Camí de Cavalls. Boat trips reach the coves from the sea.
Tips
Many beaches have no facilities: bring water, food, shade and a bag for rubbish. Respect the dunes and the Posidonia, whose dead leaves on the beaches are natural and protect the sand. When the tramontana blows from the north, choose southern beaches, and vice versa. See also Majorca's beaches.