The Coves of Menorca You Won't Find on Google
An island with more coastline than you can swim in a week. Here's where to start.
Menorca has 216 kilometres of coastline. A significant portion of it is protected by a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve designation that prevents development within sight of the sea. The result is an island where most of the best beaches are accessible only on foot, by boat, or by knowing someone who knows the path. Here is a starting point.
Cala Macarelleta
Photo: Cala Macarelleta / Google Maps
The smaller, lesser-known sister of Cala Macarella. Turquoise water, white limestone cliffs, and a path in that keeps the larger crowds at the main beach. There is no car park, no beach bar, no sun bed rental. Bring everything you need. Leave nothing behind.
Insider Tip
Take the path right at the fork, not left toward Macarella. Macarelleta is five minutes further and half as crowded. Most people take the easier left turn and never know the right one exists.
“Prettier than nearby Macarella, an unspoilt setting with crystal clear waters. In the height of summer i’d recommend coming later in the day (4pm onwards) so you’re not walking there in the heat and can enjoy a bit more space and tranquility on this small but very pretty cove.”
Cala Pregonda
Photo: Cala Pregonda / Google Maps
On the north coast, accessible by a 40-minute walk from the nearest road. The sand here is reddish-orange — iron oxide in the rock — and the small islets offshore are colonised by nesting seabirds. The water is shallow and warm and the walk back at sunset justifies the effort completely.
Insider Tip
The north coast of Menorca is windier and wilder than the south. Bring a layer even in summer. The tramuntana wind can arrive without warning and the walk back along the exposed cliff path is cold when it does.
“Beautiful beach with red sands, there is a large parking , suggestion is to arrive not over 10 am in order to avoid to park the car really far away, or arrive in the afternoon. From the bar/restaurant to the beach there are about 2300 steps, the very last beach of Cala Pregonda deserve a longest path to arrive! No toilette or bar available at the beach.”
Cala en Turqueta
Photo: Cala en Turqueta / Google Maps
The name is accurate — the water genuinely is turquoise, in the way that seems impossible until you see it. A 15-minute walk from a small car park. Go in the morning before the day boats arrive from Ciutadella. After 11am it becomes the most popular beach on the west coast. Before 9am it is almost yours alone.
Insider Tip
Park at the signed car park and walk in. Do not attempt to drive closer — the track ends in sand and there is no turning space. The 15-minute walk is flat and the beach at the end of it is worth every step.
“Such a stunning beach. I’ve seen a lot of reviews talking about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the parking lot, but I felt like it was more around 5 to 10 minutes. Not bad at all. If you’re driving in August, be sure to get there by 7:30 AM or else you will not get parking!”
“People ask me for the best beach. I always ask them how far they are willing to walk. The answer determines everything.”
— Guillem, ANANA Menorca Concierge
Guillem can arrange private boat access to coves that are unreachable on foot. Ask him before you arrive.
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