Beaches of Menorca
Menorca is home to well over 100 beaches ranging from vast expanses of golden sand to pebbled coves and secluded inlets. While the island may not live up to Ibiza or Mallorca in terms of nightlife, its natural assets are beyond spectacular.
Most resort beaches are easily accessible by car and cater commendably for the island’s burgeoning tourist trade, often incorporating beach bars, restaurants, life guard huts, first aid centres, showers and toilet facilities. Sun beds and umbrellas are usually available for hire along with a wide variety of sports and water sports equipment.
Waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and sailing are just a few of the aquatic pastimes that can be enjoyed in Menorca’s coastal waters but visitors should be aware that certain coastal stretches are vulnerable to strong currents. Most resort beaches have a flag system, so pay attention to these before heading into the water.
The drawback to the resort beaches is that they can get very full, particularly in high season when overcrowding becomes a problem in some areas. Additionally, pollution has become a problem on some of Menorca’s busier beaches in recent years. In order not to contribute to this problem, tourists should make use of the disposal facilities provided.
Visitors looking for quiet, unspoilt coves are more likely to be rewarded outside of the main tourist areas. Menorca has plenty of isolated beaches and pristine inlets, and exploration along the wilder coastal regions coupled with a measure of local advice should get you to a peaceful seaside spot in no time.
Some of Menorca’s most popular beaches are:
Son Bou: located on Menorca’s southern coast, Son Bou is the longest of the island’s beaches at just under two miles long. A vast expanse of honey-coloured sand slopes gradually into a bay of turquoise water. The beach is popular with swimmers, sun bathers and water sports aficionados, and is equipped with all necessary facilities and equipment including three modern beach bars.
Punta Prima: located to the east of Sant Lluis and made up of fine, white sand; the bay can be dangerous under certain wind conditions. There is a good selection of bars and shops here as well as convenient parking.
Binibeca: a sandy cove with calm, translucent waters offering safe swimming and excellent snorkelling. The beach is framed by Binibeca Vell at one end and Cala Torret at the other. Both centres offer a good selection of shops, bars and eateries.
Cala en Porter: a well equipped and attractive beach located below the resort of the same name. The beach is accessible via steps or a free ‘fun train’ that operates regularly during the day.
Cala Galdana: a gorgeous, pine-backed beach often referred to as the ‘queen of the calas’. The soft sand beach curves around tranquil waters that are perfect for children.
Cala Tirant: a pretty, sand beach located below the development of Playa de Fornells and the ancient fishing village of Fornells. Although there is no beach at Fornells, windsurfing and sailing are popular in the bay.
Santo Thomas: located to the west of Son Bou, this is a much quieter sand and rock beach offering good sports and refreshment facilities.
Son Parc: a long, white beach with very shallow, child-friendly waters and excellent facilities. It is located close to Club Son Parc, Menorca’s only golf course.
Arenal d’en Castell: a fine, white sand beach that offers an exciting array of water sports and a good selection of bars and restaurants.
Cala Macarella and Macarelleta: situated south of Ciutadella, these adjoining beaches are among the prettiest on the island. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for hire here.
Cala Pregonda: a strikingly lovely beach encircled by bizarre rock formations and pine trees. Although this beach has no facilities, it is well worth visiting for its aesthetic value alone.
Cala Mitjana: located south of Ferreries, this pretty cove is encircled by pine groves and offers easy parking, but has no facilities.
Arenal de Son Saura: a tranquil bay located south of Ciutadella with translucent water and white sand. No facilities.
Es Grau: part of a nature reserve, this beach is located adjacent to the village of Es Grau, where there is a limited selection of shops, bars and restaurants. The beach is backed by pine-clad dunes that lead towards a large lake.
