Beaches in Menorca

On the south coast which is sheltered from the strong northerly prevailing wind called the Tramuntana, the beaches have fine white sand and towards the east there are some of the longest sandy beaches on the entire island.
On the north coast, which has the highest cliffs the beaches tend to be smaller, with red sand, and many are more difficult to access which means that even in summer there are always empty secluded places to stretch out in the sun.
Menorca beaches with facilities
Heading in an anti clockwise direction around the island from Ciutadella on the western coast to the Bay of Fornells in the north there are plenty of beaches with excellent facilities for families with children, and for those with limited mobility. The wilder section of northern coastline, from Cap de Cavelleria to Cala Morell is less easily accessed and is for those who are prepared to walk at least a few hundred metres to find their place on the sand. Along the southern coast the resort beaches of pristine white sand usually have hotels, self catering villas and apartments close by, with bars, cafes and restaurants near to the sea.
Son Bou, to the east, has the longest white beach on the island which is nearly three miles long. It is a quiet family resort with easy access to the beach itself, and a lifeguard in attendance.
Heading west again Sant Tomàs has another long narrow beach with good access from hotels very close to the beach which has lifeguards patrolling the beach.

On the south eastern corner of the island the fishing village of Binibèquer Vell is a pretty purpose built resort of white washed small apartments tucked around a tiny cove. Heading east along the coast the beach at Punta Prima has bars and restaurants close by with a wide beach and shallow water.

On the northern coast the smaller resort of Arenal d’en Castell has a wide beach beneath vacation villas and self catering accommodation and at Cala Tirant, just beyond the Bay of Fornells a relatively new development has a wide beach between two headlands, with lifeguards patrolling during summer months.
Cala Morell, north of Ciutadella has a small beach with excellent snorkelling just off the shore. There are no large hotels here but many self catering vacation apartments and villas along the rocky coastline.
Wild beaches in Menorca

Many of the wild beaches on both south and north coasts can be reached by narrow country lanes and have purpose built parking areas set in fields some distance from the beach to minimise impact on the coastal environment.
To avoid traffic chaos in the height of summer, electronic signs at the closest major road turn off to the beach will indicate parking availability. It is very difficult to turn your car around in the stone walled lanes, so be sure to look out for the parking indicators before you commit yourself.
For serious walkers practically the entire coastline of Menorca is ringed by the newly reopened Camí de Cavalls, a bridle path used for centuries by smugglers and Revenue guards. Now well marked and cleared for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers the Camí offers a new way to explore and to discover yet more hidden beaches and secluded bays.
On the southern coast many of the wild beaches lie at the end of long barrancs – the wide deep ravines and gullies cut over millennia by rainfall into the limestone plateau which covers the southern half of the island. Here, the wild beaches need at least a ten minute walk from car parks set back from the coast, or perhaps a long scramble down a rocky path, but the adventurous beach fan will be rewarded by a lovely stretch of white sand, crystal clear sea , and even in the height of summer very few others sharing the quiet seclusion.

Parking here is a good 15 minutes away on foot from the sea but the beaches are amongst the most beautiful on the island, with small coves backed by steep wooded cliffs and rocky headlands which have stunning views over the pristine clear sea.
Further along the coast, and accessed by the road which runs from Ferreries to Cala Galdana, Cala Mitjana and Cala Trebalúger can be reached by a 30 minute and 60 minute walk respectively along the Cami de Cavalls. The beach at Cala Trebalúger is a sand bar and behind it a fresh water river extends for more than a kilometre through lush wetlands which teem with wild life.

Unusually for a wild beach there is a lifeguard’s tower here, with parking about 1 kilometre from the beach. In the height of the summer the car park often is full, but determined walkers can usually be sure to find somewhere close by for a cooling swim from a deserted stretch of sand.
Cala Pregonda, close to the high cliffs of Cap de Cavalleria is one of the most beautiful wild beaches on the north coast with small islets set inside a bay of red sand and an inviting clear sea.
In the natural park of S’Albufera des Grau there are lovely wild beaches which can be reached from Es Grau itself following footpaths through the wetlands of the park or the Cami de Cavalls. Cala de sa Torreta, within the park with its ancient watchtower perched on a headland has several tiny sandy beaches which even in the height of the season are usually deserted.
Those using the wild beaches of Menorca should always remember to take enough water and food for their excursion and make sure to leave the beaches as pristine as they found them. Many Menorcans will tell you that they often bring home more from the beach than they take for they invariably pick up rubbish left behind by other less careful beach goers. It is one way they say, to repay the island for the wonderful carefree days they can spend on its beaches.
Responsible Travel would like to thank the Menorca tourist board for their sponsorship of this guide
Menorca walking vacation, Spain
Idyllic golden beaches, hidden coves and deep blue bays
From
£1269
8 Days
inc UK flights