Menorca is the little sister of the famous Balearic island of Majorca and is known for its dreamy bays with turquoise waters and fine, white sand. In many places here you will find deserted beaches amidst unspoiled nature and green pine forests. The most beautiful beaches of Menorca are located on the south coast, which is popular for its steep cliffs and idyllic bays. On the coasts in the north of the island, colourful rocky landscapes and fine-grained sand alternate. Thanks to the dry and sunny climate, summer is particularly suitable for a relaxed beach holiday in Menorca.
Cala en Turqueta is located in the south west of Menorca between the places Cala'n Bosch and Cala Galdana. The beach is very natural and is surrounded by woods and rocks. It is only about 100m long and charms with light sand. The bay captivates with its crystal-clear water that shimmers in a variety of shades of turquoise. From the car park there is a 1km long path that leads to the natural, quiet beach.
Our tip: Pack your goggles and snorkel along the rocks in the crystal-clear waters.
In the north-east of Menorca there is the almost circular bay, which protects the beach of Arenal d'en Castell well against stronger waves. At a length of 650m, the fine, bright sand falls flat here into the sea. The beach is ideal for families with small children. Here you can spread your towel in the sand or hire sun loungers and umbrellas. To the western part of the beach you can enjoy some restaurants overlooking the sea.
Our tip: Hire a pedalo on the beach and enjoy the sight of the island from the water.
A quiet bay, one of the top beaches on the island, is Cala en Porter. Between two approximately 200m high rock walls there is a small, only 150m long, bay. One cliff is overgrown with green and on the other side, houses have been built, like bird nests, on the rocks. Fan palms provide shade behind the beach and a playground offers the little holidaymakers the chance to run riot.
Our tip: At the end of the day, climb one of the rocky plateaus behind the beach and watch the picturesque sunset overlooking the sea.
Another dream beach in Menorca is Cala de Macarella, about 14km south-east of Ciutadella. In the bay you can expect a glistening sea, surrounded by limestone and fine-grained sand. This beach is often frequented, especially by followers of the nudist culture, because nude bathing is permitted here. The infrastructure includes toilets and a bathing supervision, sun loungers are not for hire. In the hinterland there is a restaurant.
Our tip: Thanks to the calm waters, you can go snorkelling and kayaking in the Cala de Macarella and see the surroundings from the sea.
Playa de Son Bou is not only one of the best, but also the longest beach in Menorca. It stretches for almost 3km, gently sloping on the west coast of the island and was awarded the Blue Flag for its excellent water quality. Playa de Son Bou is wheelchair accessible and offers many facilities such as beach bars, showers and toilets, as well as an area for water sports.
Our tip: Visit the early Christian basilica at the eastern end of the beach. Built directly on the water, you have a beautiful view of the sea and the beach from the basilica.
The wide, sandy beach of Playa d'en Tortuga welcomes you into the wild on a wild coast. After a 45-minute walk, you will be treated to paradisiacal views of a natural beach, which is rarely visited due to its secluded location. You can reach it from the island's capital, Mahon, after a 13-kilometre drive, mostly through a nature park.
Our tip: From the Playa d'en Tortuga, take a detour to the species-rich wetland of the s'Albufera d'es Grau Natural Park, which starts just behind the beach.
Cala Blanca means "white bay" and the name of the beach is not without reason: here the sand is almost snow-white and as fine as icing sugar. The water is mostly calm and you can hire umbrellas and sun loungers. There are also toilets and foot showers. From a bar built into the rocks, you have a sweeping view of the coastline. On the beach there is also a diving school, where you can book dives to reefs in the area.
Our tip: Whilst the sun is setting, take a stroll from the bay of Santandria to Cala Blanca and let the unique view charm you.
Playa de Es Grau is one of the best beaches for families and is about 10km from the capital Mahon. The beach in the wetland s'Albufera is also an ideal starting point for hiking and kayaking. On the beach you can rent pedalos and kayaks. The bay is almost 500m long and well protected. It is divided in the middle by a rock. Th beach is often frequented by some locals.
Our tip: Spend a relaxing day at the Playa de Es Grau and splash around with the children in the shallow water.
On the south coast of Menorca is the popular resort of Cala Galdana, which is nestled in the bay of the same name. The beach is located in the well-protected, semi-circular bay and is almost 500m long. Especially beautiful are the turquoise shades of the water. As waves rarely hit the shore, Cala Galdana is perfect for families with small children. Amenities at the beach include showers, toilets and lifeguards.
Our tip: At the end of the beach, from the observation deck Mirador Sa Punta, there is a magnificent, panoramic view over the bay and sea.
In the municipality of San Lluís is the Cala de Binibeca, which is surrounded by modern buildings. The beach, with its light sands and sapphire blue waters, is more reminiscent of the Caribbean than the Mediterranean. Since the water is not very deep, the beach is also very popular among families.
Our tip: Grab your snorkel and explore the underwater world of Menorca in the crystal-clear sea. It is from here that diving excursions also begin.
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