Best Calas in Menorca: North vs South Coast Guide

Short answerThe south coast calas like Cala Macarella and Cala Mitjana are easier to reach on foot and have more facilities, but they get crowded; north coast calas such as Cala Pregonda and Platja de Cavalleria are wilder, require a car or a hike, and are quieter. Parking is limited everywhere, so arrive early or use buses where available. Travellers report that some south coast beaches like Cala Galdana can be developed and busy, while north coast beaches often have no services.

01

South Coast Calas: Access and Crowds

South coast calas are generally more accessible and developed. Cala Galdana is a large, developed beach with hotels and restaurants, but travellers report it was closed due to feces in the water, so check water quality locally. Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are reachable on foot from Cala Galdana; travellers report hiking from Cala Galdana to Cala Macarella. Cala Mitjana has no facilities, so bring a foldable tent for shade. Parking at Cala en Turqueta fills up early: travellers report that 9am in July is usually too late to park. Bus line 68 is an alternative to parking at Cala Turqueta; check timetables again in July because they change. Cala Galdana is described as nice but more developed; other out-of-the-way beaches may have 2-5 km trails that are too long with a toddler.

02

North Coast Calas: Wild and Quiet

North coast calas are wilder and less crowded. Platja de Cavalleria, Platja de Binimel·là, and Cala Pregonda have vehicular access but are busy in summer. Cala Pregonda is known for its reddish sand and clear water. Cala Mica and Cala en Calderer are unspoilt and only accessible on foot or by sea. Cala Barril and Cala Tirant are also on the north coast. These beaches often have no services, no bars, no toilets, so bring water and supplies. The north coast is exposed to wind, so check conditions.

Local tip

For a quieter north coast experience, head to Cala Pregonda or Platja de Cavalleria, but bring everything you need as there are no services. Parking is limited, so arrive before 9am in peak season.

03

Access on Foot and Parking

Many calas require a hike. The Camí de Cavalls has scenic sections for hiking and can be used to reach some beaches. For Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta, you can walk from Cala Galdana; travellers report hiking from Cala Galdana to Cala Macarella. For Cala Mitjana, there is mixed information about trail ease; a user asks whether it is possible easily in 15-20 minutes and whether to take a stroller or carry a child. Parking is limited at popular calas like Cala en Turqueta and Cala Macarella. Some accommodation relies on street parking and free public parking. In off season, buses to beaches in tourism areas run on the hour every hour rather than every 20 minutes like in main season, and buses are usually cheaper in off season compared to summer. Remote beaches may have only a couple of buses a day running near them, if any at all.

04

Crowds and Best Time to Go

Crowds are heaviest in July and August. Late September in Menorca: weather is nice enough to swim and enjoy the beach, buses across the island still run, and it is lively enough to not be dead. Season officially starts at Easter holidays with a slow open. To avoid crowds, go early in the morning or late afternoon. South coast calas like Cala Galdana and Son Bou are the most developed and busy. North coast calas are generally quieter but still get busy in peak season. Consider staying in two different areas to provide variety: one city area with access to good beaches, and one more rural and quiet area near less popular beaches or in the interior.

Questions people ask

Which calas in Menorca are best for avoiding crowds?expand_more

North coast calas like Cala Pregonda, Platja de Cavalleria, and Cala Mica are generally quieter. South coast calas like Cala Galdana and Son Bou are more developed and busy.

Do I need a car to reach the best calas?expand_more

It is practically mandatory to rent a car in Menorca, according to travellers. Some calas are accessible by bus, but remote beaches may have only a couple of buses a day or none at all.

Is parking available at Cala Macarella?expand_more

Parking is limited. Many people park at Cala Galdana and hike to Cala Macarella. Arrive early as parking fills up quickly in summer.

Are there facilities at north coast calas?expand_more

Remote beaches have no services, no bars, no toilets. Bring water, food, and shade. South coast calas like Cala Galdana have more facilities.

What is the best time to visit the calas?expand_more

Late September is ideal: weather is nice enough to swim, buses still run, and it is lively enough to not be dead. Avoid July and August if you dislike crowds.

infoCompiled from OpenStreetMap, Wikivoyage and traveller reports. Confirm prices and opening hours locally. About