Menorca doesn't really have a bad beach, and the compact island is a great choice if you're looking for a relaxing family or couples holiday - but it can be overwhelming trying to choose which beach to include in Menorca from the 70+ available.
It's also important to know that what makes Menorca's Balearic beaches so popular with travellers is that the minority of them are easily accessible, overdeveloped, or stacked with restaurants, inflatables, high-rise hotels and sandy cafes.
Several of these exist and are featured in this article, but the best of them are rustic, relatively remote, nudist, have few or no facilities and can only be reached on foot via a rocky coastal path or a dusty few miles; in short, they require some effort and planning to reach.
Does this mean that you can't enjoy some of the beautiful beaches without effort? No. Should you consider at least one beach day where you'll have to put in a little more effort? Absolutely.
This article aims to make it easy for you and give you all the information and inspiration you need to select the beaches in Menorca you want to add to your itinerary, depending on your travel style, mode of transport and accommodation.
You'll find the best beaches in Menorca, as well as all the essential tips and things you need to know for beach days on the island!
Types of beaches in Menorca
It is important to know that there are three different types of beaches in Menorca.
This is a personal distinction we have made, and there is a note next to each beach on the category it belongs to.
Tourist zone
These sandy beaches are found in the towns and built-up coastal centres where holiday packages and a range of accommodation options are located.
Easily accessible by road and public transport, they always have a lifeguard, shops and restaurants nearby, and the possibility of renting a sun lounger and parasol, as at Punta Prima.
Their ease of access means they tend to be fairly busy throughout the summer and are best suited to families or those who just want an easy, lazy beach day close to where they are staying.
Parking + Walking
These beaches are partly accessible by car, but still require a short walk along a defined path or trail from where you park.
They have little or no facilities other than rubbish bins and toilets (surprisingly excellent), you have to bring everything you need, and parking is limited to one space with limited capacity.
The car park / starting point of the hike is usually accessible by public transport, e.g. in Mitjana.
Secluded beach
These pristine beaches and coves can only be reached on foot via a rough path of more than 2 km. For some of them you can start from a town, but most of them require a car or public transport to reach the starting point of the path.
They are immersed in nature and have few or no facilities, so you have to bring everything you need, such as Macarelleta.
Useful information
Most of the best beaches in Menorca are classified as 'Parking + Walking' and 'Secluded Beach', which keeps the number of people down and provides a great atmosphere. The inaccessibility and lack of development on or near these beaches is actually what makes them so special.
However, it does mean that some families or people with reduced mobility will not be able to get to some of the beaches - don't despair, as you will still find plenty of great options in this guide!
Finally, all the car parks mentioned are free unless otherwise stated.
A car is essential for accessing a number of these beaches, so if you plan to hire, be sure to read our guide - 7 things to know before hiring a car in Menorca - to save money and stress!
The beaches of southwest Menorca
Platja de Binigaus / Parking + Walking
Binigaus looks wild, but is easily accessible on foot.
If you continue walking towards the far end of the beach, where it seems you won't be able to pass, you will in fact come across a hidden and secluded area with beautiful water.
Note that Binigaus is a nudist beach, especially in the secluded part mentioned above.
The neighbouring beach, Playa de San Adeodato, which you will come across on your walk, is also a good place, but not as beautiful in our opinion.
Access | It is an easy 10 minute walk along a wood from the small town of Santo Tomas. Binigaus can also be reached on foot via the Cami de Cavalls and the more difficult Litoral coastal path from Cala Escorxada.
Facilities - None at the beach, so bring whatever you want and take it with you. There are a few supermarkets in Santo Tomas, as well as restaurants.
Parking | The large free car park at Aparcamiento Es Bruc is the best option, and is a 5-10 minute walk from the beach. If it is full, you will find more in Santo Tomas.
Public transport | line 71 from Mahón and line 72 from Ciutadella go to Santo Tomas. You can also reach them from Es Mercadal, Es Migjorn or Alaior.
Santo Tomas is a popular tourist centre, while the small town of Es Migjorn Gran is a short drive away.
Cala Escorxada / Secluded Beach
A pure paradise and difficult to access (a short but difficult hike is required to reach it), this white sandy cove, bathed in turquoise waters, is of great beauty.
Access | A relatively difficult coastal walk along the "Litoral" path from Santo Tomas.
There are some ups and downs and rough terrain along the way. Allow 60-90 minutes if you are not in a hurry. Wear sports shoes, not flip-flops, and avoid doing it in the afternoon sun.
Note that you also have to walk back at the end of your beach day, so give yourself a realistic start time based on how long it took you to get there.
From Santo Tomas, follow the same road to Binigaus, but continue to this point, and you will see a handwritten black and white sign saying left for Escorxada, right to join the Cami. If you get to this point on the Cami, it is at the end of section 14, but you have to get off the Cami at the point indicated above to join the Litoral path.
The pretty little neighbour - Cala Fustam (maps) - is a 10 minute walk to the west, but Cala Escorxada is the best place for the day.
Facilities | None, so bring everything with you.
Parking | There is no parking nearby, and you should ignore Google Maps for this one as it thinks you can drive much closer. Instead, park early somewhere in Santo Tomas.
Public transport | Line 71 from Mahón and line 72 from Ciutadella go to Santo Tomas.
Where to stay | Stay in Santo Tomas
Cala Trebaluger / Secluded Beach
This is a beach with a similar aesthetic to that of the Minorcan paradise, but a little larger, wider and less intimate.
It is very popular with boat tourists and car adventurers due to the deep, clear water in the cove.
Access | Access is by foot only, with two different options depending on which direction you are coming from.
The most popular and convenient is to drive to the Cala Mitjana car park (see below) and follow the path down to Mitjana. From there you can take one of two paths:
1. The coastal path, also called Finca Public Cala Mitjana. It is more difficult and hilly, and takes at least 60-90 minutes.
2. The Vallado Blue Trail, which passes through a pine forest rather than the sea, and is the easier trail. It takes about 35-45 minutes if you have a good pace, but allow an hour if you are slower. Note that there are some steeper sections of stairs and ascents and descents to the beach.
This route is not part of the Cami de Cavalls road, but you can reach Finca Publica where it crosses.
You can also walk to Cala Trebalúger from Santo Tomas along the coastal path, but the terrain and the climbs and descents are quite difficult in places. We recommend this section only if you are in the mood for a good hike, if you avoid walking in the sun and if you do not try to enjoy the other beaches along the way.
Access by boat is also possible.
Services | None, but there is a man selling fruit and water (cash only).
Parking | The dusty car park at Cala Mitjana is large and free, with a capacity of about 250+ vehicles. However, it also serves as the main car park for this popular beach, so it is highly recommended to arrive early (before 10am) to ensure a space is available. On weekends and in high season, the car park will fill up.
Where to stay | Cala Galdana, which is a very popular tourist town on the south coast due to its own pleasant, family-friendly beach, range of hotels and flats, water sports activities and accessibility to many of the best beaches on the south coast (including the next two on our list).
Cala Mitjana / Parking + Walking
One of Menorca's most popular beaches, and certainly worthy of the distinction, Cala Mitjana is a great place to spend a day on a beach that still feels natural and secluded.
There is no accommodation, no shops and no facilities other than a whitewashed fisherman's hut and a walking path between the pines, sand and cliffs.
In short, it's a perfect place, especially for families who want a little bit of minor paradise but can't make it to the more challenging parts of the island.
Access | Just outside Cala Galdana, it is a direct, signposted 1.2km walk from the car park, along a defined, generally smooth, downhill paved track. This means that Mitjana is popular with families and disabled people, as well as everyone else, and you can easily do it in your flip-flops or sandals.
Services | Toilets and bins in the car park and near the beach entrance, but no other services. There is a woman with a wheelbarrow or under the umbrella who sells water (€2.50 a drink) or fruit, doing a brisk trade.
If you arrive without supplies, there is a small shop a few minutes walk from the car park and after the roundabout, on the left.
Parking | As above, this is the dusty car park at Cala Mitjana. It is large and free, with a capacity of about 250+ vehicles, but we strongly recommend arriving early (before 10am, earlier at weekends) to ensure a space is available.
Public transport | There is a convenient bus stop right in front of the car park entrance, so it is a good choice if you are travelling by public transport for a day trip. Take line 51 from Mahón, line 52 from Ciutadella, or line 53 from Ferreries.
Where to stay | Again, this is Cala Galdana.
Cala Macarelleta / Isolated, Parking + Walking
This small, heavenly beach remains one of the most sought-after on the island, despite its relative inaccessibility.
Requiring almost an hour's walk on a very dusty road from Cala Galdana, or a crowded bus ride, it remains very much worthwhile despite its relegation from our "top spot".
Note that Cala Macarelleta is also a nudist beach.
Access | A 2.5 km / 50 minute walk along the Cami de Cavalls from Cala Galdana or a dedicated bus from Ciutadella followed by a walk. The next larger beach, Cala Macarella, can be reached by the same route and you will arrive there first on your way to Cala Macarelleta.
Facilities | Nothing at all, so bring everything with you and take it back. Cala Macarella has a restaurant and toilets that you can use before and after. Note that there is also a protected/closed area at the back of the beach, so respect its boundaries.
Its popularity means that it can become a little too crowded for your taste at weekends or in high season.
The Macarella and Macarelleta car park used to be easily accessible with your own car/scooter at this car park, a 25 minute walk from Macarelleta, but this has changed recently due to overcrowding. Currently you cannot park in the official car park between June and October, so you can only get here in summer by walking along the Cami de Cavalls or taking a dedicated public bus.
If you arrive by car during the summer, we recommend that you park at Cala Galdana.
Public transport | There is a shuttle service from Ciutadella, which is the most convenient way to get there, but places are very limited every day in summer due to the popularity.
Where to stay | Cala Galdana or Ciutadella.
Cala En Turqueta / Parking + Walking
This beach is divided into two sections of soft sandy beach, each excellent.
Its hidden diving platform is also a highlight, but note that its ease of access and proximity to the car park means that its atmosphere can be quite different from that of more distant beaches of similar aesthetic.
Access | From the car park, it's a gradual 15-20 minute walk down a manageable dusty road, which will suit families. There are three trail options, but just take the main one as there is no real difference between them in terms of time/experience.
Turqueta can also be reached via the Cami de Cavalls from Macarella (go right instead of left to Macarelleta) and Cala Galdana.
Services | Toilets and rubbish bins at the entrance to the beach, as well as at the car park where there is a kiosk selling various drinks and snacks (8am-8pm). There is nothing available on the beach itself, so you will need to bring your own food and drink in and out.
Parking | Turqueta's car park can accommodate over 120 vehicles. However, it can only be reached after a 7-10 minute drive along a very narrow country road where safe passage is rare.
Note that Turqueta is one of three beaches in this area where the availability of the car park is displayed on electronic signs before you enter the last stretch of the access road, with specially employed men to signal you to get in or out depending on capacity.
If the car park is full and you can handle it, try to find somewhere to wait, pass, or come back later in the afternoon (as we did) and hope a space has opened up.
In high season, unless you arrive early or are happy to wait your hour, it will be full and the attendants are turning people away.
Public transport | Line 68 runs direct from Ciutadella to Cala en Turqueta in summer, with a stop and pick up at the car park near the kiosk. The price of a single ticket is €5.10, it is very busy and does not run on Sundays. The journey time is 30 minutes. We recommend that you arrive early before its scheduled departure
Where to stay | You will have to take the car or bus from anywhere, but Cala Galdana or Ciutadella are the most interesting.
Platja de Son Saura and Platja Bellavista/ Parking + Walking
Finally - a piece of beach!
Son Saura and Platja de Bellavista are right next to each other, and offer superb, quiet, shallow swimming and powdery sand.
If you want a wild, natural and aesthetic beach with relatively easy access on foot, instead of a narrow cove, this is a good choice in southwest Menorca.
Access | A flat and easy 7 minute walk from the car park. Both beaches can be reached from the same car park and by the same route, but Bellavista is the one to go to. The small swimming cove Cala des Talaier is also within easy walking distance of Bellavista in less than 10 minutes, so you can easily spend time at both in the same day.
Facilities | Toilets and bins in the car park, and a man selling watermelons, pineapples and drinks on the beach. There is also a lifeguard service.
Parking | As with Turqueta, it's along a very narrow country road with few passing places, then straight onto an even narrower one; roads like this are why we always recommend hiring a small car rather than a beast.
If you just put the beach into the GPS, you might get it wrong and end up in a farmhouse, so make sure you paste the correct Son Saura car park into Google Maps.
This is also one of the beaches with the digital sign and the men waving you on or off depending on the space available; the attendants working there will advise you where to go when it's busy to maximise the spaces available.
Public transport | Line 66 from Ciutadella runs to Son Saura in summer, with single tickets costing €3.15. The journey time is 30 minutes, and the line picks up and drops off passengers at the top of the car park. Again, it is very busy, so arrive early to ensure a seat.
Where to stay | Cala en Bosc, Son Xoriguer, Cala Galdana, Ciutadella
Beaches in the northwest of Menorca
Cala en Brut / Tourist area
The first of this list, in our opinion, is aimed more at a younger audience.
There is no beach, but Cala en Brut's layers of smooth concrete platforms, overlooking the turquoise blue, offer plenty of places to land, multiple opportunities to jump into the sea, as well as swimming and snorkelling.
It's a place where music is likely to be played and fun to be had with groups of friends, so keep that in mind if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere.
Access | This is one of the most accessible calas, and it is possible to park on the street just outside the entrance. It is also a short walk from section 11 of the Cami de Cavalls.
Facilities | None, but as you are in the tourist town of Los Delfines, you can take things if you need them.
Parking | If the dozen or so spaces on the street near the entrance are taken, go to this car park a few steps away. If it's full, it's an easy walk from anywhere you can park in Los Delfines.
Public transport | Line 61 from Ciutadella or line 67.
Where to stay | We do not recommend staying at Los Delfines - and actively advise against it - so it is best to visit this place as an easy day trip from Ciutadella (and you can also pair it with a sunset at the nearby Pont d'en Gil!)
Cala Morell / Parking + Walking
Protected from the north winds by the red cliffs that surround the bay, this relatively large cala offers plenty of artificial sunbathing with ladders in the blue, as well as a small section of unremarkable beach.
Access | Relatively easy, everyone has to park in the town and walk down to the platforms. Note that this involves some steep stairs, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs.
There are blue and white signs indicating where to get off, but they are not very clear if you don't know where to look for them, so we recommend you put this point on your map to find the main staircase. At the bottom of the stairs you are on a dusty path and can either go left to access the water and all the sides of the red platforms, or go right to continue to the Mirador up some very steep steps.
Facilities | No shops or facilities by the water, but there are two restaurants for lunch or dinner.
Parking is easiest at the Plaça Maestro Juan Manen, which is free and holds about 100 vehicles. From there it is a 10 minute walk down to the water.
Alternatively, to be 5 minutes closer, take the sign on the left towards Ivette and try your luck at the 20 or so parking spaces near the recycling bins... they'll probably be full.
Many locals park here on Carrer Orio, as it's an easier walk to the western docks and the cheaper restaurant. Try your luck, but we don't recommend it as the road is very narrow and there is very limited space for unofficial parking.
Public transport | Line 62 from Ciutadella
Where to stay | Ciutadella
Cala Pilar / Secluded Beach
Cala Pilar (also called Cala del Pilar) is a nudist beach.
Access | The most difficult beach to get to in this list, from the car park it takes 35-45 minutes to walk to the beach along a dusty, unpaved path. If you are not driving to the car park, you can find Cala Pilar on section 7 of the Cami de Cavalls.
Facilities | Absolutely none at the beach, so bring everything and remember you have to walk with it for a while. There are toilets in the car park.
Parking | To access the Cala Pilar car park, leave the ME-1 - signposted but easy to miss, so approach slowly - and come to a small roundabout (there is only room for about 40 vehicles). From here it's about a 10 minute drive on a potholed country road to the car park.
Public transport | none
Where to stay | Cala Morell or Ciutadella
Beaches in the north-east of Menorca
Cala Pregonda / Secluded beach
The beaches in the north of Menorca are radically different from those in the south, so to focus solely on the white sandy ones would mean you only get half the picture.
With its coppery sand, clear water and expansive views, we think Cala Pregonda is a must-see, even if it does take some extra effort to get there.
Indeed, if you go to Cala Pregonda, you will arrive in a bay with a succession of lovely little sandy and rocky sunbathing spots - Binem-La, Cala Morts, S' Alairó, Son Mercaduret - and you can choose to lie on one or all of these beaches.
Access | All adventure, with your own car being necessary unless you are hiking. However, note that it is easier to get to than Cala Pilar, which shares a similar aesthetic, which means it will always be the busier of the two best beaches on Menorca's northern coastline. It is also located on section 6 of the Cami.
Services | There is a restaurant near the car park, as well as toilets. There is also another restaurant on the far side of the beach.
There is nothing else on the walk or on/near the beaches though, so bring everything else with you.
Nudist friendly, largely concentrated on Cala Son Mercaduret, which is next to S'Alairó, as well as some of the more hidden away little calas.
Driving and parking | Cala Pregonda and the adjoining coves and beaches are all accessible from the same car park.
Public transport | None
Where to stay | Reaching Cala Pregonda will involve a bit of a drive for everyone, and there is no convenient place to base yourself nearby; consider it more of a day trip from your accommodation. Fornells, Es Mercadal, Alaior and Ferreries make the most sense.
Platja de Cavalleria and Platja de Ferragut / Parking + Walking
Due to time constraints, you may only be able to choose one northern beach, and Cavelleria offers the main alternative to Pregonda.
This is another beautiful rust-red beach, more suitable for families thanks to the two lifeguards set up in the former civil war bunker.
From the viewpoint, you can choose to walk down the wooden steps to a beautiful stretch of sand on the left, or go right to the more rocky, nudist section.
It is a good idea to combine this visit with Platja de Ferragut for sunset.
Access | Taking the same country road as above, take the indicated fork in the road towards the beach and towards the lighthouse to reach the dusty car park. The beach is a five minute walk away.
Services | There is a very nice little café next to the car park selling sandwiches, drinks, local cheese! There are also toilets and bins, but there is nothing on the beach.
There isparking for over 200 vehicles, find it here.
Public Transport | None
Where to stay | As above, reaching Cala Pregonda will involve a bit of a drive for everyone, and there is no convenient place to base yourself nearby; instead, consider it a day trip from your accommodation.
Arenal Son Saura / tourist area
This is certainly not our favourite beach in Menorca, but it's a good option if you're looking for a nice stretch of sand in the north, which is fairly easy to get to and has more facilities on site than the other beaches mentioned above. The other beaches in the tourist area of this corner are not included in this list.
Access | A short walk directly from the car park.
Facilities | Lifeguards, restaurant and snack bar on site, sun loungers and parasols for hire.
Parking | Free, dusty (maps) parking with room for about 150+ vehicles, located a few minutes walk from the beach entrance.
Public Transport | Line 41 from Mahon.
Where to stay | The Beach Club Menorca overlooks the beach, and there are other holiday homes and hotels nearby. Note that we do not recommend staying in the nearby tourist centre of Son Parc. We have visited it from Fornells, and we recommend it.
Arenal Son Saura / Tourist area
This is a good option if you are looking for a nice stretch of sand in the north, which is fairly easy to get to and has more facilities on site than the other beaches mentioned above. The other beaches in the tourist area of this corner are not included in this list.
Access | A short walk directly from the car park.
Facilities | Lifeguards, restaurant on site, sun loungers and parasols for hire.
Parking | Free, dusty parking with room for about 150+ vehicles, located a few minutes walk from the beach entrance.
Public Transport | Line 41 from Mahon.
Where to stay | The Beach Club Menorca overlooks the beach, and there are other holiday homes and hotels nearby. Please note that we do not recommend staying in the nearby tourist centre of Son Parc. We recommend visiting it from Fornells.
Platja es Grau / Tourist area
While the sandy section that makes up Platja Es Grau is unlikely to excite true beach lovers, the reason this particular cove makes the list is the picturesque village in which it is located.
Far from the busy coastal resorts, Es Grau offers calm, shallow waters, quiet days and a retreat-like atmosphere.
Spend the morning on the quiet beach, hire a kayak, walk a stretch of the Cami and wander around this picturesque east coast village.
Access | Very easy access, with a boardwalk leading you to the beach from the road. From the beach you can also walk to the much more remote Cala En Vidrier.
Facilities | Lifeguard, cafe next to the beach entrance with other options a short walk into the village.
Parking | This free car park just outside the beach entrance is the easiest place (maps), with room for about 30 vehicles. If it is full, just move to the large car park on the other side of the road.
Public transport | Mahón line 23 stops right in front of the beach entrance.
Where to stay | Es Grau, Mahón, Es Castell, Binibeca
Beaches in south-east Menorca
Punta Prima / Tourist area
Thanks to its proximity to Mahón and Menorca's airport, the white sandy beach of Punta Prima, located in a protected bay, is a popular day trip and holiday centre for sun-seeking visitors to the south-east of the island.
If you are a family or holidaymaker looking for beaches in Menorca more similar to Punta Prima in terms of access, facilities and atmosphere, you should also consider Cala n Bosc, Cala En Porter and Cala Galdana.
All located on the south coast and perfectly suited to a day at the beach, they do not make our list of the best beaches in Menorca but are popular tourist towns of varying quality.
Access | Easy access at street level, and a short walk from various car parks and bus stops in town. This is a good choice if you have mobility problems.
Facilities | Plenty, with several supermarkets, restaurants and cafes, all backing onto the beach.
Parking | The best place is this huge free tarmac car park a few steps from the beach, with room for over 250 vehicles. It also has several disabled parking spaces and wheelchair access.
Public Transport | Line 92 from Mahon.
Where to stay | Punta Prima has a wide range of accommodation in and around it (in the cheap but convenient Bimbolla flats), and the nearby beach of Binibeca is within easy walking distance.
Playa de Binibeca / Tourist area
The water is clear and shallow, its accessibility makes it popular with families and young people alike, and it has a nice holiday atmosphere without looking like a tourist zone beach.
The reason for classifying it as a tourist beach is that it is very close to two of the most popular holiday areas in the south-east of the island, so it gets a lot of people in summer.
The aesthetics are also broadly similar to the more remote pristine beaches in the southwest, but it is much easier to reach. The sharp rocks here, if you're prepared to walk over them in flip-flops, offer one of our favourite sunset spots on the whole island (and not many people know this).
Access | The short, dusty downhill tracks are right next to the car park, and only take a minute or so to walk to the sand. Note that you can enter/exit via several routes from the car parks, so don't worry about taking another route out - it's just a short walk back to the car or bus stop.
Facilities | The photogenic and atmospheric Los Bucaneros restaurant in the red and white hut (although it is quite busy). If you walk from the beach, there is a trailer at the car park serving cold drinks and snacks, while you can simply walk 5 minutes either way to Cala Torret or Binibeca where you will find more restaurants and a supermarket. There are even pedal boats for hire.
Parking | There are two car parks on either side of the beach entrance: this one is a bit larger and can accommodate about 30 vehicles and scooters, while this one is smaller and has a disabled parking space and a slightly easier access road.
Public transport | Mahòn line 93 stops near the beach entrance.
Where to stay | Binibeca, Punta Prima, Mahón, Es Castell. You can stay in this fantastic Airbnb nearby (BINI BLAU. Belle, 100 m sea and Binibeca Vell), which is a five-minute walk from this beach.
Playa Binisafuller / Parking + Walking
The swimming is excellent and the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful - a little gem to discover.
Access | Simple, with a 2 minute walk from the car park or easy to reach on foot via Cami de Cavalls Section 18.
Facilities | None
Parking | The tarmac car park can accommodate approximately 20 vehicles.
Public Transport | Line 94 from Mahón.
Where to stay | There are accommodation options in the village of Binisafuller, otherwise you can get there from any of the places we have already mentioned in this south-eastern corner of the island - Binibeca would be a perfect base to enjoy this particular Cala.
Cala Binidalí / Parking + Walking
This crescent of white sand, bordered by shallow turquoise waters, remains in our top 10.
The beach itself is rather small, but if you've become a little partial to lying on a warm rock (rather than fighting sand in unmentionable places), there are plenty of other rocky spots to perfect your tan and from which you can drive straight into the sea.
The sections are suitable for nudists.
Access | A few minutes walk down a wooden staircase from the car park. Don't miss the spectacular view from the mirador here either.
Facilities | None at the Cala or at the car park, but there is a restaurant at Binidalí.
Parking | There is only room for about ten cars in the main car park, so it is best to park on the street in Binidalí. Nearby there is also the Cala de Biniparratx and a small square in Caló Blanc, but they are not on our list.
Public transport | None, but you can take line 22 or line 94 and walk.
Where to stay | Binibeca, Punta Prima, Binidalí.
Son Bou / Tourist area
Last but not least is Son Bou, the longest stretch of beach in Menorca!
Bordered by protected dunes and a popular but unremarkable tourist town, it's a good option if you just want to arrive by bus or car and spend an easy beach day on soft, pleasant sand.
As it is so long, the character of Son Bou changes quite dramatically as you move away from the tourist town itself. For example, the furthest part, closer to Santo Tomas and accessible via the Cami de Cavalls path, has a wild and secluded feel, while the sections near the town are popular with holidaymakers and locals alike.
Access | Simple, the beach entry points are just a few steps from the bus stops in town and right next to the car park. Note that Son Bou beach is so long that you should not try to enter anywhere else if you are arriving by car or public transport; instead, once you are on the sand, simply walk until you find a free section to put your towel down or hire a sunbed.
Facilities | Facilities are plentiful, with lifeguards, boat hire, submarine hire and a few restaurants near the car park. The town itself has supermarkets and shops within walking distance of the beach entrance.
Parking | There is a large car park here, right next to the main entrance to the beach.
Public Transport | Line 36 from Ciutadella or line 32 from Mahón.
Where to stay | There are plenty of options in Son Bou, and we recommend you stick to the quieter side of town for a week in this superb airbnb (Insurmountable flat in Son Bou, Menorca)
Essential things to know about Menorca's beaches
There are some really important things to know and understand in advance before deciding which Menorca beach and cove you want to visit - or choosing accommodation nearby.
These include whether catering is available, what to bring with you and whether the car park is likely to be full before 10am in high season.
All beaches have a signpost indicating the walking trails at the entrance and exit, so take a look at it before you go.
The northern vs. southern border
Menorca has a great deal of geological diversity in relation to its size, resulting in a stark contrast between the beaches on the north and south coasts.
The southern coast, known as white Menorca, is made of white sand and limestone/dolomite and lined with pine forests, while the more rugged northern coast is all shades of copper and rust.
This may explain why Menorca's most popular beaches are in the south, but many of the hidden gems are in the north.
However, simplistically viewing the island's geography as a north/south divide doesn't match the practical experience you'll have of your Menorca trip.
For example, if you are based in or around Ciutadella, it makes sense to focus on the western half of the island (north and south) with the possibility of a day trip or two further afield; if you are in Binibeca or Mahon, it is the eastern side that will be most visited.
You won't be able to visit them all
The island is small, but has 220 km of coastline. You won't be able to visit all of Menorca's best beaches in one or two weeks.
There's no need to worry about that, but it's especially important to select a few around which you want to build your beach days and your itinerary.
Similarly, don't try to visit or spend significant time on more than two of the 'isolated' beaches in a single day.
This also means that it is important to choose the right type of beaches and coves (calas) from this list according to your travel style and length of stay, i.e. don't choose all the very remote beaches if you are a family looking for ease of access and facilities, or devote too many days to the 'tourist zone' beaches if you are a couple who want to hire a car and like to sweat off the beaten track.
Having your own transport - a hire car or scooter - will however open up the number and variety of Menorca's beaches you can visit - but note that Google Maps often confuses pedestrian roads with carriage roads for some remote beaches.
We recommend searching and booking via Rentalcars.com, as this site offers the best selection of local and international companies on the island, often with discounts and offers.
Also note that many of Menorca's best beaches do not have accommodation on site or nearby.
Calas vs. Platjas (Coves vs. Beaches)
Not all of Menorca's best beaches are called 'beaches' (playas in Spanish, platjas in Catalan).
Although popular places like Macaratelleta and Mitjana have a beautiful sandy section and can rightly be called 'beaches', they all have the prefix 'cala' because of their location in a 'cove' or 'inlet'. This is why you will see the word 'cala' used so frequently in this and all other Menorca guides.
However, there are a few calas in this list - such as Morell and En Brut - that don't have any small stretch of beach; these are places where you'll sit on the rocks or smooth stone platforms to sunbathe.
Anyway, we've made it clear whether you should generally expect sand, rocks or a combination of the two in the description of each beach.
Expect some nudity
There are many nudist beaches in Menorca. Nudity is common on all beaches, which is the norm in Spain, but there are sections of beach as well as specific beaches that are well-known nudist spots (there are no signs to indicate this).
Don't underestimate the crowds in high season
During the high season (June to mid-September), all of Menorca's beaches can be very, very crowded, and it gets even busier at weekends, including the shoulder season.
If you're visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, we recommend knowing in advance where you're going for the day and leaving early (this is not the time to be spontaneous).
Parking is scarce
Parking is generally free on all Menorca's beaches, but it gets crowded quickly, especially during the summer months.
Plan ahead (especially for Turqueta, Son Saura, Macarella), and arrive before 10am every day from June to September, earlier in August, or try again around 3/4pm.
Most car parks have dusty, uneven ground with no marked lines or spaces, rather than tarmac or smooth concrete. You should park sensibly and tightly on arrival to maximise the space available for others. If you arrive with a scooter, you can always find a space.
Public transport is really good to most beaches, especially from Ciutadella and Mahón, but this limits your options depending on where you start. Also, these services can be overcrowded in the summer, so arrive before your scheduled departure to have a better chance of getting a seat.
The importance of being prepared
We've mentioned the scarcity of some facilities on remote beaches, which means it's up to everyone to be adequately prepared in advance.
You'll need to bring your own towels, sun cream, glasses or snorkel, snacks, plenty of water, and something to store your rubbish for the walk back - anything you bring, you're responsible for taking back. It is therefore advisable to always carry a spare bin bag or plastic bag in your backpack.
For long-distance walks, good sandals will suffice, but don't wear flip-flops; trainers are better for comfort.
Also invest in a small parasol or beach tent if you plan to spend days on a beach. There is little or no shade available, and it is absolutely essential to have one. Some Airbnbs have one lying around available for you, but you can also buy one for about €10 on the island.
As far as towels are concerned, we don't recommend bringing the ones from your hotel or flat, as they often have specific rules prohibiting this and fines are common as they get pretty handy. Instead, take a light sarong or buy your own towels on arrival.
Be a responsible tourist
Menorca has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO since 1993, and it is our duty as visitors to preserve and protect the beautiful places we visit.
Certain areas are marked to protect dunes, flora and fauna or ecosystems, so it is essential to respect the defined paths. Respect the signs restricting swimming to specific areas, and keep these beautiful shared natural areas clean and pleasant for other visitors.
Take ALL your rubbish back with you.
Getting to know the cami de cavalls
Many of Menorca's best beaches can be found along the Cami de Cavalls, the 115 mile / 185 km hiking route that circles the island.
Others can be reached on different coastal paths or interconnected hiking routes.
This means you can easily double a day's walking by spending time on several beaches.
When you open or pass through a gate, leave it as you found it.
Wind is more important than you think
The crux of the north/south divide is related to the winds, and all locals will quickly tell you that it is mainly the wind direction that determines their choice of beach each day.
In short, if the wind is from the south, go to the northern beaches; if it's from the north, go south. Wind Guru is a free website and app specific to Menorca, which tracks the winds from 6 different points, and is the most reliable way to get advance information.
Also, the south gets the best of the sun from early to late afternoon and is the best option if you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset at the end of your day at the beach.
Finally, if there is a strong storm, the colour and transparency of the water may be affected on some beaches and coves during the next day or two.
You may also see Neptune grass on some beaches - it looks a bit like seaweed - which is a healthy, natural product and a sign of a healthy beach.
Consider hiring a boat
Finally, hiring a boat is very popular on the southwest coast of Menorca. You don't need a licence to drive it, and it will take you to some of the best beaches.
You can also take part in one of the many boat trips from all over the island!
FAQ Beach Menorca
What is the longest beach in Menorca?
Son Bou beach is located within the city limits of Alaior, on the south coast of the island. It is the island's longest beach at almost 4 kilometres long. Its crystal clear waters contrast with the white sand of the beach.
What is the water temperature in Menorca?
The average annual water temperature on Menorca's coast is 67°F, depending on the season: in winter 59°F, in spring 60°F, in summer 75°F, in autumn 72°F. The minimum water temperature (56°F) in Menorca is in February, the maximum (81°F) in August.
How many beaches are there on the island of Menorca?
Menorca has more than 100 beaches, many of which are relatively unknown or accessible only on foot.
