Menorca · South & Coves
Southern Menorca is home to the island's most photographed beaches, almost entirely protected by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covering most of the coastline. On one side, long organised beaches like Son Bou or Cala Galdana, equipped with restaurants and full services; on the other, wild coves reachable only on foot or by boat, where the water reaches an almost Caribbean clarity. The Camí de Cavalls coastal path connects most of them, for those who want to string several coves together in a single day's walk. Here is our complete guide to the most beautiful beaches of southern Menorca.
The beaches and coves of southern Menorca
Cala Macarella is unanimously considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Menorca and the entire Mediterranean (4.8/5). Nestled in a cove protected by white limestone cliffs and dense pine forest, this cove is part of Menorca's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Its absolutely clear turquoise water is reminiscent of the Caribbean, and the fine sand stretches for about a hundred metres. Ten minutes' walk along the Camí de Cavalls is its twin, Cala Macarelleta, even more intimate. Between the two, Susy Bar serves sandwiches and ice cream in season. Access is via a paid car park, at €3 an hour, followed by 15 to 20 minutes' walk through the pine forest. Arrive before 9am in July-August to find space, and combine with Cala Macarelleta for a full morning.
Cala Macarella, one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean
Cala en Turqueta, ten kilometres from Ciutadella, is one of the jewels of the southwest coastline (4.8/5). This horseshoe-shaped cove, framed by limestone cliffs and Mediterranean pine forest, plunges into exceptionally clear water, from transparent turquoise to emerald green depending on depth. Yellow buoys mark the mooring area where sailboats and catamarans anchor every summer. Listed within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the beach is reachable only on foot from the car park, in about twenty minutes, or by sea; no services are offered there. The Camí de Cavalls links Cala en Turqueta to Son Saura along the cliffs. Come before 10am to enjoy the beach before the boats arrive, and combine with Son Saura, three kilometres away, for a full day.
Cala Escorxada is arguably the most secret and best-preserved cove on Menorca's southern coastline (4.8/5). Set deep in a true canyon of limestone cliffs, it has to be earned: at least 45 minutes' walk from the nearest car park on the Camí de Cavalls, or a boat or kayak crossing from Cala Galdana, six kilometres to the west. The water is of absolute purity and clarity, crystalline turquoise against a backdrop of white rocks, without the slightest trace of pollution. The beach itself is tiny, but the setting is spectacular: vertical cliffs, a small natural arch and total silence. No services, no infrastructure. Rent a kayak or motorboat from Cala Galdana for easy access, and set off early in the morning before the rental boats arrive.
Cala Galdana, nicknamed Menorca's "queen of coves"
Cala Galdana is nicknamed Menorca's "queen of coves", and the view from the cliffs overlooking it explains why (4.7/5). This horseshoe-shaped cove, framed by white cliffs covered in pines and palm trees, holds a Blue Flag and stretches for about 400 metres of fine sand. Unlike the wild coves, Cala Galdana has all the services: restaurants, beach bars, kayak and pedal-boat rental. From the beach, two Camí de Cavalls trails lead to Cala Macarella to the west, in 45 minutes, and to Cala Mitjana to the east, in 20 minutes. Climb the cliffs west of the beach for the plunging view, Menorca's most beautiful photo, and arrive early in July-August, as the paid car park fills up by 9am.
Son Bou is Menorca's largest beach with its 2.5 kilometres of fine golden sand, and one of the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean (4.7/5). The waters are shallow for several dozen metres, ideal for families with children. Behind the beach, a protected wetland shelters remarkable wildlife, and at the eastern end, the ruins of a 5th-century early Christian basilica testify to the island's Mediterranean past. The Camí de Cavalls runs along the coast towards Cala en Porter and Santo Tomás. Access and parking are free, with a lifeguarded beach and disabled access. Arrive before 10am in July-August, as the car park fills up fast, and visit the basilica ruins to the east, discovered in 1951.
Other southern coves are also worth the detour depending on your mood: Cala en Porter and its troglodyte bar-nightclub, the Cova d'en Xoroi, perched 30 metres above the waves; Caló Fondo, a secret jealously guarded by Menorcans near Binibeca Vell; Arenal d'en Castell and its ochre sandstone cliffs in the northeast; Son Saura and its waters favoured by sailboats; or Cala Alcaufar, an authentic cove with exceptional rocky seabeds for snorkelling — all to discover in the full guide.