Overview

Santa Cala Galdana is a popular resort with a truely picture postcard setting approx. 45 mins from Mahon Airport.

Cliffs enclose a large bay, with turquoise blue waters and a gently shelving light fine sandy beach. The resort has grown up to include a selection of private villas, hotels, private and commercial apartments, Bars and Restaurants, sitting in the pine wooded valleys behind the bay. A small river, the Algendar, flows into the sea here and enhances the natural beauty and charm of the resort. There are some beautiful trails along this rivers' valley floor as well as along the coast line on the Cami de Cavalls.

Nick-named the “Queen of the Calas” Cala Galdana, is one of the most beautiful pine clad bays in Menorca. The name itself is a corruption of the Moorish Guad-al-Ana (The Barranco of St Anne).

It is a well established holiday resort with some of islands few larger hotels, which are located in the resort centre rather than on the beach with the exception of an obvious example.

Information

Menorca Holiday Tips

Homemade pastries and cakes at S'Escopinya bakery in the commercial centre offer sweet tooths a feast plus good for basic good value simple meals and sandwiches.

See and Do

Places to visit

A late afternoon / evening trip to Ciutadella is a most to stroll around the old city, people watch at the Cafe Bars, take in a Tapas or two, so some shopping and watching the unsuspecting visiting small yachts owners get their evening drinks tipped over them as the big ferry comes in the late afternoon. Strange how they found that mooring spot was convieniently unoccupied :-)

Ferreries by bus on a saturday morning where in the main square locals farmers and handicrafts people offer their wares in a very pleasant market.

If your staying longer than 1 week how about a ferry trip over to Mallorca? Quick ferry ( Balleria ) from port at Ciutadella.

See below for more nearby attractions.

Daytime Entertainment

Beaches

Santa Cala Galdana lies close to some very beautiful virgin beaches. See pictures below for a selection of these.

Reachable by car (~10 mins.) from resort is Cala Mitjana und Mitjaneta. Reached on foot from the resort (~45 mins.) ( in the earlier days this was the only way to reach these beaches via an unsignposted "hidden" path. )

There is also a wonderful coastal /inland walk to Cala Macarelleta and Cala Macarella duration approx. 50 Minutes. And then beyond to Cala en Turqueta, an exqusite beach ( 1 1/2 h). These can be seen on the Resort Map.

Waterpark

The Togogan is a popular snack Bar Restaurant in the resort centre which a has a small "Water park" (Nothing too exciting for older children though.), play area for small children and a mini golf course in their grounds. Ideal for younger children where adults can ( also eat ) can keep on eye on them while relaxing. The water slides operate on a "pay as you go" basis. (Prices as of 2010 ) 3 slides 1 Euro, 14 slides 3 Euros and 28 slide 5 Euros. Mini Golf is 3 Euros.

Views

There is a fantastic view of the bay from viewing points above the cliffs on the Mirador de Sa Punta reachable by car or up ( a lot) of steps on the eastern side of the beach.

Another, lower level, view of the resort is from the El Mirador Bar Restaurant situated on the rocky “island” at the western end of the beach. It can easily be reached from resort by a footbridge, or directly from the beach or why not swim for it from the other parts of the beach! The terraces offer views out to sea and across the bay itself - certainly worth a drink and a photograph. Also the pickup drop off point for glass bottom boat trips

Shopping

In nearby Ferreries there are factory shops for one of the island's most famous upmarket leather shoes and goods manufactuer JAIME MASCARO website. Many of these shoes and goods you will find in more exclusive shops back home for considerably more than you will pay here. Ciutadella is a must. and combine with market day.

Walks

This part of island has wonderful examples of what makes Menorcas southern coast beaches so beautiful and dreamy. Starting from the inner of the island, ancient rivers have cut deep gorges ('Barrancs') though the soft southern stone to emerge in fine sandy pine clad cliffed bays at the sea. This characterises many of the beautiful beaches on the south coast. Santa Cala Galdana is just one example of this, it being situated at the end of the Algendar Gorge - Algendar is the now little river that cuts the resort in half.

Algendar Gorge is a beautiful valley which can be safely explored by respectful visitors. It will be very humid though so take plenty of water.

Cala Galdana : Cami de Cavalls to Virgin Beaches

Two long routes east and westward starting st Cala Galdana ( so you can stock up on last minute water,food for trip) along the recently opened and signposted original Cami de Cavalls. These original paths will take you along stunning coastlines where you can visit several of the islands most attractive Virgin Beaches. Bus no. 51 Mahon-Cala Galdana , Bus no. 52 Ciutadella-Cala Galdana and No. 53 From Ferreries.

Westward to Cala Turqueta 4.3 Km one way ( approx 3 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain easy ) also passing Cala Macarella virgin beach. Startpoint in Galdana is signposted at steps next to Hotel Audax,ewestern end of resort.

Eastward to Santo Tomas 4.4 Km one way ( approx 4.5 hours return with stopping to enjoy views - terrain medium ) more up/down and also passing Cala Mitjana, Tebaluger, Escoxada . I.e te crem del creme of south coast virgin beaches. Startpoint in Galdana is along Avinguida de la Punta ( 3rd Left turn ).

Menorca Holiday Tip You could also have a friend drop off/pick up at either end as Turqueta/Santo Tomas is accessible by car.

Water Sports

The main daytime activity in Cala Galdana is without doubt the fabulous resort beach, nearby virgin beaches and the water sports facilities. There is kayak and pedalo hire ( 12 Eur / hour ) from the western end of the beach and at the eastern end there is water ski-ing ( takes you further out into the bay )

Boats

At the eastern end of the beach you can hire a small boat ( max 4 persons ) to explore the coast line from Son Saura bay upto Binigaus bay ( Galdana is the midpoint) . Fitted with outboard - prices ( as of 2010 ) 1 hour 40 , 2 hours 65 and 4 hours 100 Euros + deposit

Glass bottom boats 2 hour trips on Fri,Sat and Sundays visiting the virgin beach bays along the coast upto Playa Binigaus. Departing 14:45. Departure point is over footbridge at western end of resort opposite Hotel Audax. Prices ( as of 2010 ) Adults 15 children 7 Euros.

Diving

Available at blue islands diving located at the, beach side of hotel Sol Galvines hotel.

Activities

The Audax Hotel Sports & Nature Activities Centre offers a variety of activities such as hiking, rod fishing, mountain bike excursions, canoeing, diving and tennis.

PHOTO

Spa & Wellness

If you feel like being pampered there is a Spa facility open to non residents at the Hotel Audax Spa & Wellness Centre. Located at the Audax Hotel at the western edge of the beach. There is a beauty and 700 square metres relaxation centre with great views over the beach. The spa circuit lasts around one and a half hours. Website

Horses

The island of Menorca is famous throughout all of Spain for its displays of horsemanship. The Menorcan horse was officially recognised as an indigenous breed back in 1989, and should be completely black in colour, muscular, powerful, with an elegant and 'rustic' appearance.

Ganaderia Son Martorellet

Located in Ferreries on the road to Sant Cala Galdana. Equestrian centre with horse shows and other activities:

Open to visit the stables every day except Sunday from 10.00 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 20.00 hrs. Afternoon mini-show Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 15.30 hrs. Training of the horses Monday, Wednesday and Friday 18.00 to 20.00 hrs. Excursions on foot around the farm. Bars, terraces, souvenir shop, horse, museum and many other services in order to enjoy an unforgettable day. Crta. Cala Galdana, km 1.5, 07750 Ferreries 609 049 493/971 356 140. Open May to October: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 20.30 www.sonmartorellet.com

Escola Menorquina

Located in Ferreries on the road to Sant Cala Galdana. Equestrian centre with horse shows.

Crta. Cala Galdana, km 0.5, 07750 Ferreries 971 373 497.
Open June to September:
Wednesdays and Sundays at 20.30
www.showmenorca.com

Historical Sites Island WEST

For mini downloadable guides, current opening times and entrance prices visit www.menorcamonumental.org

In the west of the island near to Ciutadella you will find more of the islands historical legacy.

Naveta des Tudons - Ancient monument, Son Catlar - prehistoric village, Cala Morells - extensive cave dwelling and burial chambers

>> more

Naveta dels Tudons

Naveta dels Tudons is a pre-talayotic burial monument (constructed around 1,500 B.C ) and considered as one of the greatest treasures of all the prehistoric monuments the island has. One of a number of 'Naveta' it is built from huge stone blocks which resemble an upturned boat. Navetas feature a doorway into a burial chamber where along with the bodies of the dead offerings such as bronze or china figures were left. Naveta del Tudeons is 13.6 m long with a maximum width of 6.40 m and height of 4.5 m - so not small!

Maó-Ciutadella road, km. 40. Open Tues. to Sat. 0915-2030 hrs., Sun. and Mon. 0930-1500 hrs. Entrance 2 euros, free on Sun.

Burial Chamber
Taken by Isol

Getting About

Bus, Taxi and Hire Car >> Detailed getting about infos.

Menorca Holiday Tip

Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, signposts as Maó it's correct local name. Also posted in the local paper Ultima Hora Menorca towards the back pages are most of the islands bus timetables. You will nearly always find a copy of this in a spanish cafe bar ( any day in season will do ) - make notes don't take paper as its there for all to read. If you are staying longer than a week take a trip on this good network and see some of the other resorts/towns first hand.

There are regular bus services to Ciutadella ( Bus no. 51 3 times daily direct, but you can catch bus no.1 from Ferreries ), Ferreries ( Bus no. 53 most frequent daily ) and also to Mahon ( bus no. 52 is Direct but you can catch bus no.1 from Ferreries ) also by changing at Ferreries,Ciutadella and Mahon you can link into the Island's good network .

Nightime Entertainment

Night-life in Cala Galdana is more relaxed with a few bars to keep you entertained, most activity centres in the hotels. The island touring tribute acts will be on the outside stage at the hotel Cala Galdana- check locally for day/times. More varied,livelier and better nightlife can be found in nearby Ciutadella.

As with most resorts in Menorca, organised evening entertainment here is generally to be found in the resort hotels and some bars. Mahon, Ciutadella and Es Castell however offer alot more with something for everyone, but with none of the "bing drink clubbing" to be found on Ibizia and Majorca. Menorca is not Majorca but that is why many people come here!

Near by...

Ciutadella

An taste of former elegant times with fine old spanish palaces, moorish influences, a wonderful old centre and a charming little harbour. Ciutadella was the original capital of the island lying at the western edge of the island looking out to its bigger neighbour Mallorca. A superb contrast to the beach and holiday resort. Great atmosphere and shopping and a place to wander the pedestrianised old city and its many narrow streets with hidden shops and Cafe treats. Also competes with Mahon for the title of the best music bars and venues on the island. The scene for the spectacular Sant Joan festival in June, when stunning native black horses parade through the streets and the brave try to "touch the horses' heart" as it rears in front of them.

Ciutadella

Cathedral

Ses Voltes - Old Town

Fiesta Sant Joan

Harbour in Spring

Placa des Born

Typical Cuitadella

Calle del cal Bisbe

Near by...

Castillo Menorca

Is an out if town childrens entertainment area set in extensive attractive grassed gardens combined with an outlet store with lots of parking. Ideal place for the children to loose their energy and mums to well, do what muns do best at outlet stores. The outdoor entertainment has lots to climb on,swim in,bounce on and swing from. Bordering the outside area is a for menorca large Snack Bar with internet access.

In the main building there is a large outlet shop with branded goods plus local 'souvenir' items. Next door is the Costa Nova Karting track , with decent sized track.

Open May - October. Open 10.00am-7.00pm. ME-1 Km point 35 - 7 km from Ciutadella.

www.castillomenorca.com

Castillo Menorca

Shallow boating pool

Outlet Store

Go-Karting

Near by...

Water Park - Aquapark Los Delfines

Is a collection of water and dry fun. Water slides and pools for big and small with trampolines and bouncy castles for smaller ones. On site basic food restaurant. Open from May - August daily from 10:30 until 18:30. Children under three are free. See web site for current opening times and prices. Reduced prices after 13:00

www.aquacenter-menorca.com

Menorca Holiday Tips

Afterwards you can visit Los Delfines commercial area with its wide variery of shops, Bars and Restaurants.

Near by...

San Àgueda Castle

Due to its political symbolism the castle was destroyed and abandoned by the re-occupying Kings of Aragon, but it remains one of the island most attractive walks with great views at the summit.

Built circa 1230 a castle contructed by the Moorish occupiers (the name is based on the Arabic name "Sen Agaiz") for defence sitting on top of the island's better vantage points on the island. Reached by a 45 min. climb up an ancient path which is in places was an old Roman road ( over two thousand years old ) - the views from the top are superb.

Like many ancient sites Santa Àgueda has sprung many rich legends and myths including buried biblical treasures.

On the ME-1 between Ferrerias and Ciutadella. Take the turn for Els Alocs and continue until you reach an abandoned building. This marks the start of the path to the top of the hill.

Beautifully laid Roman Road

The area Els Alocs ( farms )

Interactive Maps - Cala Galdana Cala Santa Galdana

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Private Villas and Apartments in Cala Galdana Cala Santa Galdana , Menorca ( Minorca )

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