Menorca Beaches
Introduction
Photos provided by Panoramio. Copyright of their respective owners.
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Without doubt one of Menorca's greatest attractions are it's wonderful and varied beaches. And no matter where your Holiday Home is located you are never more than 8 Km away from the next beach! Even the furthest from you on the map is never more than a hour away from your resort. If you decide not to hire a car a bus service links the most popular resorts and their local beaches. Due to their geological origins many of Menorcas beaches (very common on the south coast) have gently sloping beaches falling into the sea, making the waters warm, with shallow sandy bottoms stretching for many, many metres out. Ideal for children and snorkelling.
For the romantically and adventurously inclined there are many remote beaches only accessible on foot, where often you will find them completely deserted or with just a few like minded people. And because there are more beaches (100+) than on Majorca and Ibizia combined even in high summer you won't be fighting for your 2m2!
Menorcas' longest sandy beach is the 3 km long Playa de Son Bou in the middle of the south coast. However, the real jewells of Menorcas beaches are the many beaches enclosed in stunning and protective natural bays on the north and south coasts. The so called virgin beaches "calas virgenes" are amongt some of the most beautiful beaches you will find anywhere within a three hour flight from home. These virgin beaches, often remote, and deliberately not well sign posted, offer a touch of paradise close to home.
Even if you have small children don't miss the opportunity to spend at least half a day at one of Menorcas beautfiful virgin beaches. More and more have been made ecologically accessible by car and a short walk, without disturbing their natural prisitine state. You won't regret it!
For those who prefer resort oriented beaches with complete tourist facilities Menorca can also offer some of the best with daily cleaning and a range of water sports and beach side bars and restaurants. Topless sun bathing is usual on most beaches.
There are no official nudist beaches on the island however the following locations are popular choices. Most frequented is Binigaus beach - to the west of Santo Tomas. Easily reachable and there is a car park at Santo Tomas beach. Walk west along the Santo Tomas beach. In addition Cala Mesquida, Cala Macarelleta, Cala Trebaluger or Cala Es Bots are frequented in certain areas by nudists.
- >> to beaches overview with photos
- >> to interactive beach map with photos
Menorca Holiday Tips
1. 'If the wind is blowing from the north visit the south coast beaches, and visit the north if the wind is from the south' Also it still amazes us but it can be cloudy at one end of the island and bright sunshine at the other. So get in the hire car and head out if the clouds have appeared.
2. These virgin beaches listed below can be reached by car and a short walk even with small children. Give yourself a beach experience to remember - just go! Take a picnic and visit these places after 17:00. Often any parking or access charges will not be collected as the attendant has gone home, the beach will be emptying even more and you will be able to enjoy a magnificent sunset - and I promise you if you have any children, afterwards they will love you too!
- Cala Macarella
- Cala Mitjana
- Cala Mesquida
- Cala'n Turqueta
- Cala Algaiarens
3. By taking one of the half or full day boat trips, you can visit some of the bays and beaches that are only reachable from the sea. An unforgettable experience
4. Always ensure you have plenty of water with you when you visit the virgin beaches as often there are no bars or such facilities. Just pure nature
5. Beach Chairs and Umberellas. If you visit Mahon harbour look across at the luxury villas on the other side, those of the ones owned by the beach umbrella and deck chair concession owners! A Sun umbrella in a supermarket will cost from 8(out of resort) -15(in resort) Euros. Buy one and leave it behind in the Holiday Home if there is not one to use there on the beaches. The chairs below will cost no more than 6 Euros for a good quality one and are more comfortable than always resting on your elbows! (sink legs into sand for stability)
