A pretty natural inlet ending in a sandy beach ( not over developed ) . There is a small beach bar and a couple of small friendly beachside hotels that have bar and restaurant facilities.
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Is Cala Santandria a good Holiday Beach Resort for you?
(updated January 2025)
Santandria for families
Quiet
Water Park, Boat Trips at Cala'n Bosch or Ciutadella
Family friendly, choice of two beaches
Santandria for couples
Near to Ciutadella's charm and attractions
One of Menorca's busier resorts
Virgin Beach and Coast boat trips nearby(Cala'nBosch)
Santandria resort lies on a long a turquoise inlet which ends in the beach at Cala Santandria. Close to the charming former capital of the island, Ciutadella. This can be a confusing area based on tour operators descriptions and the fact that Sa Caleta,Cala Santandria and Cala Blanca with their respective beaches have now merged into each other ( particularly in some guide descriptions! ) Be sure to check your accommodation location on a good map, to know which beach and facilities are nearest to you.
Shopping and Supermarkets in Santandria
Maribel is a west coast chain and they dominate the area here. There are also some small supermarkets which also have beach and summer wear.
There is a pleasant centralised tourist area with souvenir shops and supermarkets and others located closer to the two beaches. So depending on your location you need to head north or south. Larger Supermarkets ( eg Hipermercao Diskont 10m, Lidl,Mercado ) are on bus routes to Ciutadella ( See below for options) . Much better shopping is in nearby city, Ciutadella. See Maps for Supermarket locations.
Holiday Tips
Larger Supermarkets :
Bus / taxi back Hipermercado Diskont Me-24 8km Bus 64,65 ( stop Son Oleo v ),67 ( RC-2 ) see bus infos.
Car : Hipertmercado Diskont on Me-24 10min, Lidl,Mercadona,Eroski on Ciutadella Polgino(trading estate)
Pont den Gil a classic natural sea arch and good sundown picnic spot.
Ciutadella being on the door step is a must see especially for historical and culture fans looking for authentic Menorca.
Majorca is within touching distance. On clear days ( especially springtime ) The mountains of north Majorca are very clear and also make for great sunset view backdrops.
Cala en Brut - snorkel/swim coves
Ciutadella - Style
Cala en Brut - Trotting
Horse Riding
Inspirations
Excursions to Majorca Short Trips to Majorca (Alcudia) require overnight stay(s) but you can visit the beautiful North of Majorca / Mallorca next day returns are 08:30 , 10:00 or 17:00 Find Accommodation in North Majorca
Ciutadella
A taste of former 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.
The greater Cala Blanca /Santandria area has a range of Cafes, Bars and Restaurants. A few bars have live music / Entertainments eg Karaoke and 'Tourist Flamenco' - see locally for styles
For better evening entertainment visit Ciutadella where the chill out and dance clubs are located together down in the harbour area ( Pla de Sant Joan ) and some have open air terrace areas where you can relax under the stars.
Ciutadella Clubs Jazzbah ( can you guess?, with impromtu sessions ) , Lateral. See also Under Madison ( Sant Joan Baptista 8 ) Bistro bar cuban salsa and Spanish guitar.
TIP Want to visit a Club or Music bar? Don't forget you are on Menorcan time, nothing starts to happen until after 11 pm as people will have eaten 'late'. Go much later and then it will be buzzing.
Cala Santandria for Holiday Visitors - at a glance
Menorca beach resorts have few residents so visit local towns for anything beyond summer beach-wear,tourist items and beach toys/inflatables or souvenirs.
Within Cala Santandria -
Cala Santandria Supermarkets
Local supermarkets are seasonal and will be ~ 20% more expensive than out of resort.
TIP: Mahon will mostly be written on timetables, front of buses and signposts as Maó, it's local name. Take a bus trip to see some of the other sights, resorts/towns and Menorca's attractions.
Taxis - Cala Santandria
Airport to/from one way 61 Eur
Taxis are licensed for a MAX. of 4 Passengers. (any Age child counts as 1 passenger)
Good to know
Menorca has no private Cab firms , Uber or ...'Dodgy Touts!'
TIP Summer peak In recent years Taxis have been in short supply due to not enough drivers for licensed areas. Consider a private transfer to reach Airport in good time for flight home.
Cala Santandria has a mediterranean climate characterised by hot dry summers. Menorca has pleasant cooling Summer breeze. The sea temperatures at Santandria will be around 22-26 degrees in Summer. In October the water is still warm. Spring time ( early March to April ) will have sunny days with temperatures around 20 and above , ideal for sightseeing, walking, cycling and horseriding activities.
There are no Public shuttles , no direct Airport buses to Cala Santandria - connections only via Mahon with potential long waits
Taxi or pre-booked Shuttle ?
Daytime Taxis are plentiful outside arrivals - best value for 4 or less to Holiday Resorts within 20km. Airport Taxis do not provide child seats - required by LAW
Cala Santandria Airport Transfer times
0 Hrs.55 mins.
Menorca Airport
48 k.m
Shared Transfers Waits,restricted drop off/pickup addresses
Transfer Time: variable
from 13 Eur PP
Private Transfers Door to Door,no wait, drop off/pickup any addresses
Private Transfers from 90 Eur upto 3 to Cala Santandria ideal for families and groups , as no waiting for other passengers ( delayed) arrival. Door to Door and child seats can be pre-booked.
VIP Transfers from 167 Eur upto 6 to Cala Santandria No wait. Travel in style in premium vehicles