Menorca's six most famous beaches, from the copper sand of Cala Pregonda to the white coves of the south coast. For each one: how to get there, when to go so you miss the crowds, what's there and what to bring. Plus the simple wind rule locals use to pick a coast, and the best months to visit.
Menorca has some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, and the six below are the famous ones. They're famous for good reason. The trick is knowing when to go, how to get there and which way the wind is blowing, so you get the beach in the photo and not the crowd.
Two simple rules will make or break your beach day in Menorca.
Go early. The small coves have small car parks, and in summer many have a barrier that closes once they're full. In July and August the popular ones can be full by about 8am. In May, aim to arrive before 10am. Get there first and you'll have a parking spot, shade, flat water and the best light of the day.
Pick your coast by the wind. Menorca's north coast is wild, with red and golden sand and dark rock. It's also exposed to the tramontana, a strong north wind that churns up the sea and clouds the water. The south coast has white sand and pine trees and is usually calmer. So: if the wind is from the north, head south. If it's calm or blowing from the south, go north. Check the wind forecast the night before.
North coast, Es Mercadal. On foot only, about 35 minutes.
Pregonda is the wild north at its best: golden, almost copper sand, small rocky islets and clear turquoise water. There are no bars, no sunbeds and no music. You can't drive to it, and that's why it stays this way.
South coast, Ferreries. Car, then a 15 to 20 minute walk.
White sand, turquoise water and pale cliffs topped with pine trees. Mitjana is one of the easiest unspoilt coves on the island to reach, and it's also the starting point for walks to the quietest coves on the south coast.
South coast, Ciutadella. Car (limited spaces) or summer bus.
This is the classic south Menorca view: fine white sand, clear turquoise water and pine trees almost down to the shore. It's really two small beaches split by a rocky point. Both are sheltered, and the water stays shallow a long way out, which makes it great for a long, easy swim.
South coast, Ciutadella. No cars in summer: bus, bike or on foot.
A horseshoe of white sand, turquoise water and pines right down to the beach. It's the picture most people have in mind when they think of Menorca, which is exactly why it gets busy. Next door, little Macarelleta is wilder and more sheltered.
North coast, Ciutadella. A long, tough walk in.
One of the wildest and loneliest coves on the north coast: reddish sand, red rock and real quiet. The hard walk in is what keeps it that way.
South coast, Alaior. Car, with parking right by the sand.
Menorca's longest beach, about 2.4 km of sand. The middle is busy and well set up. The two ends are quiet. Here you don't find peace in a hidden cove, you find it by walking.
In Menorca, when you go matters as much as where. Here's how the year plays out for beach days.
By car. A car is the easiest way to see these beaches, especially if you want to be first in the car park. Book early for summer.
By bus. The island buses link the main towns (Maó, Ciutadella, Alaior, Es Mercadal and Ferreries), and in summer extra shuttles run to more than 25 beaches, including Macarella. Timetables change between summer and winter, so check before you go. The last buses back leave early, so plan your return.
On foot. The Camí de Cavalls is an old coastal path that runs all the way around the island and links many of the coves. Some of the quietest beaches can only be reached this way. Wear good shoes, bring water and a hat.
Look after the beaches. Menorca is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and most of these coves have no bins or cleaning. Take all your rubbish home, don't take sand or stones, stay on the paths and close any farm gates behind you. Don't swim when the red flag is up or the sea is rough.
