Menorca’s most famous unspoilt coves are 20–25 minutes south of Ciutadella: Macarella and Macarelleta, and Cala Turqueta. In the south-west, by Artrutx lighthouse, Cala en Bosc and the Son Xoriguer beaches have facilities and a bus from town. A little further, in Ferreries, are Cala Galdana and Cala Mitjana.
Macarella and Macarelleta
About 25 minutes away: white sand, turquoise water and a beach bar in Macarella, and little Macarelleta a 10-minute walk away. From 1 June to 30 September you can only get there on bus L69 or on foot.
The bus leaves Ciutadella’s ring road from 8:25. Details on the Cala Macarella page.
Recommended itinerary
3 days
Nightlife and leisure
Menorca for couples
Three days of coves, sunsets and dinners by the sea: the Cova d’en Xoroi, Punta Nati and Cavalleria.
Cala Turqueta
20 minutes (12 km) south, an unspoilt cove with no beach bar and pines down to the shore, 10 minutes’ walk from a car park of about 120 spaces that fills around 8:00 in July and August. Bus L68 in season.
If you are late, go after 17:00, when it empties. More on Cala Turqueta.
Recommended itinerary
1 day
History and culture
Ciutadella in a day
The naveta, the marès quarries, the old capital, an unspoilt cove and sunset at Punta Nati.
Cala en Bosc and Son Xoriguer
In the south-west, about 20 minutes away, Cala en Bosc has a marina and restaurants, with the Son Xoriguer beaches next to it. The Ciutadella–Sa Caleta–Cala en Bosc–Son Xoriguer bus line serves them.
Stay for sunset: a few minutes away is Artrutx lighthouse, facing Mallorca, one of the best places on the island to watch the sun go down.
Further afield: Cala Galdana and Cala Mitjana
About 40 minutes by bus via Ferreries, Cala Galdana has every facility and calm water, and from there you walk to Cala Mitjana in 20–30 minutes along the Camí de Cavalls.
Cala Galdana is the easiest option with children; Cala Mitjana, one of the clearest.
Recommended itinerary
3 days
Beaches and coves
Menorca without a car
Three days by bus and on foot: Es Grau, Ciutadella, Macarella, Cala Galdana and Cala Mitjana.
What time to go
In July and August, early in the morning or after 17:00; on the Macarella bus, take one of the first. In June and September there are fewer people and the water is already good for swimming.
If you can’t decide between the three southern coves, read Macarella, Turqueta or Mitjana.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
1 day
History and culture
Ciutadella in a day
The naveta, the marès quarries, the old capital, an unspoilt cove and sunset at Punta Nati.
3 days
Nightlife and leisure
Menorca for couples
Three days of coves, sunsets and dinners by the sea: the Cova d’en Xoroi, Punta Nati and Cavalleria.
