The coves on Menorca’s north coast are different from the southern ones: reddish or dark sand and rock, a more open landscape and fewer facilities. The best known are Cala Pregonda and Binimel·là, Cavalleria beach and, by Favàritx lighthouse, Presili. When the tramontana (the north wind) blows there are waves: on those days, pick a southern cove.
North or south: how they differ
The south has coves of white sand, turquoise water and pine woods; the north, reddish or dark sand and rock, more wind and less shade. When the tramontana blows, the southern coves are more sheltered.
| North | South | |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Reddish or dark rock, open coast | White sand, cliffs and pine woods |
| Wind | Exposed to the tramontana | Sheltered from the tramontana |
| Examples | Pregonda, Cavalleria, Presili | Macarella, Turqueta, Mitjana |
Cala Pregonda and Binimel·là
Pregonda, with reddish sand and rocks and islets off the shore, is a 30–40 minute walk from the Binimel·là car park, reached by 2 km of dirt track. No bus goes there.
In July and August the car park fills before midday: arrive between 9:00 and 10:00. More on Cala Pregonda.
Recommended itinerary
5 days
Nature and hiking
Menorca on foot
Five days of trails: s’Albufera des Grau, the red north, the Algendar gorge and the southern Camí de Cavalls.
Cavalleria beach and lighthouse
On the way to Cavalleria lighthouse, the northernmost point of Menorca, are the natural harbour of Sanitja, site of a Roman settlement, and Cavalleria beach, with reddish sand.
End the day at the lighthouse, above 90-metre cliffs. When the tramontana blows, keep away from the edge.
Recommended itinerary
3 days
Charming places
Lighthouses and villages of Menorca
Three days, three coasts: Favàritx and Es Grau, Monte Toro and Cavalleria, Ciutadella and Punta Nati.
Fornells bay
Fornells’ large bay, shallow and sheltered, is one of the best places on the island to try kayaking or paddle boarding, and the village is famous for lobster stew.
More on Fornells and in lobster stew in Fornells.
Presili, by Favàritx
About 20 minutes on foot from Favàritx lighthouse along the Camí de Cavalls, inside s’Albufera des Grau Nature Park. From mid-May to 30 September you get there on bus L43.
The Favàritx cape, of black slate, is one of Menorca’s most unusual landscapes.
Tips for the north
Go in the morning (in August, first thing), bring water and a hat because the paths have no shade, and check the wind forecast before you set off: if the tramontana is blowing, head south.
Take it organised
Itineraries with the order of each day, how to get there and where to eat, ready on your phone.
5 days
Nature and hiking
Menorca on foot
Five days of trails: s’Albufera des Grau, the red north, the Algendar gorge and the southern Camí de Cavalls.
3 days
Charming places
Lighthouses and villages of Menorca
Three days, three coasts: Favàritx and Es Grau, Monte Toro and Cavalleria, Ciutadella and Punta Nati.
