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The best beaches in Menorca

Biniancolla Cove, Menorca. Tucked away on Menorca’s southern coast, Biniancolla Cove is a hidden gem for travelers seeking unspoiled beauty. This intimate pebble-and-sand beach dazzles with crystal-clear turquoise waters, framed by rugged cliffs and fragrant pine trees. Perfect for snorkeling or a peaceful swim, its tranquil atmosphere feels worlds away from crowded resorts. While undeveloped (bring your own shade and water), its wild charm is part of the appeal. Accessible via a short walk, the cove rewards visitors with postcard-worthy views and a serene escape. Ideal for nature lovers, Biniancolla captures the untamed spirit of Menorca’s coastline....    see more

Binisafúller Beach, Menorca. Binisafúller is a serene, unspoiled beach in southern Menorca, known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by gentle dunes and low cliffs, it offers a peaceful escape from crowded tourist spots. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while its natural beauty attracts sunbathers and nature lovers. Though facilities are minimal, its wild charm and tranquility are its greatest appeal. Nearby, the village of Sant Lluís provides dining options with authentic Menorcan flavors. Perfect for a quiet day by the sea, Binisafúller is a hidden gem for those seeking relaxation and untouched scenery....    see more

Arenal d’en Castell – Menorca’s Perfect Family Beach. This horseshoe-shaped bay is one of Menorca’s most beloved beaches, famous for its calm, shallow turquoise waters and golden sand – ideal for families with children. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests, the beach offers excellent facilities including sunbed rentals, waterfront restaurants, and water sports while maintaining its natural beauty. The gentle slope into the sea makes it perfect for safe swimming, and the sunset views from the clifftop mirador are spectacular. More developed than Menorca’s hidden coves yet still breathtaking, Arenal d’en Castell strikes the perfect balance between convenience and unspoiled Mediterranean charm....    see more

Binibeca Beach, Menorca. Nestled on Menorca’s southeastern coast, Binibeca Beach charms visitors with its intimate cove of soft golden sand and strikingly clear turquoise waters. Framed by traditional whitewashed fishermen’s houses, this picturesque spot offers calm, shallow waters perfect for families and swimmers. The beach’s small size creates an exclusive, peaceful atmosphere, while nearby Binibeca Vell village adds charm with its maze-like streets and waterfront restaurants. Ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling in the rocky edges, or enjoying fresh seafood at a beachfront chiringuito, Binibeca captures the authentic, unspoiled beauty of Menorca’s coastline without the crowds of more famous beaches....    see more

Punta Prima Beach, Menorca. Punta Prima is one of Menorca’s most beautiful beaches, known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Sheltered in a small bay, this family-friendly beach offers shallow, calm waters—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The scenic view of the Illa de l’Aire lighthouse adds charm, while nearby pine trees provide natural shade. With amenities like sunbed rentals, beach bars, and restaurants serving fresh seafood, Punta Prima combines convenience with natural beauty. Easily accessible and just a short drive from Mahón, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing day in the Mediterranean sun. A must-visit for beach lovers!...    see more

Arenal de Son Saura (Son Parc), Menorca. Located near the tranquil area of Son Parc in northern Menorca, Arenal de Son Saura is a stunning, unspoiled beach with fine white sand and shallow turquoise waters, perfect for families and swimmers. Surrounded by dunes and pine forests, it offers a peaceful escape in a protected natural setting. Unlike its namesake in the south, this Son Saura is less crowded, with gentle waves ideal for paddleboarding and snorkeling. Nearby amenities in Son Parc provide convenience while maintaining the beach’s wild charm. A true hidden gem, it’s a must-visit for those seeking serenity and natural beauty in Menorca’s pristine coastline....    see more

Cala Macarella. Menorca’s Hidden Paradise. Tucked away on Menorca’s southwest coast, Cala Macarella is a dreamlike beach with powdery white sand and dazzling turquoise waters. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests and dramatic cliffs, this unspoiled cove feels like a secluded paradise. The shallow, crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, while the soft sand invites sunbathing and relaxation. Accessible via a scenic hike or by boat, its remote location keeps the crowds at bay, preserving its tranquil charm. Nearby, the smaller Cala Macarelleta offers equally stunning views. A must-visit for nature lovers, Cala Macarella is one of the most breathtaking spots in the Balearics....    see more

Cala Macarelleta – Menorca. Tucked between rugged cliffs and pine forests, Cala Macarelleta is a breathtaking cove with powdery white sand and mesmerizing turquoise waters. This unspoiled paradise, accessible via a short hike from neighboring Cala Macarella or by boat, offers a tranquil escape from crowds. Perfect for swimming and snorkeling, its crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant marine life. With no facilities, the beach retains its wild charm, inviting visitors to unwind in pure serenity. The dramatic cliffs provide shade and stunning views, making it a dream spot for nature lovers and photographers. A must-visit for those seeking Menorca’s most idyllic and secluded beaches!...    see more

Son Xoriguer Beach, Menorca. Son Xoriguer is a beautiful golden-sand beach on Menorca’s southwest coast, known for its calm, turquoise waters and family-friendly atmosphere. Stretching over 300 meters, it offers a relaxed setting with sunbeds, beach bars, and water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. The gentle slope into the sea makes it perfect for swimming, while its scenic promenade is great for evening strolls with views of the sunset. Close to Mahón’s harbor, the beach balances convenience with natural charm. Whether you seek relaxation or a lively seaside vibe, Son Xoriguer is a must-visit spot in Menorca....    see more

Cala en Bosch, Menorca. This picturesque beach boasts soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it one of the most popular spots in southwestern Menorca. Surrounded by a lively resort area with hotels, restaurants, and bars, it offers all the amenities for a perfect beach day. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for families, while the nearby marina and promenade add charm with their evening buzz. Water sports, sunbeds, and beachside chiringuitos (beach bars) ensure fun and relaxation. Just a short drive from the famous Cova d’en Xoroi caves, Cala en Bosch combines natural beauty with convenience—a must-visit for sun, sea, and vibrant Mediterranean vibes!...    see more

Son Bou Beach, Menorca. Stretching over 2 kilometers along Menorca’s southern coast, Son Bou is the island’s longest beach, renowned for its golden sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. This family-friendly paradise offers gentle, shallow waves perfect for swimming, while sun-seekers can relax under the Mediterranean sun. Backed by protected dunes and fragrant pine forests, the beach maintains an unspoiled natural charm. History buffs will appreciate the nearby ruins of a 5th-century Christian basilica. Well-equipped with sunbeds, beach bars, and amenities, Son Bou seamlessly blends convenience with wild beauty. Whether you’re snorkeling among vibrant fish, strolling the shore, or simply soaking in the views, this breathtaking beach embodies Menorca’s tranquil spirit....    see more

Binidali Beach – A Hidden Gem in Menorca. Tucked away near Binibèquer in southern Menorca, Binidali Beach is a charming cove of soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Small and peaceful, this unspoiled spot is perfect for those seeking a quiet escape. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while the surrounding pine trees provide natural shade. With no large crowds or commercial facilities, Binidali retains an untouched, tranquil vibe. Accessible by a short walk or car, it’s a great choice for a relaxing day by the sea. A true hidden treasure for nature lovers!...    see more

Cavalleria Beaches, Menorca. Located on Menorca’s rugged northern coast, the stunning beaches of Cavalleria boast golden-red sands, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. This unspoiled natural paradise, part of a protected reserve, offers a peaceful escape with fewer crowds. The wild beauty of the area makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. A short walk from the parking area leads to the main beach, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets and serene surroundings. With its raw, untouched charm, Cavalleria is a must-visit for nature lovers seeking tranquility and one of Menorca’s most scenic coastal spots....    see more

Binimel·là Beach, located in the north of Menorca, is a hidden paradise known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. This golden sandy beach, with its crystal-clear waters, is surrounded by dunes and Mediterranean vegetation, creating a pristine and peaceful environment. It’s perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in unspoiled nature. The access via an unpaved road helps preserve its tranquil and uncrowded charm. Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under the sun, Binimel·là is a dreamy retreat for lovers of secluded beaches and breathtaking landscapes. A true gem for anyone exploring Menorca’s quieter side....    see more

Cala Pregonda and Playa de Pregondó, located in the north of Menorca, are two stunning natural gems known for their wild beauty and unique landscapes. Surrounded by reddish hills and Mediterranean vegetation, these coves boast crystal-clear waters and golden sands, perfect for relaxation and nature lovers. Their unspoiled, remote setting makes them an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility. Although access requires a 20-minute walk, the reward is a near-pristine paradise. These beaches are excellent for snorkeling, hiking, or simply soaking in the breathtaking sunsets. A must-visit for anyone looking to experience Menorca’s untouched natural charm!...    see more

Cala Tirant and Platjes de Fornells, located in the north of Menorca, are two natural gems renowned for their beauty and tranquility. Cala Tirant features a fine sandy beach with shallow, crystal-clear waters, perfect for families and water sports, surrounded by pine forests and unspoiled landscapes. Platjes de Fornells, a series of small coves, offers wilder beaches and a serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and enjoying nature. Both areas are excellent for coastal hikes with breathtaking views. Nearby is the charming fishing village of Fornells, famous for its traditional cuisine. A true paradise for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet!...    see more

Cala Morell, located on Menorca’s rugged north coast, is a picturesque cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Its crystal-clear turquoise waters and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing by the sea. The area is also known for its fascinating prehistoric caves, carved into the cliffs, which offer a glimpse into the island’s ancient history. With a small pebble beach and a charming fishing port, Cala Morell combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tranquility. Whether you’re exploring the caves or soaking in the stunning coastal views, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination in Menorca....    see more





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List of beaches on the island of Menorca

Table of Contents

Geography of Menorca’s beaches

Menorca is the second largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago, to the east of the Iberian Peninsula. Its coastline measures 216km, where cliffs predominate, among which we find the famous coves of Menorca.

Menorca has more than 200 beaches, of the most different types and sizes, making it sometimes difficult to differentiate between a beach and what could be considered more of a corner for bathing.

Most of its beaches are, in fact, coves, since they are located at the end of gorges.

For geological reasons, the north coast is steep, full of capes and gulfs that multiply its kilometers of coastline, while the south coast has a smoother and more linear contour, due to a more recent and homogeneous geology.



Geology of the beaches of Menorca

To simplify the complex geological reality of this island for the general public, specialists speak of the Menorca of the 5 colors, each of them representing a different episode in the history of the Earth, which is reflected in a composition distinctly different dust, rock, and sand and, by extension, of its color.


The Dark Menorca

Geologically, the oldest territories in Menorca date back some 400 million years. We are talking about the Paleozoic Era.

At that time, what is now Menorca was the bottom of a sea that had appeared some 450.000.000 years, when a supercontinent overstretched and sank. Sediments from the new continent accumulated on the ocean floor estimated to be around 1000 meters deep.

300 million years ago, strong tectonic movements pushed some of these sediments to the surface. We are talking about the Dark Menorca, from which some of the most spectacular territories of the north coast are made, such as the Faváritx cape, with the picturesque northeast lighthouse adorning its back.

Examples of beaches of the Dark Menorca can be found in the area of ​​Faváritx, Es Grau, Cala Mesquida, Cala es Murtar and Cala Mica.


The Red Minorca

During the Upper Permian and Lower Triassic, the great rivers that eroded now-vanished mountains dumped the quartz-rich sand from the rocks they decomposed into shallow seas.

Because at that shallow depth the water is richer in oxygen and because, along with the sand, the rivers also dragged large amounts of dissolved iron, the metal oxidized and mixed with the sandy sediments, giving the sand the typical reddish color of the rock formations that we can see today, in many areas of the north of the island in what we know as: The Red Minorca.

Cala Pilar, Ses Salines de Mongofre and Cavallería Beach belong all to this period.


The Gray Minorca

The territories formed in a shallow sea during the Mesozoic are known as Gray Menorca, with rocks from the Triassic to the Cretaceous, mainly calcareous rocks and dolomites.

They are no longer sediments of continental origin, but mostly marine sediments. The Cape of Fornells and the Arenal de Son Saura belong to the geological period of Gray Menorca.


The White Minorca

This makes up the majority of the island, mainly the south and southwest, and was formed between 11 and 5 million years ago.

It’s basically beach sand petrified by time and the weight of later sediments. At that time the sea of ​​Menorca was tropical, with high levels of life, which today are reflected in the many fossils that can be found in this type of rock, known as marès among the locals.

This contrasts with the difficulty of finding fossils in rocks belonging to older periods.

During the Quaternary there were large changes in temperature, which involved dramatic rises and falls in sea levels.

It was at that time that, on the Miocene platform, the great ravines of the south of the island originated, which today are home to some of the most spectacular beaches, such as Cala Galdana, Cala Macarella, Cala en Turqueta or Cala en Porter.


The Orange Minorca

The last geological phase that significantly influenced the landscape and the formation, especially of the northern beaches of Menorca, occurred during the Quaternary and is known as the Orange Menorca.

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Approximately 2.5 million years ago, the sand generated by the mechanical decomposition of marine molluscs mixed with the clayey sediments of the Red Menorca, accumulating in specific areas, where it solidified, becoming the orange sandy rock that we see today and that mixes with landscapes from other times, usually overlapping them.

Cala Pilar, Binimel.la and Cala Tirant are good examples from this period.

In conclusion, geologically, it can be ensured that in Menorca one can bathe in many types of beaches, of practically all colors, which is due to its rich geological history, especially that of the north of the island.



Blue Flag Beaches in Menorca

The Blue Flag is a seal of quality for Spanish beaches in which criteria of accessibility, health, environmental education, cleanliness and safety are valued.

As of the date of this article (2022), Menorca has 3 beaches with this award: Cala Galdana, Cala en Porter and Son Bou. All three are urbanized beaches, with a wide variety of tourist services, classifiable and classified by this site as family beaches.

For more information about the blue flag on the beaches of Spain, Click HERE.



Underwater Life on the Beaches of Menorca

The beaches of Menorca enjoy a great underwater wealth, with hundreds of species of fish, molluscs and kinds of underwater vegetation.

It should be noted that talking about the waters near the beaches is not the same as talking about the seas that surround the island, since in the sea there are species that we will never find in any of the beaches. This is the case of the squid (Loligo vulgaris), the lobster (Palinurus elephas) and the cleaver wrasse (Xyrichtys novacula), for example, which are easy to find a few kilometers from the coast but never on the beaches.


Beach fish

In the sand, for example, it is very common to find fish swimming right next to us, such as the red mullet (Mullus barbatus), the four-spot megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii) and, of course, the thicklip grey mullet (Chelon labrosus), among many others. These fish, at least their smaller versions, live and feed in the shallow sandy areas, drifting farther from shorelines as they grow in age and size. None of these fish are dangerous, but which ones are?



Dangerous fish in Menorca

There are not many species of dangerous fish to worry about on the beaches of Menorca, although some are worth mentioning in this section. In the shallow sandy areas of the beaches one can have the unpleasant experience of stepping on a greater weever (Trachinus draco).

These fish are very difficult to see, as they hide under the sand, leaving only their eyes and poisonous spines on their backs. Its sting (normally when stepped on), is very painful, especially that of the youngest specimens.

As a general rule, it is not necessary to go to the hospital after a sting, it is necessary to disinfect and apply hot water (between 40 and 45 degrees), and wait an hour, when the pain decreases.

Click HERE to read an article about the greater weever on the beaches of Menorca.

On rocky seabeds we can also worry about moray eels (Muraena helena), which only attack if disturbed, and the red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa). The only thing that should concern us about the moray eel is its bite, which has no poison but is very strong, while the Cab Roig has very painful venomous spines, both on the back and on the fins.

It should be noted that mishaps with these last two fish are extremely rare and easy to avoid by paying a little attention.

And while we’re in the unfortunate encounters with sea creatures section, we’ll quickly point out jellyfish and sea urchins (Psammechinus miliaris).

Jellyfish are not exactly unknown beings among bathers and people on the coast, so we will not expand with further explanations. In the case of hedgehogs, it is recommended to bathe with suitable footwear, if one is going to bathe in areas with submerged rocks. This advice is especially good for children, who tend to be much less cautious than their parents.


Mollusks

The beaches of Menorca have an extraordinary variety of molluscs, among which, and because they are the most common, we are going to highlight the octopuses (Octopus vulgaris), easy to locate in the cracks of rocks when snorkelling, cuttlefish (sepiola rondeleti), which occasionally can be seen in the shallow waters of the beaches, limpets (Patella caerulea), always attached to its semi-submerged rocks covered with moss and the noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis), a kind of large mussels anchored by the tip in the submerged fields of Posidonia.



Posidonia

Posidonia is an underwater plant that grows in underwater meadows near the coasts and beaches of Menorca. Posidonia meadows play a vital role in coastal ecosystems, protecting them from erosion and hosting innumerable species of fish and shellfish. Posidonia is considered an indicator of water quality.



If you have any problems on the beaches...

Many of the beaches on the Menorcan coast, especially those that are easily accessible by road, have lifeguards. They are the first to contact if you have any mishaps.

Keep in mind that in many places on the coast mobile phones have poor coverage. In the absence of connection, climbing to a high place will significantly increase your chances of communicating.

If you have a big mishap, call 112. Menorca is ready to help you.



Important Tips for Bathing in Menorca

DO NOT catch sea creatures! Most of the species of molluscs on the Menorcan coast are protected by law, and both activists and security forces are always ready to denounce and punish visitors who do not respect the island’s marine life.

Fishing in Menorca is allowed, but always with a license and, depending on the species that one is going to fish, the catch may only be allowed during a few months of the year.

If you come by boat or rent one on the island, DO NOT drop anchor on a posidonia field. Anchoring on a Posidonia field carries gigantic penalties.

If you go to Menorca in July or August, DO NOT GO to the small and famous beaches like Cala Macarella or Cala Pregonda, because you will find the car park full and you will have to turn around.

In July and August it is much more advisable to go to large beaches, such as Son Bou or Cavallería, where parking is large and the beach is even larger, or to small and little-known beaches.



The wind

Listen to the wind. When you have to decide which beach you are going to go to for a swim, take a look at the wind forecast. If it comes from the north, go south. If it comes from the south, go north. You will avoid dirt, waves and jellyfish.

Click here to see the wind forecast in Menorca for today

Beware of the current. Especially on open beaches, such as Son Bou, Santo Tomás and Binigáus, the underwater currents can be much stronger and can be much closer to the shore than you expect. If you find it difficult to return to the beach, ask for help immediately.



The Water Temperature at the Beaches

The sea temperature fluctuates annually between a minimum of 14°C in February and a little over 27°C in August.

Evolution of the water temperature on the beaches of Menorca during 2020

These data vary slightly from year to year, plus the exact temperature depends on how deep you dive, as well as how far from shore you are. That is, the farther from the surface and the shore, the lower the temperature of the sea water.

How to get to the beaches

The beaches of Menorca can be reached in three ways, depending on whether you have rented a car in Menorca or not, and where each of them is located.

In that sense, you can get to the beaches of Menorca in four different ways:

If you come on holiday to Menorca and plan to rent a car, click here to see a list of Trusted car rental companies in Menorca.

There are companies that offer boat trips to beaches that are inaccessible by road. Click here to find out more about boat rental companies and boat trips in Menorca.

If you plan to use the public bus to get to the beaches, click here to obtain updated information on the regular bus lines to which beaches of Menorca.

If you want to get to the virgin coves of Menorca on foot, click here to read an article with everything you may want to know about < b>Camí de Cavalls de Menorca



Water sports in Menorca

In Menorca you can practice a wide variety of water sports during the summer. Below are some proposals from companies that are dedicated to water sports on the island:



Tourist services near the beaches

Click below to see lists of restaurants and cafes that we recommend you visit during your vacation:



Things to visit near the beaches







Menorca Guide






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