7 Great Beaches on the Balearic Island of Menorca

Menorca is an island of incredible beauty, from the rolling fields in the center to the spectacular beaches which line the coast offering a greater expanse of sand and water than Ibiza and Majorca combined! The island of Menorca is renowned for offering an escape from the masses but without sacrificing any of the facilities that you might find on more crowded resorts.

The beaches in particular are simply stunning, offering all kinds of escapes from tiny bays to long stretches of glorious sand, perfect for families, couples or even solo holidaymakers seeking a quiet retreat. With enough beaches on Menorca to visit a different one every day of the year, it can be difficult to decide where to go. We take a look at seven of the most memorable beaches the island has to offer.

1) Punta Prima

For holidaymakers looking for a beach which is large, traditional and with plenty of facilities, Punta Prima ticks all the boxes. On the south coast and very near to Mao and Es Castell, it is considered a very safe beach for children with shallow and warm waters. The beach is deep with plenty of room and there is an area to the right which is solely reserved for families with babies and toddlers. Thoughtfully, the resort developers have even built a wooden walkway across the sand to solve the age-old problem of the buggy’s wheels getting stuck! With lots of facilities surrounding the beach, plus watersports and kayaking available, it’s little surprise that this frequently hits the top of any Menorcan beach list. Nearby you will find many great hotels in Menorca.

2) Playa Binigaus

A very unspoilt beach, Playa Binigaus is simply huge and lies on the south coast of the island, west of Sant Tomas. Offering a valley backdrop as well as access to the quirky ‘cathedral’ caves, the beach is roomy with warm shallow waters and soft sand seabeds. Menorca has no official nudist beaches but some sections of Playa Binigaus are often used as nudist areas. The beach is so vast, there’s no need to stay in sight of a nudist area if you would rather not but it’s worth being aware so you don’t get a shock en-route to your spot!

3) Pregonda

This beach is not your typical sandy affair and what’s more can only be reached after a 30 minute hike along a well-beaten track. However, what waits upon your arrival makes the effort more than worthwhile. Pregonda is part of a marine nature reserve so perhaps it’s little surprise to discover that it is one of the most stunning beaches visually on the island. Surrounded by rolling green fields and sand dunes, it offers reddish-gold sands and dusky pink rocks, an unusual spectacle to say the least! The net result is an almost ethereal image, enhanced by its relative sparsity of visitors.

There are no facilities but the nearby Binimel-la Beach (where you park your car) has a snack bar offering hot food. But with crystalline still waters, and tiny off-shore rocky islands protecting the beach from any winds, not to mention the rare marine life you are likely to see, Pregonda is a must on any list of top  beaches on Menorca.

4) Cala Mesquida

You know you have found a good beach when it is a favorite with the locals, and Cala Mesquida is exactly that. Known as a virgin beach – one without facilities and in its natural state – it is undeniably beautiful and offers an escape from the crowds. Although there are no on-site facilities, a van selling home-made ice cream is there every day, offering drinks as well as a few basic snacks. To get to the beach you must pass through a tiny fishing village where there is a wonderful restaurant offering freshly caught seafood for lunch. In the high season it is very busy. Would you rather avoid the crowds? Then choose the departure date September the 10th.

5) Cala en Porter

Widely suggested as the best beach on the island, Cala en Porter is a deep inlet which means the weather is often more sheltered than in other places, even in the middle of the winter months. With waters which are gentle and still, they are shallow enough for children of all ages whilst excellent snorkeling is available underneath the cliffs. A supermarket lies behind the beach to stock up on supplies, and with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes surrounding Cala en Porter, it has arguably the best facilities on the island. There is also free parking and showers plus a small children’s play area on the beach.

6) Cala Blanca

Another beach offering top notch facilities, Cala Blanca doesn’t just have beach side shops and cafes. With views over the nearby mountains, white sands, and crystal clear gentle waters it ticks every box for the perfect beach retreat. With a small designated children’s play area next to the beach, and a diving school situated here too, there’s plenty for the whole family whether you want to sit and soak up some rays, or learn a new skill such as diving!

7) Cala en Brut

When is a beach not exactly a beach? Cala en Brut is the definitive answer. Many holidaymakers enjoy the sea but dislike the inconvenience and mess of the accompanying sandy beach. So with this in mind, Cala en Brut has been developed to provide access to the long inlet from the sea but without the usual accompanying sands.

Cala en Brut offers sunbathing platforms along the inlet, with easy access into the still waters. A natural inlet from the sea, the waters are clear, gentle and deep, with a sandy seabed underfoot. The perfect ‘beach’ for those who love the sea but dislike the yellow stuff alongside it!

Conclusion

The above 7 beaches are just a snapshot of those available on the island. All offer gentle, warm and crystal-clear waters, beautiful surroundings and the best of the wonderful Menorcan climate. Whether you are yearning for a pine-forest virgin beach retreat or a thriving sandy resort close to amenities, there is something for holidaymakers of all ages on the Balearic island of Menorca.