Cala Macarella, Menorca | Top 150 Bikini Destinations
CIUTADELLA, MENORCA / SPAIN
Follow the pine path to
Cala Macarella.
Plan the shuttle, the walk down and a swim between limestone headlands.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 150 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / MENORCA
A sandy inlet
at the end of the ravine.
On Menorca’s south coast, Cala Macarella sits where a wooded ravine opens onto white sand and shallow Mediterranean water.
Book the seasonal shuttle before you set out. Leave time to walk down, check the swimming flags and climb back before the return bus.
ON THE WORLD MAP
On the south coast of western Menorca.
Cala Macarella, Ciutadella, Menorca
01 / GETTING THERE
Land near Maó.
Cala Macarella inlet
Limestone slopes enclose this part of Menorca’s south coast.
Photo: Markus Trienke · CC BY-SA 2.0Get around Menorca
In summer, plan on the shuttle or a signed walking route. Private-car access and parking near the cove can be restricted. Check the transport operator before leaving Ciutadella.
On the beach
Look for the seasonal lifeguard post and the posted flag. Enter only where the flag permits, and swim inside the marked bathing area. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
A cove with an approach on foot and limited seasonal facilities.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Reserve the L69 shuttle
Reserve the seasonal L69 from Avinguda Josep Mascaró Pasarius in Ciutadella. The operator allows about 20 minutes on foot from the beach stop. There is free parking near the town departure point. Arrive early in summer.
L69 timetable and bookings ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
A sloping path through the pines
The footpath from the shuttle includes uneven ground and a climb back. The operator describes the route as unsuitable for visitors with reduced mobility. A stroller is difficult to manage on the rough sections.
03 / THE SAND
Fine white sand
The central strip is soft and pale. The limestone margins are rocky, so use the sandy entrance for swimming. Sand gets hot in the middle of a summer day.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Pack lunch and drinking water
A seasonal restaurant has operated behind the beach. Hours and water availability are uncertain, so pack enough for the walk and the whole visit.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Carry your own shade
Regular chair and umbrella rentals could not be confirmed. Bring a small sunshade and take it with you when you leave. Pines shade parts of the walk, and the central sand is open to the sun.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Check the facilities when you arrive
Toilets have been reported near the beach. Count on limited seasonal access. A public shower and changing room could not be confirmed. Check for the lifeguard post before entering the water.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Cala Macarella.
At the cove
Look for the change in color where the sandy shallows deepen.
Photo: Markus Trienke · CC BY-SA 2.001 / APPROACH
Walk down while it’s cool
Take the marked path, leaving room for uphill walkers.
02 / ON THE SAND
Set up away from the path
Choose open sand and leave the ravine and vegetation clear.
03 / IN THE WATER
Use the marked bathing area
Read the flag and stay inside the swimming buoys.
04 / WAY BACK
Save water for the climb
Allow time to reach the stop before your booked return.
Take a morning shuttle, walk down before the heat and leave enough time to make the return climb. In rain or rough weather, spend the afternoon in Ciutadella’s old town instead.
04 / NEARBY BEACHES
Four alternatives along the south coast.
The map distances are straight-line estimates. Allow more time for the actual trail, shuttle or road journey.
Cala Macarelleta
A pocket of fine sand below low cliffs, reached on a rocky footpath. This is a clothing-optional beach.
- Best for
- A short coastal walk
- Facilities
- Bring your own water and shade.
- Good to know
- The path has steps and exposed rock. Turn back if wet or slippery.
Cala en Turqueta
Pines frame a small sandy inlet. There is a walk from the shuttle or parking area.
- Best for
- A half-day outing under the pines
- Facilities
- Check the seasonal shuttle and plan to bring water.
- Good to know
- Book the beach bus ahead in season and budget time on foot.
Cala Galdana
A broad bay with a promenade and restaurants close to the water.
- Best for
- An easier approach and lunch nearby
- Facilities
- Seasonal services and shops in the resort.
- Good to know
- Swim inside the buoys and follow the posted flags.
Cala Mitjana
A short strip of pale sand at the foot of a wooded ravine.
- Best for
- A pine-forest approach
- Facilities
- Pack drinking water and your own shade.
- Good to know
- Use the marked footpath and give the cliff edges room.
Distances are straight-line from Cala Macarella. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
05 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three stops beyond the sand.
01 / CIUTADELLA
Ciutadella old town
Start at Plaça des Born, then walk down to the harbor to see the town from below the walls.
Ciutadella’s municipal city guide ↗02 / WEST MENORCA
Naveta des Tudons
Visit the prehistoric stone burial chamber outside Ciutadella. Check the official opening hours before going.
Naveta des Tudons visitor information ↗03 / SOUTH COAST
Camí de Cavalls
Walk a signed stretch of the island trail above the inlet. Carry water and turn around before you run short of shade or time.
Camí de Cavalls route map ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Cala Macarella and Menorca.
The marker is at the head of the inlet, by the sand. The inset shows the wider south-coast trail area.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
An afternoon inland.
Leave time for Ciutadella’s streets and the island’s limestone heritage.
Ciutadella
Ciutadella sits on the western end of Menorca.
Photo: Ben Salter from Wales · CC BY 2.0
Naveta des Tudons
The prehistoric burial monument outside Ciutadella.
Photo: Daniel Lobo · CC BY 2.0
Líthica, Ciutadella
A former sandstone quarry on the edge of town.
Photo: Chillida · CC BY 3.0
Ciutadella
An afternoon in the west of Menorca.
Photo: Nicolas Vigier · CC0 1.006 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
BINIANCOLLA
Minura Sur Menorca
$ Budget · about €69–81 per night for selected room types
A family-oriented seasonal hotel on the southeast coast. Allow a cross-island drive before the final walk to Macarella.
Minura Sur Menorca official site ↗CIUTADELLA OLD TOWN
Es Mirador Boutique Hotel
$ Budget · about €88–117 per night in a sample direct search
A small old-town hotel near Plaça des Born. The shuttle leaves from the town’s perimeter road.
Es Mirador Boutique Hotel official site ↗SERPENTONA · FERRERIES
Minura Cala Galdana
$$ Mid-Range · about €87–96 per night for selected twin rooms
A hotel and apartments near the signed coast path. Plan about 45 minutes on foot to Macarella, depending on conditions.
Minura Cala Galdana official site ↗MAÓ OLD TOWN
El Cónsul Maó
$$ Mid-Range · about €97–126 per night in a sample direct search
A small property in the island capital, convenient for the airport. Allow time for a westbound drive on your beach day.
El Cónsul Maó official site ↗ALAIOR COUNTRYSIDE
Torralbenc
$$$ Upscale · about €311–389 per night in previous examples. Recheck current dates
A former farm with a pool and country rooms. Allow a cross-island drive. The example band reflects selected stays with a minimum-night condition.
Torralbenc official site ↗SON VELL ESTATE
Vestige Son Vell
$$$$ Luxury · about €499–905 per night in previous examples. Recheck current dates
A country estate in western Menorca. Use Ciutadella’s shuttle or a legal trailhead for the last stretch.
Vestige Son Vell official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
AEMET’s airport climate normals put average daytime highs near 28–29°C in July and August. On the coast, check the wind, flags and seasonal lifeguard service before swimming. Climate normals ↗
07 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Maó cheese and sobrassada
Two staples of Menorcan cooking.
Photo: Slastic · Public domainWhat to order
Try Maó cheese, soft sobrassada and a Menorcan rice dish. For dessert, look for an ensaïmada at a bakery.
Local habits
Bring a cover-up for lunch and check service hours. Reserve ahead for a small dining room in high season.
A LITTLE CATALAN
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Bon dia
- Good morning
- Quin és el peix del dia?
- What is the fish of the day?
- Un got d’aigua, si us plau
- A glass of water, please
- El compte, si us plau
- The check, please
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
SON BOU
Ses Garces
$ Budget · about €15–19 per person
For a simple lunch, the official menu lists several salads and casual mains. Check the seasonal hours.
Ses Garces official site ↗ES MERCADAL
The Tapas Gastrobar
$ Budget · about €13–17 per person
Try a vegetable burger or beef with local cheese. Check the online menu and opening hours.
The Tapas Gastrobar official site ↗CIUTADELLA OLD TOWN
Margot Locanda
$$ Mid-Range · about €21–33 per person
Pair fresh pasta or focaccia with a small plate. The estimate covers one main and one starter.
Margot Locanda official site ↗FERRERIES
Mesón Rías Baixas
$$ Mid-Range · about €30–40 per person
Come for seafood or a rice dish. Call ahead for a weekend lunch or a group table.
Mesón Rías Baixas official site ↗MAÓ HARBOR
El Mirador Des Port
$$$ Upscale · about €65–80 per person
Reserve for fish and local produce overlooking Maó’s harbor. Check the tasting menu before booking.
El Mirador Des Port official site ↗ALAIOR COUNTRYSIDE
Torralbenc Restaurant
$$$$ Luxury · about €92–112 per person
Choose a starter, a main from the grill or the rice menu, and dessert. Reserve dinner in advance.
Torralbenc Restaurant official site ↗08 / MENORCA AFTER DARK
Three bars.
Terraza Jazzbah
Take a harbor-side table for a drink. Check the venue calendar for music nights. Jazzbah terrace ↗
Es Claustre
An open-air stop in Maó’s former cloister. Check its calendar for concerts. Es Claustre calendar ↗
Cova d’en Xoroi
A cliffside cave terrace with timed sessions. Reserve ahead and expect steps on the approach. Cova d’en Xoroi ↗
Stay near Ciutadella’s harbor if you’re based in town. Arrange a taxi in advance for a late return from elsewhere on the island.
09 / MENORCA EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Festes de Sant Joan
In late June, Ciutadella’s midsummer celebrations bring riders and crowds into the old town. Check the local program and follow the crowd stewards.
Festes de Sant Joan official site ↗Pedra Viva
Look for summer music, dance and theater in heritage venues across Menorca. Check the festival program for the next edition and tickets.
Pedra Viva ↗Currency / euro
Spain uses the euro (€). Carry a little cash for an unattended stop or a card reader that is out of service. Find ATMs in Ciutadella before heading out.
European Union euro information ↗10 / WHAT TO WEAR
Dress for sand and a rough path.
THE MACARELLA KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Cala Macarella Plum bikini with a loose shirt, a brimmed hat and a small day bag.
On the climb back
Keep grippy shoes, sun protection and enough water for the climb.
In town
For Ciutadella, add flat shoes and a light layer for the harbor after sunset.
11 / BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Which airport should I use?
Use Menorca Airport (MAH). Budget time for the cross-island transfer and the walk from the beach shuttle.
When can I swim at Cala Macarella?
Swim only when the flag allows and stay inside the marked area. If the water is rough or lifeguards advise against it, enjoy the cove from shore.
Is the beach step-free?
The trail is uneven with a sloping return. The bus operator does not recommend the approach for visitors with reduced mobility.
Can I drive to Cala Macarella in summer?
Access can be limited in summer. Check the operator’s route advice and reserve the L69 in advance if it is running.
Can I find food and restrooms at the cove?
Facilities are limited and seasonal. Bring your own water and lunch, and check toilet access when you arrive.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Plum dots, peach stripes.
A strapless plum top with peach dots pairs with a high-leg peach-and-plum striped bottom.
Explore the Cala Macarella Plum bikini ↗
Read next · another destination
Read next · another destination
Read next · another destination
