Secrets of Menorca’s beaches and bays

Let’s not be prudish, there’s a lot to be said for feeling the freedom of the sun and sand, well, everywhere. Though, strictly speaking, there are no official nudist beaches in Menorca. There are however plenty of places to be at one with nature. If you’re still keen to bare all on the sands, head to the more isolated parts of Son Bou in the south and Cala Presili to the north east. The best nudist beaches in Menorca tend to be the ones that are a little more difficult to reach. Cala Escorxada’s quiet shores are only reachable by boat – or, you’re in Santo Tomas, you can walk the hour long trail along the Cami de Cavalls footpath to the sands. You’ll feel comfortable getting your kit off in both. 

There’s a select handful of beaches in Menorca where, with a little effort, you can benefit from a full body mud mask. Algaiarens Beach, Cala Roja and Cavalleria Beach all have clay and mud deposits right near the shores. Just saunter over to the pools, grab a little of the sticky stuff, mix with sea water and apply. Benefits from the mineral-rich clays include moisturising and exfoliating the skin, detoxing and easing any muscle aches and pains. Of the three beaches, Cala Roja is the pick for quiet shores. Cavalleria Beach in the north gets a little more attention – mostly for the surrounding red rocks, more on this beach below. 

The best beaches in Menorca are often remote, rugged affairs with absolutely no facilities. Gorgeous, but not handy for families – or a hassle-free day on the sands. Happily, Menorca also has a couple of stellar sand stretches that come with every amenity you could wish for, without too much compromise. Pick of the bunch, Cala Galdana, is more of a resort than just a beach. Tucked into a cove on the south of the island, the curve of white sand is backed by a promenade. A short walk away, you’ll find a town stuffed with places to eat and attractions to keep families having fun away from the beach. Mini-golf and waterslides are a handy option when you’ve worked your way through all of Cala Galdana’s watersports. Facilities do attract a crowd or two in summer. Then, those in the know, trot along the cliff tops to Cala Mitjana. Quieter, but still within reach of everything you need for the ideal day on the sands. 

All too often, the focus for Menorca’s beaches is on a full day out on the sands. But really this island is for the romantics. And, one of the best places to go in Menorca for couples is Binigaus beach. Yet ANOTHER coastline that’s been left to its stunning natural ways, Biniguas sits on the south coast. Orange-tone cliffs and tall green pines are the perfect backdrop for a selfie, the pine and sea smells get the senses swirling and the long, long sweeping sands allow for leisurely, evening, hand-in-hand strolls. 

We’ve possibly saved one of the best beaches in Menorca until last. Cala Turqueta is the Goldilock’s among the island’s beaches. It’s a little off the beaten path – but there’s a car park ten minutes away. There aren’t really any facilities, but local entrepreneurs often stroll the sands selling fresh fruit. And, back in that car park we mentioned, there are showers and a cafe. Wild goats roam the beach. Clear waters make snorkelling easy – though, you’ll need to swim out a reasonable way to see any signs of life. The sands themselves – relatively untouched, given the amount of people that flock to these sands. And there lies Cala Turqueta’s one problem. It’s so beautiful, it draws a crowd. By boat, on foot, by car – it gets busy here, but if you don’t mind a bustling beach, it’s worth it for the scenery. Though, as with many Menorcan beaches, that scenery can be interrupted by the clothing optional crowd.