7 Beach Secrets of the Balearic Island of Menorca, Spain

The beaches on the little Balearic Island of Menorca are undoubtedly it's greatest asset. Pristine streches of sand surrounded by pine woodlands and cliffs with fresh azure waters and rare wild birds. We have put together a guide to our favourite seven beaches in Menorca for you to print out and take with you.

Cala Santa Galdana is the queen of Menorcas Beaches. A wonderfully sheltered keyhole bay with white sands, pine trees and high cliffs guarding its entrance. The bay has excellent conditions for swimming and morning shade at the eastern side. Cala Santa Galdana also boasts a fun water park and a childrens playground and is situated at the mouth of Menorcas only river and the "The Algendar" ravine which stretches inland for 10kms. Cala Santa Galdana is located in the centre of Menorcas southern coast.

Cala Mitjana is a small natural south facing cove that you can reach by taking a left just before you reach Cala Santa Galdana on the road south from Ferreries or by walking 20 minutes from Cala Santa Galdana. Follow the rough road down to a free car park and then walk for 5 minutes to discover this little known cove with low white cliffs covered in pine trees. Offering excellent snorkeling and swimming conditions Cala Mitjana is also in close proximity to little Cala Mitjaneta. These beaches are in a natural state so remember to come well prepared as there are no facilities here.

Es Grau is a stunning horseshoe bay with fine golden sands backed by sand dunes that lead into the shady pine forests. The beach is situated close to the natural wetland reserve of Albufera with it's wild birds. There are also boat trips available here to the little islet of Colom where further untouched sands can be found. Es Grau is located in eastern Menorca and is only a short distance from the capital and Mahon.

Son Bou is a long beach with plenty of sand dunes, freshwater marshes filled with ducks and a lagoon near by. Excellent water sports facilities are available here although you should take care to check the conditions for swimming as there are dangerous currents at times. Out to the west of Son Bou you will find an area for nude bathers. Take the road south from Alaior to reach Son Bou. Keep an eye peeled for the caves on you way to Son Bou. These have provided shelter to people for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Cala Pregonda is situated west of Fornells on the North coast of Menorca in a protected area of natural beauty. The beach is accessible on foot and is about 20 minutes walk from Binimella. Cala Pregonda is an especially delightful stretch of sand surrounded by ususual rocks and hills cloathed in Tamarisk and Pine tree. The beach is in a natural condition so you will not find any facilities. However this is a special beach ideal for a refreshing swim.

Cala d' Algaiarens is located on private land west of Cala Pregonda on Menorca's nothern coast. It is in the valley of Algaiarens and is an area of natural interest with dense pine trees. The two beaches of es Bots and des Tancats are divided by a large rock and are at the mouth of an inlet where shallow crystal clear waters meet golden sands. There is a 4 Euro charge to access them but the trip is well worth the effort if you wish to escape the crowds on the south coast and explore this pretty spot. Access is via the Ronda Norte from Ciutadella heading towards Cala Morell. At Torre dEn Quart go straight on towards Algaiarens and look out for La Vall.

Cala en Turqueta is a lovely sandy cove close to the old city of Ciutadella on the south coast of Menorca. It is fairly secluded with only a few amenities available such as the car park only a 5 minute walk from the beach. Head towards the chuch at Sant Joan which is about 6kms from Ciutadella. Then follow the signs marking the route to Cala en Turqueta. This route will also give you access to the more secluded Cala des Talajer and the Cova des Moro. Stop at the Talaia d'Artruxt is for breathtaking views out towards the neighbouring island of Majorca.