The best beaches and coves in Menorca (and how to reach them by car)

Menorca has more than a hundred beaches and coves, and boasts more unspoilt coastline than the rest of the Balearics combined. But that's also the catch: many of the most beautiful coves lie at the end of minor roads, with no public transport, and you really can only reach them by car. In this guide we tell you which ones you can't miss, how to get to each one and the tips that make the difference.

If you arrive by plane, the easiest option is to pick up the car as soon as you land with our car rental at Menorca Airport. That way you have total freedom from the very first minute.

The south: white sand and turquoise water

The south coast is Menorca's classic postcard: pale sand, turquoise water and pine woods that reach almost to the shore.

• Cala Galdana. The most accessible and best served, ideal for families. It's also the best starting point for walking to other nearby coves.
• Cala Macarella and Macarelleta. The most photographed on the island. In summer (roughly June to September) access by private car is banned: you get there by shuttle bus from Ciutadella, on foot from Cala Galdana (about 30-40 minutes along the Camí de Cavalls) or by boat. Out of season you can drive there.
• Cala en Turqueta and Cala Mitjana. Two clear-water gems reachable by car, with free but small car parks that fill up very early. Aim to arrive first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Son Bou and Son Saura. Son Bou is the longest beach in Menorca, with all services; Son Saura is wilder, with good pine shade.

The north: wild scenery and reddish sand

The north coast is more rugged, with reddish tones and the tramontana wind as the main character. A tip: if it's blowing hard from the north one day, head south to swim; if the southern sea is choppy, the north makes up for it with spectacular scenery.

• Cala Pregonda. Golden-reddish sand and an almost lunar feel; one of the island's most special spots. You reach it after a walk from Binimel·là.
• Cala Cavalleria and Binimel·là. Reachable by car, with the Cavalleria lighthouse and its clifftop views close by.
• Cala Tortuga and Cala Presili. Next to the Favàritx lighthouse, in the s'Albufera des Grau Natural Park. In summer car access is usually restricted, so check before you go.

Coves near the main resort areas

If you're staying in a particular area, you'll have good beaches right on your doorstep, and with a car you can reach the rest of the island with no hassle:

• Punta Prima. A wide golden-sand beach facing the islet of l'Aire, very family-friendly. If you're staying here, take a look at our car rental in Punta Prima.
• Binibeca and around. The white old town of Binibèquer Vell and small coves like Binisafúller or Cala Torret. Check out car rental in Binibeca.
• Arenal d'en Castell and Son Parc. On the north coast, two wide beaches with calm waters, perfect for families. Here's our car rental in Arenal d'en Castell.
• Es Grau. Near Maó, a calm beach at the entrance to the natural park, ideal for a family day out.

How to get there and practical tips

• Start early in summer. The car parks at the most famous coves fill up before mid-morning. On the roads leading south there are panels warning which car parks are full.
• Check the seasonal restrictions. Some coves and lighthouses can only be reached by shuttle bus, on foot or by bike in summer, and the dates change every year.
• Bring comfortable shoes and water. Many unspoilt coves require a final walk along a footpath, often with no shade or beach bar.
• Combine south and north. Depending on the wind, one or the other will be better for swimming; having a car lets you decide each morning.
• Book the car in advance, especially in July and August when demand soars.

With a car, the whole of Menorca opens up: you can have breakfast at a southern cove and watch the sunset from a northern lighthouse the same day. At AblaCars we're a local company and we make it easy: final price, no excess, no deposit and no surprise extras at the counter. Book your rental car in Menorca and start discovering its coves at your own pace.