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Where to park
Where to leave the car
In high season (Jun–Sept): park in Ciutadella (Sant Nicolau car park) and take the compulsory shuttle bus (€4 per person return). Out of season, drive to Cala Galdana and walk in (30 min).
Beach · Ciutadella · Menorca
Cala Macarella
Menorca's flagship protected cove
A perfect crescent of white sand between pine-covered cliffs. Protected as an ANEI. In summer the only way in is the shuttle bus, to keep it that way.
- Type
- Wild cove
- Length
- 170 m
- Sand
- Fine white sand · pines
- Water
- Crystal-clear turquoise · 22–24 °C in summer
GPS · 39.9394° N, 3.9247° E
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When to arrive
Best time to visit
First bus at 9.15 am. Before 11 am the beach is nearly empty. In July and August, after midday there's a capacity cap with waits.
Tours & excursions · Best-sellers on Viator
The seven best-selling excursions in Menorca
Hand-picked from Viator's top-rated experiences on Menorca, sorted by review volume and average rating. Free cancellation up to 24 h before, reserve now and pay later.
- ◆ Free cancellation 24 h
- ◆ Reserve now, pay later
- ◆ Instant confirmation
- ◆ Best-price guarantee
Boat & beach4 hHalf-day boat tour along the south coast of Menorca
4.5(426 reviews)
Sail out of Cala Galdana and cruise the south coast's most photographed coves: Macarella, Turqueta and Es Talaier. Two swim stops with snorkelling gear included.
From
£30per person
- Three swim stops in southern coves
- Snorkelling gear provided
- Small groups (max 12 people)
Boat & beach5 hSouthern catamaran: Cala Galdana, Macarella and Turqueta
4.7(892 reviews)
A full day sailing the entire south coast on a spacious catamaran. Lunch is served on board, with two anchor stops long enough for a proper swim in each cove.
From
£60per person
- Two long swim stops with snorkelling
- Lunch and unlimited soft drinks on board
- Departure from Cala en Bosc
Adventure3 hKayaking and sea caves on the north coast (Fornells)
4.9(512 reviews)
Paddle out of the sheltered Fornells bay along a coastline of red cliffs and sea caves you can only reach by kayak. Every tour includes a snorkelling stop over a Posidonia meadow.
From
£38per person
- Stable double kayaks (beginners welcome)
- Snorkelling stop with gear included
- English-speaking guide
Boat & beach8 hFull-day private sailing around Menorca with lunch
4.8(267 reviews)
Charter a semi-private sailing yacht for the day and follow the wind between three or four southern coves. Lunch, drinks and snorkelling gear all included.
From
£155per person
- Semi-private sailing yacht (max 8 guests)
- Three cove stops chosen with the skipper
- Full lunch, wine and beer on board
Culture2 hCiutadella at sunset with the historic harbour
4.6(341 reviews)
Follow a local historian through Ciutadella's palace-lined lanes, Gothic cathedral and 17th-century harbour just as the light turns golden. Ends with a glass of pomada at a family bar.
From
£22per person
- Local English-speaking historian
- Small groups (max 15)
- Glass of pomada included at the end
Food & wine4 hFood trail: Mahón cheese and Xoriguer gin
4.7(218 reviews)
A hands-on introduction to Menorca's two edible icons: PDO Mahón cheese at an artisan dairy and Xoriguer gin at the family distillery that has been running since 1784.
From
£36per person
- Guided cheese-cellar visit and tasting
- Xoriguer gin distillery and free tasting
- Pomada cocktail at the end
Nature4 hCamí de Cavalls hike along the southern cliffs
4.8(174 reviews)
Walk a hand-picked stretch of the Camí de Cavalls between Cala Galdana and Cala Macarella with a certified local guide. Time for a swim built into every tour.
From
£40per person
- Certified local hiking guide
- Snacks, water and safety kit provided
- Swim stop in a protected cove
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How you get there
Getting there
Shuttle bus from Ciutadella (high season). On foot along the Camí de Cavalls from Cala Galdana (30 min) or Son Saura (1 hr 15).
What you'll find
Services
- Restaurant Susy on the sand (booking essential)
- Toilets at the beach bar
- No showers
- Natural shade under pines (arrive early to 'claim' your spot)
- No lifeguard
Local tips
What we wish we'd been told
- 01Walk 10 min west along the Camí de Cavalls to Cala Macarelleta (the smaller, even more intimate sister)
- 02Excellent snorkelling at either rocky end
- 03Don't bring large umbrellas: the wind snaps them
What to avoid
Trying to drive in during summer — the road is closed
Around this beach
Towns within 15 km of Cala Macarella
Nearest villages on Menorca — sorted by distance. Ideal bases for staying close to the beach.
Guide to the linked village
See town guide →Keep exploring