Menorca or Minorca is one of the four main Balearic Islands found in the Mediterranean Sea, off the east coast of Spain. Its name derives from its size ('Minor-ca') as opposed to its neighbour Majorca ('Major-ca'). Other popular islands in the archipelago include Ibiza and Formentera.
The island has a typical Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and short mild winters. Menorca is the most northern of the Balearics, making it slightly cooler and wetter, but it is considered the most tranquil and least overrun. It is nicknamed the 'windy island' as it is in the path of eight prevailing winds.
Surrounded by unspoilt beaches, coves and cliffs, it's no wonder this natural paradise was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Menorca's beaches are known for their fine white sand and crystal clear waters against a backdrop of lush green vegetation. The more rocky beaches boast prehistoric caves and clay cliffs where you can even have a mud bath.
Despite its smaller size, Menorca has more beaches than Majorca and Ibiza combined, so there'll be plenty of choice when you visit. Whether you're after long sandy stretches with plenty of facilities or unspoilt beaches nestled in coves, there'll be a beach to suit you.
Lively beaches
If you want the reassurance of seaside amenities and activities, seek out the main holiday resorts.
On the south coast there's Cala'n Porter, a favourite spot with tourists for over 30 years. This wide sandy beach protected by cliffs on either side has all the facilities you would expect an established resort to have. Snorkel, swim or take a pedalo out into the crystalline water. Why not stay at the nearby budget hotel Club Menorca? In the evening you could even go to Cova d'en Xoroi, one of the most unique and best known night spots on the island.
If you want a well-equipped beach where you can also go for a scenic walk, there's the popular beach at Cala Galdana on the south coast. This beautiful shell-shaped bay is sheltered by pine-clad cliffs on both sides, offering fantastic views. Take your pick of the beach bars, restaurants and water sports or stroll to the hill on the western end of the beach, and just take it all in. It you stay at the luxury Sol Gavilanes you can enjoy panoramic views of the beach.
Or there's Punta Prima, a small but growing resort on the south east coast. The fine sandy beach offers sun beds, parasols, pedalos, shops and two beach bar-restaurants. However, it's not the best place for swimming due to hidden rocks and strong currents. Alternatively, over on the west coast there's the picturesque resort of Cala Blanca. The small sandy beach includes sun beds, parasols, watersports, bars, restaurants and shops. It is also home to Hi! Cala Blanca Hotel, ideal for families.
Pure Bliss
If you want to get some peace and quite in beautiful surroundings, head to one of these blissful beaches.
For a typical exotic beach, head to Cala'n Blanes on the west coast. This sheltered sandy cove is backed by palm trees so you can easily find some shade. If need a refreshing drink there's a beach bar under the trees. Stay at the self-catering Vista Blanes Apartments if you want to be close by. Truly picturesque is Binibequer, a cove on the south east coast with fine white sand and crystal clear water. The area consists of privately owned apartments and villas so there's not a hotel in sight. Laze on a sun bed or grab a drink at Bucaneros beach bar.
Or there's the peaceful Santo Tomas on the south coast. The long narrow beach may be a quiet one, but it is still equipped with some bars and water sports. Stil Victoria Playa Hotel has direct access to this beach. If you'd rather visit an unspoilt beach, head to Binigaus, not far from Santo Tomas. This attractive beach is backed by red cliffs where you can even have a mud bath.
Also on the south coast is Cala Turqueta, named after the stunning turquoise colour of its waters. This charming white sandy beach can sometimes get busy as it is a popular spot for boat tours. The idyllic Playa de Cavalleria on the north coast is a long beach with coppery sand, backed by rocks. There may be no amenities but you can watch the surfers catching waves or sunbathe in a natural mud mask obtained from the cliffs.
Secluded
If you love isolated or hard to reach beaches, these should be on the top of your list.
Cala Mitjana is a beautiful south-facing cove bordered by tree-covered cliffs on either side. There is a car park but you'll have to walk a bit to get to the small sandy beach. Take a dip in the Mediterranean or find some shade in the surrounding pine forest.
Or there's Cala Macarella, also on the south coast. This pretty pine-fringed cove features prehistoric caves that were once used as burial chambers. Despite its secluded position, it can get quite busy in peak season. Sink you feet into the white sand and bathe in the clear turquoise sea.
Why not try the unique Cala Pregonda on the north coast? It's definitely worth the 30 minute walk from Binimella car park for its outstanding beauty. Relax on the golden beach surrounded by dramatic rock formations and pines as you watch the boats floating on the water.
For nature lovers
Menorca's coastline has some very interesting geological features with unusual rock formations and hidden caves.
Adventurers will enjoy Cales Coves, a fork-shaped bay on the south coast. Walk down a steep limestone gorge to the small coarse beach and explore one of the 100 burial caves. Alternatively there's Cala Morell on the north coast, with a small beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It is also home to the Talayotic necropolis, 14 incredible prehistoric caves, many of whose artifacts are displayed in the Museu de Menorca.
If you're in search of an unspoilt beach, head to the isolated Cala Pilar. Its 300 metres of golden sand can only be reached by foot or by boat. As it is a less visited, it is known as one of the best preserved coves on the north coast with a fresh water spring and red rock formations where you can find clay to lather on your skin. Or in the south there's Cala de Son Saura, the largest cove in Menorca to have escape development as it is a protected area. It is separated into two symmetrical beaches behind which is a lush pine forest.
Family friendly
Menorca has a few beaches suitable for children, but these are the best.
Arenal D'en Castell on the north coast is a large shell-shaped beach sheltered by cliffs. It's ideal for families with young children as the fine sand gently slopes into the water. There's a good choice of bars and restaurants and facilities such as sun beds, parasols, water sports, toilets and Red Cross life guards. Why not stay at the all-inclusive Club Hotel Marina Parc, right next to the beach. Hit Es Terrat de s'Arenal bar in the evening for fantastic views over the bay.
Also on the north coast, but a bit quieter is Cala Agaiarens. Declared a Natural Area of Special Interest, this large wide cove is split into two clean sandy beaches, both of which have calm seas and are shallow for quite a while, so kids can paddle safely.
Alternatively there's Es Grau on the east coast, a large sandy beach backed by dunes and pines. The water is shallow for around 10 metres from the beach, so it's ideal for children to swim in. There's fun for all the family with pedalos, dingy sailing and canoeing, while the old fishing village of Es Grau is home to several quaint bars, restaurants and shops.
Water sports
Most of the Menorca's main beaches offer water sports, and being the 'windy island' its great fror wind-based water sports.
Son Bou is the place to be for water sports. Located on the south coast, this sandy stretch is the longest beach on the island, but it still gets quite busy. The water is shallow so it's suitable for children, and the conditions are perfect for swimming and water sports. Take a gentle ride in a pedalo or canoe, try wind surfing or jet skiing and try and hold on to a banana boat. For a hotel overlooking this fantastic beach, try the Flintstones-themed Sol Milanos Pinguinos. If you fancy a drink, head to Copacabana bar with a terrace overlooking the beach.
On the west coast there's Son Xoriguer. Being exposed to the open sea, its strip of sand is thin and rocky in places but it's great for windy water sports. Head to Surf and Sail Menorca and take your pick of windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and paddle surfing. Rent the equipment or have lessons with one of their experienced instructors. Las Brisas Playa Park Apartments is a cheap accommodation option for this area.
Scuba Diving
If you want to see the depths of the Mediterranean, these are the best beaches to head to.
S'Algar on the south east coast is a long narrow inlet with a rocky beach. As well as the usual facilities there's S'Algar Diving offering snorkelling excursions and PADI courses. Discover the range of flora, fauna and marine life when you visit the reefs, and explore tunnels and caverns on the cave dives.
On the west coast there's Cala'n Bosch which can be one of the busiest beaches in the summer months due to its great range of water sports. It is home to Bluewater Scuba where you can do wreck and reef diving, as well as dive some fascinating archaeological sites. Why not splash out on the nearby Hotel Paradise Club & Spa?