Cova den Xoroi is one of the most dramatic places to have a drink anywhere in the Mediterranean. It is a natural cave system hollowed out of a cliff above Cala en Porter on the south coast, with terraces and bars built into the rock and a view straight out over open sea. The name comes from a local legend about a Moorish man, the Xoroi, who is said to have lived in the cave after the Christian conquest and married a local woman. Whatever the truth of the tale, the setting is real: the cliff drops sharply to the water, and the openings in the rock frame the horizon like windows. By day the cave is a pleasant place for a drink and a swim at the cove below. In the evening it becomes a sunset venue, where people gather on the terraces and the music slowly builds after the sun goes down. Its reputation is strongest as a sunset place, so many visitors time their trip to arrive in the late afternoon. A guided tour that combines the cave with a stop at Mahon harbour and Binibeca packages three of the southern coast's best-known sights into one trip. That is useful if you do not have a car or prefer not to plan a route. You see the harbour first, then drive south to the whitewashed fishing-village-style complex of Binibeca Vell, and then continue to the cave.
Binibeca Vell is a small, whitewashed village of narrow lanes, low houses and tiny squares built in the 1970s in the style of a traditional fishing village. It is a private residential complex rather than an ancient settlement, which is why visitors are asked to be respectful of residents: keep voices down, do not enter doorways and photograph from the lanes only. Seen at the right hour, early morning or evening, it is very photogenic, and the little rocky coves next to it are good for a quick swim.
The cave stop is where most of the time goes. Bars and terraces step down the cliff, with seating on rock ledges, and on a clear day you can see for miles along the coast. Entry arrangements and opening hours change with the season, and the venue is closed in the colder months, so check ahead. Expect it to be busiest at sunset in summer, and book any evening table or entry slot if the operator offers one.
This is an easy tour for most visitors, but be aware that the cave involves steps and uneven rock, so it can be tricky for anyone with limited mobility or small children. Wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops, and carry a light layer because the cliff catches the breeze.
If you prefer to visit on your own, Cala en Porter is a straightforward drive from Mahon, and you can combine it with the nearby village of Alaior and its cheese producers. The tour option removes the parking and timing questions, while still giving you time to wander at each stop. Either way, aim to see the cave in late afternoon so that you can enjoy both the daylight view and the sunset.
It pairs well with a swim at the beach at Cala en Porter, a seafood dinner in a nearby village, or a later night in Mahon.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day tour linking Mahon harbour, the whitewashed lanes of Binibeca Vell and the cliff-top cave bar at Cala en Porter.
Best time
Late afternoon into sunset for the cave; early morning or evening for Binibeca's quiet lanes.
How long
Half a day, longer if you stay for sunset.
Tips
Check seasonal opening for the cave. Wear grippy shoes. Respect residents at Binibeca Vell.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and first-timers who want drama, views and a taste of the south coast.
- Families
- Daytime is fine for families, but steps and cliff edges mean small children need close supervision.
- Couples
- Sunset at the cave is one of the island's signature evenings.
- Pair with
- A swim at Cala en Porter and dinner in Alaior or Mahon.
- Time needed
- Four to five hours including travel.
Good questions
What is the Xoroi legend?+
A story of a Moorish man who lived in the cave after the Christian conquest and married a local woman. It is folklore, but it gives the place its name.
Is Binibeca Vell an ancient village?+
No, it was built in the 1970s in traditional fishing-village style. It is still very photogenic, and residents live there.
Is the cave open in winter?+
Usually not. It runs on a seasonal schedule, so confirm opening dates before you plan.
Is it suitable for children?+
By day with supervision, yes. The cave has steps, rock ledges and cliff edges, so evenings can be less suitable.
Can I go without a tour?+
Yes. Cala en Porter is a short drive from Mahon, but a tour handles driving and timing.
