Macarella and Turqueta

If Menorca has a signature beach, it is Cala Macarella. A sheltered bay of pale sand, backed by pine woods and framed by pale limestone cliffs, it holds water of an almost unreal turquoise. A smaller sister cove, Macarelleta, lies around the corner, reached by a short path along the cliff and often favoured by those who want a quieter, more secluded swim. A little further west is Cala Turqueta, another fine bay with white sand and clear water, edged by rocky points that are good for snorkelling. These beaches are not resort beaches. Facilities are limited: there is typically a small beach bar at Macarella, and little else. The charm is in the setting and the sea. The seabed shelves gently, the water is calm in most weather and visibility is excellent. Because of their fame, they are very popular in summer. Access to the roads leading to the beaches is often limited in peak season, and parking is restricted. Check the local arrangements before you go. Options include walking from Cala Galdana along the Cami de Cavalls, taking a shuttle bus where one is running, or arriving by boat as part of a coast cruise.

The walk from Cala Galdana to Macarella is a lovely way to arrive. The path climbs through pines and rocks and gives views along the coast, and it takes around an hour at a relaxed pace. Take water and sun protection, and wear shoes with grip. The reward is arriving on foot to a view that most people reach by car.

The best time of day is early morning, before the crowds, or late afternoon, when day visitors leave and the light warms. Spring and autumn are lovely seasons: the water is cooler but pleasant, and the beaches are less crowded. In peak July and August, expect a full beach and queues for any services.

Be prepared. Bring your own food and water if possible, a hat, an umbrella or a shade shelter if permitted, and a bag to carry out all rubbish. There are no large facilities, so plan for your needs. Snorkelling gear is worth bringing, as the rocky edges hold fish. Follow signs and local rules, including rules on nudism at some beaches, and respect the pines and dunes, which are fragile.

Boat trips are a popular way to see the coves without the crowds. Half-day cruises along the south coast stop at several bays and let you swim in the clearest water, and they sidestep the parking and walking questions. Sunset cruises also pass the coastline in beautiful light.

Families will find the water shallow and the sand soft, but the long walk or shuttle, and the lack of shade, make planning important. Babies and toddlers need sun protection and plenty of fluids.

A day here looks like a morning walk, a long swim, a picnic under the pines, and a slow return in the afternoon. If you have only one beach day on Menorca, this is the stretch most visitors choose, and with good planning it lives up to the postcards. Early-season visitors should remember that the water is cooler in spring, so a thin wetsuit top or a long swim shirt can extend your time in the sea, while the sand warms quickly in the sun.

Whatever the season, arrive with a plan for the way back, since the climb from the beach to the path can feel longer at the end of a hot day.